Reframing sexuality and marriage

Religious sanctioned
Gay Marriage circa 100 AD
Serge and Bacchus

            I feel compelled to write a commentary today instead of a scriptural based reflection because so many of my friends seemed to come to me about Pope Francis' conciliatory tones about being gay. What did I think? Was this a real game changer?  As one friend observed on his facebook page, he wrote "2 words:  cautiously optimistic". My response was " 4 words: don't hold your breath." Several other face book postings and media comments made me decide to write this blog entry on marriage.

          The concept of marriage is perhaps as old as time but the definition and scope of marriage has changed quite a bit over the years. Many on the religious and political right would have you believe otherwise. An excellent book on the subject is Same-Sex Unions in Pre-Modern Europe, a groundbreaking book based on very thorough research by a Catholic scholar at Yale.

         Let me first discuss some of the forms of marriage through the centuries and how it has evolved.  I doubt very much there is any evidence of formal marriages back in the time of Moses but it may have been so. At that time marriages were arranged and often for purposes of joining families, businesses or allowing for production of children to help with the agricultural work in that pre-mechanised, pre-industrial era. Eventually regulated marriages by 'governments' had a religious blessing attached to them. Very often this was totally separate.  The church was not involved in anything more than a blessing.  The intermediate step I will talk about in the next paragraph has the church re framing marriage as a totally religious rite. Then it became predominant due to the extent of the Holy Roman empire. Eventually, in the previous centuries, the concept of love entered into the picture of marriage Where love may have followed marriage previously, now love became a prerequisite to marriage.  But still in some societies and situations arranged marriages and marriages for business or nobility was present.

         When the Catholic church began to re frame the concept of marriage, it was not based on a scripture  or anything Jesus really said. This re framing was based on the ideas of St. Thomas. It would be interesting to explore St. Thomas and his writings, theories and personality to understand much of his works because not only did the Church re frame marriage, they re framed human sexuality into a narrow band that they still honor today. None the less, marriage was re framed as totally Sacramental and only for the purposes of procreation. As with any re framing, if you are persistent and have a large block of people on your side, history is squelched and any alternative meaning becomes lost. In essence the concept of marriage in the Church's view is what they wanted everyone to view as "it's always been so, since the beginning of time". That is just NOT so.

           Canon law, narrowly based theology and 'tradition' are what keeps alive the framing of marriage as it is in the Catholic church. Histories and learned theologians can tell you otherwise. I really encourage the reading of the book I mentioned above. It is sad if not sinful how ignorant people with a voice and power can spew such tripe that they feel is "thee correct and only view". Again, it is NOT so.

           If you look at scripture you not only see the variety of love relationships but the fundamental and the only valid mandate and that is "it is not good for man to be alone". Once you insert the loving embrace of Jesus into the picture you see that any relationship that sustains love, commitment and mutual respect and growth would be acceptable to God. 

          It would appear that the limits and re framing of marriage by the Church was done to merely promote a philosophy of St. Thomas. I prefer a marriage framed by God without the circular logic and restrictive musings of someone who is surely not God. However well intentioned, the re framing of marriage by the church is limited and wrong. 

         How does all this relate to the Popes' so called conciliatory words? Because the Pope's message, while loving and pastoral, only mentioned gay priests who may have strayed. Strayed how? Well, into homosexual activity and the Pope clearly noted redemption and the seeking of forgiveness. In other words, he will not judge being gay but it is still considered disordered and the activity of loving another human is still considered a grave sin that requires redemption.  The thought process of the Church has not changed one bit.  The attitude, idea and dogma that being a loving gay person is gravely sinful is still on the Church's books and it is more than likely that it will remain so.

         Rather than move forward with scientific  knowledge, rather than move forward with social knowledge about homosexuality, rather than honor a history in the church (pre-Thomas) that recognized homosexuality (even if that term did not exist), and rather than honour the loving message of scripture and Jesus, they choose to pin their dogma on less ancient and a restrictive theology and views on human sexuality. It was not always so and it should NOT be so.

         To quote my friend though, I too am cautiously optimistic. However, nothing short  of a spiritual revolution will allow the church to honour it's own marital history or the fact that a very large percentage of it's own priests are gay, active and hindered by the erroneous and onerous policy of celibacy. 

       

     

Novice to concertmaster

Galatians 3:23-29

          I'll confess right up front that part of this reflection is based on a wonderful discussion we had over coffee after Mass this last Sunday. This was basically the topic we were discussing. Imagine that, and now a reading has come up in time giving me the chance to put a few more words out there into cyberspace.

          We are all accustomed to rules. We have household rules on how we do things, we have rules for driving, rules at work, rules when playing an instrument. All these rules become second nature after a while. It is a good thing because once we get the rules down, we are free to explore other things.  We no longer have to concentrate on the rules as much and we have time to get involved in the real nitty gritty of life and that includes fun things (lest we forget).

            The problem that arose in Jesus' time and continues today, is that you get to thinking you are saved or perfect when you obey all the rules. Never mind that there are simply so many man made rules, we can get to thinking simply by obeying the rules we are set.  The problem is, that just ain't so.

If for example, we learn all the rules of playing the cello, it will not make us a good cellist. It will not help us play well in an orchestra with others. So more than the basic rules are important for advancing in your skill and playing.  It is quite similar with the rules God has given us.

           Again, putting the man made rules aside, we must do more than simply obey the basic Ten Commandments.  Jesus said as much when he gave us the two Great Commandments.  I often use thou shalt not kill as an example. You can easily kill a persons' soul, their reputation, their dignity and be just as guilty in the eyes of God. But what of thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods? That seems straight forward enough, eh?  But what are you doing when you are in competition with your neighbor over material goods? You are not stealing the item but you are coveting the value of their goods by one-upping them. You are in essence stealing the value of their goods by trying to do them one better. This is a more advanced way of thinking that Jesus had in mind. 

