Prophets or profits?

Judges 2:1-5, 11-23  and  Romans 16:17-27

     I've cut and pasted quite a bit of Scripture today not content with one selection from the Hours, I think two will do.  The reason is because in each one I am touched by the way the passages seem to rip through time and politics to speak to us today.  Either in way of advice to us or in speaking to how things got the way they are.  I find them enormously fascinating.

     Quite often we think of a prophet speaking about a future event. Perhaps that there are prophets no more. Prophesy is far removed from today it seems.  But here in these passages the prophecy spoken speaks like a judgment on on us right now, not so far removed at all. Perhaps prophecy should be given more credit. Perhaps it is not a lost gift. Maybe, maybe, the Spirit of God is quite alive in trying to convince us how things may go if we do not listen.  Of course it could be written off as a truly keen intellect being able to mentally carry out the logical conclusions of our actions today into tomorrow.

      Whichever the case is, it gives me pause to think we should be listening more, talking less.  Prophets of God's creation warning of global warning should probably be listened to a great deal more. People who call the religious zealots 'fake Christians" have a legitimate point when their actions are a far cry from how Jesus calls us to act. We need to pay attention and not be taken in by wolves in sheep clothing. I strongly advise reading the passages for yourself and seeing the clarity and connection between then and now. It is astounding to me.

Judges 2:1-5, 11-23

Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, ‘I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you into the land that I had promised to your ancestors. I said, “I will never break my covenant with you. For your part, do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of this land; tear down their altars.” But you have not obeyed my command. See what you have done! So now I say, I will not drive them out before you; but they shall become adversaries to you, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’ When the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. So they named that place Bochim, and there they sacrificed to the Lord.

 Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshipped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; they followed other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were all around them, and bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger.They abandoned the Lord, and worshipped Baal and the Astartes. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers who plundered them, and he sold them into the power of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies.Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them to bring misfortune, as the Lord had warned them and sworn to them; and they were in great distress.

 Then the Lord raised up judges, who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen even to their judges; for they lusted after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their ancestors had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord; they did not follow their example. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord would be moved to pity by their groaning because of those who persecuted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they would relapse and behave worse than their ancestors, following other gods, worshipping them and bowing down to them. They would not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel; and he said, ‘Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their ancestors, and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died.’ In order to test Israel, whether or not they would take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their ancestors did, the Lord had left those nations, not driving them out at once, and had not handed them over to Joshua.

Romans 16:17-27

 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offences, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you to be wise in what is good, and guileless in what is evil. The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 Timothy, my co-worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.

 I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord.

 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. 

 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whombe the glory for ever! Amen.

Politics aside . . . . . .

      I have been working alongside a woman of great strength. She and I differ vastly in our political beliefs and that could be the cause of great arguments for sure. But such discussions are really not suitable for the workplace and so we came to an unspoken truce at some point to simply do our jobs. Quite a novel idea, eh?  And low and behold, out of this work environment and collegiality came a respect for each other.  We each have faced our demons in many ways, major illness, cancer and world sadness, sad to anyone who breaths even separated from politics.  We are of similar age too and have come to wisdom that such an age can yield having faced pain, illness and the death of loved ones. We have come to know what is truly important in life and the politics can be put aside in respect and that, that perhaps is a secret of the universe.

        In today's Scripture passage we have a litany of people who are commended. In my reading I would be lightening quick in noting that there was a woman deacon in the early church. Yes, woman were intimately involved in ministry in spite of the Roman Church's power grab and ideological tramping of history. But I leave that aside like I was at work and read onward.  The list of people is no different than my coworker whose politics we leave out. We focus on what is most important and realize the faith, love and companionship is the key.  

      Can we move forward in life simply knowing each one of us is imperfect but still loved? Can we focus on what is most important in life and not get overwhelmed with the political position or correctness or sides?  It worked for me and my coworker.

Romans 16:1-16

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

 Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ.Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relativeHerodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Your choice. God's invitation.

      In this past week I have written about listening and introspection as a means to avoid death. That is, an attitude perhaps but more like a malignancy of the mind that is exhibited in self righteous arrogance, lack of thought and being closed to the movement of the Spirit. You may not not physically die until you are 99 but for years before you will have lived a dangerous sad life of death. This is the grouchy old man, the old codger or the reminiscing grump who always has someone to blame for it not being 'the way it used to be'.

