Having it all

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

         Perhaps I am still overcome by the joy and celebration of the Supreme Court decisions but I can't help but think of this reading and that it defines so much of the struggle of Americans and the gay community.

         While this country was not founded as a 'Christian country' as some would have you believe, the message of freedom is echoed in the Gospel message.  Respect for all of God's creation, that there is neither slave nor free, that there is neither male or female, we are all equal in God's eyes.  This has been the struggle of the America's. First as a haven for religious freedom, then a country with respect for religious freedom while maintaining a separation of church and state. Then overcoming the tyranny of slavery and realizing the equality of our black brothers and sisters. (It's interesting to me that in that horrible era in our country many religions argued from some warped Biblical standpoint that it was 'God's will" or slavery was Biblically sanctioned) Then there was the women's rights that we still struggle with and now the human rights of immigrants and of course gay rights.

        What gives the gay community the audacity and will to power that we have? Is it the Gospel message that Christ has set us free? Is it that we have no real will to power save for the respect we deserve? If you read the passage below from today and see the extensive list of things we are to avoid, is committed respectful love among them? It seems more a command to temperate living not deprivation or abstinence. The behaviors that this passage speaks against can be applied to everyone, whether you are gay or straight. The spirituality inherent in each of us is there whether we are gay or straight. We are all called. To deny our fundamental nature is wrong. Whether we are are gay trying to suppress it or stay in a closet, that is wrong. Whether we are going through life trying to find wholeness in things, toys and material goods, that too is wrong. And let me once again state, material things are not bad but simply making them your attempt at wholeness or putting them above God and our own spirituality, that is what makes materialism wrong.

          But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. When we acknowledge equality and our innate goodness we are being led by the Spirit. When we seek nothing more than to love without regard to all the material things of the world, we are set free. We will have it all. That does not mean you have to give up all, you simply will have it all.  Inner peace, God's love and the material to enjoy.   It doesn't get any better than that.      

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.

For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.

For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness,

idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions,

envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Tending and Feeding

John 21:15-19

          There are great meditations to be done on this sequence of questions and responses, Do you love me? followed by "Feed my lambs", "Tend my sheep" and then "Feed my sheep".  We can however look at it also in a more simplistic way.

           It almost seems insulting that Jesus asks Peter three times in a row, "do you love me?". Possibly this is a foreshadowing of Peter's denial of Jesus three times. Whatever, the answers are quite telling.

           The questions are targeted and repetitive about loving God and what we are called do in response to our profession that we do in fact love Jesus and love God. If we love God we are to care for each other. There is no escape clause, no limits, no exclusions. If you take the varied meanings of feeding and tending into account, along with the very nature of sheep and lambs, we get a broader picture of what Jesus expects of us, what God expects from us. 

        I would not ask how will we carry out this mission but how are we carrying out this mission already? Where are we failing on a personal level, as a church , even as a nation?

         Go forth and love, tend and feed.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’

Junk in, junk out

Luke 11:33-36

              My Dad loved to read books. He was amazing, he went through books lightening fast. He had a veracious appetite for reading and learning and he liked to share their knowledge and wisdom. Invariably he would come to me and offer a book I had to read.  Jonathan Livingston Seagull was one such book when it was thee book to read. Another was The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.  We spoke of that book at some length. We realized how powerful it is to hear words of encouragement and get positive feedback not only from others but from yourself. Your subconscious listens intently to what your conscience mind says. A young mind listens well to whether a parent says the child is loved versus being told they are stupid or an idiot. It was a good book. It remains with me today just like the love of my Dad.

               This reading reminds me of my Dad and the computer axiom of, "junk in, junk out".  Fill your body with light and that is what it will emit. Fill your body with darkness and that is what you will emit.

                Glancing over my Facebook page I ran across an acquaintance whose posting was filled with hate, vitriol, negativity and the like. I want nothing to do with that. When you allow yourself to go down that path, that's all you will see. I choose a different path and I think you should too.

              The path of which I speak is one of pure light and love. Seeing the good around you and in every situation. It is not necessarily Christian per se but definitely enlightened and acknowledges all the good in God's created world and in people, especially those around us. When we look outward to see goodness in others, I will seek out the positive examples available, not the wretched fools who have succumbed to negativism and even evil.

              I have a coworker who is very enlightened about what food she puts in her body. She knows good from bad and eats accordingly. This is a good analogy to what I am speaking of in a spiritual way. What incredible care we should take in what we feed our minds, our heart and our soul.

               The gay community was fed with an incredible dose of goodness and recognition of their worth yesterday with the Supreme court decisions that were handed down. We are worthy citizens of this great nation. Not second class citizens but full citizens. How many of us have been stunted emotionally and spiritually by being told we are not worthy, that we are 'intrinsically disordered'? Is this the 'food' that the church of our loving God would put forth? Do not allow yourself to be filled with such darkness.  This kind of darkness reveals the darkness that is within the church.

           Live in the light of love. Let the light of Christ in and emanate such brilliance that you remain a shining star.