         Jesus gave us the two great commandments because we are no longer novices. Just as a child learns the basic rules to play the cello, we learned the basics in the 10 Commandments. Still valid in every respect. But now, we have grown as humans and we are capable of quite a bit more. Now we look at the 10 commandments with the lens of the two great commandments. Most of all, we have to look at our lives and our actions in terms of God's love for us, how we wish to be treated and how we respect ourselves.

          Unless you are totally new to religion and God's laws, go out with what you know and make your life a concerto, a symphony of love.

  

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

Great gay couples of the Bible.

Ruth 2:5-12

            The story of Ruth and Naomi is said to be one of the great same sex relationships of the Bible. It is read at the weddings of countless lesbian couples that marry as both lesbians and faithful people. It is not unlike the story of David and Jonathan who are a beacon of hope to gay lovers. The story of Jonathan and David was in fact a reading in my own wedding to my beloved husband.

            But as for Ruth we already know of her love and commitment to Naomi.  Here Ruth is working hard in the field and has gained the privilege of drinking water that has been supplied for the reapers. She is so surprised at the privilege, she asks Why have I found favour in your sight? The man answers that it is her dutiful and loving actions, her commitment to Naomi that has stood out as a model and the man wishes to honor that commitment by allowing her a privilege not open to anyone else but the reapers. She is after all a woman (who in that time was not much more than chattel). 

            I can imagine the man finding out that she is actually 'bound to Naomi' by something other than just a good heart and that they are actually a committed loving coupe. I suppose Ruth could have been stoned if he know. Then again, perhaps the man did know and he didn't care or thought it was still an extraordinary and wonderful thing. 

            When gay couples set up housekeeping as they have done for centuries and recently as our right to marry is recognized, we simply see couples living good and decent lives together. Eating, sleeping, working, doing yard work, raising kids, loving pets, paying taxes, voting, going to the movies, having BBQ's with neighbors, going to church. Just honest and full lives. Committed and loving lives. They are neighbors, dads, uncles , sons, daughters and friends. As ordinary as every other couple and no great distinction goes into their lives, no more than anyone else who loves and wishes to commit to another human being.

           Perhaps the extraordinary thing about any couple is their love, commitment and concern for each other. Maybe that stands out whether you are gay or straight. People will say, what a lovely couple, they are so in love.  On the flip side, there will be couples whose marriage will fail and something will go awry. They may grow apart, one person may cheat, one person may 'want something else'. That is not an unheard of story at all. It happens to straight couples all the time so I imagine it will happen to a gay couple or two for sure. So what is the difference between a gay couple and a straight coupe? None really.

            The extent, or fullness of love and commitment of a couple is perhaps a good gauge of how successful their marriage is, gay or straight. If you can get that down pat, if that's the relationship you have, no matter who you are, it is worth recognizing just like the love of Ruth for Naomi that the man in charge recognized. By the way, do you think the 'man in charge' might be a metaphor for God?

            

Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, ‘To whom does this young woman belong?’ The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, ‘She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, “Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.” So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment.’

Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.’ Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, ‘Why have I found favour in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?’ But Boaz answered her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!’

Good as is

Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)

             Sometime when I read a passage it is so rich and filled with truthyness that I feel that the reading of the passage is the only message necessary and that I would only defile it by trying explain it further. Today seemed like one of those days. To my mind, there can be no real preaching on this passage which says it all if read carefully and slowly (as all scripture should be read, really).

             I will offer two passing footnotes. One because I feel so strongly about it in a positive way. The other because I feel so strongly in a somewhat negative way. It is something I struggle with.

             In the very first line of this passage I am reminded how thankful I need to be, how thankful we all need to be. God loves us so much and gives us so much. To think about all the gifts that are showered on us. We are graced with so much. We are gifted with such talents. We are gifted with each other. We are stewards of the earth and of people whom God has placed in our lives - our families, friends. We must always give thanks from our hearts that flow over with joy at such wonderful gifts to a servant that fails to reach the mark in so many ways but yet is loved so deeply and richly. Praise God!

          Second, make sure that no one keeps you captive. Wow. How Did Paul know?  We are held captive so much and so often. Or at least there are attempts to keep us captive. The very rules and powers that Jesus railed against are the same mechanisms, rules and hierarchy that still tempts to keep us captive. Rules made of man, 'positions' based on lies, circular logic and falsity that only serve to contaminate and obscure the true message of love that God wishes us to have and that Jesus died for. Do not let any earthly church keep you captive by rules that do not follow the rules of Jesus as exemplified by his life and message.  Many religions have the message but make sure the message is not obscured by minutiae and laws born of humans. 

         Now I suggest you pull aside from the world, give yourself the gift of a few minutes to read and digest this passage which tells us how worthy and loved we are and to avoid falsity and false shadows of the real church and God's real message of love.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ;

when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses,

erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.

Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths.

These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking,

and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.

Sojourner Truth

1 Peter 4:10-11

           Whenever we speak about God or God's will it would be my sincere hope that the basis would be more in truth than in our own agenda, our own ignorance or some else's poor translation of holy scripture. But when we do speak the word of God with justice, love and peace, we must do so with force, dignity and righteousness.

            It seems though that many people insist on their own version of what is correct and that their translation of scripture is the only truth.  This is often  reminiscent of the old travelling salesman selling miracle cures in a bottle. God is wisdom, truth and love. What else could would one say? If you dare open your mouth further, everything best be tempered by the love that is God's hallmark.

            Today we remember Sojourner Truth (1797-1883). She quoted scripture, spoke of women's rights and spoke against slavery. Pretty gutsy for her time, she being black, a women, and speaking up about  things when most people were quoting the bible to support the opposite side. Sojourner was a radical of love and freedom in the mold of Jesus Christ.

            Today we also have Sojourner Truth's. I am the smallest voice among many like her. Speaking of things in love and truth but pitted against those who would use Holy Scripture to condemn us while we use it to liberate us!

