Collect
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading: John 8:12 – 19
The New Revised Standard Version
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Then the Pharisees said to him, "You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid." Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf." Then they said to him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
Reflection
I am the light of the world. Robert Kysar tells us: “The metaphor of 8:12, ‘I am the light of the world,’ invites us to think about how light functions in our world today….Like the lights along the landing strip, Christ leads us safely to our destination. Like a night-light glowing softly in a child’s bedroom all night long assures the child that darkness is not all there is, so too does God’s gift to us in Christ. Like street lights guard us against attackers, Christ’s light guards our relationship with God….no contemporary metaphor exhausts the meaning of the biblical image. It only points in one possible direction the language might take us.”
Traditionally the Jews have held the Law as a light or lamp for wisdom. They held a link between the light ritual at the celebration of Tabernacles and used light to speak of the Torah. A pillar of fire led their ancestors through the desert during their exodus from Egypt and some expected it to return at the end time.
The baby Jesus who has just been born amidst us is the light of the world, leading us safely to our destination, assuring us that darkness is not all there is, guarding our relationship with God, and more. We will get to know this Jesus more each day, and we will get to know his father. We will understand better the mysteries of “Living Water” and “Light of the world.” It will make all the difference. It is a matter of life eternal.
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect
Almighty God, who have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading: John 7:53 – 8:11
The New Revised Standard Version
Then each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."
Reflection
Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again. In the books of Moses both male and female adulterers were to be put to death. There is no mention of the woman’s partner here. Jesus asks the one without sin to throw the first stone and none there were innocent. Their law also required the witnesses to be the first to stone the condemned. Everyone left. The motive of the accusers is important. They were still trying to find something for which to arrest Jesus and using this woman, as “chattel in a legal debate.” They were trying to place Jesus’ judgment against the teachings of Moses and the Law so that they could have some charge to bring against Jesus. The woman is left with Jesus, the incarnation of mercy.
Jesus addresses the woman as “you,” someone who can enter into a relationship with Jesus. She addresses Jesus as “Lord,” expressing reverence. From this encounter with Jesus, he offers her the possibility of new life: physical life and newness of life in a right relationship with God.
Jesus meets us where we are, is born as one of us and lives with us today. The love and mercy offered us we can offer to others. God loves us all, even the antagonist.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
Almighty God, who have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading: John 7:53 – 8:11
The New Revised Standard Version
Then each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."
Reflection
Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again. In the books of Moses both male and female adulterers were to be put to death. There is no mention of the woman’s partner here. Jesus asks the one without sin to throw the first stone and none there were innocent. Their law also required the witnesses to be the first to stone the condemned. Everyone left. The motive of the accusers is important. They were still trying to find something for which to arrest Jesus and using this woman, as “chattel in a legal debate.” They were trying to place Jesus’ judgment against the teachings of Moses and the Law so that they could have some charge to bring against Jesus. The woman is left with Jesus, the incarnation of mercy.
Jesus addresses the woman as “you,” someone who can enter into a relationship with Jesus. She addresses Jesus as “Lord,” expressing reverence. From this encounter with Jesus, he offers her the possibility of new life: physical life and newness of life in a right relationship with God.
Jesus meets us where we are, is born as one of us and lives with us today. The love and mercy offered us we can offer to others. God loves us all, even the antagonist.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
Monday, December 29, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline you hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 7:37-52
37 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, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, "Out of the believer's heart F61 shall flow rivers of living water.' " 39 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. 40 When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, "This is really the prophet." 41 Others said, "This is the Messiah." But some asked, "Surely the Messiah F64 does not come from Galilee, does he? 42 Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?" 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why did you not arrest him?" 46 The police answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this!" 47 Then the Pharisees replied, "Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? 48 Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed." 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, 51 "Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?" 52 They replied, "Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee."
**********************************************************************
Rivers of Living Water -- The Spirit is associated with water and promised to be given after Jesus ascends in glory. The living water reminds of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-25). The gift of the Spirit is associated with the waters of baptism (Mark 1:9-11) and with the Holy Eucharist (1 Corinthians 12:13). Fred Craddock continues to remind us that "Jesus crucified, dead, and buried, who sits in glory at the right hand of God, sent and sends the Holy Spirit to sustain and to nourish the church in its life together and in its mission to the world."
Thank you, Jesus, God who came to be with us.
To make things new that never were:
We name you wind, power, force, and then,
Imaginatively, "Third Person".
We name you and you blow...
Blow hard,
Blow cold,
Blow hot,
Blow strong,
Blow gentle,
Blow new...
Blowing in the world out of nothing to abundance,
Blowing the church out of despair to new life,
Blowing little David from shepherd boy to messiah,
Blowing to make things new that never were.
So blow this day, wind,
Blow here and there, power,
Blow even us, force,
Rush us beyond ourselves,
Rush us beyond our hopes,
Rush beyond our fears, until we enact your newness in the world.
Come, come spirit. Amen.
Walter Brueggermann, "Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggermann.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline you hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 7:37-52
37 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, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, "Out of the believer's heart F61 shall flow rivers of living water.' " 39 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. 40 When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, "This is really the prophet." 41 Others said, "This is the Messiah." But some asked, "Surely the Messiah F64 does not come from Galilee, does he? 42 Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?" 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why did you not arrest him?" 46 The police answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this!" 47 Then the Pharisees replied, "Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? 48 Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed." 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, 51 "Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?" 52 They replied, "Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee."
**********************************************************************
Rivers of Living Water -- The Spirit is associated with water and promised to be given after Jesus ascends in glory. The living water reminds of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-25). The gift of the Spirit is associated with the waters of baptism (Mark 1:9-11) and with the Holy Eucharist (1 Corinthians 12:13). Fred Craddock continues to remind us that "Jesus crucified, dead, and buried, who sits in glory at the right hand of God, sent and sends the Holy Spirit to sustain and to nourish the church in its life together and in its mission to the world."
Thank you, Jesus, God who came to be with us.
To make things new that never were:
We name you wind, power, force, and then,
Imaginatively, "Third Person".
We name you and you blow...
Blow hard,
Blow cold,
Blow hot,
Blow strong,
Blow gentle,
Blow new...
Blowing in the world out of nothing to abundance,
Blowing the church out of despair to new life,
Blowing little David from shepherd boy to messiah,
Blowing to make things new that never were.
So blow this day, wind,
Blow here and there, power,
Blow even us, force,
Rush us beyond ourselves,
Rush us beyond our hopes,
Rush beyond our fears, until we enact your newness in the world.
Come, come spirit. Amen.
Walter Brueggermann, "Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggermann.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
God is with us.
"Father God,
Why is it that I think I must get somewhere, assume some position, be gathered together, or separated apart in the quiet of my study to pray?
Why is is that I feel that I have to go somewhere or do some particular act to find you, reach you, and talk with you?
Your presence is here
In the city -- on the busy bus, in the factory, in the cockpit of the airplane;
In the hospital -- in the patients' rooms, in the intensive care unit, in the waiting room;
In the home -- at dinner, in the bedroom, in the family room, at my workbench;
In the car -- in the parking lot, at the stoplight.
Lord, reveal your presence to me everywhere, and help me become aware of your presence each moment of the day.
May your presence fill the non-answers, empty glances, and lonely times of my life. Amen."
From "A Thirty-Day Experiment in Prayer" by Robert Wood
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
God is with us.
"Father God,
Why is it that I think I must get somewhere, assume some position, be gathered together, or separated apart in the quiet of my study to pray?
Why is is that I feel that I have to go somewhere or do some particular act to find you, reach you, and talk with you?
Your presence is here
In the city -- on the busy bus, in the factory, in the cockpit of the airplane;
In the hospital -- in the patients' rooms, in the intensive care unit, in the waiting room;
In the home -- at dinner, in the bedroom, in the family room, at my workbench;
In the car -- in the parking lot, at the stoplight.
Lord, reveal your presence to me everywhere, and help me become aware of your presence each moment of the day.
May your presence fill the non-answers, empty glances, and lonely times of my life. Amen."