‘No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.’

Personal mistakes

Matthew 7:1-5

            There is a danger in life when people flippantly excuse behavior by saying, "well, everyone makes mistakes".  Basically saying, there are no standards at all. Striving for the betterment of your job, profession, personal spirituality and character are a waste of time because, heck we all make mistakes.  Seems pretty willy nilly to me.

          The key for me is that there are in fact standards but they are not clubs to be beaten with when you make a mistake. Nor is your character or self worth to be so wrapped up in your own 'perfection' that if you actually admitted you made a mistake you would be filled with self loathing.

         It is possible to have standards. It is possible to admit you made a mistake without it affecting your self worth. There are two things that are necessary. One is that you learn from your mistakes. Acknowledge them, own them, learn from them. Second, have empathy for others knowing we all make mistakes. That second part is the key to this passage. Let us not judge lest we be judged. 

          Sometimes it seems easier to find fault with everyone else than admit our own faults. The world will be a much better place when we acknowledge our own faults and then we'll be able to appreciate other faults and mistakes.  

         When we think we are 'that good' and 'all that' we are really setting ourselves on a pedestal that only belongs to God. God loves us immeasurably in spite of our mistakes but we are not God.          

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

Actions versus words.

Matthew 7:15-20

"Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world."

Nelson Mandela
Former President of South Africa

             Some people talk the talk, others walk the walk. That is, some people ramble on telling you stories, rationalizations or offer convoluted reasons for things, other people simply do. By and large I think we are more moved by people of action and no so much by people of words.

             One of the reasons that the Roman Catholic church is in such disarray and has lost it's moral  authority is all the talking it does versus what their actions actually are. You can say just about anything and convince in some seem seemingly logical way any belief you wish but it is the actions which convert. I have said it over and over on these pages, paraphrasing said Francis, preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary.

              You can preach about respect for life and being 'pro-life' all you want. When your actions show a fundamental disrespect for people, your clarity,veracity and character are lost. From legislative support that disrespects women, to support for the sexually abused (versus support for the abuser and the institution), to concern for the elderly and compassion for all humans, the actions don't match up with the mission.

          Let's took a look at gay rights and marriage equality. One of the reasons that marriage equality and gay rights are making such progress is that in spite of rhetoric to the contrary, people see the committed, good and decent lives that out gay men and women live.  As people of character, people see that the lies being spread don't match up with the good and decent lived lives of gay married couples. Anyone can see that marriage in general is not in trouble because of gay rights and marriage equality, it's because of the effects of married couples who cheat, lie, divorce and get married again and again. (Say hello Newt) Marriage is not in danger because of gay people getting married, it's in trouble because of fundamental lack of respect for the institution in the general (straight) population. Gays did not invent prostitution, infidelity, sex bars, rape and one night stands.

            People see actions over words all the time. Let's be people of action. Love God, love one another. Isn't that the basis of the Gospel message?

‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

Full battle armor

Ephesians 6:10-18

         Do you notice the imagery that is used in this passage? There are battles to be fought and the image that is used is that of battle armour. When anyone speaks or writes, the imagery is usually something that the audience is familiar with. The people in the time of Christ could hardly escape the omnipresent Roman soldiers and army. It is a Centurion whose 'slave' Jesus healed and it was the Roman soldiers that were intimately involved in the torture and death of our Lord. Everyone was familiar with battle regalia.

          Sadly, today we are still quite familiar with battle attire. It seems there is always a war to be fought, instigated or settled by use of force on every side. Who is right and who is wrong? Sometimes the means make it quite difficult to discern which the correct side is. Claiming God as your ally is not a lock on being the correct side either.

         However, the battles that are fought on the spiritual front many times are played out on the real battle field. The crusades are one example, the latest Jihads would be a more contemporary example. Still, what stirs the soul to action are the evils in the heart and minds of those who fail to love, fail to see the diversity of God's creation (and appreciate it) and perhaps simply feel they have the power to have their own vision installed over the rest of humanity. A sad affair all around it would seem. This all plays out on a global stage.

         On a more local level, we have politics here as usual. The polar positions of the leading parties and the vocal minorities of religious zealots (or bigots, your choice), play out the same fight against or for God's will.  What shall we wear for these battles? I suggest good spiritual training, spiritual exercises, a broad based religious eduction and a genuine thankfulness for all we have. It seems we forget a great deal of what we have to be thankful for.

          While we are familiar with what to wear into battle in the field of mechanized war, we often do so at the expense of our souls. To combat the terror of the soul, to 'win' the battle of evil closer to home, pray hard, give thanks, be compassionate and understanding. These are the weapons and dress of peace and love.

          

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication 

The mission

Luke 1:57-80

          Disclaimer right up front, I am nothing in comparison to John the Baptist whom the passage today is about. I will however claim some similarities to him and to other prophets as well.

