Reworking the Soil
Jesus often taught in short stories–parables–which helped those with ears to hear to understand the spiritual things he discussed. It also served to mask things from others. In his parable on the Sower and the Sown Seed, Jesus told of seed that, depending on where it had been sown, was liable to take root and bear fruit or to suffer a far less fruitful life.
Often I have heard this parable used as a means to prompt the evaluative question: how fruitful are you being for God? And I suppose the idea behind that question may be a good one. (The idea being our confession should lead to acts of love for God and neighbor.) But often that question is used a litmus test to see how a person "measures up" in their spirituality.
I've often been struck by the third account of the seed, that sown among the thorns. I'm intrigued by it because of Jesus' explanation regarding the thorns. They reflect the "cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things" (Mk 4:19). Though we stand millennia removed from this teaching of Jesus by the sea, his assessment of the human heart is as pertinent as ever.
The thing with thorns, and other weeds for that matter, is that they can be pulled up. That's not an easy endeavor, especially if they have been given full reign of the soil. Their roots go down deep, they fight back against any assaults with their thorns, and they are persistent. But they can be uprooted. The soil can be reworked, nutrients can be reintroduced that the seed might flourish.
As we reflect, hear, and respond to the good news of the resurrection during Eastertide, perhaps this is a good time to consider where you have not allowed the healing and cleansing work of the Spirit into the field of your heart. Where have you nurtured the thorns–actively or by letting them grow as they will–even knowing that they bring harm? Though the uprooting is not easy–it may even be painful–the outcome is health, growth, and life.
Let us be a people desiring life for we serve a living–"He is not here; he has risen"–King.
Grace & Peace
Shaped by the Cross
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:11
Imagery is used all throughout the Scriptures because images convey ideas that we can grasp and thereby help us understand the ideas communicated by their use. The depiction of God as a fortress, as in Psalm 46, conveys the idea of resiliency, safety, strength, stature, and protection, among many others. As we reflect on–or better yet visit!–a fortress, we can catch a glimpse of what God is like.
From the earliest centuries after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, the image of the cross was used by the Church and Christians to convey something of who they were (and are): they are people who follow in the way of the Crucified One, the one crucified for the life of the world. That tradition has carried on down through the ages and is common in our own day.
Over the last few months, the we have worked with a Seattle graphic designer, Amy MacCready, to help us design an image that depicts Emmanuel. (You can see the final image below.) As with our brothers and sisters before us, the cross is the focal point for only by that cross are we a communion of saints. And it is from that cross–an image for Jesus–that all manner of goodness, beauty, life, health, peace, joy, and love burst forth. This certainly conveys the spiritual life Jesus has wrought for us, atoning for our sins, being a propitiation for our sins and the sins of the world. It is also because of the work of Jesus on the cross that the Church is to be about his work, promoting justice, and continuing to usher in his kingdom through her prayers and life.
We have sought to capture these ideas in the simple, yet beautiful, design. We can't say everything about who we are and who our Lord is in this image, but it at least says this: we are those who follow the Crucified One, living a cruciform life of sacrifice and love, and it is from this Lord that love is poured out into the world.
May we continue to be a people shaped by the Way of Jesus, for our growth and for the good of the world.
Grace & Peace
Enamored by the Beloved
I've sat at this computer for the past 15+ minutes attempting to figure out the best way to introduce this note, but this sentence is all I've got. So I suppose that functions as my introduction. *Pat on the back.*
Listening to a local musician this evening–King's Kaleidoscope–I found myself prompted by a question though the song had little to do with it: by what am I enamored? What has a gravitational effect on my heart, drawing me in to it? And this line of inquiry led to the following: in what ways am I enamored by God? Hm.
I suppose my first response would be I am enamored by God's desire to be known by his people, as made explicit by the incarnation of Jesus. He wants to be found. And in finding him, one finds life itself. I haven't gotten over that one yet and doubt I ever will. I'm not even sure I'd want to for that matter, for it is a fountain of grace to my weaknesses.