From "A Thirty-Day Experiment in Prayer" by Robert Wood
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 2:25-32
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
Devotion
The Song of Simeon, also known by its Latin name, Nunc dimittis, appears in our Book of Common Prayer in both Morning and Evening Prayer. The title comes from the first two words in Latin, which mean, essentially, “Now you may dismiss”. The Holy Spirit had promised Simeon, a man close to God all his life, that he would not see death until he had seen the Christ. When Jesus was presented for purification at the temple, Simeon was there to see him, having been told to go there by the Holy Spirit, much as the wise men were told to go to Bethlehem.
When Simeon sees Jesus, he takes him in his arms and says his famous prayer.
The coming of the Messiah, or Christ in Greek, was a momentous occasion for those in that time who had lived in subjection for so long. May that same sense of urgency and expectation be in us today as we embrace the Christ in our own lives and, through the Holy Spirit, heal and transform those situations and beliefs, those fears and prejudices, which hold us in subjection today!
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 2:25-32
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
Devotion
The Song of Simeon, also known by its Latin name, Nunc dimittis, appears in our Book of Common Prayer in both Morning and Evening Prayer. The title comes from the first two words in Latin, which mean, essentially, “Now you may dismiss”. The Holy Spirit had promised Simeon, a man close to God all his life, that he would not see death until he had seen the Christ. When Jesus was presented for purification at the temple, Simeon was there to see him, having been told to go there by the Holy Spirit, much as the wise men were told to go to Bethlehem.
When Simeon sees Jesus, he takes him in his arms and says his famous prayer.
The coming of the Messiah, or Christ in Greek, was a momentous occasion for those in that time who had lived in subjection for so long. May that same sense of urgency and expectation be in us today as we embrace the Christ in our own lives and, through the Holy Spirit, heal and transform those situations and beliefs, those fears and prejudices, which hold us in subjection today!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Devotion
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing which has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Indeed, we have been reading and hearing from the pulpit that we are all on our own journey to Bethlehem. Like the wise shepherds, we will make haste to behold him who has been promised to us, if we are wise.
Christ lies in his manger, surrounded by the holy family and by the heavenly host, in the Bethlehem that is the human heart, yours and mine. Let us go within, to this human manger, to worship this gift from God.
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Devotion
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing which has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Indeed, we have been reading and hearing from the pulpit that we are all on our own journey to Bethlehem. Like the wise shepherds, we will make haste to behold him who has been promised to us, if we are wise.
Christ lies in his manger, surrounded by the holy family and by the heavenly host, in the Bethlehem that is the human heart, yours and mine. Let us go within, to this human manger, to worship this gift from God.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 3:31-36
31 "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
Devotional
The Gospel reading for Christmas Day is pretty straight forward, clarifying the readings of the last two days. Messages sent from God are higher messages than earthly ones. God can and must be trusted, for he alone knows all. Because the Son is Lord over all the Earth, all things are subject to him and those who believe him have eternal life, while those who do not must endure God’s wrath.
Our lesson today that we can take away from these admittedly challenging readings, is that the Christ lives. We, who have experienced the presence of the risen Christ in our own lives and have devoted ourselves to his service, are changed beings. No longer living for ourselves but for him, we are in him and he is in us. When we refuse to believe the testimony of our own hearts that he indeed is risen in us as us, we endure the consequence of living meaningless lives, feeling cutoff from life, from joy, from peace because we have surrendered the old ways but now are not living the new way in Christ. We punish ourselves because of the disconnect between what we have chosen and what we cling to.
Deacon Doug
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 3:31-36
31 "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
Devotional
The Gospel reading for Christmas Day is pretty straight forward, clarifying the readings of the last two days. Messages sent from God are higher messages than earthly ones. God can and must be trusted, for he alone knows all. Because the Son is Lord over all the Earth, all things are subject to him and those who believe him have eternal life, while those who do not must endure God’s wrath.
Our lesson today that we can take away from these admittedly challenging readings, is that the Christ lives. We, who have experienced the presence of the risen Christ in our own lives and have devoted ourselves to his service, are changed beings. No longer living for ourselves but for him, we are in him and he is in us. When we refuse to believe the testimony of our own hearts that he indeed is risen in us as us, we endure the consequence of living meaningless lives, feeling cutoff from life, from joy, from peace because we have surrendered the old ways but now are not living the new way in Christ. We punish ourselves because of the disconnect between what we have chosen and what we cling to.
Deacon Doug
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 1: 26-38
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Devotional
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
As the story shifts into high gear, Gabriel approaches Mary six months later and tells her she will conceive the Christ child. When Mary, perhaps like Zechariah, (see above) asks how this is possible, she gets the explanation that the Holy Spirit will over shadow her. Fortunately Mary is spiritually sensitive to the explanation and does not ask for proof! She exhibits the willingness to accept this gift as her service to the Lord and mankind.
The lesson in this for us today is that we, too, are invited to birth the Christ within our own lives, and that Mary’s willingness can serve as our example and encouragement to do the same. This is actually the true value of celebrating Christ’s birth 2000 years ago; it is not simply a celebration, but a divine invitation like Gabriel’s, to birth the Christ child again within our own selves and to give our life over to God’s service.
Deacon Doug
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 1: 26-38
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Devotional
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
As the story shifts into high gear, Gabriel approaches Mary six months later and tells her she will conceive the Christ child. When Mary, perhaps like Zechariah, (see above) asks how this is possible, she gets the explanation that the Holy Spirit will over shadow her. Fortunately Mary is spiritually sensitive to the explanation and does not ask for proof! She exhibits the willingness to accept this gift as her service to the Lord and mankind.
The lesson in this for us today is that we, too, are invited to birth the Christ within our own lives, and that Mary’s willingness can serve as our example and encouragement to do the same. This is actually the true value of celebrating Christ’s birth 2000 years ago; it is not simply a celebration, but a divine invitation like Gabriel’s, to birth the Christ child again within our own selves and to give our life over to God’s service.
Deacon Doug
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 1: 5-25
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. 8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." 19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."
Devotional
Today we begin setting the stage for the birth of the Christ child by entertaining the idea that God could induce conception in a woman who is barren and too old to bear children in any event. The significance of the story intensifies as we learn that this child is to be John the Baptizer, the one who is to “prepare the way of the Lord”. Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin as well, thus explaining the link between Mary and Elizabeth, and between Jesus and John. The obvious inference here is that God is orchestrating the flow of events that will fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah.
An interesting side note here, perhaps most meaningful to clergy people is that Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah is a priest yet does not believe the angel Gabriel and asks for proof! For this lapse of faith, Zechariah is made mute until the child’s birth. A more severe punishment for a priest I cannot imagine!
A lesson for all of us is to remember to acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit when we receive the benefits of that work, and to live into our faith to the point where it transcends belief and becomes trust.
Deacon Doug
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 1: 5-25
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. 8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." 19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."
Devotional
Today we begin setting the stage for the birth of the Christ child by entertaining the idea that God could induce conception in a woman who is barren and too old to bear children in any event. The significance of the story intensifies as we learn that this child is to be John the Baptizer, the one who is to “prepare the way of the Lord”. Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin as well, thus explaining the link between Mary and Elizabeth, and between Jesus and John. The obvious inference here is that God is orchestrating the flow of events that will fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah.
An interesting side note here, perhaps most meaningful to clergy people is that Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah is a priest yet does not believe the angel Gabriel and asks for proof! For this lapse of faith, Zechariah is made mute until the child’s birth. A more severe punishment for a priest I cannot imagine!
A lesson for all of us is to remember to acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit when we receive the benefits of that work, and to live into our faith to the point where it transcends belief and becomes trust.
Deacon Doug
Monday, December 22, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 5: 30-47
30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. 33 "You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41 "I do not accept praise from men, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? 45 "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
Devotional
“I can do nothing on my own.”
Think about it. If you were talking to a friend and he or she said to you, “I can do nothing on my own” what would your reaction be? Mine would be, thinking to myself rather than be impolite, “Are you mentally impaired or hopelessly co-dependent?” I mean, let’s face it. One of the first signs of maturity and mental health is the ability to think and act on our own, to be independent. Unless we are speaking to a child, this statement would seem like an admission of helplessness or of one in captivity, under constant surveillance and control by another.
