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 grnt 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, Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Daily Devotion
Once, while on a cruise around the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada, our ship sailed all night through rough seas resulting from gale force winds, the remnants of an Atlantic Ocean hurricane. Being "seasoned cruisers", my husband and I were not especially frightened, just extremely afflicted with motion sickness! We heard the next morning that most of the passengers and many of the crew members shared in our affliction! I'm not sure when the wind and the waves were commanded to "Be still!" But the sight of a clear, sun-lit sky in the morning and the ship safely docked at our next port-of-call was more than welcomed! It was a reminder of the blessing of life, the blessing of creation, the blessing of knowing we are being tended to, cared for.
The rough times, the difficult decisions, the seemingly impossible challenges of life – those times when we cry out because we feel no one cares how frightened we are, no one even notices how desperate we are for help – there is One who always cares, One who always wants us to listen for and to hear, "Peace! Be still! Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?"
Pray for the gift to hear God's voice. Pray for the gift of faith, not just to endure the hardships of life, but faith that sings aloud in joy for life itself! And don't be surprised when you embark on the faith-life voyage that the most you have to suffer through is a little motion sickness.
An interesting note about our cruise. When we docked after our storm-tossed night, the people on shore were quite surprised that we had been sailing through such a stormy sea! That's how a lot of people look at the faith-filled children of God. Surprised at how we sail through our own stormy seas!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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, Mark 4:21-34
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." 26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." 30 Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Daily Devotional
Could Jesus be any more difficult to understand than in this passage from Mark? First Jesus says
". . . there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!" (quote from "The New Jerusalem Bible")
Then he proceeds to speak in parables, in riddle-like stories requiring the listeners to think and try to come up with a reasonable, believable answer or "punch line"! Leaving a trail of puzzled people in his wake, Jesus and his disciples go off by themselves and Jesus tells all! He explains the parables to those disciples who should have been quite capable of figuring out the hidden meaning of the parables simply because they were his loyal, trustworthy disciples who had been privileged to hear his teachings time after time.
But, maybe because the disciples were so accustomed to hearing the voice of Jesus, so comfortable in his presence – just maybe they, like the novice hearers of Jesus words, needed further explanation, more affirmation of the true message in the parables Jesus told. Maybe the disciples needed the "blessed assurance" that they understood Jesus' teachings. They were, after all, being sent out to share this gospel message, this good news of the one they were chosen to follow. (Yes, Jesus chose them!)
We're not so different from either of these groups – the ones trying to figure out if the parables had any significance in their lives, and those faithful disciples needing continual confirmation that their decision to follow Jesus had been, and continued to be, the right decision.
So, be pleasantly pleased, though perhaps somewhat puzzled, by Jesus' parables. You can, with diligent effort, find yourself in most of the parables Jesus used for teaching. You can, with God's grace and love, find the assurance, the continual confirmation that your decision to follow this Jesus is the most blessed decision you will make in your life. And it is a daily decision!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
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, Mark 4:21-34
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." 26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." 30 Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Daily Devotional
Could Jesus be any more difficult to understand than in this passage from Mark? First Jesus says
". . . there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!" (quote from "The New Jerusalem Bible")
Then he proceeds to speak in parables, in riddle-like stories requiring the listeners to think and try to come up with a reasonable, believable answer or "punch line"! Leaving a trail of puzzled people in his wake, Jesus and his disciples go off by themselves and Jesus tells all! He explains the parables to those disciples who should have been quite capable of figuring out the hidden meaning of the parables simply because they were his loyal, trustworthy disciples who had been privileged to hear his teachings time after time.
But, maybe because the disciples were so accustomed to hearing the voice of Jesus, so comfortable in his presence – just maybe they, like the novice hearers of Jesus words, needed further explanation, more affirmation of the true message in the parables Jesus told. Maybe the disciples needed the "blessed assurance" that they understood Jesus' teachings. They were, after all, being sent out to share this gospel message, this good news of the one they were chosen to follow. (Yes, Jesus chose them!)