          A prophet is one who communicates with God and who relays a message. I will be bold enough only to say I might be a minor prophet. I do not speak to God in any kind of conversation outside of prayer, reading his written words and looking at His created world.  Yet I hear his messages loud and clear and feel compelled to speak of them. I dare not think that I have all, if any real answers for the world but I am compelled to speak the truth as it is revealed to me. I am called to serve God and one was is to write this blog, a modern prophets venue.

        A prophet often gives unsettling news to the temple elite, upsets the status quo and gives messages of repentance. Along with celebration, praise and thanks, this is what I do. I speak for any of the disenfranchised, marginalized and people who are supposedly left off God's list of those worth saving. My focus is on those whom I have the greatest knowledge of, the gay community and that includes any of the myriad letters of the LGBTQIAA (and growing) community. That would be, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex, Asexual, allies and more. Further, I speak to the church of my upbringing and anyone who is need of liberation.  

       In a nutshell, I try to convey the intense and unlimited love that God has for each one of us on an individual basis, by our names as he created us.  There are no limits to God's love for us, not time nor space can contain it. He loved us so much that he sent the Word into the world, His son, Jesus Christ to live among us and eventually and quite willingly, die for each one of us. Greater love hath no man - ever. Lastly, as John called the Jewish people to repent and return to God's ways, the ways of the Covenant, I call His church to return to the roots and message of the Gospel.

      I too may be a voice in the wilderness but I am committed to the call and mission.

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
   for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty saviour for us
   in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
   and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
   to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
   before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
   by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
   the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
   to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. 

The finer things

James 1:1-18

          This is a rough morning around the household here. We spend yesterday celebrating Pride. I am hungover this morning, not from alcohol but from the shear activities of the day and the calories consumed. I am exhausted. It's difficult to get my mind wrapped around any serious efforts about today's readings. Clarity eludes me on any fine detail that might call to me. Perhaps it's a post-pride writers block.

           One thing that has not changed on awaking are my usual thoughts of how blessed I am.  Perhaps this is the perfect way to start the day, the perfect thing to convey this morning. An easy but erroneous message would be to dwell on some of the material things from yesterday that I enjoyed. Fine food would have to be high on that list.

           But the measure of our faith is not in all the 'goods' we have or feel we may ave obtained by our own hard work.  None of the things we might call distractions to faith, if not put in proper perspective, are worth a dime in the schema of life. Even having the perfect pew or a seat facing the correct way will help us. I saw many Hasidim yesterday and none of the garments and gestures will gain them anything. No amount of incense or gold chalices will help us either.

       When I awake and see the man I love, the cat laying next to me lovingly, knowing the gifts of the children and the children's children, that is what is meant to be thankful for. The sun , the day, each breath and bird song heard, that is to be thankful for. Viewing the 'super moon' with friends; that is to be thankful for. The gift of fellowship and faith shared; that is to be thankful for. A plate of berries and a cup 'o Joe; that is to be thankful for.

        The message for this morning about this passage from scripture is not the highs and lows of our material life but the essential 'things' of life that we are graced with and cannot be measured. They are priceless and we are graced to have them. We are graced to be able to see them, to realize just how loved and blessed we are.

      

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings. 

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance;and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.Do not be deceived, my beloved.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Celebrations, love and sex

1 John 3:13-16

         This weekend there will be a massive Pride Parade in New York City. It will be filled with celebrations for rights won, celebrations of newlyweds, there will be celebrations of simply who we are, there will be dancing in the streets and singing and suggestive movements and actions of all sorts. If anyone knows how to throw a party and embrace life, it's the gay community. That may be a stereotype  but amazingly, it's pretty on target. Let's face it, we have lots to celebrate and we do know how to love. We are perhaps too free at that but then in some ways we represent a freedom to enjoy the sexuality that God graced us with. Too many religions vilify sex, shroud it in guilt, park it behind closed, lock doors in the dark. Better you should abstain from sex altogether they say. Sadly, that's exactly what some religions say we are  'called to'. I think one of our finest points is our ability to love.  This may be because being kicked to the curb by so many means we have fewer rules to obey or be hindered by.

           The fact that so many have strict rules and inhibitions with regard to sex and their own sexuality makes us targets. Some are jealous, masked in religious fervor. Others simply get mad because they themselves cannot come to terms with their own sexuality. 

          When this passage says the world hates you and that we have passed from death to life because we love one another, I cannot help but think of the duality of the statement that applies equally to my sexuality as well as my spirituality.  As much as sex is a gift from God, not all love is sex and not all sex is love.  The Bible abounds in examples of sex that is immoral and totally devoid of any respect or love. Case in point, Lot who in one passage offers his daughters for the townsmen to rape in place of Lot's house guests. In a later passage we are subjected to the story of the same daughters who get their father (Lot) drunk so that they will not go childless. What kind of crazy crap is that? The Bible is certainly not the go to book on healthy sexuality and many religions in their misguided attempts to achieve some kind of ethereal purity deny this God given aspect of our being.