            Another lesson that Sojourner gave us is the need for action. In a time when being a woman, black and a slave would be a challenge for anyone, she not only spoke forcefully as I said, she was a street-corner evangelist and the founder of a shelter for homeless women. Talk about putting your faith into action. As I often say, preach the good news always, use words if necessary. Sojourner certainly exemplified that.

            The world seems against us in so many areas of the world while careful strides are made in spots around the world. Instead of a crutch to say "whoa is me, how oppressed are we",  How are you living out your faith like Sojourner, like Jesus Christ. We are called to love, we are called to action.

          

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

Attending Mass

Mark 4:21-25

           One of the more novel reasons I was told never to miss Mass on Sunday was that I would be depriving everyone of my presence. If you think about it, what a profound thought. If you can think about it without a swelled head or arrogance, you know it is really true. It acknowledges our our own sense of self worth and affirms God's actions through us. By not going to Mass, we are hiding our own light.

            One of the saddest things to me is how many people do not go to church. Our lives are very communal in every respect. Our worship and praise should be a reflection of that. I never bought the line that I don't need to go to church to worship or 'I worship by myself' 'or 'I worship in my own way'. Certainly we can have sacramental moments and give praise and thanks by ourselves or in some other venue or by some other means, but nothing replaces going to church. Being in community is part of our humanity. Sadder still are those who have been told or led to believe that are not worthy enough to come to church. This almost makes my head explode! First of all it is incredibly judgemental to say this to someone; it is incredibly wrong minded to make anyone feel unworthy; it is incredibly shortsighted and wrong to deny any congregation the presence of  a person who wants to come and worship.

                 If we have come to the realization that we are a unique and loved creation of God we must see that our presence makes a difference. This is especially true at worship services. We may not know what difference our presence may be but we know it will. It could be something profound we do. It may be by a simple smile or hello to someone who needs it. It could be something we hear and digest, something we need to grow and mature as a person of faith.

                 But whoa to those who make you feel unwelcome in church. They would have you hide your light. Make sure you find a good community to worship with, one that accepts you and acknowledges your goodness and your ability to love.

            

A Lamp under a Bushel Basket

He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’ 

It will not be so among you

Matthew 20:20-28

          I still have great hope for this new Pope. He has a good heart. Whether the tail can wag the dog though is another question.

          When Jesus says It will not be so among you, he is making a declaratory statement of how he wishes the Apostles to live and thus, the Church.

           It is not commonly thought of, but at one time the church centers that we hear of in Christian scripture were all considered equal.  The churches in Antoich, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Rome, they were all equals. They came together as equals and discussed and made decisions as equals. It is not until the church in Rome decided to declare itself as head and that it had primacy over the other churches that problems really began. This is not a light matter. The idea of all of us on a level playing field versus a pyramid is a critical division among the churches. The pyramid concept seems clearly wrong based on this passage. 

           Whatever human frailties and misinformation the new Pope has, his heart is one of service, justice and peace. He will indeed have to be strong if he plans to reign in the unweildy structures of the Vatican. It will take no less than the spirit of the second vatican council, the spirit of the Spirit let say, to make any changes possible. There is hope that there may yet be a radical paradigm shift. It will be no less profound than acknowledging that the earth is not the center of the universe. All things are possible though with God.

            When this occurs, if this occurs, all sorts of changes can result from the free movement of the Spirit. I pray. In the meantime, we are called to the life of brotherhood, service and love. Everyone. All equal. All loved.

           

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

Happy Anniversary

THOMAS A KEMPIS

         Today the Episcopal church remembers Thomas A Kempis. Perhaps it is somewhat fitting that today I celebrate the 365th day of writing this blog. While I dutifully get up early each morning for prayer and writing, I also check and record "the count", the number of visits my blog gets.  I get giddy as the number increased all year long knowing full well it will never be Huffington Post.  Somehow I have derived some small amount of pride in the numbers.

          Further, I delight in the locations that Google says my 'hits' are coming from. All over our planet, France, Belgium, Portugal, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, Kazakhstan and countless others. The biggest number of hits are from the USA followed by Russia. I have no idea if the hits are hackers or some individual in a lonely distant place looking for some self respect and acceptance of how different they are from the majority of people around them. The only responses I have ever gotten really are from my devoted husband. No kudos, empathy or even anger from strangers.

         But what am I doing this for ? Certainly it is a venue for me to express my spirituality, my calling that was summarily dismissed once I announced I was gay and leaving my wife.  What am I really writing for? Is it for the number of hits?  If I can be so bold as to compare myself in some small way to Thomas ( A Kempis), I am doing this entirely with a joyful and grateful heart. I have received so much and have done so little. Everything I have received is gifted from God to a servant who offers complete love and utter imperfection.

         If in the midst of all the hits from every corner of the globe, I reach one soul who is troubled and feels unloved, this will all be worth it. I pray for the strength to continue to write. I pray for an open heart and openness to His word.

          I will still look at 'my hits' and the locations but I am most of all thankful for the ability to write and I will still say to myself, happy 365 to the beloved gay disciple.

When God bestows Spiritual comfort, receive it with a grateful heart; but remember that it comes of God's free gift, and not of your own merit. Do not be proud, nor over joyful, nor foolishly presumptuous; rather, be the more humble for this gift, more cautious, and more prudent in all your doings, for this hour will pass, and temptation will follow it. When comfort is withdrawn, do not immediately  despair, but humbly and patiently await the will of Heaven; for God is able to restore you to a consolation even richer than before. This is nothing new or strange to those who know the ways of God, for the great Saints and Prophets of old often experienced these changes. ...Indeed, the temptation that precedes is often a sign of comfort to follow. For heavenly comfort is promised to those who have been tried and tempted."To him who overcomes," says God, "I will give to eat of the Tree of Life." 