How might you respond to that question: what ways are you enamored by God? The question isn't geared towards highlighting the information you know about him. Rather its aim is to draw to your heart and mind aspects of God that warm your heart toward him in love.
For some, you may already have a list the length of your arm by the time you finish this sentence. If that is you, that is a gift and continue delighting in God. For others, you may find it challenging to call to mind, let alone voice out loud, ways you are enamored by him. Maybe the idea itself–a heart, your heart, warmed and open to God–is unnerving or awkward. Perhaps you find it hard to be enamored by God because of present grief, difficulty, or pain. Being enamored by him does not require loud or boisterous responses. It can even be found in warm tears as difficulty still looms on the horizon.
Regardless of where the Lord has you in life–and this does not disregard your present circumstances–may you rest in this: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 Jn 3:1)
Grace & Peace
A Banner Proclaiming “Love”
I am currently taking a short, five-week class on contemplative prayer. In short, it is a way of listening to God, primarily through his Word, and being present with him. The other day I spent some time meditating on Song of Solomon 2:4 which reads: He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
I am not sure how those words strike you–perhaps read them again and take a few moments to mull them over–but in prayer, I was drawn to the seemingly discomforting feeling that the banner over me is love. That is not what I would write if I had the pen in hand. And therein lies the problem, two-fold.
I often will not give the Lord space to make his pronouncements over me but, because of insecurities or other weaknesses of my heart, I exclaim that they are too good to be true. And maybe they are too good, but why not also be true? (Indeed, they are both: too good, and wonderfully true.) This unwillingness to listen to the Lord's pronouncement opens the breach to the second problem: I rewrite what is scrawled on that banner. (Or, if I do not take up the pen myself, I willingly listen to the lies scribbled over the word love.)
What false truths do you write or allow to be written on that banner? Unlovable? Too weak? Forgotten? Such language is only intended to draw you away from the love of the Father. Indeed, that language is from the pits of hell. Rather than let such banners fly over your head, suffocating you in the process, consider Song 2:4. It is the Lord who writes and displays his banner over you and that banner's exclamation is singular: LOVE.
Grace & Peace
A Reconciling Gospel
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility..." Eph 2:13-14
This entire chapter (Eph 2) was the main text for Rev. Brandon Washington, keynote speaker at this week's synod gathering.* As a scholar on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he was invited by Bishop Ken to speak on Bonhoeffer's theological basis for social justice. Two things struck me deeply.
First, he drew our attention to how we often understand the Gospel and its benefits. It is common, especially for the majority culture, to hear that the Gospel is a statement of my right standing before God; I am reconciled to God. And that is where we stop. Yet, Brandon reminded us–indeed he exhorted us–from Eph 2, that the same Gospel that reconciled us to God is the same Gospel that reconciles us to each other.
Second, the value of a thing can be determined by the price paid for it. The price paid for our reconciliation is the very life of Christ. That is the value placed on our reconciliation. And this reconciliation is not only our reconciliation to God. It is also our reconciliation to each other, those from whom we differ, people from all walks of life, demographics, and ethnicities. Therefore, if we value the Gospel–and we should–we will value each other.
I would encourage you to take some time to watch Rev. Brandon's first session talk which can be found on the DRM's YouTube page here. (The DRM is the diocese of the Rocky Mountains, our diocese.) You can find the other sessions on the DRM's main YouTube page here.
One of the first steps towards healing and justice is to understand the situation, causes, and resultant problems. Listening is an excellent start to this process. I'd invite you to listen.
Grace & Peace
Daily Bears Us Up
Living in the PNW, it is almost required that a person love hiking in the great outdoors. (No judgment here if that's not your jam.) While hiking I often see people hiking with poles which they do in order to provide some stability and aid as they ascend or descend the trail. As I continue to age–I'm not that old just yet–I realize that I too may need or want a set myself pretty soon. These poles won't carry me all the way up the trail and back, but they do provide a little support, a little help. At times we approach God in like manner. I can manage most of the way on my own; here and there I may need some support and that's where God comes in, correct? He's (only) a crutch, right?