         Today's Scripture passage speaks of this and bolsters it by quoting the prophet Isaiah. God does know her people. There are certain things that do not change. If there were stiff necked people in the time of Isaiah why would it change now? I have called it a malignancy of the mind but it is all about people who do not want to listen to God. People who hear but don't listen and people who see but seem to be blind.  

        If the readings then today speak of anything it is of God's abundant love and the constant invitation to embrace the gifts of self as well as all of creation. The loving Creator/parent inviting us always to see, hear and love. It always comes down to the invitation and our free will. If you choose not to accept the challenge of love, the invitation of God's inheritance, then then invitation is open the someone else as well. 

        Your choice.  God's invitation.

Acts 28:23-31

 After they had fixed a day to meet him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: ‘The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, 
“Go to this people and say,
You will indeed listen, but never understand,
   and you will indeed look, but never perceive. 
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
   and their ears are hard of hearing,
     and they have shut their eyes;
     so that they might not look with their eyes,
   and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn—
   and I would heal them.” 
Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.’

Racist paradigm

      I was recently speaking with someone about the play Hamilton. It was an extraordinary play and and I am still enjoying the music on CD in my car. The play was far better than I had realized and I am actually thinking of seeing it again. The reaction of the person I was talking with was quite obvious. An immediate cold front, if not  a glacial attitude swept across her face as if to say she would never see this 'Black' play. She hated rap and wasn't fond of black people either.  I would have been only slightly surprised if the "N" word was uttered.  How incredibly sad racism is. How ingrained it seems to be, how mindless and un-Christian it is. Willful ignorance. This person with whom I was having a pleasant conversation up until that point simply shut down.

         That situation makes me weep and I am sure God is shaking her head in horror herself. I realize this is an extreme example but how often do we do this ourselves? Oh, maybe not over big things but over so much of the things of life.  Without minimizing the horror and revulsion of bigotry I think we need to realize that it is not a solitary isolated example of how we respond to situations.

        When I speak and recommend wholeheartedly the idea of the Examen and self introspection, I am utterly serious. It is not a new age, sissy kind of thing for holy rollers trying to make the world a soft place. Self reflection and personal growth is the stuff of growth and even survival.  When we respond in rote unthinking ways we actually begin to die. Death of the mind can occur long before our bodies succumb to any other disease or age. 

       When this passage relates that Pilate was fully aware of why the Scribes, Chief Priests and Elders turned Jesus over ( Jealousy ) it is a telling sign of a malignancy of the mind we are all prone to in lesser and greater degrees. I often find my own knee jerk reactions are ones not backed up by thought, love or the light of reason.  It is only in reflecting on our own daily life that we have a chance to fully see what our actions and opinions are based on.  Do our actions meet squarely with our professed beliefs?  Are we as open and loving as we want to be and are called to be?

       We are called to be as loving and as radical as Jesus is. We are called to challenge even our own assumed correctness with love, wisdom and the light of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 27:11-23

 Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?’ But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

 Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgement seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.’ Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’

A line too far

     In today's passage from Matthew the Chief Priests, Elders and Scribes were willing to pay 30 pieces of silver, which was a formidable sum, to have Judas betray our Savior. You know, the Son of God, the itinerant Jewish preacher who had week after week, spoken and taught in the temple. And yet, when Judas has remorse these same leaders will not accept the money back when Judas almost literally throws the silver back at them. It seems to me that it is a line the leaders will not cross. We'll send a man to his death but blood money? We'll have no part of it. Honor among thieves perhaps?  A line even these fowl leaders will not even cross?

      Since inauguration day and before, the President of the United States has been fowling the air with lies and his very life, an amoral, lying POS. ( too strong ? ). Last week Mr. Trump  crossed a line that dare not be crossed.  While virtually no one in the Republican party has taken this vacuous ass to task, the events in Helsinki had both Democrats and Republicans calling him a traitor and rightfully so. Another line crossed by Mr. Trump and this one a step too far. Honour among thieves? Too far for even Republicans?

