Old wives tales

1 Timothy 4:6-16

           As with many scriptures I tend to pick up on some of the more obscure statements. Sometimes that is quite good, like why the word "pais" was used in the scripture passage about the centurion and his "slave". Here, I picked up on the admonition to have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales.  I wonder what old wives tales they had back in the day or have some of them just been rolling around forever. I know an old wives tale from today is that if a bird poops on you it will bring you good luck. While in Atlantic City many years ago I was 'attacked' by at least one sea gull. It was enough to force me to abandon my shirt to the nearest garbage basket on the boardwalk. Sadly I contributed another $50 bucks in trying in vain to find my 'new found' good luck. Perhaps my good fortune was not immediate and that's one reason I have the most wonderful husband in the world.  Still, I am going to avoid flocks of low flying birds.

           But what of old wives tales?  Before the age of scientific discovery and some of the fantastic knowledge we have today, what were the wives tales to be avoided? I think it is quite possible it is an admonition to avoid some of the less realistic rules and ways of living we create for ourselves or that our religions or societies create. When I look back on some of the things that were believed in the past it is laughable, the world being flat, the earth at the center of the universe. These do seem laughable. How about that indigenous people do not have souls? How about that women are not equal to men? This goes from laughable to sad. It seems embarrassing that we believed some of the things we once purported to be truths.

           A myth going around today involves gay people and marriage. Gay people are not capable of lasting, committed relationships. Gay people are called to celibacy. Marriage is, as it has always been, between one man and one woman - ordained by God. These are all old wives tales. That's putting it nicely really. They show ignorance, bigotry and a denial of facts in evidence!  Some of the very things people once said about blacks are being aimed at the gay community. I am not sure if it has to do with fear of moving forward or maintaining a power structure and some idealized remembrance of life that never really was.

          We are called to move forward with knowledge and without bias. The only true knowledge that we need to know is that God loves us and calls us all to love ourselves and others. Get rid of any old wives tales you may be harboring. Go out and love. But if you sneeze before you go out, stop because it'd be bad luck to continue on your way. Certainly don't go out with wet hair, you'll catch a cold.

If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.

These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Are we guinea pigs or are we men?

Matthew 5:1-10

          If you are old enough or have been able to watch old movies you may have seen the classic of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland as kids. The have nothing to do any no real assets but they take stock of what they do have and put on a play. From nothingness springs this whole great adventure and a wonderful play. I suppose now it would seem hokey but they had fun and the fact they really had nothing did not stop them from being happy.

            I can't help think of all the people who have nothing but seem to have everything important. I've spoken of it before but I always think of those dirt poor families in the Dominican Republic I visited who had nothing by worldly standards but seemed rich in spirit. They were very happy and very faithful. 

             The world has one set of standards and we often buy into them, after all it's hard to resist things that are pounded into by everything around you. Media, neighbors, family.  Living on this chic Island, the notion of keeping up with the Jones' often takes on a new meaning, taken to new heights. Perhaps the notion was invented here. Buying into what the world says in happiness assures nothing and perhaps simply mesmerizes you or deludes you into a state somewhere between happiness and boredom. As long as you are distracted you feel ok but never truly happy.

            This passage gives hope to all of us, especially those that may be judged by the worlds standards as 'not as good'. There is a message for everyone, especially the marginalized that you are blessed, you are holy and that you are an heir to the kingdom of heaven. You are a beloved child of God.

         If we buy into the rat race we will be like a guinea pig on a spinning wheel, running as fast as we can and really going no where. We need to step, get off the tread mill and see how blessed we are just in ourselves and not because of anything the world has to offer. Our humanity, our relationships and our love are the key to happiness and salvation.

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.

Moving forward in full light, no bushel baskets here

Matthew 5:13-16

        Can you imagine walking into a darkened room, turning on the light and then turning around and walking out of the room? We turn on lights when we enter a room to have illumination, so we can see, walk, read, progress. In a simile to this passage, we wouldn't open up a closet, turn on the light in the closet and then shut the door with the light on inside and us outside. Light is a metaphor and our lives lay in the balance.

          Let me use another one. When you are looking for something you have misplaced, you don't continue looking for it once you found it do you? That would be absurd. You find whatever it is and move forward.

           When we are speaking of faith or personal insights (which relates to our faith), we move forward. We are called to wholeness (nothing new from me there). It would seem silly to learn something about yourself and then discard it.  A case in point for myself is being gay. Once I put all the pieces of the puzzle together, what do you do? Some would have me put that light under a bushel basket. However, when God has created you as something rather unique and special, and we all are in one way or another, you don't dismiss it. You revel in it, you explore it, you rejoice in it. Being gay is not a license to be immoral but it is also not a calling to be asexual. One of the fundamental messages of Genesis is that we are called into community, that it is not good for man to be alone. We search for the one who completes us. This is wholly good whether you are gay or straight.

        I used being gay as being but a single example. What else can we think of in the realm of self discovery or knowledge where it can be looked as a light or knowledge. We do not move backward. We may not run forward willy nilly but we move forward in faith and knowledge. We do hide under bushel baskets. To do so is a sin against God who created us in light and love.

      

‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Assuming facts not in evidence

John 7:37-41

            I had a brother in law who refused to buy gasoline from Hess. One time 25 years ago he filled up there and it was while he was driving on that fill up that he had some car problems. So, no gas from them from then on. Meanwhile I fill up exclusively at Hess stations because I have never had a problem, it's always competitive and clean, if not pristine.  There it is, the "absolutely never Hess" guy and the I am 'the Hess guy'. Isn't it funny how we have our preferences?  We make judgements about things all the time based on what? Trivial incidental happenings? A good commercial or a bias of nationalities?

          I loved the one where people say I only buy American !  I invariably see them driving a vintage Ford Crown Victoria. Unfortunately for them, there was a time when the quintessential American car had so much foreign content (parts) that it had to be classified as a foreign car. Don't tell all those flag waving Americans who still seek out Crown Vics though.  We all have these judgements.

         The guy in this passage said ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? This person has made a judgement that someone holy, someone who would save Israel, the Messiah had to come from a certain holy city, a bloodline or some such. Many in Jesus' time were expecting the Messiah who would be a warrior and king. Surprise, surprise!

