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.’