        As this is not really a political blog and hopefully is geared to our actions, our faith and our love, how does this all fit in? The goal of this blog and our life is to call us to greater thought, introspection and then hopefully, prayerfully, on to ever increasingly faithful and decent, loving lives.  It is a journey forward, not we pray, a journey backwards. Our lives should not be regressive prayers and actions but progressive, with wisdom and increasing awareness of God in our lives.

       What I pray I don't become is a mindless religious zealot devoid of Scriptural understanding and love. I don' want to be that person that works towards a fake religious life filled with actions that promote my own man made agenda while proclaiming all the while tht I am a Christian of the highest order. That kind of life is one where you are so deluded  that you wind up justifying all kinds of abominations and then one singular evil act that you arbitrarily decide is a line too far. In short, a regressive, puny, dwindling faith that implodes on it's very self.

        Let us all look at the trajectory of our lives and faith. Are we moving forward in love , understanding and compassion?   Do we cross one line after another in our efforts to sustain a life that is focused solely on ourselves and our own agenda?  

Matthew 27:1-10

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

 When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.’ After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’

Never, ever

     I have noticed over the years that whenever I say something akin to "no way" or "never", I wind up doing exactly what I protested about.  It is more than simply not imagining the future to be far different than I could have ever expected. On the simplest of levels I am talking about telling my Mom I will never eat onions! and now savoring them. ( preferably caramelized and smothering a burger with some Gruyere and rosemary aioli ).  I think when we say we "would never" , we very often find at some point that not only we will, we wind up saying "I did". It may be a peculiarity of life. 

      I really feel for Peter who says he would never deny Christ and winds up doing it thrice. This is no simple matter, certainly not akin to eating onions.  I find we are capable of incredibly dangerous and misguided things in life in spite of our best intentions. ( The spirit is willing, the body is weak ).  Where does that leave us all. What of Peter. He actually went on to be the number one disciple whom Jesus entrusted everything to. What does this tell us. The two facets of this passage that speak to me ( aside from what I am capable of ) is Peter weeping and the fact that Jesus did in fact entrust the Church to him.  These two facets speak of repentence or self reflection on the part of Peter and secondly, the amazing forgiveness of Jesus, often beyond our human worldly comprehension. Jesus does forgive us. Jesus knows what we are capable of.  

      I am not so arrogant as to think that this forgiveness is universal or comes as a guarantee that we can impose upon at will. We can't go out with the intent to kill and say 'but it's ok because God willl forgive me'. That is presumptous, arrogant and plain wrong. What is part of the equation is self reflection, remorse and the decision to move forward a changed or enlightened person. 

      What I need to realize is as much as God is willing to forgive me, God is also willing and ready to forgive everyone else as well.  Remember though that only God can see the conversion of heart and the repentance, none of us can.

Matthew 26:69-75

 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus the Galilean.’ But he denied it before all of them, saying, ‘I do not know what you are talking about.’When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, ‘This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ Again he denied it with an oath, ‘I do not know the man.’ After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.’ Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know the man!’ At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: ‘Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.

Hearing fake news

     There was some research done not too long ago into how people listen.  There is a part of our brain that will apparently interpret data based on what we already believe or perceive. This is especially important now with the opposing political chasm that seems to exist. News is not news but "fake news". The same information that each of us hears and even see, is interpreted in wholly different ways. We each view the information as supporting our own positions. It is a fascinating and sad dynamic.

     If it makes you feel any better that this type of self fulfilling news is not new at all, we can then take small solace in what the scribes and elders were doing to Jesus in today's Scripture passage.  Jesus could have said "boo" and that would have been viewed as clear evidence of His possession by evil spirits. The fix was in then and in so many ways I think the fix may be in now. How do we move forward in love from our own pre-conceived notions and beliefs?

      When I was taking a series of classes called the Pastoral Formation Institute, one section was based on how we listen. So often we ask questions we really do not what an answer to. At other times we ask questions and have already developed the answers we want to hear in our heads. Someone might ask "how are you today?" and the answer you give might be "pretty bad, my mom died yesterday". The person who is not really listening might respond, "that's nice". Yikes!  Sometimes when I ask "how are you" the rote response that comes back is "fine".  So I ask a second question to throw them off a bit and bring them into the present moment with "are you sure?". That's a small technique of my own. It does not begin to scratch the surface of all the ways we can but fail to listen well.