         I recall an episode of All in the Family when Archie has to get a blood transfusion and it winds out it came from a Black man. Archie was all happy, thankful and grateful until he is faced with the fact that his wellness is due to the least likely person he would have expected, or wanted. Archie had to grow up some and perhaps reassess his way of thinking after that.

        We all need to grow up and make reassessments because we all make silly judgements and decisions. It seems absolutely stupid to me not to buy Hess gasoline after a problem which may or may not have been associated with just that one tankful. As Jack McCoy would say, it assumes facts not in evidence. Don't get me wrong, I have made some pretty stupid judgements myself.  It isn't so much that we will never do that but we have to be aware and try not to. There is a good possibility that the person in this scripture passage will miss out on the Messiah simply because he can't fathom him coming from Galilee. 

        What will we miss out on because we don't want to see something?  Will we miss a a friend or family member because someone gay can't possibly be good , decent and loving? Will we turn our back on a helping hand if the person turns out they look like Muslim in a stereotypical way?

         Scriptures often say, 'for those that ears, listen'. I would add, for those that have eyes, see'.

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he?

Do you hear what I hear? Do you read what I read?

Acts 1:15-26

          An interesting piece of church history, right here in this passage. If you had to guess, what would you say an Apostle was most similar to? I'd have to say Bishop. But here, after Jesus handed over the reigns to Peter, there is no appointment, there is an election. I'm not making this up as you can read, they casted lots. By any other name, an election. Why is it not done so now?  In fact  I think it is except in the one church that claims that they alone are the one true church.

           At this mornings service at the Friary, the reflection was about the Bible. There was a brand new baby in our midst, less than a week old and the good brother made a point of saying he did not think young ears and eyes were suitable to read the Bible. Even pictorial representations could be quite disturbing. He's right. Have you read some of the stuff that's in there?

            In the Bible you have stories of rape, concubines, brothers killing brothers, whole people mowing down other peoples, slavery, incest and the list goes on and on. Rather disturbing wouldn't you say? So what is the true message in all that we read? If the Bible is a series of books in different  genres that all try to speak about the love story of a God and His people; if the Bible is a people trying desperately to place the God they love in the center of their difficult and imperfect lives, what can we say is the foundational message that God wishes us to have? There are many messages for sure. I don't think that the story of Lot offering up his daughters for gang rape in lieu of the townsmen raping Lot's guests is any real message other than how inhospitable the townspeople were and I am being generous in that  judgement. I certainly don't think it typifies gay love or an example used to prohibit same sex love and relationships. Certainly any more than Lots daughters being offered up in place of gay rape is an example against heterosexual love and relationships. Rape is rape, not a good example to be reading in scripture, eh?

           So what is the example of scripture? What is the message of God to us his revealed word? Oddly enough it is all about love. However poorly written in so many passages, there are hints f love throughout. The psalms, love stories, David and Johnathan, Ruth and Naomi, Te Centurion and his 'dear' "slave". 

           If the Jews of the day did not get the real message, Jesus came to give it to them. Not in condemnation but in words and actions. Jesus gave the two great commandments the basis of which is love . Jesus' actions were all about love. This is at the core and intent of all scriptures. 

        We have to be very careful what messages we yank out of scripture randomly. We know scriptures have been used to justify war, slavery and countless other social sins. none of which have anything to do with love.  Going back to the passage from today, I do find it fascinating that of all the examples of scripture, voting (democracy) is a clear and obvious lesson to be learned. After inquisitions, crusades, ignorance and arrogance, child abuse and cover ups, still, voting is not even close to a rule in the "one true church".

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ‘For it is written in the book of Psalms,
“Let his homestead become desolate,
   and let there be no one to live in it”; and
“Let another take his position of overseer.”
So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

A common core

Matthew 5:38-48

        Do not be afraid, but. There's always a but, this passage made me think of James Carville and Mary Matalin. I think the reason they came to mind is that they seem to be opposites. I never could figure out how they could be married. He is left, she is right. Of course if you ask me, he is right and she is just wrong. Sorry, sometimes I can't help myself. The fact remains that they are two people on complete opposite ends of the political spectrum. How do things like that happen?

         A few months back I was at an LGBTQ spirituality meeting and there was a really fabulous young man there. He revelled in in his own 'fabulosity'. He had been a boy toy, been to all the white parties and lived the gayest of lifestyles. Interesting thing though, he seemed to be in love with (and please forgive this word), his "hag". The hag was very beautiful and she seemed to be a wonderful person.  In our discussions that evening he confided that after seeing and experiencing so much sex, what really mattered to him was the person inside. The 'equipment' was enjoyable but not as important for his happiness. I was struck by that. 

          I don't think we are encoded with stereotypes or social paradigms like "an eye for an eye".  But somehow we get the message of left and right, right and wrong, black and white.  I suppose by even mentioning it I am perpetuating it.  Be that as it may, this passage seems to me to be telling us that these are human constructs. Like James and Mary who seem to be opposites by our standards, they seem to have found some over riding factor that let them find companionship, respect and even deep abiding love. Whatever this 'thing' is they found, I beleive may be the same concept my young LGBTQ meeting friend was talking about. 

          We judge almost everything by the worlds standards. Very often it is  Madison Avenue, political systems and even religions. Almost all of us buy into something and run with it forsaking others and accepting whatever 'their' agenda or beliefs are.

          It seems to me this passage is speaking against all the human things we buy into. Once again we are being asked to accept the standards of another world, of a savior who died so we could actually live in that 'other world'. Paradise. Heaven. Eternal bliss with our creator. We are called to look beyond stereotypes, beliefs and even actions. What is in the heart of someone else? What is the beauty of another person that we may not see, that we may not understand?  What is the beauty that another may be hiding for fear of being hurt, rejected or tormented?  Would we want to be judged on surface, worldly criteria?  Do we bare our souls to everyone we meet or do hide who we really are a large part of the time? 

         Time is the thing we have precious little of. We should use what time we do have to love. We need to try and see the beauty in everyone. If we judge and turn a blind eye (our a deaf ear) we are failing in our purpose as humans. We are also missing out on some very beautiful people for as they say, "God don't make junk" and you will find these beautiful people everywhere. Very often they are in the least likely places you'd expect. 

"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.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

On death and dying

John 11:1-16

          Death is such a peculiar thing.  Why do we fear it so?  I have seen my share of death first hand and it is often not pretty. If not because of any violence that might be involved, because it rips us from those we know and love.