We're not so different from either of these groups – the ones trying to figure out if the parables had any significance in their lives, and those faithful disciples needing continual confirmation that their decision to follow Jesus had been, and continued to be, the right decision.
So, be pleasantly pleased, though perhaps somewhat puzzled, by Jesus' parables. You can, with diligent effort, find yourself in most of the parables Jesus used for teaching. You can, with God's grace and love, find the assurance, the continual confirmation that your decision to follow this Jesus is the most blessed decision you will make in your life. And it is a daily decision!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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, Ephesians 4:17-32
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Daily Devotional
Today we receive/inaugurate/bless a new president for our nation. The advice given by Paul centuries ago to the people of another nation, Ephesus, is always timely, but especially so today. Read and heed what Paul counsels: "…be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ….clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
And how, you ask, is this seemingly impossible task made possible? Paul gives us a list!
1. Put away falsehood, speak the truth to our neighbors
2. Be angry (!) but DO NOT SIN
3. Do not let the sun go down on your anger
4. Do not make room for the devil.
5. Thieves must give up stealing and instead labor and work honestly with their own hands
6. Share with the needy
7. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths
8. Let your words give grace to those who hear.
9. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
10. Put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander and malice
11. Be kind to one another
12. Be tenderhearted to one another
13. Forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Imagine what life in our belovèd country would be like if we took to heart the advice of Paul. We could truly be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
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, Ephesians 4:17-32
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Daily Devotional
Today we receive/inaugurate/bless a new president for our nation. The advice given by Paul centuries ago to the people of another nation, Ephesus, is always timely, but especially so today. Read and heed what Paul counsels: "…be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ….clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
And how, you ask, is this seemingly impossible task made possible? Paul gives us a list!
1. Put away falsehood, speak the truth to our neighbors
2. Be angry (!) but DO NOT SIN
3. Do not let the sun go down on your anger
4. Do not make room for the devil.
5. Thieves must give up stealing and instead labor and work honestly with their own hands
6. Share with the needy
7. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths
8. Let your words give grace to those who hear.
9. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
10. Put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander and malice
11. Be kind to one another
12. Be tenderhearted to one another
13. Forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Imagine what life in our belovèd country would be like if we took to heart the advice of Paul. We could truly be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Monday, January 19, 2009
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, Psalm 25
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!
Daily Devotion
For those of us who are "list makers", who appreciate a well-organized life, who trust in a well-thought-out plan to keep us, if not successful, at least out of trouble, Psalm 25 is so very rich with lists and answers and plans and outcomes. From the "show me, lead me, guide me, forgive me, turn to me, have pity on me" petitions to the wonderful verses acknowledging God's characteristics: gracious, upright, guide, teacher, loving, faithful, friend, protector, deliverer – the 25 verses of this Psalm are a rich source of meditation material. An excellent way to pray the Psalms is to insert the name(s) of the person(s) for whom you are praying in place of the first person pronouns. Praying the Psalms opens up new and deeper meaning as you make them more than just ancient words, as you make the Psalms something very personal and immediate.
The lessons for today also contain valuable "lists" of helpful hints and suggestions for living a more productive life as a Christian. Those readings are: Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23 ("I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.") A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 4:1-16 ("…each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift.") And the gospel reading: Mark 3:7-19a – Jesus chooses his 12 apostles.
Looking for a really wonderful "list for life"? The Bible is filled with them!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
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, Psalm 25
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!
Daily Devotion
For those of us who are "list makers", who appreciate a well-organized life, who trust in a well-thought-out plan to keep us, if not successful, at least out of trouble, Psalm 25 is so very rich with lists and answers and plans and outcomes. From the "show me, lead me, guide me, forgive me, turn to me, have pity on me" petitions to the wonderful verses acknowledging God's characteristics: gracious, upright, guide, teacher, loving, faithful, friend, protector, deliverer – the 25 verses of this Psalm are a rich source of meditation material. An excellent way to pray the Psalms is to insert the name(s) of the person(s) for whom you are praying in place of the first person pronouns. Praying the Psalms opens up new and deeper meaning as you make them more than just ancient words, as you make the Psalms something very personal and immediate.