La familia

Matthew 12:46-50

          This passage may have special meaning to those in the gay community. No, it's not like the story of David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi or the Centurion and his 'dear slave'.  This speaks of who our family is. Certainly Jesus was not speaking about gay people in this passage but a clear lesson is to be had and one many in the gay community can relate to.

         There are countless people in the gay community that wind up having to leave their families to simply live whole integrated lives. Parents quite frequently eject a child from the family home when they come out. If not an outright disowning, young adults are often left with such a contentious and vile atmosphere that they often leave of their own volition. It is so often the case that the meaning of a loving family is contorted, abandoned and unconditional love is ripped from the fabric that may have once seemed a family hallmark. How does a young person deal with this betrayal? What is a young person to feel about what family is? 

          As often as youths are discarded for being gay, there are an equal number of loving people who step up to the plate to become the new family for these young gay men and women. Unfortunately not quite enough and even those that would be welcoming, affirming and loving are not sought out for fear of the same rejection they received in the home of their birth.  Still, there are a whole host of people who become more of a family to people in the gay community than any blood relative would be.

           Jesus is correct that blood family does not necessarily mean what we in our idealistic dreams conceive of. What is most important? To me it is faith and family. I have been blessed with a wonderful family. Not everyone is comfy cozy with me coming out but could I expect everyone to be?  If it took me 50 years to come to terms with my own sexuality, could I expect everyone else to do so simply because I announce 'heh, I'm gay'? But I have been blessed with a wonderful family.

            Even though we can derive a lesson from this passage about our natural families, Jesus was speaking about our family of faith. What is a gay person to do when even in their family of faith they are told that their loving God now hates them or thinks they are satanic? This seems to me to be the height of arrogance and the antethesis of what Jesus preached and lived.  

            There are faithful communities out there that acknowledge the wholeness, goodness and godliness of each and every peson, gay or straight. They are worth searching for. We are blessed to be in the era of googling and the internet that allows us to reach out to other gay faithful. And I mean of any faith.  As I approach the anniversary of my first year of blogging or ministering in my small way to the gay faithful, I can only hope and pray I help one person realize how good they are just as they are, to help them realize just how much God loves them. When Jesus died on the cross for us it means all of us. 

           If the social changes of divorce, single parenting and now with marriage equality that have occurred in the last 50 yaers until now do anything, they have highlighted the diversity and solemnity of a wide variety of what familes are. Families, it's not just blood anymore.

         

While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

Walls of water

Exodus 14:5-19

         Many of the readings of the Old Testament convey stories of God taking sides and using His power to strike down enemy by the thousand. There is treachery, deceit, murder and battles royal. This is the logic that religions have used and use today, to justify crusades and jihad! Is this the message of scripture? Is organized rape, polygamy and slavery, all of which appears frequently in scripture a sanction for the such practices?

        I prefer to believe that they are stories of people living real and dangerous lives in a hostile territory and all the while trying to integrate and appreciate God in their lives; a God who loves them as he loves us.

       So what to make of a story where the Egyptians are trapped and drown in the walls of water that inundates them as they chase after the Israelites?  If nothing else it is a strong allegorical device. When we do something wrong, take people hostage, literally or figuratively by our actions or lies, we run the risk of being drowned. Perhaps not literally but we will be in a quagmire none the less. We will wind up being consumed by our own words or treachery.  Perhaps there was no real vertical wall of water that separated to let the Israelites pass through. Perhaps it was a shallow tidal bridge or channel. When the Egyptians came through in their heavy chariots and horses they were caught in the mud and the returning tide simply finished them off. That is as likely a scenario, perhaps more likely and more believable. The 'evil forces' though were still caught in a quagmire, still caught from their own evil actions, still drowned. 

           When we act against our own good nature and against the God that loves us so deeply, we cannot help but get caught in a web of lies and deceit. Eventually this kind of life will consume you. Some of course will be particularly unlucky and pay a higher price than others but a fast death or a lingering one is still death. The death of a soul is a horrific thing.

           To avoid the quagmires of life it seems apparent the best method is to live an upstanding life with good intent filled with love of God, self and others. With honesty and love we may still make mistakes, Lord knows I do, but our consciences will be clear and will not fall into the all consuming muck and mire that consumed the Egyptians of old.

         

When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the minds of Pharaoh and his officials were changed towards the people, and they said, ‘What have we done, letting Israel leave our service?’ So he had his chariot made ready, and took his army with him; he took six hundred picked chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt and he pursued the Israelites, who were going out boldly. The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, his chariot drivers and his army; they overtook them camped by the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, “Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians”? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.’ But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.’

Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his chariot drivers.’

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them.

The better slice

Luke 10:38-42

          I this a slice of life or what? The exact same thing happens today all the time. I was at work a few weeks ago and coworker commented about how great my life was. My Facebook page is filled with a travelogue of places I go, restaurants we go to and foods that we eat. I have pictures of my grandchildren and myriad other activities. My coworker almost seemed jealous. I explained that yes, I am very, very happy and truly blessed. But I noted, all the things we do are carefully planned by putting aside the money, thinking about where we go and doing things we really like to do. I followed with thought that it was something that she could do as well if she decided that is what she wanted.

            I suppose that is the crux of things. What do you want to do?  Climb Mount Everest? Well that would be rather impractical for me but rest assured, if that is what I really wanted to do for some reason, it could be done with adequate planning and commitment.  Once you decide what it is you want to do, you are halfway there. The rest is personal resolve and planning. I really have no interest at all in climbing Mount Everest.

        In the midst of the deciding what it is you wan to do, there is a very important ingredient, two actually. One is a to discern if it is something God would want you to do. Is God calling you to do this for some reason. That is a very difficult task sometimes. Was God calling me to travel to the Dominican Republic to help the ministries of the Church in remote mountain villages and in the city? I decided that it was something God wanted me to do and I am all the richer for it. In spite of illnesses and being robbed, I had a wonderful time. I mention that because even 'bad things' cannot deter you from having a good time if you see the hand of the Lord in everything you do. It was a truly blessed time.