      When we are more interesting in moving forward with our day and more interesting in keeping the status quo as we see it or want it, we have a grand propensity to listen in a very half hearted way. I don't think that is very conducive to love and concern for our brothers and sisters.  Real listening requires some time, requires we are truly present in the moment and perhaps most importantly, we are open to an answer that might not be what we were expecting or even wanted to hear.  To people who want boring, straight and narrow, uneventful lives, such listening might make each day like a new ride on a roller coaster. How exciting!  Being truly present in the moment makes you alive and allows us to hear new things all the time. It allows us to really listen and hear what is going on in life and in peoples lives.  Seems like a novel approach these days. 

        In today's passage we give witness to the evil of not listening and putting forth an unerring agenda like the scribes and elders did.  Of course they said 'what more proof do we need', the judgment had already been in their heads and they had in fact never, ever really listened to any of the words of Jesus. 

They heard words but never listened.  How about us?

Matthew 26:57-68

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end.Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, ‘This fellow said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.” ’ The high priest stood up and said, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, ‘I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you,
From now on you will see the Son of Man
   seated at the right hand of Power
   and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ 
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?’ They answered, ‘He deserves death.’ Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, ‘Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?’

Plans of men

     Ah, the plans of mankind. In today's passage Jesus is betrayed by Judas. It's been all arranged. The plan has been set, the money paid and the betrayal all arranged ahead of time, ironically with a kiss and the kind words "Greetings Rabbi!" Then comes the other kind of human plan, reactionary, vindictive, compulsive, perhaps a 'manly' solution, drawing a sword and cutting off a poor chaps ear.

      My sainted mother-in-law had a habit of saying "men plan, God laughs". It really is quite true. We try to plan everything with great detail as if we are really in charge of something. We try to plan our kids lives as if we own them instead of the fact that they are merely entrusted to our care for safe keeping and nurturing. We try to plan life as if we are guaranteed something when we are in fact guaranteed nothing.  It culd all be over in the blink of an eye.

        I am not one to say that you should live life willy nilly with no concern for the future. I would say we should live for today and keep God's will in the equation.  If God can plan a universe, I think she can make things work out for each of us. What we may need to do is not be so reactionary and perhaps less controlling. Maybe we could step out of the way and let God be the way. Just a thought. 

Matthew 26:47-56

 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’ At once he came up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear.Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

In the blink of an eye

      A common lament of parents is how fast the kids grow up. My own 'baby' is now 36 with two children of her own. Where did the time go? The same could be said for the job I retired from. I worked at the same facility for 37 years, man did that zoom by, seemingly in the blink of an eye.

      One might be tempted to note from today's passage, and rightfully so, the prayers of Jesus asking ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want'  and the implications that has in our own lives. But as usual, there are more messages in Scripture than meets the eye. What of the disciples that can't seem to stay awake?  When last they are awoken by our Lord, Jesus notes that 'the hour is at hand' when he will be betrayed, suffer, die and rise. I can see them rubbing their eyes and saying "say what?"

         If we are not terribly attentive to what is going on, we run the risk of non-participation, not being involved with life as it unfolds around us, we might miss some rather important stuff.  Someone once noted that no one ever said on their death bed, "I wish I had worked more" ( and thereby spent less time with their family ).  Time seems to fly even when you try to be attentive. Imagine what we miss?  There are roses to smell, new mown hay and a world of sunsets, sunrises and smiles to be observed and inspired by.  If we are 'sleeping' we will miss more than we know.

         I can only imagine the guilt and feelings of stupidity of those that 'slept' through the last presidential election and finding out now what that failure to participate has wrought.  Sometimes you miss a second or two and nothing happens, sometimes you blink and you go right off a cliff.

        The lesson I choose to think more about is the keeping my eyes wide open and trying to be more attentive to what is going on. Now it involves watching my grandchildren grow and inspiring them to be the best that they can be.  I do not ever want to be an absentee parent or an absentee citizen or worst, an absentee believer.

Matthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’  He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’ Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Again he went away for the second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.’Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’

Jesus: a real man

        When I read passages like this that convey a snippet of the real life of Jesus, so many thoughts come flooding in. First is that he was so truly loved and followed. When the town heard 'he's back in town' , the place gets flooded with people, so much so that even the door is blocked.  These were a faithful, yearning people and Jesus not only spoke to them, he taught them, loved them, he was really one of them. 

       Jesus is preaching daily, helping people and showing them "The Way" to salvation.  He held none of the attributes of  today's televangelists. His preaching and love was where Mother Theresa found a real means to change people and the world for the better. Jesus is basically just 'doing his thing'. Really, what he was meant to do, what he donned humanity for. But again, no negative attributes, not haughty and he was fully human like any one of us.

       And then in the midst of his mission, his ministry, Jesus offers a real glimpse of his humanity.  The scribes, the religious self righteous elite, just like the ones we have today, are putting their own two cents in. They have something to say about who or who not can forgive. These are the same ones complaining about the 'work' of curing on the Sabbath or about the Apostles plucking heads of wheat and eating it "on the Sabbath"!! And Jesus just has had his fill of it and gives them a dose of his humanity backed by his divinity and all that power. So the Scribes are complaining and dissing Jesus and Jesus to my mind says the following.  'You know what, you want to question who or why anyone can forgive or why I have such authority? Get a load of this. Hey paralytic, not only are you forgiven for any sins you may have committed but get this, I cure you of your human ills. You may now pick up your mat and walk home.'  I could only be happier if Jesus could do it all with the flourish of Endora casting a spell or exiting in a huff. 

       Gotta love Jesus. Not only showing us the Way but has a great grasp of the 'get a load of this' to his complainers and detractors. A real human, a real guy, someone everyone can relate to. Jesus is not the stuffy arrogant preacher of today spouting scripture like weapons. Jesus is fully human and acts like it in the best of ways. Curing. Loving. Forgiving. It is no wonder that when he came back to town the crowds drew in to him.

          I love the snippets about Jesus that show him as a real human and gives us a template for how to act, love and just be. There is love, simply being and forgiveness.  

Mark 2:1-12

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!’

I will never desert you

       Do you know how it feels to be in a situation that no matter which decision you make, whatever choice you make, they all seem to be unacceptable.  The Kobayashi Maru scenario from Star Trek or simply, a no win situation.  Yet you have to do something. Not everyone has to face this situation but when you do, it can traumatic. Sadly, some people choose the irreversible , misguided choice, taking their own life. I was very close to that point when I was coming to terms with being gay. Married to a good woman, children, member of the clergy, active in te church and community. I know that it can be an exceptionally tough decision for some, to acknowledge who God made them to be. To accept and not hide God's gift even when some might turn their backs or hate you. I am happier that it is not as big a thing for most people any more.  Still though, you are revealing something deeply personal to an often unforgiving, judgmental world.

      Certainly, coming out is not the only situation in life that can seem like we have no good choices. What got me though was today's Scripture passage. Well, not this passage so much as the embedded message deep inside that no matter what, God was with me, Jesus was standing with, carrying me if need be, loving me without question no matter what.

       When I taught religious education classes to young kids, including my own, I tried to instill in them just how much God loved them. I'd ask them their name and they said it without hesitation. I told the kids that I wanted them to know that God loves them with the same certainty that they could just say their own name. I mean, to really know God loves you in every fiber of your being.  One thing I guess the nuns in my long storied Catholic school education did was to instill in me that innate knowledge. And no, they did not beat it into me either.

     I hope you never have to face any Kobayashi Maru moments but I think it is terribly important to know deep inside and all through your being just how much you are loved. It is not dependent on anything other than being who you are, a lovable carefully crafted being.  If you do face tough times then, know also that God would never abandon you. God is alongside you - always.  Then too, know in the good times, God is there also to share that joy and inviting you to share that love with everyone else and to be there for someone else in tough times. A unity in love. 

Matthew 26:26-35

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,
“I will strike the shepherd,
   and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” 
But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.’ Peter said to him, ‘Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And so said all the disciples.