The lessons for today also contain valuable "lists" of helpful hints and suggestions for living a more productive life as a Christian. Those readings are: Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23 ("I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.") A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 4:1-16 ("…each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift.") And the gospel reading: Mark 3:7-19a – Jesus chooses his 12 apostles.
Looking for a really wonderful "list for life"? The Bible is filled with them!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Sunday, January 18, 2009
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, John 4:17-42
17 The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, "I have no husband'; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!" 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you F30 say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us." 26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, F31 the one who is speaking to you."
27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" 28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, F32 can he?" 30 They left the city and were on their way to him. 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33 So the disciples said to one another, "Surely no one has brought him something to eat?" 34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, "Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36 The reaper is already receiving F33 wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, "One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." 39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world."
Daily Devotional
A very dear friend, when introducing me as the "guest performer", remarked that she could tell lots of things about me! The inference was that she could tell some things that I would prefer not to have voiced abroad. There was no malice in her remarks, simply good-natured, fun-loving words spoken by one who does, indeed, know me well! I had no fear that her recital of my accomplishments would tarnish my reputation. I trust her.
In today's gospel reading we meet a woman whose "life facts" were known by a person she was meeting for the first time. To more fully appreciate the story in today's gospel reading, go back a few verses and read the story beginning with John 4:1. There was no reason for the Samaritan woman to trust Jesus, a Jew, when he revealed information about her life. How could he know these things about her? As you read through the first 27 verses you will become aware, as did the Samaritan woman, that Jesus had much more to tell her, and us, than simply the facts about her life. He had "life-giving" information for her. And she believed him!
I especially like the New Jerusalem Bible translation of verses 29-30: "'Come and see a man who has told me everything I have done; could this be the Christ?' This brought people out of the town and they made their way towards him."
It is amazing grace that teaches our hearts to know that we can absolutely, completely trust this Jesus who knows everything we have ever done – and continues to love us, continues to invite us to "make our way towards Him"!
Come and see!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
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, John 4:17-42
17 The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, "I have no husband'; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!" 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you F30 say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us." 26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, F31 the one who is speaking to you."
27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" 28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, F32 can he?" 30 They left the city and were on their way to him. 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33 So the disciples said to one another, "Surely no one has brought him something to eat?" 34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, "Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36 The reaper is already receiving F33 wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, "One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." 39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world."
Daily Devotional
A very dear friend, when introducing me as the "guest performer", remarked that she could tell lots of things about me! The inference was that she could tell some things that I would prefer not to have voiced abroad. There was no malice in her remarks, simply good-natured, fun-loving words spoken by one who does, indeed, know me well! I had no fear that her recital of my accomplishments would tarnish my reputation. I trust her.
In today's gospel reading we meet a woman whose "life facts" were known by a person she was meeting for the first time. To more fully appreciate the story in today's gospel reading, go back a few verses and read the story beginning with John 4:1. There was no reason for the Samaritan woman to trust Jesus, a Jew, when he revealed information about her life. How could he know these things about her? As you read through the first 27 verses you will become aware, as did the Samaritan woman, that Jesus had much more to tell her, and us, than simply the facts about her life. He had "life-giving" information for her. And she believed him!
I especially like the New Jerusalem Bible translation of verses 29-30: "'Come and see a man who has told me everything I have done; could this be the Christ?' This brought people out of the town and they made their way towards him."
It is amazing grace that teaches our hearts to know that we can absolutely, completely trust this Jesus who knows everything we have ever done – and continues to love us, continues to invite us to "make our way towards Him"!
Come and see!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Daily Devotion for Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mark 2:23-3:6
23 One sabbath he was going through the cornfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24The Pharisees said to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ 25And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? 26He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.’ 27Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; 28so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.’
Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3And he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ 4Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. 5He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
Daily Devotion
Jesus was grieved by their hardness of heart -- what an expression. And, what a description of people who lead with judgment and not compassion.