        The second ingredient to having that magical life is recognizing that you deserve it and thus should work towards that goal. You have to allow yourself the time and allow yourself to enjoy life.  Exotic locations and special food are not requisites. Hiking in a park and sharing a meal with good friends and family is as glorious as any trip. Of course you have to open your eyes to such things. How many people have not enjoyed a golden opportunity simply because they did not step forward to enjoy an opportunity. What if you never discern and never step out of your comfort zone?

         This might seem like a column for Food and Travel magazine but in reality it is a treatise on what God wishes for each and every one of us. That is, the absolute best. To some that means at the expense of others and that is completely wrong. God does not want anyone to have everything at the expense of others. God loves us all - equally. But we are in a world to be discovered. We are in a world filled with God's revelations and love.

          No matter what we are doing, no matter what we are called to do or want to do, there is no reason not to have a good time. There is no reason not to see God's hand in all we do and give thanks. Whether we are 'sitting at the Lord's feet' listening intently or serving the Lord in some fashion, we should recognize our self worth, respect what we are doing and enjoy life to the full. 

      

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me."

But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;

there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

I'm just asking

Luke 11:5-10

         I have struggled with my weight almost my entire life. I was told that as a baby I was fed a special diet because I couldn't keep anything down and was very slow to gain weight. Perhaps then with the law of averages I would be OK - not really. I was horribly overweight as a teen. It's no wonder that a kid going through puberty would have such an issue but I was also suppressing being gay. It is a troublesome time for most.  I recall praying fervently after having read this passage as a youth that I would wake up the next morning skinny and clear faced. It would be a miracle of course but isn't God capable of such? I woke up quite dejected saying to myself , OK, where do you go from here?

         I had an immature faith and an unrealistic vision of how God acts (or seeming doesn't act) in this world.

         Yet here this passage is again, telling us that if we ask we shall receive and that if a friend will do for you, certainly God would do less and in my mind, certainly more. Much more.

         Asking for things and expecting them to be presented to you even by a friend is wrong on so many levels. It displays a bit of arrogance and self centeredness that places you on a pedestal dangerously close to God when we have no business being there. 

           If we have the presence of mind and focus to pray constantly about anything it surely will happen though. Why?  Because our thoughts precede action. If we think it, we will begin to make it happen ourselves.  God who is always with us and on our side will help by loving support, insight and channeling us in the right direction. I believe this to be so. In addition, when we are so very focused, we emanate positive energy that 'infects' or influences others who facilitate our wishes. Seems all very cosmic but it's true. Further, in God's effort to maintain our free will, He remains with us at all times but does not take the reigns. It reminds me of the converse which was recently featured on a local church billboard which was "Don't give the Devil a ride, he always insists on driving". Cute.

           My father once told me that if I have one true friend in life I should consider myself truly blessed. His simple definition was someone, who, if called at 3 am with no explanation, would come to your aid no matter what, no questions asked. That stands pretty true in my mind to this very day.  God is certainly your best friend, ally and supporter. As I often say, God loves us with reckless abandon. He will insist on NOT driving but he is always with us and always on our side.

         Ask and you will receive, especially if you do your very personal best to help it along.

And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Plucking corn

Matthew 12:1-8

         I was thinking about this passage with a special interest as the corn crop here on the island is in full swing. That song that says "There's a bright golden haze on the meadow" and "the corn is as high as an elephants eye" is exactly what comes to mind. Certainly the desire for corn on the cob and corn in so many delicious recipes comes to my mind.  I find it incomprehensible that anyone could proclaim a sin for plucking heads of grain. 

          Rules and rubrics. Restrictions to the salvation and love that God offers so freely, willingly and abundantly. It seems there was always someone who was willing to say you are not good, you are doing this wrong, here is yet another restriction on how you live and love.

         Jesus makes it clear, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”. Jesus has said similar things before, what is easier to say 'you are healed' or 'you can't do that, it's a sin to heal on the Sabbath'. It seems the over arcing item of importance is mercy and love. Is that not why Jesus became man and died for us? Mercy for us? It's not that we deserve it for anything we have done but simply because God made us and He loves us. God simply does not want restrictions and sacrifices. God wants mercy, love, compassion and forgiveness. 

          I love when Brother Clarke comes to the Friary and he says Mass. Invariably when there are new people in the congregation, perhaps not schooled in all the 'proper ways' and proper responses, he reminds everyone that we are  at God's table and that they can't do anything wrong. The essence of why we are there, willingly and lovingly makes it so nothing we do is wrong. Not saying A-men instead of Ah-men or any other 'rule' or rubric that someone might place in our path of love, thanksgiving and worship.

          God desires mercy not sacrifice. Jesus willingly, lovingly and completely gave himself in the ultimate sacrifice for us and that is what matters. 

At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’

Angry Jesus

Mark 2:23-3:6

          I really do love to read a passage that reads He looked around at them with anger. We believe that Jesus was fully God and fully human. As a common belief, that was settled at the Council of Nicea in the year 325. It is comforting to know that Jesus lived life just like one of us. I can envision a poster or a posting on Face Book that shows Jesus holding a young leather clad youth in his arms giving comfort and support. It's a nice image and accurate for sure. We often think of Jesus' humanity in nothing but glowing and saintly terms. How nice it is when I read something about Jesus' visceral reaction to something. Real anguish at Lazarus' death or here when Jesus is really angry. 

            Do you ever get angry?

            Undoubtedly the Pharisees and the Herodians were a bit angry at Jesus as well, they are going to conspire against Jesus. What did Jesus do? Jesus' love moves him to turn anger into action as well but it isn't something bad. He cures the man with the withered hand. What actions would we take when we are angered over something? The first thing might be to use the Lord's name in vain. That's just wrong. 