Of course we know that in this case, Jesus is speaking of his intimate relationship with the Father. We know also that he is humbly acknowledging that the will of the Father, manifest in him by the Holy Spirit, is the source of Jesus’ miraculous power to heal, of his wisdom and intelligence, and especially of his ability to love and offer forgiveness to the downtrodden and despised people who followed him.
But, do we also realize that as Baptized Christians, the same is literally true for us as well? Do we really understand and accept that Jesus’ gift of his Holy Spirit to all mankind at Pentecost not only set us free from the power of sin and death but also made us captives? Yes, we are captives in Christ, bound to him by our own choice, and just as dependent on our Father as the source of our ability as Jesus proclaimed he was. Because Christ now lives in us as us, we, too, can do nothing on our own. When we seem to be self-acting, either it is actually the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, or it is our “shadow self”, the one we think we are when we loose our contact with the Spirit, acting for itself.
Unfortunately for us and the world, and speaking for myself, I spend a great deal of my day lost in this shadow self to a greater or lesser degree. When I awake, when I come to myself, I must confess my sin, ask forgiveness, and try again to focus on Christ within me. This is the battle the Christian fights; this is the striving towards the goal, this resistance to the shadow self. This above all, is something we cannot do on our own.
Deacon Doug
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 5: 30-47
30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. 33 "You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41 "I do not accept praise from men, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? 45 "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
Devotional
“I can do nothing on my own.”
Think about it. If you were talking to a friend and he or she said to you, “I can do nothing on my own” what would your reaction be? Mine would be, thinking to myself rather than be impolite, “Are you mentally impaired or hopelessly co-dependent?” I mean, let’s face it. One of the first signs of maturity and mental health is the ability to think and act on our own, to be independent. Unless we are speaking to a child, this statement would seem like an admission of helplessness or of one in captivity, under constant surveillance and control by another.
Of course we know that in this case, Jesus is speaking of his intimate relationship with the Father. We know also that he is humbly acknowledging that the will of the Father, manifest in him by the Holy Spirit, is the source of Jesus’ miraculous power to heal, of his wisdom and intelligence, and especially of his ability to love and offer forgiveness to the downtrodden and despised people who followed him.
But, do we also realize that as Baptized Christians, the same is literally true for us as well? Do we really understand and accept that Jesus’ gift of his Holy Spirit to all mankind at Pentecost not only set us free from the power of sin and death but also made us captives? Yes, we are captives in Christ, bound to him by our own choice, and just as dependent on our Father as the source of our ability as Jesus proclaimed he was. Because Christ now lives in us as us, we, too, can do nothing on our own. When we seem to be self-acting, either it is actually the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, or it is our “shadow self”, the one we think we are when we loose our contact with the Spirit, acting for itself.
Unfortunately for us and the world, and speaking for myself, I spend a great deal of my day lost in this shadow self to a greater or lesser degree. When I awake, when I come to myself, I must confess my sin, ask forgiveness, and try again to focus on Christ within me. This is the battle the Christian fights; this is the striving towards the goal, this resistance to the shadow self. This above all, is something we cannot do on our own.
Deacon Doug
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine live of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 3:1-9
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar--when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all mankind will see God's salvation.'" 7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
Devotional
"Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding. 'Christ is nigh,' it seems to say;
'Cast away the works of darkness, O ye children of the day.'
Wakened by the solemn warning, from earth's bondage let us rise;
Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo! The Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven;
let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all to be forgiven;
so when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear,
may he with his mercy shield us, and with words of love draw near.
Honor, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit while unending ages run."
A Latin hymn, c.6th century
Humankind always needs a savior, always yearns for one to come among us with a promise of saving-grace. In this early year of the 21st century we are not so different from our kindred folk of creation in centuries past. Where do we look? To whom do we turn? Christ-mass, Christ-with-us, a proven Savior, the bearer of grace-upon-grace. May you have a Christ-Blessed Christmas.
thoughts of a fellow traveler- DMc
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine live of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 3:1-9
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar--when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all mankind will see God's salvation.'" 7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
Devotional
"Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding. 'Christ is nigh,' it seems to say;
'Cast away the works of darkness, O ye children of the day.'
Wakened by the solemn warning, from earth's bondage let us rise;
Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo! The Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven;
let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all to be forgiven;
so when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear,
may he with his mercy shield us, and with words of love draw near.
Honor, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit while unending ages run."
A Latin hymn, c.6th century
Humankind always needs a savior, always yearns for one to come among us with a promise of saving-grace. In this early year of the 21st century we are not so different from our kindred folk of creation in centuries past. Where do we look? To whom do we turn? Christ-mass, Christ-with-us, a proven Savior, the bearer of grace-upon-grace. May you have a Christ-Blessed Christmas.
thoughts of a fellow traveler- DMc
Friday, December 19, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord Jesus, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies' sake. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 11:2-15
2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
Devotion
"Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them."
So what more will it take for the eyes of the spirit to be opened to the Truth: God is with us!
Not sure if you've seen God's Love-in-the-flesh, God's very present presence? Read. Listen. Watch. The blind do receive their sight. The lame do walk again. Lepers are made clean. The deaf do hear. The dead are restored to live. And the poor have good news and food and shelter and compassion brought to them and shared with them.
These miracles of God's Incarnation - God's presence among us -- happen daily. Miracles of God's Love happen through people of God who are willing and eager to be the bearers of Light, the vessels of God's Love, the living, active proof of God-with-us.
Be a gift to others in this season of gift-giving. Be the presence of God's Love wherever you are.
thoughts of a fellow traveler -- DMc
Lord Jesus, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies' sake. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 11:2-15
2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
Devotion
"Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them."
So what more will it take for the eyes of the spirit to be opened to the Truth: God is with us!
Not sure if you've seen God's Love-in-the-flesh, God's very present presence? Read. Listen. Watch. The blind do receive their sight. The lame do walk again. Lepers are made clean. The deaf do hear. The dead are restored to live. And the poor have good news and food and shelter and compassion brought to them and shared with them.
These miracles of God's Incarnation - God's presence among us -- happen daily. Miracles of God's Love happen through people of God who are willing and eager to be the bearers of Light, the vessels of God's Love, the living, active proof of God-with-us.
Be a gift to others in this season of gift-giving. Be the presence of God's Love wherever you are.
thoughts of a fellow traveler -- DMc
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Matthew 3:1-12
1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' " 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
How many ways must we hear the ancient yet ever-new message: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Isaiah's prophetic warning) "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (John, the Baptizer's re-iteration of Isaiah's words) How many times before we believe the simple message that I see in a week-by-week calendar for this, the 3rd week of Advent: "God is nearer to us than we think." (Brother Lawrence). What did/do Isaiah, John, Lawrence know that makes the Gospel truly become "Good News" during this Advent 2008? Then there is the text of a favorite Advent hymn: "People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People look east and sing today; Love, the guest, is on the way." Praying that you are singing as you prepare for the arrival of that most wondrous of all Christmas guests, Jesus, God's gracious gift of Love. thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Matthew 3:1-12
1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' " 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
How many ways must we hear the ancient yet ever-new message: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Isaiah's prophetic warning) "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (John, the Baptizer's re-iteration of Isaiah's words) How many times before we believe the simple message that I see in a week-by-week calendar for this, the 3rd week of Advent: "God is nearer to us than we think." (Brother Lawrence). What did/do Isaiah, John, Lawrence know that makes the Gospel truly become "Good News" during this Advent 2008? Then there is the text of a favorite Advent hymn: "People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People look east and sing today; Love, the guest, is on the way." Praying that you are singing as you prepare for the arrival of that most wondrous of all Christmas guests, Jesus, God's gracious gift of Love. thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord Jesus, stay with us; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Isaiah 9:1-7
1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Lord Jesus, stay with us; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Isaiah 9:1-7
1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
*******************
"So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." 2nd Peter 1:19
Peter wrote from experience and from an awareness of Isaiah's prophetic message: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined." It's easy for me to believe that both Isaiah and Peter knew full well the wonder of looking up into the heavens in the dark of early morning and seeing the beautiful brightness of the morning star: a star whose very brilliance reminded them of the promises God built into creation. Promises that God was and continues to be pleased with the goodness of Creation.