To Saint Paul

       It does not happen that often but it clearly has happened several times throughout history. Saint Paul is probably the most notable example. Someone has a conversion experience that changes their life. That in itself is not too exceptional. What is most exceptional, as with Saint Paul, is the breadth of change in the life of Paul of Tarsus to the Saint Paul we know, love and emulate. Perhaps he is the most influential person in the world next to Jesus. His conversion moment set the stage for the incredible tsunami of Christian conversion through the western world.  Paul is the one who argues for the inclusion of non Jews into the schema of salvation that Jesus calls us to. Paul really 'gets it',  the message of Jesus in it's totality! 

       When you read today's Scripture passage from the Episcopal Liturgy of the Hours, you see the breadth and depth of what Paul is speaking of.  You also see that the message is as real and relevant today as it was way back then.  I may have to copy this down and read it for a week just as a source of mediation and to think of where we are as a society and where we really want to go. Where I want to go.  A truly good reminder for me even at face value without further thought.

      Each sentence is a challenge, an indictment and a road map to the message of Jesus Christ in action. This is my only and simple plan for today.  No matter what I am doing, putting dishes away, laundry, driving, working, exercising, laughing and loving, this is going to be a template and thought for actions.

Romans 12:9-21

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour.Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Reaction

     Someone once said that all the most important things in life you learn in kindergarten. The acts of sharing one's toys and not always getting what you want comes immediately to mind. We simply do not get what we want all the time, not materially or by way of how we would like things to unfold in life. 

      Take me for example. First on my list today would be that I would not have wanted Trump to be elected the President of the United States. I disagree with almost everything he says and does. His actions and policies do not reflect my personal beliefs for the actions of the USA and his actions as a Christian or even as a human being. It has been and continues to be a roller coaster ride from hell. On a more deeply personal note, I might have preferred to realize and come to terms with being gay long before I turned fifty. I would prefer a world where my sexuality is really a non-issue. Coming out should be nothing more detailed than noting that someone is left handed. 

      The Apostles today seemed to differ in their opinion of the use of this costly nard (ointment) on Jesus. Clearly Judas Iscariot clearly had his own ideas and thoughts that so troubled him that to get his own way he decided to betray Jesus.

       That is the question in today's Scripture passage for us.  How do we respond when things do not go our way?  In politics and in our personal life, how do we greet disappointment?  What do we do when our prayers seemingly go unanswered or we get a resounding answer but not what we had been asking God for?

        Someone once approached me about a personal problem that I had no capacity to help with other than to pray. I did however suggest that in addition to prayer, that they seek out a therapist, a professional.  I have always firmly believed that we should pray but at the same time do everything that we can practically and lovingly on our own to solve a problem or to achieve our goals. Work hard, pray hard.

        We often have to come to terms with things that happen, do not go our way or frustrate the heck out of us.  How we respond is a matter of deep faith, what we believe, who we are and who we want to be.  Betrayal does not seem like a loving response and history has so judged Judas.  Discussions and listening have been a bedrock forever in solving problems.  Legal means are available in the secular world if need be.  This is what lawsuits are all about. Whining does not work as a rule but love always prevails.

         Our responses should always be tempered by love and not selfishness.  Maybe think back to what we were taught in kindergarten. Just a  thought, your turn. 

Matthew 26:1-16

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’

Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, ‘Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

The Indictment

     The title of today's blog and this passage are so very timely. Perhaps when you read "indictment" you were hoping for the daily headline? Treacherous, Treasonous, Lying, Lech Indicted. We can only wish and pray. Fervently. The interesting thing about today's passage is that it has been dragged out quite a bit lately. Here it comes up in the normal, routine, un-orchestrated schedule in the Liturgy of the Hours. 

      When a supposed man of God and his minions smugly quote holy Scripture in justification of an immigration scheme that separates babies and children from their parents, how is it possible that such learned and supposed faithful individuals miss this gem in Matthew? This passage spells out the letter and spirit of the law to which the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue does not raise muster.

       I have often said it would be rather easy ( as fundamentalists often find ) to simply follow the Ten Commandments and feel smug, cozy and arrogant about it.  What became a real challenge for us was to obey those Ten in light of Jesus' Two Great Commandments.