             I was taught that emotions that we often consider bad are not really bad at all. What is bad is what we do with those emotions. How do we channel them? Destructive or constructive? We have the option. The Pharisees chose destructive actions. Jesus chooses constructive actions and so should we.

When faced with the seeming onslaught of inequities of this world, what are we to do? Get angry and lash out? I think not. Perhaps this is the origin of the concept and question, WWJD? ( what would Jesus do? )

              While it might seem almost blasphemous to place our thoughts on a par with Jesus, let us try to think what would Jesus do in a given situation? If we call ourselves Christians this really is what we are called to do. We are to emulate Him. If we are not Christians, Jesus is still a beautiful role model for action. Lets just make our actions positive and productive,  loving and lavished.

One sabbath he was going through the cornfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.’ Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.’

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. 

Committees, consultants and correct answers.

Matthew 11:25-27

           One of things that I love about my job is the management structure, it's rather small. When we want to accomplish something it is often decided  at my door sill. We also have monthly meetings with all the leaders of the various disciplines in the building to discuss issues and make plans. It is a excellent system and without boasting I will say we have been judged the best facility of our kind in the United States for many years running. In contrast, the associated facility next door to us is large and unwieldy. Committees abound and seem to take forever to accomplish the smallest changes. The contrast is simple versus complex or action versus talking. 

            On a personal level, we might think of how things go when we over think things. Somethings are just simple and straightforward. The more you think or ruminate over them, the more complex it seems.

            When Jesus says that we should remain as simple as a child, he refers to this ability we have to see the truth without making it complicated. This was true of the Apostles who had no formal training and no degrees. It is true of the church even today when the faithful have a sense of what is right and wrong regardless of lengthy arguments, logic, treatises and pronouncements about one issue or another by one Bishop or another or even the Pope. I have said it before that this 'sense of the faithful' actually has a name within the Roman Catholic church and it is called "Sensus Fidelium".  Very often the complex answers of committees and lengthy thought does not yield anything more than obfuscation and wrong judgement. What is revealed to infants (all of us) is quite often the obvious and correct answer.

             So issues of birth control, divorce, married clergy, same sex marriage and the dignity of gay people all are settled really. The faithful have the answers and they are waiting for the 'commiittees to wrap up their work and realize the correct answers that everyone else has held for years.

             

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and  understanding and revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and  any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Marriage equality based on Mark

Mark 2:1-12

           How often have we seen someone up the ante? It could be a parent disciplining a child. "You are grounded for 1 week for X and an additional week for talking back!". Or a judge might do the same thing, "$200 for speeding and an additional $100 in contempt for alleging that I am a crotchety old judge!" Sometimes I like to see someone get their comeuppance. Such is the case in this passage. Things don't turn out the way you thought they would.

            Jesus was content to forgive the sins of the paralytic because of his faith. When the scribes put up a huff and in a self righteous way, Jesus as much as says' you know what, just for that let me show what I really can do' and tells the paralytic to get up and walk home.

           Is it so hard to believe and accept that someone might want to do good, be good or love just because they don't measure up to your standards of correctness? Jesus was a heretic and a blasphemer for forgiving sins and quite often on the sabbath too! Was it really that bad to say his sins were forgiven? Isn't it easy? Wasn't it loving?

            Treyvon Martin and Mr. Zimmerman not withstanding, one of the most heated debates around the country has been about marriage equality or lack thereof.  When two men or two women decide to pledge their lives together and want to seal it with all the rights and responsibilities associated with it, what is so difficult to understand? I realize that it does not mesh with some peoples religious beliefs but no one has forced any church or denomination to honor or perform such marriages. In light of this passage though, is it so difficult to understand that there is a definite and real good associated with long term committed relationships even when they are same sex couples? Lets put aside the stereotypes and misinformation propagated by the anti-equality crowd, we are speaking of relationships no different in essence than any so called straight marriage. I know it seems heretical to some faiths. And with a sense of comic relief it is said that gays want nothing more than the  boring lives that straight couples have. Why should gays be denied the same marital anguish and arguments that straight couples have?

          All joking aside, it may not mesh with every one's standards of a Sacrament ( although it certainly does to me ), but in light of how Jesus handled the scribes, it is apparent that just because a person doesn't say it is valid doesn't mean that these marriages are not  real, substantive, committed loving relationships that can be legal marriages.  In the interest of separation of church and state, let the government allow same sex marriage and let whatever church wishes to restrict their definition of a marriage to that particular faith.  Instruct your faithful that marriage is only between a man and a women as the Catholics do. The faithful will see with their own eyes and with the eyes of faith that is is not true. Perhaps that is crux of the issue. Churches know that they run the risk of being 'found out'. People will realize all the more how hypocritical and narrow minded their leadeship is right from the top. Still, if the faithful believes it, fine. No one is forcing anyone to go against their religion and to marry someone of the same sex.

               Same sex marriage does not follow to the letter what Genesis puts forth as truth. However there are many, many things in scripture that we already realize are not true in a literal sense, creation itself being one big bang of an example. Same sex marriage does however follow scripture strictly in the spirit in that it is not right for 'man' to be alone. And lastly, marrriage equality corresponds deeply to a strict sense of love and respect that Jesus preached.

            So these marriages don't follow your sense of correctness but they are real with real people, real intent and real love. That is what God looks at and once again God ups the ante expanding love more and more.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ 

Losing a bad taste

Matthew 10:34-11:1

            This doesn't sound to friendly does it? Families set against each other?  Disrupted households?  A willingness to give up everything that we know and hold sacred, families, life itself?

          It reminds me very much of what a gay person goes through when they are coming to terms with their sexuality and the risk they undertake when telling family and friends. It isn't always a story book ending. Parents can be less than understanding. Families have been known to disown children. Announcing you are gay takes a great deal of guts. But to be yourself, to acknowledge who you are, to own up to it, say it and to love yourself, it's a risk you have to take. Life in a closet is not a life. It certainly is not how God intended us to live. Out and proud. Amen.