On occasions when electric power goes off in our home, my first reaction is to stumble around in the dark and try to find a flashlight. And what relief there is when, with even a small beam of light, I feel that I have power over the darkness! I wonder how often we are blessed with the calling to be that small beam of light for another person stumbling through their own spiritual darkness. We can only be light for another, though, when our own eyes of faith are open to the light of God's love!
Have you seen the Morning Star recently? Have you looked up at the heavens in hopeful expectation of being immersed in the glory of creation?
"How bright appears the Morning Star, with mercy beaming from afar; the host of heaven rejoices.
O righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod! Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will life our voices: Jesus, Jesus!
Holy, holy, yet most lowly, draw thou near us; great Emmanuel, come and hear us."
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Peter wrote from experience and from an awareness of Isaiah's prophetic message: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined." It's easy for me to believe that both Isaiah and Peter knew full well the wonder of looking up into the heavens in the dark of early morning and seeing the beautiful brightness of the morning star: a star whose very brilliance reminded them of the promises God built into creation. Promises that God was and continues to be pleased with the goodness of Creation.
On occasions when electric power goes off in our home, my first reaction is to stumble around in the dark and try to find a flashlight. And what relief there is when, with even a small beam of light, I feel that I have power over the darkness! I wonder how often we are blessed with the calling to be that small beam of light for another person stumbling through their own spiritual darkness. We can only be light for another, though, when our own eyes of faith are open to the light of God's love!
Have you seen the Morning Star recently? Have you looked up at the heavens in hopeful expectation of being immersed in the glory of creation?
"How bright appears the Morning Star, with mercy beaming from afar; the host of heaven rejoices.
O righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod! Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will life our voices: Jesus, Jesus!
Holy, holy, yet most lowly, draw thou near us; great Emmanuel, come and hear us."
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Monday, December 15, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Isaiah 8:16 – 9:1
16 Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. 18 Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 They will pass through it hard pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22 Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.
1 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles.
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Isaiah 8:16 – 9:1
16 Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. 18 Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 They will pass through it hard pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22 Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.
1 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles.
********************
"Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! The Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble." Psalm 41:1
It's Isaiah, that often gloomy, but terribly truthful, prophet of old. Just when we're searching for reasons to rejoice, about the time we might possibly be getting a glimpse of hope for this troubled world, Isaiah's message startles us with its dire warnings. There's good news, though. It's called the "Gospel" and it's that incredible story of how God loves His creation so intensely and everlastingly that God came among us as a human being. We call him "Jesus" and we tell again and again the story of his coming to dwell with us. We call it "Christmas".
In your preparation, find a quiet time, a quiet place and let your spirit "taste" these wondrous words written in the mid 1600's, centuries after Isaiah, yet true today.
"Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
comfort those who sit in darkness mourning 'neath their sorrows' load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them;
tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over.
Hark, the voice of one that crieth in the desert far and near,
calling us to new repentance since the kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way;
let the valleys rise to meet him and the hills bow down to greet him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked, make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits his holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token that the word is never broken."
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
It's Isaiah, that often gloomy, but terribly truthful, prophet of old. Just when we're searching for reasons to rejoice, about the time we might possibly be getting a glimpse of hope for this troubled world, Isaiah's message startles us with its dire warnings. There's good news, though. It's called the "Gospel" and it's that incredible story of how God loves His creation so intensely and everlastingly that God came among us as a human being. We call him "Jesus" and we tell again and again the story of his coming to dwell with us. We call it "Christmas".
In your preparation, find a quiet time, a quiet place and let your spirit "taste" these wondrous words written in the mid 1600's, centuries after Isaiah, yet true today.
"Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
comfort those who sit in darkness mourning 'neath their sorrows' load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them;
tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over.
Hark, the voice of one that crieth in the desert far and near,
calling us to new repentance since the kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way;
let the valleys rise to meet him and the hills bow down to greet him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked, make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits his holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token that the word is never broken."
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Isaiah 13:6-13
6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man's heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames. 9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. 11 "I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger.
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Isaiah 13:6-13
6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man's heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames. 9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. 11 "I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger.
***************
"O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a barren and dry land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1
Reading the Isaiah texts for this week is not an easy assignment. Stepping away from the frantic activities that threaten the very sanctity of this holy season of preparation, slowing down to spend time with the ancient prophet Isaiah doesn't feel like much of a step in the direction of peace and quiet for a hungry spirit. Isaiah's words strike a note that is much too close to the here and now. Without our trust in the truth of Christmas – the very real, the very "God-with-us" once and for always miracle of Christmas, Isaiah would likely scare the very life out of us!
But Jesus was born….
"Into the darkness of a warring world; into the sadness of my soul;
into the weariness of hopes unfulfilled:
Come, Jesus. Come, Saviour. Come, O Christ of our God
and be Love born of Miracle. And be Miracle born of Love.
Into the suffering of each wounded heart; into the confusion of our minds;
into the yearning of our spirits for peace:
Come, Jesus. Come, Saviour. Come, O Christ of our God
and be Love born of Miracle. And be Miracle born on Love.
God comes into the darkness of His world; into the sadness of each soul;
comes to give light and hope when faith needs new birth.
Comes as baby. Comes as Saviour. Comes as Jesus the Christ.
Comes as Love born of Miracle. Comes as Miracle born of Love."
"Love Born of Miracle" – Dolores McCreary
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Reading the Isaiah texts for this week is not an easy assignment. Stepping away from the frantic activities that threaten the very sanctity of this holy season of preparation, slowing down to spend time with the ancient prophet Isaiah doesn't feel like much of a step in the direction of peace and quiet for a hungry spirit. Isaiah's words strike a note that is much too close to the here and now. Without our trust in the truth of Christmas – the very real, the very "God-with-us" once and for always miracle of Christmas, Isaiah would likely scare the very life out of us!
But Jesus was born….
"Into the darkness of a warring world; into the sadness of my soul;
into the weariness of hopes unfulfilled:
Come, Jesus. Come, Saviour. Come, O Christ of our God
and be Love born of Miracle. And be Miracle born of Love.
Into the suffering of each wounded heart; into the confusion of our minds;
into the yearning of our spirits for peace:
Come, Jesus. Come, Saviour. Come, O Christ of our God
and be Love born of Miracle. And be Miracle born on Love.
God comes into the darkness of His world; into the sadness of each soul;
comes to give light and hope when faith needs new birth.
Comes as baby. Comes as Saviour. Comes as Jesus the Christ.
Comes as Love born of Miracle. Comes as Miracle born of Love."
"Love Born of Miracle" – Dolores McCreary
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Almight God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glroy before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 22:31-38
31 ‘Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ 33And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ 34 Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.’
35 He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘No, not a thing.’ 36 He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ 38 They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough.’
Daily Devotion
When I read this Gospel, I immediately remembered a friend who sent me a poem that is perfect for today. It is too late to call and ask for permission to use the poem. So, I am hesitant. Yet, I think I can venture forward trusting in our relationship. Lauri and I have often talked about what it means to follow Christ and how difficult it can be at times. Her poem touced me and I now offer it to you.
If you came and knocked on my door,
If you said, "Come, follow me."
Would I go? Would I know?
"I will follow you, of course, Lord.
How could I do any less, Lord?"
"Follow me, follow me."
Oh, but wait, I just remembered!
I can't leave right in December.
Follow me, follow me.
I must kiss my husband, fix a meal,
See if Mom is doing well.
Would I go? Could I go?
If you came and looked me in the eye,
Would I turn and answer with a sigh?
"I don't know Lord. How can I go?"
My life is here, and very clear.
How do I leave all that is dear?
Would I go? Could I go?
As you stand before me on this day
I clearly hear you when you say,
"Follow me, come with me."
Will I go?
Oh Lord, will I go?
Thanks, Lauri. The path of denial seems so much easier. The path of following Jesus is often difficult to discern and even more challenging to follow. May God grant us grace, wisdom and courage to follow our Lord.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
(Good morning and thank you, Lauri)
Almight God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glroy before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 22:31-38
31 ‘Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ 33And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ 34 Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.’
35 He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘No, not a thing.’ 36 He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ 38 They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough.’