          There are opposing forces at work in death. As believers, we await the next plane of our existence, our eternal life in heaven or whatever else it may be.  At the same time that we respect life, this life, it often it masks the fear of leaving this world in fear of what the next life will bring. Perhaps in another sense respect is misleading. We really want to hold onto this life not just out of fear but out of comfort. Perhaps we have had a good material life. What will the next life bring? Totally unknown and will it be condemnation or ecstasy of the presence of God? Perhaps we have had a good life filled with family and friends. We may love it so much we are reluctant to say good bye.

          Saying good bye as a fear of dying is a natural, human emotion. When I would speak at wake services I often noted how Jesus reacted from Thursday evening on to the time of his death. The last supper after all else and it's significance was quite literally his last supper with his friends. These are guys he travelled with, ate with and drank wine with. These were best buds and he was saying goodbye. As Jesus was dying on the cross, he cried over leaving his mother and 'disciple whom Jesus loved'. Jesus had prayed that if this cup could pass him by and yet he drank from this tortured cup willingly for us.

          I know the pain of not wanting to be parted with a loved one. When my own mother said she was ready to go home, I said no. I know when my friend was being tortured, living in pain, his wife could not bear to let him go. He lingered so long and in this respect fear of his death was a selfish respect for life on her part. It is a selfishness that fully understand.

           The opposition to fear of dying would be to embrace it.  I have seen so many cases when the person who is dying says that they are ready, the family 'releases the person', they can go home to the Father. This is a joyous transition. While perhaps tinged by earful goodbyes it is also an acknowledgement  of the hope and joy of new life. It is  a remembrance of the fact that we are Easter people, celebrating Easter Sunday, new life and the Resurrection.

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it, he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Then after this he said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?’ Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.’ After saying this, he told them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.’ Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’ Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’

The story of my life, my own song.

Song 3:1-4

           You know I did not realize I was gay until I was about 50 years old. In those fifty years, I married and had two children, wonderful children. It was not a bad marriage though it was not the best either. From the time of my youth I had been searching. I was ill at ease inside.  My soul longed for .....something. It must be God, right? So I searched. I tried to draw closer to God my entire life, I still do. The journey ain't over till it's over, eh? I believed the emptiness or that 'something' that was missing was God. I searched, studied and prayed.  In the ensuing years that I searched, I had a good life. Fun times, love, sadness. Basically everyone's life I would hope except that I still had that feeling something was wrong. It could be masked and there were times it subsided but it was there gnawing at me. I searched.

           When I began to get an inkling that I was gay, I had reached a point past ordination and the kids were adults.  The inkling was very unsettling as if I was saying "it couldn't be", not me? After therapy and still, much prayer and time alone, I was able to come out. Even in this writing I am glossing over some of the trauma, the difficult decisions and emotional turmoil.  None the less, I found the strength  by the grace of God, to come out in an honest and forthright way. Many were not happy with me and still are not happy. I had two aces up my sleeve in a manner of speaking. One was that a grace of searching and trusting in God as I had done my whole life, I knew without a doubt that God loved me no matter what. If I was gay (and I certainly am), God made me that way and God loved me that way more than I could possibly imagine.  The second ace was that I knew in my heart that I was the most honest and decent I could be in coming out. Did I make mistakes? Perhaps. There is no perfect script for announcing you are gay to anyone, you don't plan for it your whole life, like let's say your wedding. I did the best I could and did it honestly. That saved me and gave me strength.

           Then there was my husband. At the time he was merely a friend. As time passed however, I knew that he was the one that I searched for. When I lay in bed at night when I had feelings of emptiness or was feeling like I was not whole, it was he whom I prayed to God for. All my life I prayed for wholeness and him. God graced me with him and we are now two wonderful loving  husbands. We are newlyweds and exude joy and happiness and we are ever so cognizant of the graces we have been given in each other.

       I prayed longer than Saint Monica for something I did not know I was praying for. Peace? Love? Faith? all of the above? They were all answered by God in knowing who I am and in my husband. The story of my life, a song of love that has not ended. A song orchestrated by God that we will sing out for the rest of our lives.      

Upon my bed at night
   I sought him whom my soul loves;
I sought him, but found him not;
   I called him, but he gave no answer.
‘I will rise now and go about the city,
   in the streets and in the squares;
I will seek him whom my soul loves.’
   I sought him, but found him not.
The sentinels found me,
   as they went about in the city.
‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’
Scarcely had I passed them,
   when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go
   until I brought him into my mother’s house,
   and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Along for the ride? Hop aboard

Hebrews 2:10-18

          Back in the day, my father used to take us boys travelling in what had to be one of the very first conversion vans,  circa 1963. We went all over and it probably gave me my thirst for traveling. One of the things I recall about those times were the hitch hikers. Hippies, men in uniform with duffel bags and all sorts of people. My Dad picked up many hitchhikers that were going our way. All seemed to be welcome on our journey.

          Today's passage speaks about brothers and sisters, accepting the message ( of salvation )  no matter who you are. Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience for the most part ( naturally ) but the disciples spoke to a broader audience, not only Gentiles but people of varied nationality and philosophy. In fact one of the reasons scripture interpretation is so challenging is not only because of language differences but the way in which the Greeks viewed things and actually thought. It was different culture, a different world view, a different history and of course a different language. Translation is always a challenge. But the message went out to a vast array of peoples. One only need google the routes the Apostles travelled and transpose it over a world map of today. Very interesting. Somehow, people with ears to listen, heard the truth and the love that was being conveyed. Christianity spread like wildfire.

           Today in the church we recall Frederick Douglas, a vibrant and eloquent speaker known as "the sage of Anacostia" and "the lion of Anacostia". One might assume that because Mr. Douglas was a black man and a slave, he spoke to that audience. You'd be quite wrong. He spoke eloquently about equality and freedom for everyone. Perhaps a dividend of him being an ordained minister along with his many other titles and accomplishments. Mr. Douglas said "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." He stood with a wide variety of people as we are all children of God, all brothers and sisters, all open to the message of salvation and all asked to respond to the love of our creator.  The message is open to all. 

          During Black history month perhaps it is good to recall that the message of love, faith and freedom was not always open to African Americans just as it was not always open to women. Perhaps anyone reading this for a glimpse of support as a gay man or woman would also know what it is like to be considered anathema, not worthy or not equal. We are of course worthy, just not always treated so. Villainized, marginalized and segregated in a more modern way but segregated none the less. Perhaps not as much any more but certainly so in other parts of the world where we are still in fear for our lives.