Psalm 68:19. Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. The image of God here is not a simple hiking pole, something to lean on only slightly for he can only give minimal aid. Rather he is like a Father who, knowing how tired and weary we are on the journey, picks us up, carries us along, and brings us safely home. We are in great need; he greatly supplies. And this he does, not only once, as if we each have only one phone-a-heavenly-Father call we can make and we better make sure we use it at precisely the right time. No, but rather he daily bears us up, time and again, throughout the day and also the night.
The night. It is one thing for us to recognize the Lord's aid and support throughout the day when we are conscious of our surroundings, our internal struggles, and aware of his presence. But he bears us along even in the darkness of the night. It is not the case that when our eyes close in sleep, he exhales loudly, grateful for that part of his work to be done for the day. His provision and care extend into the night, both to those who sleep and to those for whom sleep is fleeting.
A prayer offered during Compline, that hour of prayer before we pass into the depths of the night, is a prayer for the Lord to bear us up. "Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen."
"Yours is the day O Lord, yours also the night." (Ps 74:16). May it be, that as we traverse each day and prepare for repose in the night, that these three words–bear us up–may be our prayer, both for ourselves and for others.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.
Grace & Peace
The Presence of Refuge
"Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." So concludes Ps 124 which is also the opening response in Compline, that hour of prayer wherein we commit ourselves and each other to the Lord's care throughout the night. Confessing that your help is in the name of the Lord, and none other, is language of refuge, the language of the refugee, the language of those fleeing to the Lord for the storm is far too great. Yet, the storm is not too great for him.
Often times we may think of refuge in terms of a secure stronghold or a safe haven, and indeed there is biblical language for those images (e.g. Ps 31, 91). But such are not the only expressions of the refuge the Lord provides. In the calming of the storm, Jesus quieted the wind and waves, but there already was a greater refuge given to the fearful disciples, screaming and scrambling in the boat. That refuge was (and is) only this: God with his people, for his presence is refuge. For though turbulent waves come over the boat, if the maker of heaven and earth be there, the wind and waves must obey him. This is true for the physical, material world, for it is the work of his hands. It is also true for that other part of life, the domain of the affections, the soul, the world of the heart, for He has also formed and fashioned it.
It is good to seek that type of refuge wherein we are sheltered from the wind and rain, where we are warm, comfortable, and well fed. But when, in the Lord's providence, he sees fit to keep us in the rain far longer than we would prefer, perhaps even to the point where we think we will break, even there may we find our refuge in him. May his presence be your refuge.
Grace & Peace
Jesus Calming the Storm | Lu Hongnian, 20th c.
Dispelling Clouds of Darkness
Worry and anxiety can drive a person in all sorts of directions, and drive them further from God. This is its design and nature, at least in part. For it fragments and fractures the resolve, confidence, and certitude of a person with, at times, baseless claims. It does not much matter what the claim is; if it provokes doubt and discouragement then worry has won the day. This isn't all that new.
Paul wrote to the churches in Thessalonica where it appears some had stirred them up with doubt and anxiety by suggesting that the Lord Jesus had already returned to take his own (2 Thess 2). This indeed would have created quite the anxious situation which could easily promote despair. Paul warns them against despair and encourages them that Jesus had not yet gathered his own. More than this, he wisely exhorts them to refrain from idleness, going so far as to say those who do not work, should not eat! (3:10). It can certainly be the case that some in those communities were actively and intentionally misleading others into idleness: "eat, drink, be merry for Jesus came and we missed him!" It may also have been the case that for others, the whispers of worry began to create fissures in their hearts, try as they might to stop them.
So it may be with some of us. The stresses of our current circumstances may foment worry or anxiety, leading us to idleness or to be frantically accomplishing nothing, all of which drives us away from God and can draw us away from his Church.