Daily Devotion
When I read this Gospel, I immediately remembered a friend who sent me a poem that is perfect for today. It is too late to call and ask for permission to use the poem. So, I am hesitant. Yet, I think I can venture forward trusting in our relationship. Lauri and I have often talked about what it means to follow Christ and how difficult it can be at times. Her poem touced me and I now offer it to you.
If you came and knocked on my door,
If you said, "Come, follow me."
Would I go? Would I know?
"I will follow you, of course, Lord.
How could I do any less, Lord?"
"Follow me, follow me."
Oh, but wait, I just remembered!
I can't leave right in December.
Follow me, follow me.
I must kiss my husband, fix a meal,
See if Mom is doing well.
Would I go? Could I go?
If you came and looked me in the eye,
Would I turn and answer with a sigh?
"I don't know Lord. How can I go?"
My life is here, and very clear.
How do I leave all that is dear?
Would I go? Could I go?
As you stand before me on this day
I clearly hear you when you say,
"Follow me, come with me."
Will I go?
Oh Lord, will I go?
Thanks, Lauri. The path of denial seems so much easier. The path of following Jesus is often difficult to discern and even more challenging to follow. May God grant us grace, wisdom and courage to follow our Lord.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
(Good morning and thank you, Lauri)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Daily Devotions
Collect of the Day
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace; so cloth us in your spirit that we reaching forth our hands may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you. Amen.
Luke 22:14-30
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16for I tell you, I will not eat it* until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.* 21But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’ 23Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
The Dispute about Greatness
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
28 ‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Daily Devotion
One could reasonably ask of the disciples, "What were you thinking!:" They had just experienced the "Last Supper" with Jesus. They had learned that one of them was a traitor. How could they possibly start arguing who was the greatest among them? How could the church be built on such faithlessness?
Of course Luke's Gospel is portraying a bit of reality. This Gospel was written about the year 85. About thirty years earlier Paul's letters were written and circulated among the early churches. Paul addressed the abuses related to the Eucharist, Holy Communion/Agape Feast, in the church in the fifties. Pride, neglect, exclusivism and abuse were prevalent enough to warrant Paul's displeasure and lecture on the subject in his letters.
I have no doubt that as Luke was writing his Gospel he was aware of this happening from time to time in the Church. And, he was likely aware of such tensions in the original disciples. The outline of this passage is not an accident. To put the Last Supper and this dispute next to each other was quite deliberate and a lesson then and now.
The wonder and beauty of the Holy Eucharist can become tainted ever so easily when we lose focus -- even within minutes of experiencing the Sacrament.
One Sunday at Christ Church, Tyler, I went into the Altar Guild Sacristy soon after the Eucharist. As I entered I heard two Altar Guild members harshly criticizing another member of the Guild who was not present. They were being unreasonably judgmental -- indeed mean. I stuck my nose in the middle by saying I heard what they said about the woman and asking what they had just experienced at the Altar. Their faces went blank. They stuttered something. I reminded them that the person had just knelt with them at the Altar Rail to receive Holy Communion. Perhaps she needed to be consoled or understood -- or at least loved (borrowing from St. Francis). Perhaps she needed to see Christ in them.
When we live a divided life, we don't allow the Sacrament of Christ to transform us and the experience has limited value. Advent is a time to regain the focus of our lives centered on the One who is coming, is here and will come again.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace; so cloth us in your spirit that we reaching forth our hands may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you. Amen.
Luke 22:14-30
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16for I tell you, I will not eat it* until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.* 21But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’ 23Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
The Dispute about Greatness
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
28 ‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Daily Devotion
One could reasonably ask of the disciples, "What were you thinking!:" They had just experienced the "Last Supper" with Jesus. They had learned that one of them was a traitor. How could they possibly start arguing who was the greatest among them? How could the church be built on such faithlessness?
Of course Luke's Gospel is portraying a bit of reality. This Gospel was written about the year 85. About thirty years earlier Paul's letters were written and circulated among the early churches. Paul addressed the abuses related to the Eucharist, Holy Communion/Agape Feast, in the church in the fifties. Pride, neglect, exclusivism and abuse were prevalent enough to warrant Paul's displeasure and lecture on the subject in his letters.
I have no doubt that as Luke was writing his Gospel he was aware of this happening from time to time in the Church. And, he was likely aware of such tensions in the original disciples. The outline of this passage is not an accident. To put the Last Supper and this dispute next to each other was quite deliberate and a lesson then and now.
The wonder and beauty of the Holy Eucharist can become tainted ever so easily when we lose focus -- even within minutes of experiencing the Sacrament.
One Sunday at Christ Church, Tyler, I went into the Altar Guild Sacristy soon after the Eucharist. As I entered I heard two Altar Guild members harshly criticizing another member of the Guild who was not present. They were being unreasonably judgmental -- indeed mean. I stuck my nose in the middle by saying I heard what they said about the woman and asking what they had just experienced at the Altar. Their faces went blank. They stuttered something. I reminded them that the person had just knelt with them at the Altar Rail to receive Holy Communion. Perhaps she needed to be consoled or understood -- or at least loved (borrowing from St. Francis). Perhaps she needed to see Christ in them.
When we live a divided life, we don't allow the Sacrament of Christ to transform us and the experience has limited value. Advent is a time to regain the focus of our lives centered on the One who is coming, is here and will come again.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Holy One, as you prepare to come among us again in the gift of your Son, inspire and guide us in our preparations that we may receive with joy the one who loves and transforms, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Holy One, as you prepare to come among us again in the gift of your Son, inspire and guide us in our preparations that we may receive with joy the one who loves and transforms, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 22:1-13
22Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. 2The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ 9They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ 10‘Listen,’ he said to them, ‘when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11and say to the owner of the house, “The teacher asks you, ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ” 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.’ 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
22Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. 2The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ 9They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ 10‘Listen,’ he said to them, ‘when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11and say to the owner of the house, “The teacher asks you, ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ” 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.’ 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
**********************************************************
Does this seem like an odd Gospel for the Advent Season? Remember, Advent is a time of preparation -- getting ready for the gift of the Christ Child. We do this every year at this time. Each year we are in a different place in the journey -- sometimes more ready for the Christmas event than others -- and I don't mean shopping preparations, but spiritual.
Notice in this Gospel there are two kinds of preparations going on. One is preparation of Judas and the Pharisees. The second is the disciples' preparation for the Passover Meal -- known to us as the Last Supper. The first was to prevent God from coming redemptively close and the other was to receive the gift of redemption in the Emmanuel -- God with us -- even unto the cross.
Both parties were intentional in their preparations. The hearts of one were hardened and closed. The hearts of the other were open and eager. Neither party fully understood the immediate and much less the eternal consequences of their plans. One group was spiritually blind and arrogant while the other was spiritually eager, but naive -- open yet unknowing.
Now looking back through the cross and resurrection -- through the life and birth of Jesus -- how are your preparations for Christmas going? Are your preparations preventive and limiting or humble and receptive?
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Does this seem like an odd Gospel for the Advent Season? Remember, Advent is a time of preparation -- getting ready for the gift of the Christ Child. We do this every year at this time. Each year we are in a different place in the journey -- sometimes more ready for the Christmas event than others -- and I don't mean shopping preparations, but spiritual.
Notice in this Gospel there are two kinds of preparations going on. One is preparation of Judas and the Pharisees. The second is the disciples' preparation for the Passover Meal -- known to us as the Last Supper. The first was to prevent God from coming redemptively close and the other was to receive the gift of redemption in the Emmanuel -- God with us -- even unto the cross.
Both parties were intentional in their preparations. The hearts of one were hardened and closed. The hearts of the other were open and eager. Neither party fully understood the immediate and much less the eternal consequences of their plans. One group was spiritually blind and arrogant while the other was spiritually eager, but naive -- open yet unknowing.
Now looking back through the cross and resurrection -- through the life and birth of Jesus -- how are your preparations for Christmas going? Are your preparations preventive and limiting or humble and receptive?
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord, Jesus Christ, grant us wisdom and courage to truly be your people in the world today so your light and love will perpetually shine through us, your disciples every day in all that we think, feel, say and do, to the glory of your name. Amen.