One of the worst examples of this is a woman on the Altar Guild (not St. Luke's) who was critical of everything anyone did on the Altar Guild -- and the clergy. People often talked about her and tried to avoid her. No one wanted to confront her. The wedge became bigger and bigger. Not only was she hard of heart, but the people around her responded with the same condition!
Sue became a member of the Altar Guild and was soon informed of this woman. She announced to the group she would become her friend. Sue repeatedly provided a double portion of grace and attention. It took a while, but little by little there was a transformation. But the transformation was not just with "The Woman" -- a whole new spirit seemed to come over the entire Altar Guild.
Jesus was clearly put out with the Pharisees, but he did not respond in like kind. Instead, he turned to the man and said "stretch out your hand" and he healed him. There is a lesson all of us need to learn. We would be transformed and that in turn might touch the people around us -- especially the difficult ones.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
23 One sabbath he was going through the cornfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24The Pharisees said to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ 25And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? 26He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.’ 27Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; 28so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.’
Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3And he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ 4Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. 5He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
Daily Devotion
Jesus was grieved by their hardness of heart -- what an expression. And, what a description of people who lead with judgment and not compassion.
One of the worst examples of this is a woman on the Altar Guild (not St. Luke's) who was critical of everything anyone did on the Altar Guild -- and the clergy. People often talked about her and tried to avoid her. No one wanted to confront her. The wedge became bigger and bigger. Not only was she hard of heart, but the people around her responded with the same condition!
Sue became a member of the Altar Guild and was soon informed of this woman. She announced to the group she would become her friend. Sue repeatedly provided a double portion of grace and attention. It took a while, but little by little there was a transformation. But the transformation was not just with "The Woman" -- a whole new spirit seemed to come over the entire Altar Guild.
Jesus was clearly put out with the Pharisees, but he did not respond in like kind. Instead, he turned to the man and said "stretch out your hand" and he healed him. There is a lesson all of us need to learn. We would be transformed and that in turn might touch the people around us -- especially the difficult ones.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Friday, January 16, 2009
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, Mark 2:13-22
13 Jesus* went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.
15 And as he sat at dinner* in Levi’s* house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting* with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. 16When the scribes of* the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat* with tax-collectors and sinners?’ 17When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’
18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people* came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ 19Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
21 ‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’*
Daily Devotion
There is a lot in this Gospel lesson, but let me narrow it down to a single point: Every day we eat, drink, shop, work and much more with people who are "sinners." By sinners,in this context, I mean people who are living life unto themselves or are unaware of God's love for them personally or face overwhelming daily struggles or see no hope for them or our world or have been abused over and over again or are filled with anger and hate or are confused about their faith or ______________ (you fill in the blank). These are people who need a faith relationship with God, but too many things are in the way. The "Levi's" and friends are waiting for someone to love and bless them with the grace of God.
Do they know who you are? Do they see you as a Christ-person (Christian) who embodies Christ and accepts people where they are? Someone is counting on you -- every single day.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
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, Mark 2:13-22
13 Jesus* went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.
15 And as he sat at dinner* in Levi’s* house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting* with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. 16When the scribes of* the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat* with tax-collectors and sinners?’ 17When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’
18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people* came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ 19Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
21 ‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’*
Daily Devotion
There is a lot in this Gospel lesson, but let me narrow it down to a single point: Every day we eat, drink, shop, work and much more with people who are "sinners." By sinners,in this context, I mean people who are living life unto themselves or are unaware of God's love for them personally or face overwhelming daily struggles or see no hope for them or our world or have been abused over and over again or are filled with anger and hate or are confused about their faith or ______________ (you fill in the blank). These are people who need a faith relationship with God, but too many things are in the way. The "Levi's" and friends are waiting for someone to love and bless them with the grace of God.
Do they know who you are? Do they see you as a Christ-person (Christian) who embodies Christ and accepts people where they are? Someone is counting on you -- every single day.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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.