For those of you who know others who are anxious, "encourage one another and build one another up...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" says Paul (1 Thess 5:11, 14). A simple and kind word can do much good, prayers as well. For those who are anxious or fearful–such things are understandable–confide in a friend, spouse, housemate, etc. (I am always available, too.) Do not keep disruptive things in the dark where they can only do more damage. But also daily draw near to the light of God through prayer and his Word. I was reminded yesterday at Vespers by another parishioner how centering those 30 mins can be. We do simple things: pray and read Scripture. And the Lord delights to do great things through simple means.
"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it." (1 Thess 5:23-24)
Grace & Peace
The King & His Kingdom
Perhaps it is fitting that the events that have transpired today (and those that continue to unfold) in our nation's capital have taken place on Epiphany. This is by no means meant to diminish those acts, which I think are rightly deemed disgraceful and worse. But entering Epiphany today we are reminded of the darkness of this world and the light of God.
A well-known royal psalm, psalm 72 praises the Lord for he will provide his King to establish justice, righteousness, and goodness in this world. That the Lord will (and must!) provide his King is a critique of every candidate humanity might put forward of its own accord. Though some rulers and leaders are better than others–"better" here can be understood in a variety of ways–they all will fail in some measure. And when they do fail, idolatry is exposed. That last line cuts cleanly across America's political landscape, not favoring either/all parties. The Lord's Kingship offends equally; it shows no partiality. And only because of this–that it is the Lord's King and he carries out justice without partiality–can hope exist.
The Kingdom of God has come and in the same breath it is coming still. The classic theological language is: the kingdom is already (here) and not yet (here). Throughout the Scriptures we read descriptions of the character of God, his concern for justice, his love of this world, and his desire that all might be saved. It is to his Body, the Church, that God has handed over this work. This is not work to be done independent of him, but by relying on his Spirit to lead and to guide. As we await the final installation of the King and his full reign, we are to be found doing the King's work: to sow peace where there is discord; to stand up for justice where injustice abounds; to proclaim truth in halls of lies; to love all with the love characteristic of Jesus in spaces of hate.
Pastor Paul sums this up well: "Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Col 3:12-15)
Grace & Peace,
Fear & Joy
New beginnings can be a welcomed relief because with them comes freshness, renewed energy, and excitement of the unknown. Along with the entire world, we have just underwent a new beginning with the entire earth now in the New Year, 2021. We also experience freshness daily as we encounter God, he providing for us the things needed for that 24hr window of time.
Morning Prayer during Christmas welcomes you with this greeting from Luke 2: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Fear and Joy.
As alarming as it was to have the skies illuminated by the angel of the Lord, and in short order the heavenly hosts, the shepherds were guided to "fear not". It was their joy that was to eclipse their fear and so remove the sting from the latter, their joy at the words they were hearing sung: the Messiah is here.
Though we are not confronted with the heavenly hosts in our PNW skies, there are sufficient experiences that we all undergo (or are currently undergoing) that may elicit fear from us. And it is only sensible that fear is a response to some circumstances. But may we pause and consider joy: the joy of the love of God for his people, the joy of his guiding hand, the joy that Death and all his friends are defeated, the joy that Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. Such joys are not magic wands that easily dispel the stressors in our life that bring about fear. But, those joys can remove the sting of that fear as it did shepherds on a hillside on a dark night many years ago. May this year be one of joy.
Peace & Joy
God Proximate
Bryan Stevenson, lawyer, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative spoke at a church in NYC some years ago. Speaking on his work and solutions to injustices that run rampant, he proposed several things that we can do to help create more justice in this world. The first item on his list is: be proximate. Be close(r) to areas of injustice, not fleeing from them. Being proximate is not a panacea; it does not cure all the ills of the world. But it is a step in the justice-making direction rather than another step away areas of injustice which only grants it further immunity.