        If the passages of today say anything they speak of universal brotherhood and that the message of God's love is open and equal for all. No one, not anyone should be dismissed or diminished because God invites us one and all. If you have ears to hear, hear this.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,
‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
   in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’
And again,
‘I will put my trust in him.’
And again,
‘Here am I and the children whom God has given me.’

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. 

How narrow is narrow? How wide is wide?

John 10:1-2

            I considerably shortened the passage for today because I was particularly struck by just these 2 lines.  When I was growing up no one that I knew had a fence with a gate. We lived in suburbia but the only people that had the kind of fence that required a gate were generally people I didn't know and did not want to know.  It meant 'leave me alone' or 'warning, dangerous dog who will attack you' if you come through the gate. These gates were invariably narrow and this is why I always saw this line of scripture the way I did. The gate to salvation was very narrow. It was the church's way or no way (to salvation and heaven). 

         It wasn't until many years later as an adult (when I had already been sufficiently indoctrinated) that I heard a quite different interpretation at a Benedictine Priory. One of the monks gave a moving reflection on the idea that gate may in fact be very wide and all embracing. This would be in direct contrast to everything I had always heard and to my visions of the narrow gates of my youth.

         Even as an adult ally of the LGBTQ ( I hadn't yet connected all the dots about myself ) I had studied the Catechism and knew being gay was supposed to be ok but there were rules that had to obeyed to be  "one" with the church. Gays were called to celibacy and any expression of gay love was a mortal sin which by definition was a grave sin risking your eternal soul. These rules were in contrast to the rules for heterosexuals who were also called to chastity but in thire case was incredibly overlooked. Also overlooked were the countless gay priests and those who were not chaste by virtueof their abuse of young children.  IN the latter, 'overloooked' is overly geneerous. The church 'harbored' and tacitly approved is more like it. 

        But ahhh, what I have learned. I now believe the gate is wide and as embracing as God's love. The gate is wide to reflect the wide diversity of God's creation and love. No longer do I believe the stricture that the church of my youth foisted as truth. Heresy of heresies, the Roman Catholic church is wrong. Wait, wait, wait for it......hmm, no bolt of lightening here. 

        God's gate embraces everyone, and if Jesus' life is any indication, even sinners and outcasts and those marginalized by those in 'authority' will be not only embraced but saved. Not unlike the prodigal son or is that prodigal father?.  

        One way or another, the message got through, the gate is wide, all are welcome and you my friend are loved more than you can ever imagine. Yes you!

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

Convenient beliefs, challenging facts

Mark 8:14-21

           A study was released this week. It turns out one in four Americans (U.S) think that the sun revolves around the earth. I'm not sure that's a testament to  stupidity or an indictment of our education system but the study results were in the news. It's amazing isn't it?  How could anyone really think that in this day and age?

        There are a great many things we are mistaken about in life. The question that is raised is what do we do when we are challenged? Do we stubbornly adhere to the old and untrue or do we embrace the best meaning of challenge which is to take a good look at something in a new light and learn from it. 

        Today two thoughts come to mind and both have to do with have ears and not hearing.  One is related to the fact that we remember Martin Luther today. Did you know he was a Roman Catholic Priest?   I think that's a little known fact.  I also doubt that he is actual one responsible for the reformation although one could argue that he lit the fuse and then it took on a life of it's own.  Martin Luther's intention was to challenge the church. There were real problems and legitimate complaints and he was raising them with his 95 theses nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.  His intent was not to break away from the church but to challenge the church to look at itself and change. True to form, the church 'excommunicated' Luther and went on it own merry arrogant way.

          Another thought that escapes countless Christians that hate Jews is that Jesus was Jewish. Not only a Jew but a good Jew. By Jesus' own admission he came to save the lost sheep of Israel. Jesus did not come to begin a new religion and when Jesus died, he died  Jewish. How does Christ being Jewish escape so many people? It is astounding.  If anything, Jesus was challenging the power elite of Judaism to return to the roots of the faith. Those roots are not laws, either the 10 commandments or the myriad other religious laws the Rabbi's had concocted.  Jesus synthesized it down to two great commandments all about love but Jesus was, again, Jewish.

     Martin Luther being a Roman Catholic Priest and Jesus being Jewish is something some people don't know and don't want to hear. Often people who challenge the powerful do not go down in history the way they should even if the facilitate change and move humanity and faith forward.  To those that have ears though, the truth is not heresy but enlightenment. 

        You can take any paradigm you wish and there are those that challenge the status quo to make us more enlightened, to move us forward in one way or another. 

        After Stonewall and to today, the gay community stepped out f the darkness and claimed their God given heritage and their dignity. Today more than ever we, the gay community, challenge the notion that marriage was and always was a "one man, one woman" design. History, the bible and nature show us differently. For those that have ears this truth is enlightening and filled with the love of God. It still challenges the church in myriad ways as much as Martin Luther did. It seems the church once again has trouble listening. Actually, the message of the Spirit.

         If you have ears and a brain, use them for what God intended and challenge yourself every day and in every way. Whether it is new ideas, time at spin class or a puzzle or unfamiliar and challenging truths. Challenge yourself.       

                   

Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’ 

The eye of the needle

Mark 10:23-31

       There is the story of the man who obeyed all the commandments which I wrote about just last week. The man was shocked that he was being asked to give away everything he owned.  This passage is quite similar. Wealth seems to bring a sense of complacency, that everything is fine.

       When I went to the Dominican Republic for the first time, I was shocked. The lives of the people in the mountains near the Haitian border is far below anything we would perceive as poverty. Little if no running water, extremely unreliable electrical supply and most homes had none. The homes themselves were little more than 4 walls, openings for 'windows' (no glass) and dirt floors. If you were lucky enough to live in Hondo Valle there was a transmitting station and a food cooperative. People grew coffee beans and dried them on their front porches (cement slabs) next to the passing dirt road. There was no complacency here. Life was tenuous. But, and there is always a but, life was good, the people were happy and deeply faithful. This is what I had come to witness. It is astounding.

         I recall when my children were young, I probably had no right to even have children with what I was making for a living, money was scarce. Food and life was hand to mouth. I always collected discarded soda cans to redeem for additional money. A big pot of chili was cheap and lasted a week. Lucky enough to have a job with insurance, co-pays threw the budget into a tailspin.