John 7:53-8:11
53Then each of them went home, 81while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. 3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, 4they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ 6They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ 8And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground.* 9When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11She said, ‘No one, sir.’* And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’
Daily Devotion
The drama, truth and grace of this story have made it one of my all time favorites. Let me count the reasons.
First, the courage of Jesus in this situation was amazing. He didn't condone her behavior nor condemn her. He showed her love and acceptance that transformed her. A woman who was clearly sinful and whose behavior was self centered and destructive became a "cause" for Jesus. I admire that about Jesus -- I sometimes have trouble just standing up for people who are just outsiders, friendless, unpopular, different -- not especially sinful -- they are just...ah...
Second, the woman knew she was wrong in what she was doing. Now she was not only guilty, but publicly guilty and humiliated. And she was being used by the best of the "church people" in the city. The shame must have been overwhelming. In the end, having experienced the drama of which she was a center piece of a pawn, she looked to Jesus. She looked to Jesus and felt safe and loved and forgiven and loved and restored and loved. I wonder sometime how people see me -- and you -- the "church people" --the "Jesus People" today?
Third, the Scribes and Pharisees turned their backs on God (and God in the woman) to fulfill their agenda to test Jesus. They were the ones God had entrusted with the Law -- with the faith -- with God's people -- and they turned their backs on God. What do I need to do to insure that I never turn my back to God and the opportunities given to me serve all people in the name of Christ? There are days when I look a lot more like them than Jesus.
Fourth, this Gospel is an incredible example of what happens when we use "select" scriptures while ignoring all the others that don't fit our perspective -- and, use people as if they are expendable and really don't matter if my agenda can be promoted. That sure sounds familiar. And yet I can be just a second away from similar manipulative and destructive ways.
Fifth, I wish I could write in the sand more and talk less -- and do both with such spiritual depth.
Sixth, your turn.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Lord, Jesus Christ, grant us wisdom and courage to truly be your people in the world today so your light and love will perpetually shine through us, your disciples every day in all that we think, feel, say and do, to the glory of your name. Amen.
John 7:53-8:11
53Then each of them went home, 81while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. 3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, 4they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ 6They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ 8And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground.* 9When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11She said, ‘No one, sir.’* And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’
Daily Devotion
The drama, truth and grace of this story have made it one of my all time favorites. Let me count the reasons.
First, the courage of Jesus in this situation was amazing. He didn't condone her behavior nor condemn her. He showed her love and acceptance that transformed her. A woman who was clearly sinful and whose behavior was self centered and destructive became a "cause" for Jesus. I admire that about Jesus -- I sometimes have trouble just standing up for people who are just outsiders, friendless, unpopular, different -- not especially sinful -- they are just...ah...
Second, the woman knew she was wrong in what she was doing. Now she was not only guilty, but publicly guilty and humiliated. And she was being used by the best of the "church people" in the city. The shame must have been overwhelming. In the end, having experienced the drama of which she was a center piece of a pawn, she looked to Jesus. She looked to Jesus and felt safe and loved and forgiven and loved and restored and loved. I wonder sometime how people see me -- and you -- the "church people" --the "Jesus People" today?
Third, the Scribes and Pharisees turned their backs on God (and God in the woman) to fulfill their agenda to test Jesus. They were the ones God had entrusted with the Law -- with the faith -- with God's people -- and they turned their backs on God. What do I need to do to insure that I never turn my back to God and the opportunities given to me serve all people in the name of Christ? There are days when I look a lot more like them than Jesus.
Fourth, this Gospel is an incredible example of what happens when we use "select" scriptures while ignoring all the others that don't fit our perspective -- and, use people as if they are expendable and really don't matter if my agenda can be promoted. That sure sounds familiar. And yet I can be just a second away from similar manipulative and destructive ways.
Fifth, I wish I could write in the sand more and talk less -- and do both with such spiritual depth.
Sixth, your turn.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Gracious and Holy God, continually teach and nuture us toward lives filled with expectancy and hope so that we will not only be sustained in our daily trials, but in addition that the people around us will know that you are coming even now to bless us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 21:29-38
29 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
37 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.
Daily Devotion
A key phrase in this Gospel is found in the thirty-seventh verse -- "...at night he (Jesus) would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives..." This was not a "camp out" with his disciples or an effort to avoid people. This is a reference to Jesus' prayer life. This was "communion" time with God the Father. This was where Jesus received his insight, courage, compassion and direction for his ministry day to day.
There are many references to Jesus' personal spiritual life in the Bible. And, what he is describing in this Gospel is a way of life full of expectancy and hope even when evil seems to be winning. This was Jesus' life path and would soon be that of his disciples and the early church. Jesus' spiritual discipline of prayer -- of communion with God -- was vital to his mission and ministry-- which continued in his early followers.
If that was so for Jesus, how much more must it be true for us? As important as the Eucharist is in our lives (I could not live without it), the daily exercise of prayer, reading of Scripture and other materials and meditation are imperative for our journey of faith. This is the only way I know to truly live life with expectancy and hope in our broken and conflicted world.
So, what do you do to be spiritual fed and directed each day? Or, have you decided you don't need as much of that as Jesus -- the Christ -- the Son of God? Just thought I would ask.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Gracious and Holy God, continually teach and nuture us toward lives filled with expectancy and hope so that we will not only be sustained in our daily trials, but in addition that the people around us will know that you are coming even now to bless us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 21:29-38
29 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
37 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.
Daily Devotion
A key phrase in this Gospel is found in the thirty-seventh verse -- "...at night he (Jesus) would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives..." This was not a "camp out" with his disciples or an effort to avoid people. This is a reference to Jesus' prayer life. This was "communion" time with God the Father. This was where Jesus received his insight, courage, compassion and direction for his ministry day to day.
There are many references to Jesus' personal spiritual life in the Bible. And, what he is describing in this Gospel is a way of life full of expectancy and hope even when evil seems to be winning. This was Jesus' life path and would soon be that of his disciples and the early church. Jesus' spiritual discipline of prayer -- of communion with God -- was vital to his mission and ministry-- which continued in his early followers.
If that was so for Jesus, how much more must it be true for us? As important as the Eucharist is in our lives (I could not live without it), the daily exercise of prayer, reading of Scripture and other materials and meditation are imperative for our journey of faith. This is the only way I know to truly live life with expectancy and hope in our broken and conflicted world.
So, what do you do to be spiritual fed and directed each day? Or, have you decided you don't need as much of that as Jesus -- the Christ -- the Son of God? Just thought I would ask.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Monday, December 8, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 21:20-28
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Daily Devotion
On Sunday morning during the Coffee Hour I was in a group talking about the season. One woman said, "I think Christmas has become too commercialized!" She made the statement with conviction wanting things to be different. As I reflected on this criticism of our times, I remembered hearing exactly the same thing when I was growing up in the church. Indeed, such sentiments have been echoed most every year -- and nothing has changed -- well except for the season sales and hype starting about Halloween!
This Gospel speaks to horrible conditions of the first century -- the picture is catastrophic in proportion -- everything has gone wrong -- terribly wrong. And so it is for every generation for some people -- and often for the same people over and over. After listening to the evening news or reading the paper, one can readily list the violent and impoverished places where life is so very hard -- even hopeless.
Yet the Gospel is a word of hope for the hopeless. Your redemption is drawing near in spite of how things seem at the moment -- hopeless by circumstances or by choice.
Life circumstances can make it difficult to experience hope even in this season of Advent and the anticipation of Christmas. Sometimes life happens in difficult ways.
On the other hand, we too often choose to ignore the hope of this season but the distractions of a "commercialized" season and all the "stuff " of the season. Isn't it odd that we who have it so good in life can miss the hope of Christ just as much as those who suffer and life in fear -- but for us it is not a matter of circumstance. This has something to do with where we "choose" to put our focus -- on that which is much lower that Christ coming into our world -- our lives.
Seems that the Christ Child may bless the poor and needy much more readily than us -- we may not be nearly as ready and willing to prepare and welcome the Christ Child. As the Gospel suggests, look up! Your redemption is near!
Are you ready?