This isn't merely a strategy that sounds good as a marketing scheme or PR stunt. It is birthed from and grows out of the very precious truth and reality that we celebrate as Christmas dawns. The Incarnation of God in the person of Jesus is God proximate. We see the proximity of God played out in the closeness of Jesus to the spiritually afflicted (including the mentally distraught). We see Jesus proximate to the socially ostracized because of various diseases. We see Jesus proximate to those whose bodies are broken. (See Mark's Gospel, ch 1.)
Jesus is proximate to sin and sinner alike. And may that be said of us, not out of guilt or feeling sorry for another. But may our proximity be an expression of our love, for Jesus' closeness to the people of this world–to you–is his love proximate.
Grace & Peace
Humble Mary
Nearer and nearer we draw to Christmas, that paradoxical day when the might of heaven was found in the helpless infant. How is it that you receive that gift of God? What is the manner and attitude operating in your heart? Is it one of annoyance or irritation that God would be so helpless (hapless?)? Do you find yourself motivated to manage God or to do him a favor, because he is so weak?
When we look to Mary, the young Jewish mother of Jesus, we see a different picture. There is no agitation in her speech or overbearing (s)mothering because this little one to come is too weak. Neither do we hear any frustration that God has wrecked her weak, year, or life with the announcement of the coming savior through her womb. Rather we read her response of humble trust: "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word." (Lk 1:38) Trusting, she received from God and thus presents the world a picture and life of humility. Humility changes the world because it reflects, knowingly or not, the heart of Jesus.
May it be that we are a humble people, a people and parish like Mary who humbly, and with joy, received from God without bitterness, resentment, or angst. Those attitudes of the heart are small deaths leading to a much larger death. But a humble heart proceeds on the path to life, finding Jesus along the way.
Grace & Peace
The Small Signs
"I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power...Our temptation is to be distracted by them...When I have no eyes for the small signs of God's presence–the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends–I will always remain tempted to despair. The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises." –Henri Nouwen
Throughout the history of the world, the Lord has worked in grand and marvelous ways. That is, in fact, where our eyes and hearts are taken during the season of Advent with its apocalyptic emphasis. But these awesome acts are not the only ways the Lord works. More often, as Henri highlights, we see the goodness of God in the less-than-glamorous work, the "small signs" that illuminate the nearness of God.
During this Advent we as a parish are taking the time to be these small signs to those at Aurora Commons. Details are below in the announcements, but I want to encourage you with this as well: use this opportunity to also connect with friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers in this act of love and care. Though intended to be a small sign to those at the Commons, it may also be a small sign to your neighbors and others invited to join this work.
Grace & Peace
God is Stable
Throughout the course of time God's people have constantly moved because God himself moves. When David sought to build a fixed temple, God responded, "I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day" (2 Sam 7:6). Jesus, when people expressed their desire to follow him replied, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Lk 9:58). Certainly there are places where God provides stability and a place for his people, but that place is only stable because God is with them. And, thankfully, God is with us.
The governor's recent increased restrictions are a response to the increased caseload of Covid-19 in our area. Our leadership team has discussed and prayed about what is best for Emmanuel, taking everything into account. So that we may not bind another's conscience, we have decided to move our Sunday service online for the next 2 (maybe 4) weeks. There is plenty more to say about this, so I'll record a brief video to provide a fuller explanation, thought, and our plan going forward. Once posted, you can find that on our Facebook page or on our Youtube channel.
A few more comments for the next few Sundays: We will meet online at our usual time, 3p. You can find the Zoom info below in the announcements section. Last Sunday we distributed wafers for communion. If you are in need of some, please email me.
Nothing about these decisions is easy and there is no playbook for how we navigate these things, other than this: let us love the Lord our God with our heart, soul, mind, & strength; and let us love our neighbors as ourselves. If biblical love for God and others animates our lives, it will keep us from spite and keep our hearts understanding. As questions or thoughts arise in light of these updates, or you want to discuss any of this, please reach out to me. I'm available.