         Now money is not as scarce. In my life  I have run the roller coaster of poverty, good money, high debt and recovery. It has taken me almost a whole life to 'get' this passage. I still am not sure if I will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven  but I believe I will. I certainly try. I am certainly not complacent about the money that I have earned. By the grace of God I have good health and good love, good family and friends.

            What was that last part? Good love, good family, good friends. These are the things that make life a joy and by which we earn ( if we can 'earn' ) our way into heaven. If we  focus on these, especially that part about love, and be much less interested in the physical wealth, we have a great head start.

            I often speak of honest self assessment and hard decisions. It's taken me almost a lifetime to learn as much (or as little) as I do. What thoughts and decisions will you be able to make? How do you assess your own life, your own love? How rich are you?

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’

Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ 

Hunky Jesus, gay sex.

          As the snow is coming down (yet again ), I am sitting inside writing in front of a roaring fire with my most wonderful husband laying on the couch next to me.  It is quite a visual for me and my mind tends to wander towards the more worldly, fleshy part of our existence if you know what I mean. It certainly doesn't help when you have just read an article in the New York Times about the men who have portrayed Jesus in films. Invariably hunky, sometimes blue eyed, oddly arianesque, ripped abs, almost always the antithesis of what a Jewish man would have looked like. He certainly would not look like the 6 foot 3 inch Diogo Morgado who will portray Jesus in an upcoming film who inspired the hashtag #hotjesus. All this while I am trying to write a spiritual reflection about today's readings. 

           Several things come to mind and again they are all worldly. Aren't these readings though about being worldly? The fact is on one hand how can we not be worldly. The physical is how we relate to this world. We may be called to a higher plane but we are human after all. It is in our humanity that we will (hopefully and prayerfully) achieve our wholeness and holiness.  What I am thinking is that no matter what, our spirituality and holiness are bound tightly to our relationship to our material world. Saint Vincent would say, ' be part of the world but not of the world'.

           For a spiritual gay man to see his hunky husband (not a hunky Jesus) sitting next to him it dawns on me that our sexuality is a considerably basic way in which we perceive and experience this physical world and how we perceive the spiritual world and the next plane of our existence. We are tightly bound to the physical. In being so I revel in God's creation of the man who is my husband. I celebrate and elevate him in every way and see the face of God in him and in his love, every aspect of love. Far from a lustful sex maniac or someone who delights in mere material pleasure, I see God's hand in every physical thing I see. From flowers and fish, pussycats and pastureland, and of course my hunky husband. It all calls me to the divine because it all comes from him and will all return to him.

        In today's second reading we are asked again about the material world and our transcendence into the divine. We so often justify ourselves, our lives and our opinions by the material world. This reading recognizes our relationship to the material and calls us beyond, to a higher plane, to the divine.

      We cannot simply justify ourselves and live simply in the material world with no other concerns. That kind of existence is where words like hedonism and misogyny come from. As believers, we know our calling is beyond the material. We should not be concerned with more, more, more of anything as a goal to itself. However, the material things around us can help us see the face of God better, not in a $10,000 Gucci bag or a $2000 Mercedes 'burnout' suitcase, but in a hug, a smile and yes even in incredible sex with your spouse. 

         The actions and love we express in any way elevate us to a higher plane, helps us to see the face of God and gives us a vision of the wholeness and holiness we are all meant to achieve as  an integral part of God's creation. 

1 Corinthians 3:1-9  ( and Matthew 5:21-37 )

And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.

I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready,

for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations?

For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human?

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each.

For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.

Matthew 5:21-37

"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.'

But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire.

So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,

leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.

Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

"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.

"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.

Wingnuts and wings of LGBTQ faith

Isaiah 52:7-10

          The Koch brothers will spend untold millions, if not billions, to promote their own agenda. Right wing religious nutjobs will make every attempt to make their beliefs the law of the land and ensure the rights of countless people who do not agree are negated and taken away. This is the energy, money and beliefs of far too many today.

           Pope Francis has taken the world by storm. While he satisfies neither left nor right (in Catholicism) he speaks basic truths and holiness that touches millions.  Simplicity, love, not beholden to ancient traditions at the expense of human love, he has a warmth that one can imagine Jesus Christ had as he walked among the crowds and preached.

               This week I will attend a monthly meeting on gay spirituality, Queer Eye for Contemporary Christianity. The discussion will be on the diversity of LGBTQ spirituality in contemporary Christianity.  As a group in society who have survived, or barely survived on the fringes and in the shadows and who have heard the message that God hates us, it is a grand opportunity to explore the opposite. The LGBTQ community is not only loved , but abundantly loved and specifically loved by God.  The love we seek and share is pure and often unfettered by some of the stigma and rules that have cursed many other believers. Rules and rubrics, self doubt and an air of guilt are part and portion of many a Christian experience. Love and sex especially has a stigma and is steeped in sin if you are straight. If you are gay, you can freely enjoy the joys of sex and loving that God created within us. Sexuality is an integral part of our being.  Integrating our sexuality and spirituality is a call back to the simplicity of God's message. The integration is properly more a putting back together of what should never have been separated.

              In our sexual freedom and in our discovery of how much we are truly loved by God, we have the distinct joy of starting anew. We can take the message of Christian love at it's basics and move forward to become holier and and more whole and complete people. We can focus less on being more successful in the worlds eyes and focus on the queer eye, an eye of love, spirituality and the extreme joy of being happy in our own skin just as God made us. From there will come peace, healing, restoration of the pure message of Christ. Our lives will be stories of a people truly blessed. I know mine is.

                      

How beautiful upon the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
   who announces salvation,
   who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
   together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
   the return of the Lord to Zion. 

Break forth together into singing,
   you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
   he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
   before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
   the salvation of our God. 

Accept your birthright, heirs to the kingdom

Ephesians 3:1-7

          There is a commercial on the radio where a couple discusses planning for their retirement. The man, in an over dramatization, says he is putting nothing aside because a long lost uncle will surely leave them a tidy sum when he dies and all will be good.  It really is a poor advertisement, I don't even know what they are promoting. However, they are doing a fine job for my purposes.  I think we have all had day dreams or "what if" sessions with friends or family at one time or another. Power ball is 330 million dollars. What if we won?  What if we discovered a secret bank account that went unclaimed and we really are due a million dollars!  A seemingly pleasant little fantasy but if we have any brains, we still plan for retirement.