           Sexuality, sex and spirituality are not mutually exclusive. In fact, there are tightly bound together. It is our lifelong mission to integrate (discover, discern) who we are into God's design for us with the tools given to us by him. Love of self, self respect and knowing you are loved are our first steps. Sharing are love is a natural, yes really natural, extension of that.

          

Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another

Smaller but purer

Acts 2:37-47

         Jesus confounded the Pharisees and temple elite with his actions. Jesus consorted with prostitutes, sinners, tax collectors, women, Samaritans and more. None of which were to be called or received by God if you asked the Pharisees. If Jesus were here today, who is it that He would consort with? Who are the so called outcasts of our time? And yet, Jesus called them, spoke to them, broke bread with them, loved them and wept for them.

          In this passage Paul speaks of  everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. Who is it that God calls? Who are we to say who is called and who is not? The religious experts of Jesus' time were confounded by whom Jesus called. I am sure the religious experts of our own time would be equally confounded. The temple elite of today would be able to give you sure fire arguments why they are right and would quote scripture chapter and verse to support their point. But that's just it, it is their judgements and not God's.

        Paul was well versed in the ironies of God's choices. For one, Paul himself would seem to be the last one chosen to spread the Gospel. Paul was a persecutor of the early church. Further, the early church only preached to the Jews. Wasn't Jesus message only to the Jews? But Paul argued successfully that the message was for all, even the most unlikely. To those that argue we should have a smaller but purer church, this contradicts the tenets that Jesus lived.

         No one should feel unworthy. Firstly, God's love is limitless and for all. Secondly, how could God love one creation more than another?  God created each of us just the way he wanted us to be, unique, special, a gift to the world. Welcome his love. Know you are loved. Know that you are called to a life of Holiness. But also know that does not mean what others necessarily call a life of holiness. Any constraints put on who will be saved and how the saved are to behave are man made rules and rubrics.

     You are called by name. You are loved.

    

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Thank you Dinner

Luke 20:45-21:4

          For a long time I was without church, wandering in a desolate land seeking for a place to worship and perhaps more importantly in a place that I was welcomed at the table. I have found that table, praise God!  The desert that I was in was in stark contrast from the place I had been in first, the parish in which I served, the community that I love. Today you will get a bit about me and a bit about that parish community that I hold so dear in my heart because this passage reminds me of both and there is a lesson here.

          First, it seems very sad that anyone would have to leave the church for being who they are, either gay or straight. You might find yourself not welcome as I did for being gay. If you were straight and clergy and fell in love with a women, you'd find yourself perhaps equally as unwelcome as I am. That also happened in that community. That's not to say there aren't many incredibly wonderful people in that community. There are. I have the fondest of memories and cherish almost all of them. It was a faithful community, a generous and loving community too. But if you are gay, or if you are a straight clergyman and fall in love with a women, there are some in the community that make you feel ever so unwelcome. I am sure they would be the few who find nothing better to do than to call the Bishop and inform him what horrible acts that are occurring or what they think or are convinced that are occurring. This even happened to the pastor who was accused of horrible things. He is innocent, proven so. Many wonderful people like I said, but a few that mirror the hierarchy. Enough to make you feel unwelcome in your own home.  Enough to show you first hand how far the Roman Catholic church has gone astray.

           That's not the point of the passage though. Some people do things for show, for worldly reward or worldly praise. In our beautiful parish we had a tradition. Everyone and anyone that worked, helped out, volunteered, helped with worship or did anything for the community (of 5000 families) was invited to a full scale celebration once a year. It was the annual thank you dinner. This was a no holds barred reception, bar none, for about 800 people.  You worked quietly all year. You volunteered without desire for any recompense. You did whatever you did out of the joy and love and thanks in your heart. The parish spent the really big party to say thank you. Really, it was just another community celebration, a communal worship if you will, perhaps even sacramental but with a small "S". The parish did their own version of tithing and in a middle class community that means money. We were not poor. No mortgages and money in the bank We sponsored groups. We had a very active outreach program. We helped many, many people. Now was a big thank you. No pomp and circumstance. No places of honour, all equals and all celebrating. What a nice way to celebrate the Gospel.

In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’

Read the signs

Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

       My daughter and I used to have a name for a particular kind of driver. He was called a shmookulluh. He'd be leaned back in the drivers seat a bit and to the right, almost appearing to be in the middle of the car. The dead give away was the left arm completely draped over the steering wheel with the music blaring. I suppose it was a look, a pose or a style. Another look that got attention is the Guido look. That's a guy who wears tons of gold bling which usually includes a cross, a car like Pontiac TransAm or hot Camaro, silken shirt open to reveal a hairy mat and a fine coiffed head of hair. I had a friend in high school who made the sign of the cross as he passed every church. In New York, you could appear to have a serious tic. He was always making the sign of the cross.  I also knew a Deacon who delivered elaborate and exaggerated personal acts of piety on the altar. Honestly, he could have been accused of taking the focus away from where it really belongs. What was equally bad (I think) is that his personal acts of piety began to become inculcated in the congregation. There will be a generation of Catholics from this one parish that will forever more repeat this one Deacons' personal preferences and actions of worship.