Peace,
Fr. Lee Stephens
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 21:20-28
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Daily Devotion
On Sunday morning during the Coffee Hour I was in a group talking about the season. One woman said, "I think Christmas has become too commercialized!" She made the statement with conviction wanting things to be different. As I reflected on this criticism of our times, I remembered hearing exactly the same thing when I was growing up in the church. Indeed, such sentiments have been echoed most every year -- and nothing has changed -- well except for the season sales and hype starting about Halloween!
This Gospel speaks to horrible conditions of the first century -- the picture is catastrophic in proportion -- everything has gone wrong -- terribly wrong. And so it is for every generation for some people -- and often for the same people over and over. After listening to the evening news or reading the paper, one can readily list the violent and impoverished places where life is so very hard -- even hopeless.
Yet the Gospel is a word of hope for the hopeless. Your redemption is drawing near in spite of how things seem at the moment -- hopeless by circumstances or by choice.
Life circumstances can make it difficult to experience hope even in this season of Advent and the anticipation of Christmas. Sometimes life happens in difficult ways.
On the other hand, we too often choose to ignore the hope of this season but the distractions of a "commercialized" season and all the "stuff " of the season. Isn't it odd that we who have it so good in life can miss the hope of Christ just as much as those who suffer and life in fear -- but for us it is not a matter of circumstance. This has something to do with where we "choose" to put our focus -- on that which is much lower that Christ coming into our world -- our lives.
Seems that the Christ Child may bless the poor and needy much more readily than us -- we may not be nearly as ready and willing to prepare and welcome the Christ Child. As the Gospel suggests, look up! Your redemption is near!
Are you ready?
Peace,
Fr. Lee Stephens
*******************
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you,that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Mark 1:1-8
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,' " 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Daily Devotion
This is an incredibly dramatic, powerful and meaningful story of John the Baptizer which appears every Advent -- year after year after year.
One year many years ago I decided to take it seriously and help others do the same. The Second Sunday of Advent I had someone else lead the early part of the Sunday worship service. At the time for the sermon I entered the church from the back -- dressed like John the Baptizer. I can tell you that wearing burlap is not fun. Anyway, I yelled from the back of the church, "Repent! And, I mean repent right now!"
Needless to say, I had everyone's attention. People jumped in their seats and turned to see who was yelling at them to repent. I took my time walking up the aisle challenging their readiness to welcome the Messiah. I presented this Gospel in first person as if John the Baptizer had come in our time with both judgment and hope.
Later at the Coffee Hour a man approached me saying, "It had never occurred to me that John the Baptist had been talking to me all these years. I thought he simply prepared the way of Jesus to come into the world back when all this started. I need to get my act together before Christmas!"
What is John saying to you this year about getting ready? Does there need to be an amendment of life? Perhaps a refocusing of your life? Maybe a reordering of priorities? How about a relationship to restore? Or, a softening of the heart? What do you need to do to be ready for the Christ Child to find a birthing place in you?
The Gospel is for today.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee Stephens
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you,that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Mark 1:1-8
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,' " 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Daily Devotion
This is an incredibly dramatic, powerful and meaningful story of John the Baptizer which appears every Advent -- year after year after year.
One year many years ago I decided to take it seriously and help others do the same. The Second Sunday of Advent I had someone else lead the early part of the Sunday worship service. At the time for the sermon I entered the church from the back -- dressed like John the Baptizer. I can tell you that wearing burlap is not fun. Anyway, I yelled from the back of the church, "Repent! And, I mean repent right now!"
Needless to say, I had everyone's attention. People jumped in their seats and turned to see who was yelling at them to repent. I took my time walking up the aisle challenging their readiness to welcome the Messiah. I presented this Gospel in first person as if John the Baptizer had come in our time with both judgment and hope.
Later at the Coffee Hour a man approached me saying, "It had never occurred to me that John the Baptist had been talking to me all these years. I thought he simply prepared the way of Jesus to come into the world back when all this started. I need to get my act together before Christmas!"
What is John saying to you this year about getting ready? Does there need to be an amendment of life? Perhaps a refocusing of your life? Maybe a reordering of priorities? How about a relationship to restore? Or, a softening of the heart? What do you need to do to be ready for the Christ Child to find a birthing place in you?
The Gospel is for today.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee Stephens
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship on the morrow give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 21: 5-19
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
O God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship on the morrow give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 21: 5-19
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
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What is said in vs. 12-19 will happen chronologically before what happens in vs. 8-11. Fred Craddock informs that the time when Luke was written and our time today fall between vs. 11 and 12. Endurance and faithfulness are the keys to life. Other authorities remind us that the writer of Luke is portraying Jesus as a prophet. Here a prophet is not only God’s spokesperson but also one predicting the future. Knowing that vs. 12 -19 have happened, Luke emphasizes the trust we can have in Jesus as prophet.
Oh, how much to ponder. This tiny and precious, royal baby to be born anew in our midst is a mighty prophet, just one of innumerable gifts procured to us by him. Walter Brueggemann writes: “Heaven and earth will rejoice, because in the new world wrought by God, God will be attentive. God will be like a mother who hears and answers in the night, knowing before we call who is needed and what is needed. And we shall never be left alone again.”
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Oh, how much to ponder. This tiny and precious, royal baby to be born anew in our midst is a mighty prophet, just one of innumerable gifts procured to us by him. Walter Brueggemann writes: “Heaven and earth will rejoice, because in the new world wrought by God, God will be attentive. God will be like a mother who hears and answers in the night, knowing before we call who is needed and what is needed. And we shall never be left alone again.”
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Friday, December 5, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20:41-21:4
41 Then he said to them, "How can they say that the Messiah is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies your footstool." ' 44 David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?" 45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20:41-21:4
41 Then he said to them, "How can they say that the Messiah is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies your footstool." ' 44 David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?" 45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
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Jesus is Son of David and Jesus is David’s Lord and Jesus is the Messiah and more. Jesus is David’s son but does not embrace the military and political meaning some give the title. Interpretation of title is very important. Probably not all scribes had corrupted their office, but some had and Jesus warns against this kind of leadership. Interpretation of office by word and behavior is very important. The widow’s gift is interpreted as greatest by some by the standard of how much she had left after the offering. Interpretation of intent is very important.
What interpretation will we give this baby to be born anew in our midst? What interpretation will we hold for his titles and how he will communicate his life’s mission by word and deed? What interpretation will we give his being in our midst?
Julian of Norwich, “Showings,” pp 342-43:
“What, do you wish to know your Lord’s meaning in this thing? Know it well, love was his meaning. Who reveals it to you? Love. What did he reveal to you? Love. Why does he reveal it to you? For love. Remain in this, and you will know more of the same. But you will never know different, without end.
So I was taught that love is our Lord’s meaning. And I saw very certainly in this and in everything that before God made us he loved us, which love was never abated and never will be. And in this love he has done all his works, and in this love he has made all things profitable to us, and in this love our life is everlasting. In our creation we had beginning, but the love in which he created us was in him from without beginning. In this love we have our beginnings, and all this shall we see in God without end.”
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
What interpretation will we give this baby to be born anew in our midst? What interpretation will we hold for his titles and how he will communicate his life’s mission by word and deed? What interpretation will we give his being in our midst?
Julian of Norwich, “Showings,” pp 342-43:
“What, do you wish to know your Lord’s meaning in this thing? Know it well, love was his meaning. Who reveals it to you? Love. What did he reveal to you? Love. Why does he reveal it to you? For love. Remain in this, and you will know more of the same. But you will never know different, without end.
So I was taught that love is our Lord’s meaning. And I saw very certainly in this and in everything that before God made us he loved us, which love was never abated and never will be. And in this love he has done all his works, and in this love he has made all things profitable to us, and in this love our life is everlasting. In our creation we had beginning, but the love in which he created us was in him from without beginning. In this love we have our beginnings, and all this shall we see in God without end.”
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord Jesus, stay with us; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20:27-40
27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." 34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
39 Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." 40 For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
Lord Jesus, stay with us; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20:27-40
27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." 34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
39 Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." 40 For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
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Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive. Jesus is in Jerusalem. He has cleansed the temple and here encounters still another controversy with the Jewish leaders. This one is about the resurrection of the dead. The religious leaders are strongly divided on this issue and Jesus teaches that God’s children share God’s own life. God easily raises the dead to life and gives life in the first place. Dead or alive, we are alive in Christ.