The Gospel Reading of the Day, Mark 2:1-12
2When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people* came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— 11‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’
Daily Devotion
Two notes. First, this story of the men lowering a friend through the roof to Jesus was one of my childhood favorites. I just thought it was so cool that the man had such great and creative friends. I have seen that lived out in the church by people gathering around people to pray for healing or whatever the need might be. That might be in person or by way of personal prayer lists. I have always thought that was meaningful and an important part of our life together in the Christian community.
When my wife, Lynda, went through her surgery a year ago and more recently "coded" after a simple procedure, I was reminded personally what it is like to have many people gather around you and pray. The power of that experience is amazing. Don't underestimate what prayer can mean to those in need.
Second, in this Gospel Jesus' critics questioned everything he did and tried to discredit him. At the same time, they witnessed a man being lowered by his friends through the roof and a remarkable healing. We don't know what was behind their attitudes and actions, but whatever it was they missed God at work in their midst. How easy it is, even for us, to get so caught up in our cynicism and judgments and distrust that we miss seeing Christ in other people and events.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
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.
The Gospel Reading of the Day, Mark 2:1-12
2When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people* came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— 11‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’
Daily Devotion
Two notes. First, this story of the men lowering a friend through the roof to Jesus was one of my childhood favorites. I just thought it was so cool that the man had such great and creative friends. I have seen that lived out in the church by people gathering around people to pray for healing or whatever the need might be. That might be in person or by way of personal prayer lists. I have always thought that was meaningful and an important part of our life together in the Christian community.
When my wife, Lynda, went through her surgery a year ago and more recently "coded" after a simple procedure, I was reminded personally what it is like to have many people gather around you and pray. The power of that experience is amazing. Don't underestimate what prayer can mean to those in need.
Second, in this Gospel Jesus' critics questioned everything he did and tried to discredit him. At the same time, they witnessed a man being lowered by his friends through the roof and a remarkable healing. We don't know what was behind their attitudes and actions, but whatever it was they missed God at work in their midst. How easy it is, even for us, to get so caught up in our cynicism and judgments and distrust that we miss seeing Christ in other people and events.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday Daily Devotion
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, Mark 1:29-45
29 As soon as they* left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ 38He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
40 A leper* came to him begging him, and kneeling* he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ 41Moved with pity,* Jesus* stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ 42Immediately the leprosy* left him, and he was made clean. 43After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ 45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus* could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Daily Devotion
Today I turn sixty-four and sometimes I think I know less than I did in my earlier years. I love the stories of Jesus healing people -- what a wonderful gift to anyone who suffers. Praying for people who are in need is always a part of my daily prayers. And, many people experience healing -- life is improved in both desired and surprising ways -- but not always. Sometimes life happens and takes a course I don't like -- there is only more suffering and sometimes death.
You would think by now I would have it figured out -- after all I am a priest and have been for thirty-nine years! In the middle of this Gospel there is some clarification -- at least for Jesus. He reveals that his primary mission is to proclaim the message of God's grace -- God's loving and redeeming presence with them. The healings were actually to be "epiphanies" of God in the world through Jesus. I believe more and more that this is what we are to be about as God's messengers in the world today.
In truth, the healings were a by-product, if you please, of Jesus' primary mission and ministry. And, he did not heal everyone or even try. He left many people still in need as he moved on. In turn, prayers for healing are still important as part of our ministry in following Jesus. I am eager to lay hands on people and anoint them as we pray for healing. I do think that can make a difference -- but not always in the way we want. God's grace is no less with us and sometimes even more.
I will never fully understand -- but I can, we can, live the Christ life (Christian) where our journey takes us -- and by all means offer prayers and touch people as we go. I am continually amazed at what happens.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
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, Mark 1:29-45
29 As soon as they* left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ 38He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
40 A leper* came to him begging him, and kneeling* he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ 41Moved with pity,* Jesus* stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ 42Immediately the leprosy* left him, and he was made clean. 43After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ 45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus* could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Daily Devotion
Today I turn sixty-four and sometimes I think I know less than I did in my earlier years. I love the stories of Jesus healing people -- what a wonderful gift to anyone who suffers. Praying for people who are in need is always a part of my daily prayers. And, many people experience healing -- life is improved in both desired and surprising ways -- but not always. Sometimes life happens and takes a course I don't like -- there is only more suffering and sometimes death.