         This is how we have to love God as well. Put everything at risk for God. We don't own anyone. They don't own us. Parents do not own kids and kids do not own their parents. We are graced with the presence of others and graced with the privilege to love and serve each other. But thee most important thing is God. We start with God and we will return to God. This world is transient and to follow God we should be willing to risk it all. The same as a gay person risks it all to be who they are. They go hand in hand when you think about it. To love yourself, the way God made you is to love God. So the risk is worth it.

           The amazing thing, and my life will bear this out, is that if your family turns it's back on you or if there are friends that turn your back on you ( for being gay or for loving God ), there are a whole host of other people who will fill that void.  People will step up that you didn't realize would support you. People will step up that never knew you before and will become more important that your so called 'real' family. This is consistent with scripture and this passage.

            Whoever accepts you is accepting God and that includes yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. Accept yourself for who God made you to be. You honor God in the process.  You may lose what you thought was importnat but gain the world.

‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’ 

Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.

Lawyer up !

Luke 10:25-37

          We may not realize it, but we here in the United States are very legalistic.  We have a different view that most of the world about laws and how they are obeyed or not obeyed. We are also very litiginous, seeking lawsuits over seemingly ridiculous things. The most famous in my mind is the person that sued McDonald's because the coffee spilled on themself and they got burned;  there was no warning printed on the cup that the coffee was hot. Uh-mayzing! This speaks in a small way of our society. Everyone lawyers up and perhaps because of the society we have created it really is necessary. Even I envisioned having to get a lawyer recently. I was riding my brand new bike when a car hit me. The driver was quite remorseful and promised to do the right thing only to later decide what his version of the right thing was, not to replace the bike. In the end he came to his senses but I had envisioned a battle royal with lawyers and insurance companies all lined up. All I wanted was my brand new bike replaced. He was welcome to the hulk he created.

          In Jesus' time and before that, we look for justification, clarification and rules. I will guess it wasn't just religious, but in all things. The question that arises in one of today's other readings from Deuteronomy and here in Luke is what do we need to do to be saved? What do we need to do to live a good life, pleasing to God? 

          There are always those that could and would line up rules, rubrics and guidelines for you to live a proper life. No matter what the topic, there would be a stricture. I often speak of the religious rules that are set up. The rules that Howard and I speak of as nonsense, rules set up for accommodation. I won't review any of them here today. ( perhaps the first thing of the day to be thankful for! )

           So what is the point? It is not rules and rubrics, not Lawyering up or sanctified strictures of living that is pleasing to God. If rewards are to be had or earned, you will not get them by legalistic ways.  It is really quite simple, keep the love of God in your heart all day long and live accordingly. Have no malice towards anyone, yourself, others or God. Keep your heart full of love and free from judgement.

          There is no need to lawyer up about the rules , exceptions, conditions and clarifications. Love is so simple and pure and love, IS the answer.

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?"

He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.

Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.'

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"

He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

New sight

Job 5:8-9,20-27 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

          Oh to see with the eyes of faith. On Wednesday I touched on God's vision being quite different from ours. He sees more and sees into the hearts of men (and women). I alluded to our imperfect vision. But with eyes of faith we can see incredible and wondrous things.

          If we look at life in the eyes of faith, we will see things that many people fail to see. We will see those "unsearchable, marvellous things without number". We will be able to look at any situation and see the positive side, the silver lining if you will.  Of course some things are tragic and we will not see any good with our eyes but with the eyes of faith we can hope and believe that we will see the dawn and light out of even the worst of circumstances.

           When I was in the seminary I wrote a 'theme' about entering into the desert as the Israelites did. The desert seems barren. It is dark, dangerous and inhospitable. Your life is at risk. But in that desert there is also hidden life, thriving life and incongruously, water can abound in the most unusual places.  What we see as barren wasteland can be alternatively be a place of life. It depends on how you look at it. In addition, when we think of the Israelites wandering in the desert, well, don't we wander aimlessly sometimes in life? With faith, we will be sustained and come to a new life as the Israelites did. Even when it seems hopeless, the eyes of faith can see hope and opportunity for love.

          Lastly, in regards to seeing, we all know someone who simply can't see the good in anything.
They have nothing good to say. Everything is negative. I call them energy suckers because they will suck the life out of you if continue to listen to them. We need to train ourselves and to see with the eyes of faith; to see what is good in our lives. What do you have to be thankful for? There are issues in every one's life but there is much more to be thankful for.

         With the eyes of faith all things are new, all life is filled with hope and love.

‘As for me, I would seek God,
   and to God I would commit my cause.
He does great things and unsearchable,
   marvellous things without number.
In famine he will redeem you from death,
   and in war from the power of the sword.
You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,
   and shall not fear destruction when it comes.
At destruction and famine you shall laugh,
   and shall not fear the wild animals of the earth.
For you shall be in league with the stones of the field,
   and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.
You shall know that your tent is safe,
   you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing.
You shall know that your descendants will be many,
   and your offspring like the grass of the earth.
You shall come to your grave in ripe old age,
   as a shock of grain comes up to the threshing-floor in its season.
See, we have searched this out; it is true.
   Hear, and know it for yourself.’ 

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 

Wise as serpents and innocent as doves

Matthew 10:16-23

          Sometimes you are given a vision that being a faithful person is being meek, is mild and passive. Oh to the contrary. The faithful person puts his trust in God but acts using the intelligence and wisdom that is only based in God.  We are to use all the 'weapons' we are graced with. Intelligence, wisdom, fellowship, and even money if you are so graced.