        These are all external signs but we pay attention to them and make judgements based on them. We judge the person as stupid, religious or holier than thou.

         My daughter and I never made sense of the arm draped driver with the music blaring but I did have an occasion to meet a Guido that was very educational. I was on a jury and so I spent a great deal of time in the jury room. One of my fellow jurors looked like a typical Guido and he was constantly looking across the street to check out his Trans Am to be sure it was OK. Really, a gold TransAm. Funny thing though, I got a chance to really talk to this kid. He was hard working. He was smart. He volunteered each weekend in the worst part of the city handing out food to the poor and homeless from the back of a truck. The judgement on me (from myself) was swift and complete. I had made a great error in judgement. I paid way too much attention to the external signs. This lesson stays with me to this very day, I was so embarrassed with myself.

         The Deacon as it turns out has been a thorn in the parish's side. He professes and whales but also judges, curses and tells people that disagree with him that "you are dead to me". He is a very poor example for anyone, no less a Deacon. The externals would have pegged him as a very holy man. He turned out to be rude, unforgiving and unloving. I have written about him before. He is clearly a very unhappy man. I pray for him as much as I pray for myself.

          While it's hard to resist making judgements based on externals, I think we must resist if we are faithful people.  I can think about the time Jesus told the fishermen to cast their nets one more time. They caught the mother lode. Had the fisherman judged that this guy was a mere carpenter where would they be? Where would we be?
Jesus was so counter cultural in almost every way,we need to be the same. Rock the boat, seek out the goodness of everyone inside and let us not judge on externals.

‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

The worst lies

Luke 12:2-12

            They say that everything you need to know in life you learn in kindergarten. I'd hasten to add that watching Judge Judy is a big help too. Many invaluable lessons can be learned about life and people. Judge Judy advises that if you tell the truth, you never have to remember what lie you told and to whom.

            But I suppose we all lie. The other day on this blog I mentioned white lies and bold faced lies. I recall the time I told my mother that the recipe she loved so much was from a coworker when actually it was a recipe from my step mother. Such is life. I'm not sure I'm going to hell in a hand basket for that one though.

            The worst lies though are the lies you tell to yourself. In essence you are also fibbing to the Lord who knows it all anyway. It disrespects your own self. But lie we do.  I know I also lied to myself for decades. In retrospect, I can't see how I didn't know but I really was lying to myself and believing it. I told myself I was a straight man who could 'appreciate' the male and female forms. It was a gift I told myself, a gift of appreciation. I am sure I told myself a whole lot of lies to convince myself that I was not gay. No way, I'm not gay! But gay I am and gay I was born and gay I shall remain. It's who I am. And that I am blessed with, it is a gift and a truly wonderful gift for me at that.

              There are homilies and epistles and psychological treatises and moralizing galore about how bad lying is and it's probably true for the most part. That's probably an easy sermon considering it is one of the ten commandments.  Lying to yourself though is a little trickier. It combines the 9th commandment with the two great commandments that Jesus spoke of. Not a simple "thous shalt not lie".

          As heinous as lying is, lying to yourself about anything is the worst, especially of you're trying to convince yourself you are not gay.  me? No way!

          Way !!

Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.

‘I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

‘And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.’

That second mile

Matthew 5:38-42

                 Recently, we spent several days biking in Acadia. Some of the hills seemed daunting and yet we strove to make each day a little tougher and each ride a bit longer. On our last day we asked for recommendations about a ride for the day. We were told of the 'around the mountain ride'. We were admonished that for the first hour we might perhaps curse our choice but things would get much better after that. We were indeed faced with incredibly challenging hills that seemed to never peak and that switched back and forth as it climbed the mountain rather than go around it. It was incredibly tough but we never relented. What we found was great reward for the rest of the ride. Yes there were more hills but none as tough as the first. Further, we were rewarded with spectacular scenery that few others would see. We saw trails that few would dare to ride and we had an incredible sense of pride at what we had accomplished when we returned.  At church on Sunday I heard of a man who is riding his bike across country - for the second time - so I know not to let my head get too swelled on my accomplishments. Still, I know we did a great job and had a terrific time.

                  This is all about going that extra mile. Long intro I suppose. Yet, my point is that we often live such simple, complacent and ordinary lives. It seems nothing exciting happens and we would dare not pray for something else lest it be too traumatic or too complex. The rewards though of moving out of our comfort zones, of going that second mile or trying something new is what makes us better, stronger and more appreciative. All pluses.

         Now, I don't really live an ordinary life to begin with. I am not complacent or take my life for granted. I am fully aware of the great gifts I have been granted and I appreciate every day with my husband, our cat, the 'kids' and even the humble place we live in. Still, to grow and expand our minds our experiences and our love, we need to move beyond our normal. We need to go the second mile.

         As one of God's glorious creations we are meant to grow, love and blossom. You just can't do that without  reaching out and going that extra mile.