You would think by now I would have it figured out -- after all I am a priest and have been for thirty-nine years! In the middle of this Gospel there is some clarification -- at least for Jesus. He reveals that his primary mission is to proclaim the message of God's grace -- God's loving and redeeming presence with them. The healings were actually to be "epiphanies" of God in the world through Jesus. I believe more and more that this is what we are to be about as God's messengers in the world today.
In truth, the healings were a by-product, if you please, of Jesus' primary mission and ministry. And, he did not heal everyone or even try. He left many people still in need as he moved on. In turn, prayers for healing are still important as part of our ministry in following Jesus. I am eager to lay hands on people and anoint them as we pray for healing. I do think that can make a difference -- but not always in the way we want. God's grace is no less with us and sometimes even more.
I will never fully understand -- but I can, we can, live the Christ life (Christian) where our journey takes us -- and by all means offer prayers and touch people as we go. I am continually amazed at what happens.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Daily Devotion for January 13, 2009
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, Mark 1:14-28
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news* of God,* 15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;* repent, and believe in the good news.’*
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ 26And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He* commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ 28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Daily Devotion
Two extremes are represented in this Gospel. First, we have the "inner circle" of Jesus' disciples: Peter, Andrew, James and John. These were no doubt devout Jews who experienced the call to be Jesus' disciples. Granted, these were not priests from the Temple, but common believers who now believed even more as they heard the Good News from Jesus. Making them "fishers of people" is a great metaphor -- indeed many people were transformed by their ministry.
Second, we have someone who is "possessed" (mentally ill) and an absolute untouchable person in that culture. Even this unnamed man knew there was something special in this Jesus. He knew Jesus was of God and proclaimed the truth loudly. When he was healed, shock waves went through the religious community. What an unlikely recipient and witness to God in Christ Jesus!
Now, where do you fit in the picture? Maybe you are somewhere between these two extremes. Or, perhaps you are yet in some other category from these two extremes. Could it be that you belong to the "religious establishment" where people are pretty comfortable in their church and really don't need Jesus or anyone else making waves? Could it be that God has moved on and left us in our complacency or possessiveness and stopped calling us? Or more likely, have we become deaf to Jesus' call to follow.
If so, God will likely move on to call and empower someone else as disciples today. That is one of my greatest fears. Does it really matter that once upon a time we were called to follow -- and we at least started to follow Jesus?
So, where are you in the journey now? Where do you need to be? Who is this Jesus to you? No, really -- who is Jesus to you?
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
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, Mark 1:14-28
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news* of God,* 15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;* repent, and believe in the good news.’*
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ 26And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He* commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ 28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Daily Devotion
Two extremes are represented in this Gospel. First, we have the "inner circle" of Jesus' disciples: Peter, Andrew, James and John. These were no doubt devout Jews who experienced the call to be Jesus' disciples. Granted, these were not priests from the Temple, but common believers who now believed even more as they heard the Good News from Jesus. Making them "fishers of people" is a great metaphor -- indeed many people were transformed by their ministry.
Second, we have someone who is "possessed" (mentally ill) and an absolute untouchable person in that culture. Even this unnamed man knew there was something special in this Jesus. He knew Jesus was of God and proclaimed the truth loudly. When he was healed, shock waves went through the religious community. What an unlikely recipient and witness to God in Christ Jesus!
Now, where do you fit in the picture? Maybe you are somewhere between these two extremes. Or, perhaps you are yet in some other category from these two extremes. Could it be that you belong to the "religious establishment" where people are pretty comfortable in their church and really don't need Jesus or anyone else making waves? Could it be that God has moved on and left us in our complacency or possessiveness and stopped calling us? Or more likely, have we become deaf to Jesus' call to follow.
If so, God will likely move on to call and empower someone else as disciples today. That is one of my greatest fears. Does it really matter that once upon a time we were called to follow -- and we at least started to follow Jesus?