          We live in a tough world where the righteous lie for their cause, misrepresent truth and Gospel, purport to convey the word of God. How do we fight this? I 'll give you an example. Although this man professes to be agnostic or an atheist, he uses his wisdom, intelligence and his God given talents to  debunk and fight the mistruths and biases against the gay community. To me he is a role model and hero,  John Corvino. Another example is the social activism of organizations like The Human Rights Campaign and the Empire Pride Agenda.

           As faithful people we must ultimately place our faith and trust in God. As faithful people we are called to use all the tools God has given us at our disposal to be the rebel that Jesus showed us he was.

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Foundations

Luke 14:27-33

          One of the joyous things about Baptism is that it speaks of new life, a new beginning. The child is the foundation for the future. At the same time the parents are obliged to lay down the proper foundation for the child to be able to built that future. The fundamental message is how loved they are, unreservedly so. How unique and valuable they are as a person. To instill self respect, dignity and the ability to learn and love. It is quite a challenge. As Baptism is a communal Sacrament, the challenge is to the entire assembled community. It Takes a Village is quite true. We all have a role.

           What roles will we play and what foundation shall we lay for this child? What foundation is essential for all us?

           We all must be loved sufficiently by our parents and those around us so that we realize just how much a gift each of truly is. God gifts each one of us to this world. We are not owned by anyone. We do not own anyone. But we must nurture the knowledge that we we are unique and beautiful creations of God. This is a fundamental foundation. There must be assertive discipline along the way but more than anything, love.

              This is not any easy task. We have all been damaged as we grow up and so to ask us to create perfection in children is not an easy task as I said. And after all we are not God. But we know how how lovable and pure children are, we should respect that and build on that. Never diminish their worth, we must not restrict our love, always nourishing the child. In this way, the resulting adult will be better off, more well adjusted, more reflective of the beauty that God has graced us with. To damage the purity of a child seems to be one of the most awful sins one could commit. Harm to a child certainly betrays the Baptismal promises we make for the child.

            I suppose when I read this passage and read about proper foundations I cannot help but think of the children because I am a newly minted grandfather, twice over. I see the purity, the hope and the unrestricted love for these beautiful babies.

            I am in awe of such a beautiful gift that God has entrusted the parents with. I am in awe of new life, new hope and the wonder of creation. Praise God. Honor the mission of foundation.     

Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

God vision

1 Samuel 16:1-13

     It's a rather long passage to explain how God picks David. By all accounts David was not the one to choose. God has a habit of doing that. From a human perspective, and I am very human, I would not have Jesus be a carpenter if I was pinning the salvation of the world on him. Perhaps the powerful son of a Roman leader who 'finds' God; perhaps the son of a person with a strong religious background. A chief Priests' son perhaps?  But as this passage states, the Lord looks on the heart. God sees what we cannot see or what we choose not to see.

        Have you ever seen a couple together and you say, what does he see in him! or her?  The heart sees what the heart sees. God sees with better than 20/20 vision. He sees into the soul and knows all. We make rash judgements based on our own biases, our own prejudices and our own poor vision of things. We swear to things we really aren't certain of. "well, so and so said it was true!" Sometimes we are so laughable, so gullible. I can see God laughing but I can also see him crying at how we act and what we believe in. 

           Case in point, religion. How many religions and restrictions are out there amongst man? How many are certain they have the true way, the answers, the pipeline to God's revealed word? Even if you have those words in your hand, what we interpret them as is our own doing, not necessarily God's intent.  Still, God sees into the heart of man, each and every one of us. What is your intent? Is it to love? Or is it to love as you think God loves.  Critical questions to be sure. Perhaps that is why we should be more concerned with how we live our own lives and make our own best decisions for ourselves. Let God do the judging.  We know certain taboos that God has placed before us, guidelines to be sure. Inspired words to be sure. How we live them out is a matter of conscience.

          Rules and rubrics can come and go no matter how holy they are told to be. Jesus railed against most of them for sure. Why? Because as Howard says, most of the rules and rubrics are happy horse , uh, manure. What counts is how we live, how we love and what is in our hearts. God sees that. Yes, He sees that.

Samuel Anoints David

The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’ Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Take a heifer with you, and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.” Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.’ Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ He said, ‘Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.’ And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’ He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. 

Wrestling with God

Genesis 32:22-32

         On what shall I concentrate my efforts on today? This reading is so rich and begs for commentary as well as contextual clarifications. Should it be something about the two wives? What of this man Jacob has been wrestling with?  How about the fact you are not supposed to eat the thigh muscle because it was Jacob's hip socket at the thigh muscle that was struck in this story. That seems absurd. It would also seem absurd to use this is a biblical sanction of polygamy even though it is here as plain as day in Scripture. No, lets speak of wrestling.

           Aside from professional wrestling or wrestling in high school, do we wrestle with others? Do we wrestle with God?

           I believe this is a story about wrestling with God. If, as we believe, that the Bible is really a sort of love story of God and His people, wrestling certainly would be part of the mix. No one in any relationship always agrees. So, perhaps not a physical wrestling but certainly mental, emotional and spiritual. How do we come to terms with God who is so far above us in every conceivable way and yet he loves each one of us. He cares for us, loves us, cherishes us. He tries to guide us in his ways of love. Sometimes we don't get it. Sometimes our idea of love and forgiveness does not match up to God's and so we wrestle with Him. We wrestle when we do not understand and want to. We wrestle with God about forgiveness when we don't feel worthy of it. Or we don't think someone else is worthy of it. If we have a real relationship with God, we can wrestle, we can question, we can discuss and maybe even be a bit angry when things don't go the way we think they should go. 

          I think that even when we mentally of verbally wrestle with other people, we are still wrestling with God and the way we perceive God to be. We argue our own position against someone else's and yet there may be a third position, or a fourth and perhaps we come to realize God's position.

          I say cheers, here's to good wresting!

        

            

The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’ Then the man said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.’ Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’ The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the hip socket, because he struck Jacob on the hip socket at the thigh muscle.