     

‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

Fathers day and new beginnings

Matthew 18:1-14

           Happy Fathers Day! One of the things that I can't help but think of today as I read this passage, it being Fathers Day, is that there is no Fathers Day without the children. And naturally, I am reminded of my grandson and another grandchild soon to arrive. This is the opportunity of new life. Babies are all about new life.
         

             One of the most wonderful things I used to do as a Deacon was to Baptise babies.  Baptism is a sign and an opportunity. It is a sign of God's love for us, a sign of the power of life and an opportunity for rebirth, but not just for the child, for each and every one of us. I would remind everyone in the congregation that while it is primarily the parents charge to nurture and teach this child and to love this child, the responsibility really falls on all of us. We are a community of love.

               A baby is a clean slate. It is chance to teach and start all over.  Whatever we perceive the world to be, this child can make it better. This child can be better than we are. We want this child to be all that they can be. We want them to be healthy in mind and body. We want them to live up to all their potential. We want them to be free of whatever faults we have. We want them to be free of what we feel hinders us. A child is a gift of newness and hope that is graced on us by God and we get an inkling of the joy God the Father feels as fathers ourselves.

             Another joy of Baptism is that while a child is such a blatant reminder of clean slates and newness, this child reminds us that we too can participate in the newness.  We are capable of newness and growth. Change, growth and maturity are all part of the promise and gift of new life. Baptism reminds us it is a gift to all of us even if at the moment of Baptism we celebrate it for the one. We are really celebrating it for all. We, the Baptized are all capable of newness. In fact we are promised newness by Jesus' death and yes, resurrection. We are all gifts from God no matter how old we are. We are all as loved as the baby is loved.

            As I ponder babies and fatherhood. As I recall the birth of my own children and the joy I still feel; as I recall the joy of our first grandchild and the great anticipation of our second, all I can think of is the great thankfulness. I am thankful for new life and your love heavenly Father.

            Happy Fathers Day!

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes!

‘If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Honestly

Matthew 5:33-37

            There is a phrase I invented called furmanizing. It refers to form of speech that came to me during the trial of OJ Simpson, the first trial. It refers to answering questions in a half truth so that you cannot be formally charged with a lie. For example, if asked did you kill Mr. Smith on Tuesday? You can legally respond no, if in fact you killed him on Monday.  It's the same kind of half truth that you get when your child comes in and says that "Missy pulled my hair!" Your child neglects to say that she pulled Missy's hair first. These are half truths and obfuscations that I call furmanizing.

            This passage would just seem to clarify one of the Ten Commandments that tells us not to lie. Really, the passage does so much more.  Of course we are not supposed to lie. I'll leave the furmanizing to you as to whether at some point you simply told a so called white lie or  a bold faced lie.

            What we need to realize is that when we speak, we should mean what we say. No obfuscations, no furmanizing.  If we are people of integrity, people of faith who wish to be honest with God as we want him to be with us, we need to speak clearly and with intent. Let's think about how you feel when someone lies to you. When someone says I love you, you expect the full breadth and depth of that word. We don't expect a lie. We expect honesty and love. Think of any other lie, it is the downfall of relationships and causes considerable pain.  We need to be as honest and forthright with others as we with ourselves. That's another point, we should try to be as honest as we can with ourselves.

          Truth is the basis of all good relationships and is the basis for all personal growth and a healthy spirituality.

‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

What of the men? Men and Women's equality

Matthew 5:27-32

          The obvious target of a meditation for today might be literalism. Are we really to cut out our eye if we look at someone in an appreciative if not lustful way? Like I said, that is the obvious. I always argue against such literal tripe to get at the meat of the message. So after much thought, I realized there is a much deeper hidden message or agenda here.  What of the men?

          Although this passage argues against divorce which seems to escape some of our literalistic, conservative, religious zealot brothers and sisters, it also points to a cultural norm of the time that I'd like to pick up on. Again, 'what of the men?'

          It would appear that divorce is allowed if the woman was unfaithful. There are norms for women but not for men. In a time when this kind of social construct was acceptable, a male dominated society, there really would be no impunity for men. In the times that most of the Christian scriptures were written, men were not even required to abstain from same sex relationships. The references in scripture are against same sex prostitution with underage male children. Even that line would seem blurred a bit though and the only real taboo was not to be on the receiving end so to speak. That would place you in an apparently degrading, feminine role. Otherwise same sex relationships were not taboo.

           Most restrictions were placed on women or womanly roles.  Men were pretty much free to go about at will. When we think of the Religious (Jewish) leaders that brought a woman caught in the act of adultery before Jesus, I ask, where is the man who obviously was also caught in the act? Men seem to live pretty good lives. Even today when we encourage women to pursue their professional careers as well as motherhood, women bear a disproportionate responsibility around the house. As if to say, pursue your personal professional goals as long as you do the house work first. That is bogus in the worst way.

          When we acknowledge equality, it is for all people and all sexes and everything in between. We are smart enough. We can see what is moral and what is not. We are more capable and hopefully a bit more enlightened than people were at the time of Christ and before.