This royal baby Jesus, whom we await to be born anew in our midst, has such a dramatic life ahead. He will be so misunderstood, even by some of the most intelligent. He will be challenged by many and received by crowds. Controversies will lead to his death. This precious, royal baby Jesus brings us the most precious gift of all. Prepare well your hearts to receive the birth of this Holy One. Dead of alive, we are alive in Jesus the Christ.
Karl Rahner prays:
“Behold, You come. And Your coming is neither past nor future, but the present, which has only to reach its fulfillment. Now it is still the one single hour of Your Advent, at the end of which we too shall have found out that You have really come. O God who is to come, grant me the grace to live now, in the hour of your Advent, in such a way that I may merit to live in your forever, in the blissful hour of Your Eternity.”
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
This royal baby Jesus, whom we await to be born anew in our midst, has such a dramatic life ahead. He will be so misunderstood, even by some of the most intelligent. He will be challenged by many and received by crowds. Controversies will lead to his death. This precious, royal baby Jesus brings us the most precious gift of all. Prepare well your hearts to receive the birth of this Holy One. Dead of alive, we are alive in Jesus the Christ.
Karl Rahner prays:
“Behold, You come. And Your coming is neither past nor future, but the present, which has only to reach its fulfillment. Now it is still the one single hour of Your Advent, at the end of which we too shall have found out that You have really come. O God who is to come, grant me the grace to live now, in the hour of your Advent, in such a way that I may merit to live in your forever, in the blissful hour of Your Eternity.”
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day
19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24 "Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's." 25 He said to them, "Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day
19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24 "Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's." 25 He said to them, "Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
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They became silent. The scribes and chief priests sent spies to trap Jesus into saying something for which even the crowds would acknowledge was reason for killing Jesus. Jesus clever response was obedience to God and they were amazed and silent. Later decisions to obey God placed Jesus alone with both the church and the state against him and he was killed.
This royal baby, Jesus, will soon be born again in our midst. Often when we contemplate the significance of His life, we become silent. We struggle with situations of when to support the state and when to resist. We struggle with all kinds of questions about how to live obedient to God in new and old situations. To become silent in amazement of Jesus’ loving gift helps. As we prepare this Advent to make new room in our hearts for this royal baby, consider taking a deep breath each morning before your first bite of breakfast and be in silence one minute in the Lord’s presence.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
This royal baby, Jesus, will soon be born again in our midst. Often when we contemplate the significance of His life, we become silent. We struggle with situations of when to support the state and when to resist. We struggle with all kinds of questions about how to live obedient to God in new and old situations. To become silent in amazement of Jesus’ loving gift helps. As we prepare this Advent to make new room in our hearts for this royal baby, consider taking a deep breath each morning before your first bite of breakfast and be in silence one minute in the Lord’s presence.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20: 9-18
9 He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, "This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" 17 But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20: 9-18
9 He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, "This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" 17 But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."
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The owner will come. As of old, today many seem to not need God or seem to not need to know God any differently, seem to deny that all they have comes from God, seem to hunger for positions of power and place that THEY alone seem to have created. So, as of old, today many seem to reject the teaching of the prophets and apostles and even reject and deny any existence of Jesus, the Son of God, sent from God as a most personal gift and most precious of all gifts, the ultimate and complete rescue of all. And so, when many continue to reject, deny and even kill the existence of love divine, born into our midst, God will take the inheritance of the life the many so desired and give the inheritance to others. The many deceive, deceived themselves with their grand thoughts of power and place because they esteem, esteemed THEMSELVES more important than GOD. THEY do not, did not see that JESUS is the center of God’s work; Jesus is the cornerstone; Jesus is the keystone; Jesus is the stone that brings judgment, stumbling, death and life. They do not, did not see the expanded significance, meaning, impact, inclusion, reality of God with us.
As we prepare for Jesus once more to be born in our midst, let us be sure that we are not like the many of old, and of today, who placed themselves, place ourselves above God. Let us not be wicked but let us be watchful and wise and working. Let us be sure that we are not so confident as the church that we miss the subordinate relationship with the King of Kings who will be born in the midst of those around us most in need. Let us be sure that we are open to change and newness and make room for divine love to be born anew within us. Let us find the place where God’s love will be nourished with the womb of our hearts. Let us prepare to receive humbly and trustfully God’s new life within us. Let us make ready for the new life of our inheritance.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
As we prepare for Jesus once more to be born in our midst, let us be sure that we are not like the many of old, and of today, who placed themselves, place ourselves above God. Let us not be wicked but let us be watchful and wise and working. Let us be sure that we are not so confident as the church that we miss the subordinate relationship with the King of Kings who will be born in the midst of those around us most in need. Let us be sure that we are open to change and newness and make room for divine love to be born anew within us. Let us find the place where God’s love will be nourished with the womb of our hearts. Let us prepare to receive humbly and trustfully God’s new life within us. Let us make ready for the new life of our inheritance.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Monday, December 1, 2008
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20:1-18
1 One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2 and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?" 3 He answered them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" 5 They discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, "From heaven,' he will say, "Why did you not believe him?' 6 But if we say, "Of human origin,' all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet." 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." 9 He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, "This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" 17 But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 20:1-18
1 One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2 and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?" 3 He answered them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" 5 They discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, "From heaven,' he will say, "Why did you not believe him?' 6 But if we say, "Of human origin,' all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet." 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." 9 He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, "This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" 17 But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."
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What child is this, born into our midst?
This child to come is the most royal of all royalty that ever was, is, will be. This child will be born into our midst. This child, the most royal will be born in the most humble of circumstances. This child, this royal child, will be born in a stable. This child, this royal child comes to us wherever we are. This child, this royal child, requires nothing from us to merit his presence with us. This child comes to find a place in our hearts.
By what authority does Jesus teach?
This child grows in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. This child teaches in synagogues and in the temple of Jerusalem. This child is teaching and preaching good news to the people. In the synagogues there is lay participation and invitation for lay speakers; this child is a guest laity there. With the Pharisees this grown child argues matters of law, tradition, and propriety. But the temple is the turf of the chief priests, established and chosen by genealogy, and appointed to their place of service at the altar as their place of religious exercise and authority. By what authority does this grown child, this royal child, teach the good news in the temple?
What authority will we give this child born into our midst?
Your body is a temple, a sanctuary, for this child. This child comes to find a place in your heart. This child, this royal child comes to you, wherever you are, requiring nothing from you to merit His abiding presence. This child helps you grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. This child comes to love you and teach you, guide and comfort you. This child, this royal child, comes to tell you the good news and give you eternal life and to solidify your eternal loving relationship with the God of all. What authority will you give this child, this royal child coming to find a place in your heart, coming to be born into the midst of your life?
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
This child to come is the most royal of all royalty that ever was, is, will be. This child will be born into our midst. This child, the most royal will be born in the most humble of circumstances. This child, this royal child, will be born in a stable. This child, this royal child comes to us wherever we are. This child, this royal child, requires nothing from us to merit his presence with us. This child comes to find a place in our hearts.
By what authority does Jesus teach?
This child grows in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. This child teaches in synagogues and in the temple of Jerusalem. This child is teaching and preaching good news to the people. In the synagogues there is lay participation and invitation for lay speakers; this child is a guest laity there. With the Pharisees this grown child argues matters of law, tradition, and propriety. But the temple is the turf of the chief priests, established and chosen by genealogy, and appointed to their place of service at the altar as their place of religious exercise and authority. By what authority does this grown child, this royal child, teach the good news in the temple?
What authority will we give this child born into our midst?
Your body is a temple, a sanctuary, for this child. This child comes to find a place in your heart. This child, this royal child comes to you, wherever you are, requiring nothing from you to merit His abiding presence. This child helps you grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. This child comes to love you and teach you, guide and comfort you. This child, this royal child, comes to tell you the good news and give you eternal life and to solidify your eternal loving relationship with the God of all. What authority will you give this child, this royal child coming to find a place in your heart, coming to be born into the midst of your life?
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
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