               What of our eternal future? Do we plan for that?  Jesus makes it quite clear we are all brothers and sisters. This passage reaffirms our being heirs to the kingdom of God with all the rights and joys therein.  But you have to claim it, own it and live up to it.

               Anyone who is gay is painfully aware of the way we are told by many people how sinful, worthless and deviant we are supposed to be. "God hates fags" the placards of the Westboro Baptist Church proclaim. How can I adequately and calmly say how many things are wrong with that statement.  First, history is full of people who were supposedly excluded , unloved and unworthy of God's enormous love and compassion. Somehow, people swear to it in spite of what scripture says, in spite of the evidence of Jesus' lived existence. Jesus reached out to everyone. If you are so blind as to not see that, then realize that it was Paul that reached out to the gentiles. If not for Paul, you would in fact have to be Jewish to be saved. Did not Jesus come to save the lost sheep of Israel? Of course his actions and words speak louder than anything mere humans can record on paper, mistranslate, misinterpret and abuse for all time afterwards.

         We are all welcomed, loved and cherished by God.  Let no human tell you otherwise. Let no one or any church try to convince you by faulty logic or mere repetition that you are not worthy. Step up to the plate and accept your dignity, your honor and the love of your being an heir to God's good fortune and eternal happiness.  Do not let anyone convince you otherwise, no matter who you are.

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

I was then, but am now...

John 15:12-15

          As is my custom (even if it is a relatively new one), I read the story associated with the saint or holy person of the day. Today it is Absalom Jones and his is a very interesting story. I am sure there is even more to read. What I noticed is the fact that he was Methodist, then Episcopal. I find this interesting because I was Roman Catholic and am now Episcopal myself. Not unlike the Bishop of the Episcopal church on Long Island who was once a Roman Catholic Priest. And again, there is the book I recently read about Father Cutie in Florida who went from being a Roman Catholic Priest to falling in love with a most wonderful woman and subsequently became an Episcopal Priest. In a twist, I found out after Mass this week that the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement (Graymoor) had been Episcopal before they became Roman Catholic. I guess it fascinates me a bit, all these people that up and switch religions.  But when you think about it, Perhaps that is exactly what the Apostles did. They were all Jews and Jesus was a Jew. After Jesus was crucified and rose, basically it was a new religion, perhaps more so when the word was opened to the gentiles without having to convert to Judaism first.

           I keep rolling around in my head the notion that people up and change their religion.  But what is a religion anyway?  I suppose I was always really an Episcopal at heart. I mean, I never believed a whole array of doctrines that the Roman Catholic church puts forth, their nonsense about being gay is just one example. I know that several of my fellow seminarians also were not 'doctrinally pure' so to speak and yet they remained on as ordained Deacons in the church.  What is it that allows you to change.

             The late Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, was famously welcomed by a wide range of seemingly disparate religions and one of the reasons was his ability to cut through the dogma (perhaps bypass is a better word) and focus on the essence of what religion is. This is same reason I think people can change from one religion to another, especially if one changes within the realm of Christianity.  I went to the Episcopal church for many reasons. One reason was the similarity of the worship. Some people call it 'the smells and bells' of faith. It is not the basis of Christianity and it is not the basis of Catholicism or even being Episcopal but it lends a familiarity to my worship. 

           So what is the theorized universal constant that allows people to dismiss all sorts of dogmas and switch religions?  It is just that, the dogmas are often not an "all or nothing" proposition in any religion. Barring walking into a Roman Catholic church hand in hand with my husband, no one takes a doctrinal purity exam at the door. Everyone is free to accept or not accept the dogmas. What allows people to switch religions and what allows doctrinally impure people to stay in a Catholic church (when they are probably more doctrinally Episcopalians) is that we have a faith in Jesus Christ. 

         When Jesus preached the message of love that is his Father, he did not preach about transubstantiation, the dogma of Mary physically taken up into heaven, the proper formula for making a host, the exact form for a liturgy or anything else. The Apostles did not go to seminary to become doctrinally pure.

          What allows people to switch is that they are pure in the real message. That message is God's love, the realization that God sent his son as a human being just like us and who died just for us. Jesus only gave two important rules and that is the Two great commandments. They may not be easy to live sometimes, but they are our real and unchanging template for salvation, no matter what exact religion you are.

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

A theme continued, more aliens

Ephesians 2:13-22

        By human standards one of the silliest things I may have ever done was invite a total stranger to move into my home for several months. I was on the phone with a cousin in the state of Washington when she mentioned that her housekeepers son was looking for a place to stay while he checked out the possibility of moving to the east coast. He was a young married Baptist minister with a family. He'd leave his wife and family in search of a parsonage and perhaps a career. Perhaps not so risky as a total stranger but risky none the less and certainly well beyond what most people would do. While he was a good man we saw eye to eye on nothing except for one thing - we both knew Jesus was our Lord and saviour. Otherwise he was a rightwingnut of a guy who even as s Baptist found room for beer and Hawaiian pizza. Thank God that did not include Hawaii's favorite food, Spam, or I'd probably have heaved and thrown him out.

        But this man was a stranger and in continuing the theme I seem to have started a few days ago, I welcomed the stranger. That's what I have been talking about. Why is that? If we are faithful people, if we say yes to Christ, one of the tenets is set forth in this passage,  you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. If we accept our divine heritage and inheritance, if we accept the salvation offered by Christ, we must also acknowledge that same offer extends equally to every one else. We are once again, all brothers and sisters, all equally loved and cherished. How can we turn our back on our brothers and sisters if we are so loved.  There are practicalities involved of course but that should not be allowed to be an excuse to abdicate our responsiblity to love one another. We must welcome the aliens, the strangers because of we truly believe and accept the message of love there really are no strangers and there are no aliens. 

        Perhaps you will respond by donating to a qualitfied charity that helps  people in far off lands. Perhaps you will actually travel to those far off lands to help. Perhaps you will help closer to home, neighbors perhaps or indigent people that exist all around us if we chose to open our eyes.  Perhaps the stranger you welcome will be the next customer or client that crosses your path.  The key is to welcome and to have expansive love for everyone.  I would argue that extends to all of God's craetion and all the animals as well. However you are called you are called to welcome the foreigner.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

Aliens !