So, where are you in the journey now? Where do you need to be? Who is this Jesus to you? No, really -- who is Jesus to you?
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
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, Mark 1:1-1
1The 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;
3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight” ’,
4John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And 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. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He 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. 8I have baptized you with* water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’
The Baptism of Jesus9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved;* with you I am well pleased.’
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Daily Devotion
Well, the old priest missed his turn for writing the Daily Devotion. No one said anything. Maybe they were not missed. None the less, I am sorry for not providing a daily reflection.
This fits the Gospel today rather well. In the scriptures Jesus has a profound experience in his baptism and immediately found himself in the wilderness and tempted to turn against God.
The Christmas Season was wonderful as always. The spirit and beauty of the Christmas Liturgies just kept me soaring. My wife and I then spent a week in Kansas City seeing family and extending the Christmas celebration. When I came back, I allowed myself to be swept up in the "catch up mode" of things that had been waiting for me. For all I had experienced at Christmas which was of God, were left behind as I took on the immediate tasks which had been waiting.
Yet, it is this Daily Devotion and my other spiritual disciplines that are to keep in tune with God and my priories straight. Temptations and distractions are ever present -- Jesus learned that big time and stood firm. I still have some learning and growing to do. What about you?
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
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, Mark 1:1-1
1The 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;
3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight” ’,
4John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And 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. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He 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. 8I have baptized you with* water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’
The Baptism of Jesus9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved;* with you I am well pleased.’
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Daily Devotion
Well, the old priest missed his turn for writing the Daily Devotion. No one said anything. Maybe they were not missed. None the less, I am sorry for not providing a daily reflection.
This fits the Gospel today rather well. In the scriptures Jesus has a profound experience in his baptism and immediately found himself in the wilderness and tempted to turn against God.
The Christmas Season was wonderful as always. The spirit and beauty of the Christmas Liturgies just kept me soaring. My wife and I then spent a week in Kansas City seeing family and extending the Christmas celebration. When I came back, I allowed myself to be swept up in the "catch up mode" of things that had been waiting for me. For all I had experienced at Christmas which was of God, were left behind as I took on the immediate tasks which had been waiting.
Yet, it is this Daily Devotion and my other spiritual disciplines that are to keep in tune with God and my priories straight. Temptations and distractions are ever present -- Jesus learned that big time and stood firm. I still have some learning and growing to do. What about you?
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Daily Devotional
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 10: 7 – 17
So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away – and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
REFLECTION
Wise and loving Shepherd,
You guide your people in the ways of your truth,
Leading us through the waters of baptism
And nourishing us with the food of eternal life:
Keep us in your mercy,
And so guide us through the perils of evil and death,
That we may know your joy
At the heart of all things,
Both now and forever.
Jim Cotter, “Through Desert Places.”
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
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 10: 7 – 17
So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away – and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
REFLECTION
Wise and loving Shepherd,
You guide your people in the ways of your truth,
Leading us through the waters of baptism
And nourishing us with the food of eternal life:
Keep us in your mercy,
And so guide us through the perils of evil and death,
That we may know your joy
At the heart of all things,
Both now and forever.
Jim Cotter, “Through Desert Places.”
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
Friday, January 2, 2009
Daily Devotional
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 6: 35 – 42, 48 – 51
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’
Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’
Reflection
I am the Bread of Life….anyone who comes to me I will never drive away….
“What do you bring to Christ’s table?
We bring bread,
Made by many people’s work,
From an unjust world
Where some have plenty
And many go hungry.
At this table all are fed,
And no one turned away.
Thanks be to God.
What do you bring to Christ’s table?
We bring wine,
Made by many people’s work,
From an unjust world
Where some have leisure
And many struggle to survive.
At this table all share the cup
Of pain and celebration,
And no one is denied.
Thanks be to God.
These gifts shall be for us
The body and blood of Christ.
Our witness against hunger,
Our cry against injustice,
And our hope for a world
Where God is known
And every child is fed.
Thanks be to God.”
