Our lifeboat

1 Corinthians 10:15-24

          "we who are many are one body". For whatever reason all I could think of is a movie I have not seen in decades, Lifeboat. It's quite a movie and the world as it existed was a single lifeboat and it's occupants. It might be an interesting movie to watch, especially after reading this today.  What happens might be an interesting analogy to life.

           Imagine a camera and move out, way out so that what you see is a beautiful blue orb - earth. That is our lifeboat and we who are many are one body, the creations of our heavenly Father. How do we handle that? What do we do with that knowledge , that realization if you will?

           We know how we are called to act and perhaps we think about it it terms of our family, our neighbors, our coworkers, maybe as citizens of the United States. What about as citizens of the  world? 

            There is a great irony in a growing trend of isolationism. The premise is that we should spend less money and have perhaps less concern for the needs of the rest of the world and focus more on the needs here at home. Even worse, there are calls to cut many social safety nets at home and diminish help and lower taxes at home. The extreme irony of this kind of thinking is that it comes from the far right Christian conservatives when in fact such thoughts are the furthest from what Christians are called to do. This kind of thinking and policy is the furthest from what Jesus would do. This, in a country of enormous gifts.

             We amass vast fortunes here in the United States as if capitalism and business were part of our founding documents. I would not agree against being rich. Being wealthy in itself is no sin. I would however point out that hearses do not have luggage racks. The fact that we have the money and resources to help millions and have the moral and religious responsibility to do so as a nation and as individuals is quite indicting compared to what we actually do.  What we consume in every single measure as a percentage of the 'lifeboats' population and resources is simply sinful on the grandest of scales.

              Now would be the time to get Lifeboat from Netflix or some other place. How are we called to act even ( or especially ) while we recognize the evil in the world. God has great compassion and love for every single one of us, saints and sinners. Into which category do we wish to be aligned? What are our duties as citizen of earth, our 'lifeboat'? 

I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? What do I imply then? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

‘All things are lawful’, but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful’, but not all things build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of others.

I'll show you mine if you show me yours

Luke 13:1-9

          It's curious how we count our blessings and lament the troubles we have. Perhaps it's a fine line between seeing the good in something bad and revelling in the bad. It's the difference between a masochist and a person who sees a silver lining in everything. I am certainly not looking for any trouble myself. Life seems to dole out problems as it is. Illness, violence, poverty, hatred. There is no need to to seek the wrongs that life holds. Our mission is to overcome and put our talents to work to at least alleviate the pain and suffering.

           The curious part to me is how we all handle life's problems. Some lament how bad they have it. They use it as a spotlight on themselves, an attention getter that is supposed to show how they have it worse than everyone else and that they deserve all the attention. There are people like that. Still others accept their problems but make them seem easier to bear or justified as not as bad as someone else.  'Sure I have cancer but thank God I'm not like that one that has AIDS'. Something that makes them seem better than the morally repugnant AIDS patient. 'Lord know what they did to get that!'

         I myself have had (have, had?) numerous problems in my life. Sadly I will confess, I have sometimes sunk into the depressed feeling that it is all about me. Self pity is a willing leader.  In all life's challenges, it is not about me. When someone gets cancer or AIDS or someone close dies, it is not about them. I don't wish to say that they are not deserving of compassion, charity and understanding. 

        What I like to think is that even though life is fraught with challenges and problems, it is just that, a challenge. The challenge is to rise above whatever troubles we have. Use it as leverage. Is there someone who has a more serious problem that we could comfort?  Can we possibly see some good that comes out of our trial? Are we being called to be compassionate and understanding of others?  The big one might be, are we being called to appreciate life and the fragility of it? Is it a wake up call to our own limited amount of time here on earth?

        We all have 'issues' and problems. Is mine worse than yours? Are we going to play the game of "I'll show you mine if you show me yours"? As horrible as it is is dealing with what life throws us, perhaps it is better and more befitting of believers to focus our attention outward. If we truly are believers, it isn't about me, me, me. What it really is about is how "me" can effectively love others.

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’

Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’

Martha, Martha, Martha and the high life

Luke 10:38-42

          There is a very pleasant woman at my work, Kathy, always friendly, a smile for everyone. As it turns out she is married to a preacher of one sort or another. I know him as well, he's a good man. Kathy and I started our friendship with "the word for the day" when one of us would come up with a word and we would think about it all day. Sort of a day long meditation if you will. Kathy sees my postings on FaceBook and knows many of the outings my husband and I go on. Trips, dinners, hikes and the gamut of our social life. She often says we are  "living the high life".  Perhaps it's true but I do not for a moment take it for granted. The fact is, we are not living beyond our means and we are quite frugal. We often do things that seem (are) exciting but cost little if no money. The excitement and pleasure comes from each other. We enjoy each others presence, companionship and love.  That elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.  We know when it is time to work and we know balance is knowing when it is time to play. We make the time and effort.  Anyone can do what we do. I have told Kathy that too.