Love is great arbiter of Scripture and it mirrors the love God has for all of us. I guess that's the thing, God loves us all equally and we would be mindful to always remember that in our actions. To do any less is a strong indictment of our faith ( or lack thereof ).

Matthew 25:31-46

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” ⁴⁶And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’ 

Presence

     Is there anyone who reads today's Scripture passage who really thinks that this is all about money?  I once knew a Pastor who was quite a good fundraiser and wise with expenditures. On his retirement the parish community had a formidable complex of buildings with no mortgages and over a million dollars in the bank. 'Well done, good and trustworthy servant'. Sadly though, this passage is often used to justify the adage that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I think Jesus would find that abhorrent and a far cry from what He is calling us to do and how to live. 

         So if not money then what? Literally, is it what we call 'talents' today? Our gifts, our personal talents and abilities? And yes, our treasures too?  If we are to embrace our dual identities as material and spiritual beings, as children of God, then we are called embrace that Godly portion. We must emulate the Creator who loves us with reckless abandon and who spares nothing in the pursuit of our happiness. Are we willing to embrace our godliness and give of ourselves in such a rich manner without thought to who deserves it or who can pay back the best or most?

        One thing is for sure, no matter what your gifts are, don't hoard it, don't keep it to yourself. That poor guy with the one 'talent' he buried, well it didn't go well for him. The bottom line is that we should all be giving, all be sharing the gift that we are with others. That includes money, personal abilities or 'talents' and even our presence. We often forget the value of our presence.  Give abundantly of all we are graced with, including ourselves.

 Matthew 25:14-30

‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed;so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Last minute lamp oil

    Living on the water is not for the faint of heart. The water can be rather unforgiving and you really have to be prepared for a wide variety of scenarios. I have often thought that a drive through Alaska might be quite similar. Not much room for error and you really have to be quite prepared.  Mistakes that otherwise would be the subject of a rescue call to AAA could prove fatal in extreme and unforgiving circumstances like the Alaskan wilderness. I suppose at one time life was always like that, survival of the fittest and all that. Today, not so much and I am sure that is good and bad. The fact remains though that we are called to be prepared. It's a great scout motto and today's Scripture passage is all about that. 

       When we find ourselves face to face with our creator to explain or lives, will it be good enough to say "had I only known" or "I really meant to take care of that" ( or them )?  I am firm believer in a thoroughly loving and almost unbelievably forgiving God by human standards. How much of God's nature can we presume to impose upon?

        When my kids were growing up and I was learning how to be a parent, we made many discoveries. One is how different children are. These little humans have such a vast difference in capabilities, interests and talents.  You may know that I feel it is a sin not to indulge, promote and nurture the gifts and talents we are graced with. If one child had a greater ability, more was expected of him or her in that area. Alernatively, more was expected of me to nurture and support that talent.  We each contribute in our own way but to those who have been given more, more is expected.

          Where then do we get the notion that the rich should be granted more rights and exclusions to get richer while the poor are viewed as lazy and get less? It's an interesting dynamic that is not supported in scripture nor from Jesus' actions in human life.  Even more interesting is that it is often the pseudo-Christian conservative right that promotes such human inequities. Google the living habits and 'homes' of televangelists and see what presumptions these men and women have on God's good graces.  I suspect they will will be called to task with the rest of us if not more so.

           While we are all called to do the best we can and use our gifts and talents for the good of all God's creation, some are graced with with more abilities and hence more responsibilities. But for those of us who have perhaps not the material means we are not let off the hook so easily. Like the bridesmaids we are called upon to prepare. Without monetary means or a given talent what are we to do then?  While no one is granted excuses out of loving our fellow humans, the 99% lets say, have more leverage than we often think about. Voting and political action are a way to promote God's love, divine policies of inclusiveness and charity.  To not vote, to not raise your voice, will not likely be accepted as an excuse juts like having to buy lamp oil at the last minute was not accepted in today's passage.

     No one is excused, and from some more is granted and more expected.  None of us should be lazy or fall folly to the notion that we still have time.  

Matthew 25:1-13

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps.The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.