Genesis 26:1-5

           I am not a terribly outgoing person. When I am in a crow or at a party I am very shy and reserved especially if I am left to my own. In some ways I think I need to feel my presence acknowledged and my presence appreciated. That may be an insecurity on my part but I know when I feel like an alien in a crowd. Perhaps too it's an internal mechanism I have had.... since forever, that was a self acknowledgment of how different I was being gay even if I couldn't acknowledge it to myself. Anyone who is a geek or a wallflower knows the feeling of being an alien.

         In yesterdays blog I mentioned hospitality to strangers (aka, aliens). I was speaking about how we may forget that the United States was settled by nothing but immigrants. Save for the native Americans, we all came from someplace else on the globe, our roots are most often in a land whose tongue is not English, certainly not the kings English.

         In today's passage Isaac resided in a foreign land as an alien. I guess the human condition does not change that much. In any event, all our histories, familial and personal, all have roots in being aliens of one kind or another. At parties I actually think I may seem to have 2 heads when I talk and that is yet another type of alien.

        What can we do to help us remember that we are all aliens at heart? Or are we all really brothers at heart?  Not only should we welcome and be hospitable to foreign (aliens) but also to those who simply feel uncomfortable in our midst. I know when I have a family gathering I try to make every family member feel welcome. I pull out all the stops to make them feel welcome, prepare foods to their liking and try to be a gracious and loving host.  If we could only realize in our hearts that we are all brothers and sisters, children of God one and all, wouldn't it be easier to treat everybody better?  Hospitality to strangers would be second nature. There are countries and communities where this is in fact second nature.  Do we feel as we have earned our presence here or there and that gives us some right to exclude or make others feel unwelcome? I don't think so.

       We have repeated admonitions about hospitality to strangers, the actions of the good Samaritan, doing to least of your brothers and sisters and too many other examples to note here.  Perhaps some of us don't have the best memories of family and so treating someone like family would not necessarily be a good thing. Certainly we know how we would like to be treated. Certainly we know we would like to be welcomed with open arms.

         That is the challenge of today's passage in my mind.

Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar, to King Abimelech of the Philistines. The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; settle in the land that I shall show you. Reside in this land as an alien, and I will be with you, and will bless you; for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will fulfil the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, and will give to your offspring all these lands; and all the nations of the earth shall gain blessing for themselves through your offspring, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.’

The things those Chirstians (should) believe

Hebrews 13:1-16

            My sounding board tells me that this blog entry is a bit longer and a bit more preachy that usual.  I have tosay it probably will take some time for me to discern why I react the way I do to today's scripture passage. Part of it I believe is that it starts out so nice, speaking of mutual love. After that it speaks to some issues that I find most troublesome today, in these times. So it may be a bumpy ride today, I hope you'll see it through, preachiness and all.        

          If you think about some of the most divisive issues of today, this passage seems to for tell some of the answers. Perhaps too we have always had a tendency to neglect to show hospitality or to empathise with prisoners; recognize that the next person to cross our path might be an angel to whom you could show hospitality or grace. What of materialism mentioned in this passage?  What of Christians and Catholics that bind and restrain the love Christ teaches? Oh,what the heck, lets go for it, what about marriage?  Some might think the world has only this one issue. All of these are mentioned in this one bitsy passage. How convenient. Let try to tackle some of them.

          In spite of the fact that I live in a primarily agricultural area, this is essentially an affluent region of the country. With this high living lifestyle comes a need for any array of jobs to be done that pay little and seem to be beneath most people or their young adult children. The jobs fall to a vast array of migrant workers, "illegal aliens" who frequent hiring halls and street corners. There are an incredible numbers of haters out there that seem to forget that this entire country, save the native Americans, is made from immigrants. In the past he 'legalities' of immigration and laws associated with immigration were not all that they were today and certainly not as strict, if they were obeyed at all. The term "WOP" which was often used as derogatory term means "without papers". Illegal immigration is not a new thing though our penchant for being scrupulous and extremely legal has grown.  Be that as it may, these people who come to the United States are here to contribute to society (which they do), they often pay taxes  (for which they will not derive benefits) and in case no one realizes, to ANY Christian or believer in God, they are our brothers and sisters one and all.   The notion of hospitality to strangers should have real meaning in spite of what haters say or try to rationalize. I don't think it is generally realized, but the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is not homosexual sex.  If the passages are read in full there are two take away messages there. The first is that the inhabitants were no hospitable to strangers, in their case it was the Angelic guests of Lot. These inhospitable people did not want to have a romantic relationship with these foreign guests, the townsmen wanted to rape them. This is not an admonishment against a loving relationship of any kind, it is a sin of rape and being inhospitable. This is why Sodom and Gomorrah were punished. It is interesting as a side note that people who try to use this passage as a club against gays, fail to mention the part where Lot actually offers his two daughters (to be raped) to the townsmen in place of his guests. That too is wrong but we do not here any railing against heterosexual sex based on rape. Rape is rape. Rape has no part in any loving relationship. But that's an interesting note about that passage.

           In our country we have an incredible number of people in prison. I dare say, a disproportionate number of them are people of color. This is based on the society we live in, it is skewed towards the rich and against the poor.  There are so many prisoners in fact, that the government now is outsourcing their care to private entities, private prisons.  I am not silly enough to think that there are some very hardened and dangerous criminals in prison but there are many who really are good and decent people caught in a societal system that fosters prison for young black youth and hispanics. It is interesting to note the array of people that have been in prisons that we are aware of. Should we start with John the Baptist? How about Paul? How about Nelson Mandela? There are countless examples of good people we knew or know in prison.  Has God forsaken them? Are they no longer loved by their creator? Are they not deserving of decency and care as our brothers and sisters, if not simply because they are children of God? When we think of the two great commandments  do we realize torture is inhuman?     I mean, would we like to be tortured? Does God look smilingly down on such behavior? I think not. 