           I have always argued strongly for women's rights. I believe I have instilled that in my daughter and I am also proud of my daughter in law, a professional and soon to be mom as well. But in the same breath that I speak out about women's lib, I also speak of men's liberation. That would argue the full breath and depth of the possibilities and responsibilities for men as well. In a simplistic view, men can be nurses and be stay at home dads. However, we must not have to ask the question 'what of the men?' Men must be equally responsible and standards for one should be a standard for all.

            I am blessed to be the man God made me to be. I am blessed to have a truly wonderful man as my soul mate, partner and husband. I will not abdicate my responsibility in any avenue I have to express it, that men must not have the dominant role in God's plan of salvation for his Creation. 

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Hide and seek

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6

          I don't know if anyone but a cat lover would know that cats love to sneak into small spaces.  I am constantly on guard to keep the utility room door closed to be sure our George doesn't sneak behind the water heater. Sometimes, George likes to sneak into the closet and into some small corner beneath the clothes. We jokingly tell him that the closet is not a very good place to live. It seems funny only because we are living out of the closet ourselves but for anyone who is still living in the closet, it is a truly sad affair.  Every life and every situation deserves light an truth, no hiding.

          This passage reminds me of the things that are hidden in life. The real to life game of hide and seek adults play.  We certainly do it as people. Not just gay people, but everyone. Almost everyone hides their true self from others. Being completely open would leave you rather vulnerable at times but it certainly would be freeing. Honesty and openness, a breath of fresh air. In fact, I think we rather admire those that don't act falsely, that are true to themselves , open and proud, nothing to hide.

           That's on somewhat of a secular side though, even though I believe as faithful people our faith surely affects how we live. None the less, there s a dichotomy of sorts. Religion is a separate domain. Hiding there is even more curious that it is in the secular or personal world. I am sure there are many prophets and many religions that promote honesty, purity and openness. I do know Jesus certainly does.  It is quite peculiar then that there are so many hidden files within the church. Secrecy of every sort. Cover-ups. Lies to protect the church. These types of actions by the Roman Catholic church seem to be the antithesis of what Jesus taught, lived and died for. Curious indeed. 

             I would argue that the spirit of the second Vatican council, the Spirit itself which promoted and breathed fresh air into the church has been squelched. Coming out of the closet and being honest with oneself, with everyone, in the secular world is not very different from the need of the Church to renew it's commitment to honesty and openness that is a hallmark of Jesus' life in the religious world.

            Take a step out of the closet. Honor truth, openness and self dignity.

Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Seeing beauty

2 Corinthians 3:4-11

            Far from my vacation outpost looking over the Atlantic, I have returned to my perch here overlooking another body of water, so beautiful and serene. To what do we owe such beauty? Did the storms of last evening justify and create the beauty of today? What causes this beauty? I suppose that first you must actually take time to look and actually see the beauty or decide to see the beauty. I am sure there are those that look past almost everything and see a gloomy new day, a day filled with chores or perhaps suffering of one kind or another. I am not here to judge or force people to see the joy that is in their lives.

            But what causes such beauty and how am I filled with such confidence of it? How does anyone see such beauty around them or more importantly, in themselves? 

           The confidence is not born of any action that I have taken. In spite of my humming the song from The Sound of Music,  "Something Good", where 'I must have done something good', I have done nothing.  Like the passage today proclaims, I have done nothing that I can boast of. I have done nothing that I could not have done without the grace of God. If it were not for the saving graces of Jesus,  dying on the cross for me, I could accomplish nothing of note and I would not be able to see the glory and love that God has proclaimed and freely given. Perhaps that's it,  freely given.

             Until I can acknowledge the beauty inside me and the uniqueness of God's creation in me, I cannot move forward in any meaningful way. Not for myself and not for loving anyone else.  In this way, my life and all it's actions, all it's thankfulness and vision, become an expression of God's love. This is simply not something I deserve because of something I have done. Nothing I could accomplish now or forever could earn me such beauty, love or vision. 

              Once when you are willing to accept the innate beauty within you, created by God out of shear love, can you move forward and see the glory around you because it is coming from within you as created by God.  It all stems from seeing the beauty inside. 

               We may falter and we may stumble but know that God's love and your uniqueness should give you confidence to move forward in that love.

          

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Now if the ministry of death, chiselled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses’ face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has lost its glory because of the greater glory; for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory!

Salvation cannot be contained

Acts 11:19-30,13:1-3

          It seems ever so interesting to me that when the Good News was being spread, they spoke the word to no one except Jews. Apparently the Good News could not and cannot be contained to this very day. Those who think they are the special or only ones valid to receive the Word are sadly mistaken. It is no surprise that there was quite a 'discussion'  in the early church about these new, non Jewish converts. Just as today, there are admonitions and judgements as to who is acceptable material for salvation.