            Todays' reading seems timeless. I can see the same scenario played out today. People working hard at everything that's important and things that "must get done".  The end result is no time to do the truly important things. Time with God. Time with your lover (spouse?). Time with the kids. Time with yourself.  The scenario of Martha is so real.  Mary is the wise one and Jesus says she will not be deprived of it. Good for Mary.

            I often tell people they need to make time to pray. The truth is, they need to make time for many things and put aside things that are just not really that important.  My husband often quotes Tess McGill ( Melanie Griffith ) in Working Girl when she says "fringe time is crucial".  Using your time wisely is a skill that allows you to accomplish so much more and it isn't chores I am speaking of. That "extra" time you make is time that can be well spent with God, on yourself, with your spouse or kids.  Hubby has it right.

          In the meantime, all you Martha's out there, wake up and smell the coffee. You too can live the high life.  

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

Sinner and Saint

Hebrews 4:12-16

          I am a sinner. Who knows the extent of my sins?  Sometimes I think I am not fully aware of the extent of my sinfulness.  I could roll out a litany of sins like I was a child in the confessional but that is passe. What is more modern and more mature is to think about how I have strayed and why I have strayed.  Who cares how many times I did what? What is it that I have done and why?

          Selfishness, arrogance, greed, lust, vanity, hatefulness. I could go on. I am fully aware of my shortcomings, past and present. I am not wearing them like a necklace to be showed off and be proud of. What do I do with this self knowledge? Do I even dare approach the altar of God or speak to God in such a state? Ever?

           First of all, this passage points out we do not have a saviour, a high priest, who is unable to sympathize. Jesus was fully human in every way. Perhaps the stories of scripture have glossed over certain aspects of Jesus. Perhaps some aspects have been intentionally omitted to suit an agenda or an approved philosophy. Whatever, Jesus was fully human. Any person worth their salt knows that Jesus therefore understood everything, and I mean everything about being human. From anger and love, to sexuality and solitude, Jesus was there. It is from this knowledge that we know God understands all that we are and all the mistakes and foibles we have entered into.  From the greatest intentions and biggest lies we tell ourselves, God understands and still loves us.

            Scripture says to approach the throne with boldness. It is boldness born of self respect and humbleness combined into one being that God so graciously created in each of us. I know there is a careful balance that must be drawn between beating ourselves up over our mistakes and mistakenly thinking we can do no wrong. In fact, some people seem to feel that an acknowledgement, public or private, of wrongdoing is detrimental to their psychological well being. It just ain't so.

           Only by acknowledging our humanity and our divinity, each to the full, can we approach the throne of God boldly without being disrespectful to God that loves us '"with reckless abandon" as I say.

          Yes I am a sinner. Find out the way, try to sin no more and by all means approach the altar of God boldly as a beloved child of God.

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. 

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Sower or harvester?

Luke 13:18-21

      There's nothing like the look of a small child opening presents on Christmas morning. The eye's are alight wild with exuberance and joy.  We like to see that especially if it's something we have given. We like to see the results of our actions.

      In a way I think the same is true when we go outside ourselves and give to a cause. We still like to see results. If it wasn't true there probably wouldn't be quite so many buildings, wings and programs named after their benefactors. Also, PAC's would far less funded.

       It's a bit more challenging perhaps to see the results of all the other little things we do. In reality they may be the most important because they affect people in every day situations and in their daily lives.  The good we do is not unlike the mustard seed or the leavening in bread. Sometime we have no idea what the outcome may be but it has a huge ripple effect, all good.

        No matter what situation we find ourselves in in life we can do some extraordinary good simply by being nice. If we put others first and do a good deed, the good grows exponentially. It doesn't matter the whether you are opening a door for someone,  complimenting someone or trying to please your lover more than yourself, it all makes the world a much better place.

         Every moment of our day is an opportunity to love and make the world a better place. What role will you play? Sower or harvester?

He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’

And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

Bloom

Luke 9:51-62

         I want to find myself. That was a phrase that seemed a bit more popular back in the 60's and 70's. Hippies went about the country trying to find themselves.  A man is married for X number of years, they have children, the home, works two or three jobs to keep up and make a good life for him and his family. Perhaps his spouse works too and they are comfortable. Yet the man is not happy. Perhaps his spouse is not happy or fulfilled either. One party ditches the other or maybe has an affair. Often this is an attempt to 'find themselves'. They are trying to find wholeness, completeness or meaning to life. A high school or college graduate decides to take a year off, to travel or to discern what makes them happy, to experience life and in so doing find out who they are.

          Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. What a precious gift to know who you are, what your gifts are and move forward in life as God wishes you too. Not everyone is so blessed. Then again, some people are not good listeners even to themselves, never mind others around them.

          Epiphanies about yourself and knowing who you are is a major portion of what we are here on this earth for. God created us as a special gift, a presence, His presence. If we are to be fulfilled, we need to know as much as we can about God but perhaps more importantly, about ourselves. The birds of the sky have their nests and know how to live life for themselves. Foxes too have their lives as do woodchuck and deer and rabbits. Do we know how to live?

          Knowing your are gay seems like it should be a no brainer. However I was one of those that did not listen to themselves. I denied who I was even to myself. I tried as hard as I could to listen to God, it is my life passion and my life force I suppose. But I did not listen to myself. When I realized and acknowledged who I am as a person, I was ever so much happier. I was at peace. Even as I worked or played or preached or sat, I knew where my head would lay, if not literally, certainly figuratively. I knew my purpose, or at least a large chunk of it. I was as happy as an animal, as confident as an Eagle in flight. Stuff could happen but I know who I am and where I am going. I love, I live and I know where I am headed.

          How about you? Will you deny yourself? Will you deny who you are with all the wonderful gifts God granted you? Or, like I did, will you not listen to the call to be whom God created you to be. Will you not listen? 

           Setting some time aside , quiet walks, prayer, meditation, whatever it takes. Analyzing your life by yourself or in therapy. Whatever it takes. Do it.

           You are gifted to us by God, bloom into the wonderful being you are meant t be.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’

our father WHO ( them who, that's who)

Who

        I think it would be a wonderful statement to speak about the very nature of God. We could discuss the what of who exactly God is. Is God a he? a she? more of an it?  We say we are made in the image and likeness of God so the jumping off point could bring myriad images and discussions. But the who that I am thinking of, a very timely who, is them. The them being the Roman church.

        Since they have no compunction trying to get everyone to believe that they are the one true church, the vicar of Christ on earth and that they speak directly for God, they make easy targets. But a target that even Christ himself would aim at I strongly suspect.

        There has been an incredible amount of media attention and internet traffic these past few days about conciliatory tones and statements from the Vatican about gays. I applaud the Bishops that are speaking up and focusing on hot button issues. But really, short of abandoning centuries old philosophies and tradition, nothing of substance can ever really change. It will amount to double talk or some form of circular logic that is at the heart of way too much of Roman policy already. It is not unlike the logic and policies about divorce. ' we do not allow divorce' but we do grant annulments. No matter how you explain it, it is still a divorce, Roman, religious, but still a divorce. I know because I know the reasoning's and I can spout almost verbatim what the difference is. I can say but it would still be obfuscation and lies.

        So what of the LGBTQ community and the Roman church? So there are discussion that probably revolve around half of the clergy being gay and we can't all be that bad so they must have something to offer. 'Are we nothing more that religious zealots'?  When push comes to shove, not only are a large percentage of the clergy gay, they have been excellent shepherds at times. Gay people in general have historically been great contributors to society in every realm.  You can try to deny it but it's true. The church may be getting around to discussing that we are worthy of the love and respect that any of God's creations do but that will fall short of changing policy and rules. If anything we would be relegated to second class status within the church. Until everyone, every member of the church is recognized and proclaimed as equal sinners and equally loved, there can be no moving forward for the Roman church.

        Please do not get me wrong, I am so hopeful that the movement of the Spirit in the Roman church will be allowed full movement to flourish and bring much needed light, intelligence and reform. I am hopeful. The discussions make it so even if the movement seems highly unlikely. It seems more likely ( and please forgive me ) that the Pope will be offed by some errant conservative Cardinal who sees himself as a Roman  Catholic jihadist. It would not be the first or seven second time. Many things are done in the name of God that are truly unholy.

          What is unholy also is subjugating a group of people to second class heirs to the kingdom of God. Maintaining  policies, philosophies and dogma to fit an outdated human paradigm is truly unholy.  Even if people in the LGBTQ community were recent constructs of God, they would still be worthy of no less love and respect by the church. I know that God herself loves us no less. I know God loves us with the reckless abandon that is a hallmark of her existence.

     


He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name.

   Your kingdom come. 

Give us each day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our sins,

     for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.

   And do not bring us to the time of trial.’