           Let's look at marriage.  Marriage has been an evolving institution since....forever. The form of vows and legalities of it are a relatively recent construct. The Church inserting itself into it not all that long ago in human history. Before that, it was a more of legal contract where women were chattel and pawns, objects of desire and servants to men. Of course there have always been relationships that existed and there are references to ancient relationships of both heterosexual and homosexual alike. Vows for each can be found, references of each can be found in scripture and in the stories of the some of the saints as well as historical data which can easily be researched and found. The admonition in this scripture passage today speaks against fornicators and adulterers.  If we do not recognize same sex relationships, this passage is simply speaking against premarital sex perhaps and certainly against relationships outside of a vow or contract.  It is interesting to note that homosexuality is not mentioned in any way. Of course that term is a really recent construct created in the 1800's.  But the idea of relationships is certainly not new, heterosexual or homosexual. Perhaps the passage today is speaking about fidelity in any relationship taking for granted the gamut of relationships that always existed.  As with the case of Lot, God is not so much against any decent relationship but certainly against rape (as well as  inhospitality in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah).

           What we are called to do from in this passage? We are called to love, love, love. Everyone, all our brothers and sisters. No matter if you are gay or straight, act a way that respects your bodies, others bodies and the relationship that you have entered into.

           

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper;
   I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?’

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings; for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food, which have not benefited those who observe them. We have an altar from which those who officiate in the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us then go to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

How shocking!

Mark 10:13-22

           The man was sad, he was disheartened,  his countenance fell, he was shocked. These are words used to translate how the man felt after he was told by Jesus to sell everything and give it to the poor. I have a fondness for the word shocked. I will leave it to biblical scholars what the Aramaic, Hebrew or Greek words were as well as the context. Shocked though has a depth of meaning that appeals to me.

           This is what Jesus came to tell us. It is not by obeying all the laws that we are saved, whether those laws are the ones created in ancient Jewish tradition or by modern Catholicism or by the Amish for that matter. What matters is the love in our hearts and how we love our brothers and sisters.  This poor chap was stunned that he wad to sell all he had, perhaps he already gave to the poor and needy, Jesus is is telling him to sell everything he owns. That is quite a tall order. But for someone who claims to have done everything he was required to do, perhaps it is right on target. It goes to where his heart really was. Clearly, he had issues over his possessions. Perhaps the possessions owned him!

               I am sure we all have an idea of what God wants us to do and not do. The self righteous probably, not so much. They are already convinced they have a lock on salvation. If this passage tells me anything it is that no one has a lock on salvation.  Whether you are one of those who obey all the rules or you belong to the 'correct' religion or you have been convinced you are one of the 144,000. Jesus probably has a shock for you. I may be shocked as well. Jesus turned everything upside down and we should never be complacent and we certainly should never miss an opportunity to love.  We may want to pay special attention to those that we think are the least likely to be saved, the outcasts and the marginalized of society. They may shock us and be the first one's into heaven. Jesus said as much himself (Mt. 21:31).

               

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

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

Cutting to the quick

John 7:14-36

         After reading today's passage you have to admit that Jesus is pretty ballsy. He walks right into the temple, starts preaching (like only he could) and starts lambasting the temple elite. Again. Perhaps he is not worried because the people 'in the pews' get it. The people understand, feel and know the truth of what Jesus is preaching. The temple elite however have power to maintain, they have to justify themselves to themselves and in some way they too recognize the truth of which Jesus speaks and it is very indicting of them so they get angry, very angry.  

          For the most part, people are rather civil in daily relationships. Every once in a while a friend or stranger may say something to you that most everyone else wouldn't dare say. Or perhaps someone says something that is a bit too close to home. Maybe embarrassing. Perhaps indicting. I doubt any offense is intended but truth sometimes stings.

          Ideally, we would not be so oblivious to our own behaviour or walk around in ignorance so such things would not happen. Sadly we get so wrapped up in our lives and just 'making it through the day' that there is often no time for prayer, self reflection and any semblance of a search for truth. When I speak of truth it is truth abut ourselves and the big truths, the truths of life, the truth of how valued and loved we are by God. People can go through their entire life it seems and not understand those basics.  Perhaps they have found 'truth' in big business, in money or in any other hollow substitutes for what life is really about. These are people who on their death bed lament what they should have or could have done. These are people that often are very fearful of death.

            The truth that Jesus was speaking is not a truth born of ... yes, rules and rubrics, one of my favorite expressions.  That is why the temple elite got so upset.  Speaking truth with no will to power as Jesus did is very unsettling to those with the power. It's unsettling to those who make all the rules that others must follow for their redemption. Along comes Jesus with no will to power and he poo-poo's all the rules. This is very reminiscent of Martin Luther King, Jr. He spoke truth with no will to power and it is very powerful and very unsettling. Like I said, especially those who are vested in the power - in this case it was "the man".

            I hope I can tie all this together but here goes, the idea of marriage equality and respect and dignity for gays is something that is gaining much traction in society. That power does not come from some gay lobby. The power comes from the two gay guys in the house next door living good and decent lives, silently and peacefully life everyone else. People see that and it is good. The power comes from your brother, or cousin, or coworker or friend whom you know is gay because they are casually "out" and they live good, decent, caring and loving lives. There is power in that. It rubs some people the wrong way because it undermines all the rules and logic they have vested themselves in. But, the truth is apparent to all who have eyes and are willing to look.  

            People that get carried away with right wingnut fanatics are those people who long for a simpler day, people that are wrapped up in getting through the day and never take the time to pray openly with God. They are people that can't see the truth about themselves, God or society (the world of people God created in love), because they just are trying to get through the day. They don't see really, they see what other people tell them they are seeing. That is very dangerous. 

          Take some time and put it aside every day or at least once a week to revel in solitude, in self reflection and prayer. God will speak to you in the silence of your heart. Many people do this and they are happier and more well adjusted for it. It may be going to Mass, walking a labyrinth, sitting on a bench in Central Park, Zen or some other practice. We must divest ourselves of the world's concerns and intrusions and we must be able to reflect and listen to our creator.  The truth is there for us to see. It is truth about ourselves, our lives, our God, our neighbors and our world. It is powerful and it is not born of someone else unless that is God and God my friends is all about love.         

About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. The Jews were astonished at it, saying, ‘How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?’ Then Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him.

‘Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for an opportunity to kill me?’ The crowd answered, ‘You have a demon! Who is trying to kill you?’ Jesus answered them, ‘I performed one work, and all of you are astonished. Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man’s whole body on the sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.’

Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many in the crowd believed in him and were saying, ‘When the Messiah comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?’

The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. Jesus then said, ‘I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.’ The Jews said to one another, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, “You will search for me and you will not find me” and, “Where I am, you cannot come”?’