          If you are in the LBGTQ community you know that there are a great many of the major Christian demoninations that feel salvation is predicated on how you act. Specifically, guidelines are set forth on the way they want you to act or not act, how you love or not love. I fiind it amazing that in the guise of Godliness they feel free and justified to mete out rules as if they are given to then by God. Further. they are willing to bastardize Holy Scripture in an effort to justify their position. 

          If the worthiness of salvation could ever be contained by anyone, it certainly woul not be any group of self righteous liars who fail to see love with their myopic rules and logic.

         You may have to search to find an accepting community but know in your soul that you ARE worthy of salvation and the Word is for you as much as it is for anyone else.

         Praise God, salvation is yours!

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.

At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Topsy turvy

Matthew 5:1-12

          When I think of polar extremes, I think of American politics. Republicans and Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals - and never the twain shall meet. I'm sure we each have our own opinion about those extremes and those opinions are , well, often extreme!

          It was a with a bit of wonderment that when I saw he move Lincoln a few months ago, the Republicans were the more liberal party,trying to get legislation passed that abolished slavery.  Not that Republicans of today would be in favor of slavery, it's just that they are often viewed as the more stubborn, conservative party.

           Onto the topic at hand though. We all know Jesus was counter cultural. He argued against the status quo. He spoke to the outcasts, welcomed sinners in his midst and here in this passage he is really turning things upside down.

           Sometimes issues are all perception. I recall a song called Wonderful from the Broadway play Wicked, here are a few lines from that song:                

                                                 A man's called a traitor - or liberator

                                                 A rich man's a thief - or philanthropist

                                                 Is one a crusader - or ruthless invader?

Isn't it true? It seems Jesus is saying that the world will be topsy turvy. What we see now will be the opposite. The rich will be poor, the hungry shall be filled. 

            If only we could see the opposite now. If we could gain the knowledge and appreciation for the other side. Why do some Muslims act with such venom? What belief allows them to act so contrary to God? Why did the Christians act venomously in the Crusades? Perhaps more closer to home, when we feel slighted, is there another way of looking at the situation? Perhaps the motivation on someone else' part was good.  Perhaps God is not  answering your prayer the way you want it answered. Perhaps the answer is the opposite of which you asked but is what you need.

             Polar extremes can be very dangerous things. I often thought I was blessed to be able o see two sides of a situation. I also lamented though when people demanded I pick a side when I saw both sides. I guess I can see gray when many other people only see  black and white. I lieu of the ability to see gray, perhaps it would be good if we tried to learn or appreciate black when we see white, and white when we see back.

            Just some thoughts to ponder.

       

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Bread of life

Matthew 15:29-39

          My husband and I recently decided to start making bread at home. We aren't that good yet but we need to curb our purchases of bread as we may be solely responsible for the rise in Panera stock prices. Really, is there anything better that some fresh crusty bread, nice and warm slathered in butter? Bread is the stuff of good eating. We often refer to our common social  gatherings as breaking bread together. Our Eucharistic feast is the bread of life. 

          Bread is a central part of all our lives. When any item is scarce though, we tend to maintain it for ourselves and for our family. So what is the situation with this great crowd of strangers, yearning for spiritual food and now physically hungry as well. The disciples have only seven loaves, hardly enough to feed such a crowd. Perhaps there really was a real multiplication of the loaves but it is equally plausible n my mind that such a staple, broken and shared becomes enough. With shared effort, goals and commitments every small amount contributes to the success of the whole. Sounds almost Borg-like but it is true. 

          I suggest the following which might be good for a meditation. Bread requires yeast, a catalyst and time to grow. Bread requires kneading and a punching down may be required. Bread requires that the wheat be refined and processed. How are these facts similar to our own lives?

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Pious moments

Mark 12:38-44

          I am reading a great book while I'm on vacation, it's called Dilemma. I like it for several reasons one of which are the insights into the Catholic Church, much of which I already know or have an intimate appreciation of. One sad state of affairs is the continuing attempt of the Church hierarchy to return to a pre Vaican II state which carries some mythical characteristics as to how things were in the good old days.

         In the face of dwindling vocatons and fewer and fewer men entering the seminaries, there is still an attempt to return to those good old days. The theory of a smaller but purer church seems to apply however specious. In fact, most of the men entering the seminary  now who may profess to serve God seem content to show their 'service' by donning the most traditional robes available, parading piously  around the seminary halls.  I still hold out great hope for Pope Francis who has already shown a penchant for dismissing some rubrics and traditions in favour of love and justice.

            And what of the rest of us? I chuckled at a quote from someone I admire, a conmedienne who said jokngly 'why do we have to see people as gay or straight, why can't we judge people for who they are and what kind of car they drive?' I laugh because I have had a lifelong love affair with everything cars. That statement hit home for me. What status symbols do we seek? What 'robes' do we don? What seats do we wish to occupy so as to elevate ourselves? 

          The truth is that we elevate ourselves by being last. We elevate ourselves by how we love and the love we give to others and not by a roman collar, robes, a miter, wearing Manolo Blahniks or driving a Porsche Carrera-4 no matter who we are.

  

 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’