Brian Wren. At the Eucharist Invitation to the Table.
May the light enkindled in our hearts shine forth in our lives.
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
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 6: 35 – 42, 48 – 51
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’
Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’
Reflection
I am the Bread of Life….anyone who comes to me I will never drive away….
“What do you bring to Christ’s table?
We bring bread,
Made by many people’s work,
From an unjust world
Where some have plenty
And many go hungry.
At this table all are fed,
And no one turned away.
Thanks be to God.
What do you bring to Christ’s table?
We bring wine,
Made by many people’s work,
From an unjust world
Where some have leisure
And many struggle to survive.
At this table all share the cup
Of pain and celebration,
And no one is denied.
Thanks be to God.
These gifts shall be for us
The body and blood of Christ.
Our witness against hunger,
Our cry against injustice,
And our hope for a world
Where God is known
And every child is fed.
Thanks be to God.”
Brian Wren. At the Eucharist Invitation to the Table.
May the light enkindled in our hearts shine forth in our lives.
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect
Eternal Father,
You gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Gospel Reading: John 16: 23b – 30
The New Revised Standard Version
Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father." His disciples said, "Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God."
Reflection
The Father himself loves you. The author of John is getting ready for the prayer Jesus offers for his disciples just before “the hour” of his passion that begins with his betrayal and arrest. The disciples believe that Jesus comes from the Father and the Father loves them; but they are challenged to go further in their love and belief that Jesus must depart and return to the Father. We have just celebrated Jesus coming to live among us. Are we ready to prepare for his death? How close are Christmas and Easter! How precious were those moments the first disciples shared with Jesus, God born as one of us and living with us!
And there is more: Easter is about more than death and Jesus returning to the Father; Easter is about Jesus conquering death, the world, all. And there is more: Jesus sends each of us the Spirit and dwells with us each one. How precious is each moment shared with our Lord! How precious are the people with whom we share each moment!
As we prepare for 2009 lived in the presence of our Lord and God, I pray that you will know the blessing of drink for your thirst.
“Water is a blessing. When the earth drinks, things grow. When you are thirsty, the best thing to do is not to discuss water or examine its benefits; the best thing to do is drink.
Jesus said that He would pour out the Holy Spirit upon those who would come to Him and drink. To drink is to receive, and as you do, His Spirit becomes a well of living water within you. This water not only quenches your thirst but also flows out as a river of life to bless the lives of those around you.” -Roy Lessin
May your New Year be filled with experiences of how much the Father himself, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, loves you.
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
Eternal Father,
You gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Gospel Reading: John 16: 23b – 30
The New Revised Standard Version
Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father." His disciples said, "Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God."
Reflection
The Father himself loves you. The author of John is getting ready for the prayer Jesus offers for his disciples just before “the hour” of his passion that begins with his betrayal and arrest. The disciples believe that Jesus comes from the Father and the Father loves them; but they are challenged to go further in their love and belief that Jesus must depart and return to the Father. We have just celebrated Jesus coming to live among us. Are we ready to prepare for his death? How close are Christmas and Easter! How precious were those moments the first disciples shared with Jesus, God born as one of us and living with us!
And there is more: Easter is about more than death and Jesus returning to the Father; Easter is about Jesus conquering death, the world, all. And there is more: Jesus sends each of us the Spirit and dwells with us each one. How precious is each moment shared with our Lord! How precious are the people with whom we share each moment!
As we prepare for 2009 lived in the presence of our Lord and God, I pray that you will know the blessing of drink for your thirst.
“Water is a blessing. When the earth drinks, things grow. When you are thirsty, the best thing to do is not to discuss water or examine its benefits; the best thing to do is drink.
Jesus said that He would pour out the Holy Spirit upon those who would come to Him and drink. To drink is to receive, and as you do, His Spirit becomes a well of living water within you. This water not only quenches your thirst but also flows out as a river of life to bless the lives of those around you.” -Roy Lessin
May your New Year be filled with experiences of how much the Father himself, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, loves you.
Blessings, Mthr Mary Lou
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