Lastly, as the Lord brings people to your mind throughout the day, make a point to send them a quick email, text, phone call, or video message, encouraging them. This act, though small, can bring about much good. The PNW is certainly not overwhelmed by encouragement; there is always room and need for more.
Grace & Peace
The Powerful Word
Several days ago I read through 2 Ki 22-23 which tells of king Josiah and the reforms he brought to Judah, including demolishing idols, deposing corrupt priests, and restoring the Passover. These were sweeping reforms and ones that were sorely needed. What struck me more than the reforms themselves was the impetus of them: God's Word.
Hilkiah, the high priest, was rooting around in the temple and stumbled upon a copy of Deuteronomy that had inadvertently been misplaced. How it had been misplaced, lost, and forgotten is another discussion. But on finding God's Word, his instruction, guidance, and letter of love to his people, the heart of Josiah was moved. It began with lamentation and repentance, and then moved into action. God's Word is that powerful. His Word is that powerful still.
We are all living stories and examples of the power of God's Word, powerful enough to call the dead to life. Emmanuel, it is a joy and privilege we have to encounter God weekly, as his body gathered, to hear yet again from his Word. Would you prepare your hearts and lives, and come with expectancy that God will use his Word once more in your life.
Grace & Peace
The Warmth of Light
I want to express my thanks to you and to God for our worship last week. As a parish, we have been planning and preparing for Bishop Ken's visit with us, which included my installation and confirmation of several parishioners. Both were moving to me and I am grateful to have a part in what the Lord is doing in Emmanuel.
I was encouraged by the time I had with Bishop Ken, walking Green Lake as we talked about the parish. Sitting down to dinner on Sunday evening he continued to express how encouraged he is for our parish and what the Lord may do with us in the months and years ahead. Additionally, Laura (my wife) and I were wonderfully encouraged by your cards and words after our worship last week! The gift of hospitality is alive and well in this parish, something we knew but continue to experience. It is a gift that we as a parish should continue to pour out to others around us, especially in Seattle with its known "Seattle Freeze". To take a line from Jean Valjean: "to love another person is to see the face of God." Our care for others has a reciprocal effect on our own hearts and lives.
As we enter the darker months ahead, the metaphoric and real "freeze" may seem all the more real. That is normal in most years, but perhaps magnified in 2020 due to the election, the pandemic, and continued injustice. As a parish, let us have eyes open and ears listening for ways we can be the love of Jesus to those nearby. As his love has warmed our hearts, may that warmth emanate from us to others. If you yourself are going through a darker than normal time, please say something. Darkness loves darkness and hates the light, yet light provides warmth, sight, and health. There is always an open invitation to seek me out and I know that is also true for others in our parish.
Grace & Peace
Hope During Election
The psalm for today's Morning Prayer was 146, a song of praise. There we pray:
"put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation...Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry."
Timely words. The folly of placing one's trust in a "prince" is seen in that as a human, that leader is not able to save; "his breath departs". In contrast stands the Lord, the eternal God. His might is seen in the immensity and beauty of his creation. His compassion is seen in his carrying out justice for the oppressed. The psalm continues, describing the Lord's care of the prisoners, the blind, those bowed down, and others besides.
I realize that we are now less than a week away from 03 Nov. Perhaps reading that date stirs up some anxious thoughts, wherever you are politically. I am grateful that we live in a democratic society, though it is far from perfect. The cracks we see in it should lead us to engage in redeeming it where we can, but also join Abraham and others "as they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one" (Heb 11:16), thus placing our hope in God and not in human leaders.
Whatever the outcome will be for this presidential election, let us practice, even now, not placing our ultimate hope in our political leaders. We belong to the God who made heaven and earth, a God of justice. This is also a time to be mindful of those who are without hope because they are without God. For them, they can do no other than to place trust in leaders of this world. But you, you may be a source of comfort, light, joy, and peace, even in such times as these, because you are a daughter or son of the God of all creation.
I realize that these next few weeks may be trying, difficult, or joyous for you. Please know that I am available for whatever you might need so please do not think that your joy or sorrow is too little.
Grace & Peace
For He Comes
We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of the earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the wonder of your creatures, large and small; and for all the loveliness that surrounds us. –BCP
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. –Ps 19
Let the sea roar and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he comes. –Ps 98
There are countless other passages of Scripture and books of prayer I could cite, but these suffice. The Lord has made all things and his Creation is a reflection of his creativity, beauty, love, and joy. We live in a unique place in America where we experience both the seas and the mountains, along with forests and all their creatures. The psalmist uses the language of the created world to express the wonderfully inordinate praise offered to God. It is not only humanity, those made in the image of God, that hymn his praise. All creation joins in the chorus. The hymn reminds us this praise is not even confined to the earthly sphere, but the heavenly voices join as well.
O ye heights of heav'n, adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing:
all dominions, bow before him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore!
Why all this praise? In the words of Psalm 98 it is: for he comes. Tomorrow (Sunday) we gather as the people of God–in person or online–to join this heaven-and-earthly chorus. What a joy.
Grace & Peace
Take Root Downward
On Sunday, toward the beginning of the sermon, I took up the biblical metaphor of a tree to depict what is to be true of all our lives: we are to take root downward that we might bear fruit upward. We are to continually grow and mature in our union with Jesus, that his life may continue to flow in us through the Spirit. Peter, the famed apostle, helps us in this regard.
When I come across Peter, whether in the Gospels, Acts, or in his letters, I always find myself grateful that his actions and words are recounted for the Church. He is far from a polished character, yet loved all the same. So it is with us. In his second letter, he provides a short list of qualities that, "if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful..." (1:8). He continues his exhortation by stating, "be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." (1:10) His qualities are these: "...supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (1:5-7).
It is too easy to skip through that list, acknowledging that these are "good things", and move on. But, to pick up the tree metaphor again, I'd ask you to pause at these trees and observe them one at a time. This needn't take forever; a few minutes will suffice. Which of these is the Lord drawing you toward? Which pricks your heart? Which is a known area of weakness?
It is easy for the reality and presence of our weaknesses to push us to shame. Don't let them push you in that direction; but let them push you to Christ. For all of Peter's weak moments, he kept returning to Christ, he kept coming back to the light.
Grace & Peace
Sewing Peace in Soil of Discord
Tuesday evening was nothing short of a spectacle as it was illuminating. Throughout this week I have gone back and forth on whether I comment on the presidential debate since I am so new to this community, but refraining from saying anything would proceed from a fearful heart and not one that desires our health and growth. Moreover this is an opportune time for us to practice the faith that we all confess.
Before I go any further, I would ask that you take a moment to think of someone you know who is on the other side of the political aisle, maybe a friend, co-worker, family member, or parishioner. Would you now take a minute and pray for them, not that "they would come to their senses," but pray that the Lord would encourage them by his Spirit, that he would meet them in their distress, that he would renew for them the joy of their salvation and life with God? Such prayer is for the other as much as it is for you, for in praying for those with whom you disagree, you offer to the Lord your own heart, that he might continue reshaping it to beat like the heart of Jesus.
Having begun with prayer, consider James 3:16-18: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Adding to 2020, we have entered the homestretch of the presidential political process and there will be infinite possibilities for you to speak and act out of selfish ambition or anger which will only promote disorder. In so doing you will simply rehearse what many saw on Tuesday evening. Rather than sew discord, seek first wisdom from above in your conversations and debates. Should we have debates and discussions on important issues, certainly so. But enter into them with this in mind: each human being has received the privilege by God himself to be made in his image, however marred it may now be.
It continues to be my prayer that the Lord will grant us unity of mind and spirit as we walk together as his people. There are near-infinite assaults made on the Church by our Enemy who is only delighted at sewing strife and discord, and dismantling the Church brick by brick. Let us hold fast to Jesus who has brought us together and not provide a foothold for the Enemy.
Grace & Peace