December 7, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

The Dalai Lama once said “It is positive to want to go first, provided the intention is to pave the way for others, make their path more easy, help them, or show the way. Competition is negative when we wish to defeat others, to bring them down in order to lift ourselves up.”

In today’s passage from Matthew, Jesus says that when you encounter people who insist on their own righteousness, focus on what is important. Seek not to compete with those people, but rather to follow Jesus’s example. As St. Paul wrote “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,

   did not regard equality with God

   as something to be exploited,

but emptied himself,

   taking the form of a slave,

   being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

  he humbled himself”

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

December 6, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

http://unfolding-light.blogspot.com/2011/10/religion-of-love.html

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 22:34-46

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' He said to him, '"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.'

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: 'What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?' They said to him, 'The son of David.' He said to them, 'How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet'"? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?' No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

December 5, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Lately I have been trying to practice living in the present. “Trying” is the key word here. Sometimes my trying is more fruitful than other times. However, this reading makes me chuckle at the utter humanity of the Sadducees; not content to live in the present or even the near future, they must micro-manage the after-life. This poor hypothetical woman, who must deal with becoming a widow seven times … surely she should be allowed to look forward to resting in the arms of a consoling God without fretting about earthly rules concerning marriage.

Gracious loving God, help me to see the ways that I over-complicate my present by fixating on the future.

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 22:23-33

The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, 'Teacher, Moses said, "If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother." Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother. The second did the same, so also the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman herself died. In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.' Jesus answered them, 'You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob"? He is God not of the dead, but of the living.' And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.

December 4, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Elizabeth and Zechariah and John’s lives were certainly no less full of twists and turns, ups and down, than my own. What strikes me is that they ride the waves with trust in and praise for God.

Gracious, loving God, may I learn from the good example of my ancient relatives in human history. May we all see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day.

Namaste

The Readings

Luke 1:57-68

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, 'No; he is to be called John.' They said to her, 'None of your relatives has this name.' Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, 'What then will this child become?' For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

December 3, 2011

On Thursday I went to see James Martin speak and he was SO FUNNY!! He referred to this very gospel – the one we read today – and he said something like, “Don’t you think the disciples saw this conversation play out and thought/said to themselves, ‘That’s a good one!’”

J

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 22:15-22

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

December 2, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

What intrigues me about this passage is that central moment when the king says to one of the guests, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” This is Jesus telling the story. Jesus, who regularly hangs out with lepers, the blind and the lame, and says things like “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor.” Yeah, I’m pretty darn sure that the king in the story isn’t questioning the guest’s sartorial austerity.

Here’s what I think, I think “wedding robe” is symbolic of something else – something representative of a wedding, and that is joy. Jesus sees a guest at an unconditional love fest and the guy is not fully dressed without a smile (apologies to the musical Annie). No joy.

Gracious loving God, help me to be an ambassador of your joy and unconditional love by wearing the countenance of one who is delighted to be in the presence of such a God.

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 22:1- 14

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, maltreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

December 1, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

A big, tough samurai once went to see a little monk. "Monk," he said, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, "teach me about heaven and hell!"

The monk looked up at this mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, "Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldn't teach you about anything. You're dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You 're a disgrace, an embarrassment to the samurai class. Get out of my sight. I can't stand you."

The samurai was furious. He shook, got all red in the face, was speechless with rage. He pulled out his sword and raised it above him, preparing to slay the monk.

"That's hell," said the monk softly.

The samurai was overwhelmed. The compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching to show him hell! He slowly put down his sword, filled with gratitude, suddenly peaceful.

"And that's heaven," said the monk softly.

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 21:33-46

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

‘Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.” So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They said to him, ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.’

Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures:

“The stone that the builders rejected

   has become the cornerstone;

this was the Lord’s doing,

   and it is amazing in our eyes”?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.’

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.

November 28, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

http://aweirdthing.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/this%e2%80%99ll-bring-the-crowds-out/

Namaste

The Readings

Amos 2:9-16

2 Peter 1:1-11

Matthew 21:1-11

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately. " This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

November 27, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

• Rev. Tony Buquor's Sermon on November 14, 2010

Namaste

The Readings

Amos 1:1-5,13-2:8

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Luke 21:5-19

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.

November 26, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Jesus, have mercy on us! Open our eyes to this present moment, without regret for the past, without projection into the future.

Jesus, have mercy on us! Open our ears to your message of love, for ourselves, for one another, for all of creation.

Jesus, have mercy on us! Open our hearts to forgiveness and mercy.

Jesus, have mercy on us! Open our hands to give and receive your limitless generosity.

Namaste

The Readings

Micah 7:11-20

1 Peter 4:7-19

Matthew 20:29-34

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!" Jesus stood still and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

November 25, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Lao Tzu's ancient Tao of Leadership

Go to the people

Live with them

Love them

Learn from them

Start with what they have

Build on what they know.

But of the best leaders

When their task is accomplished

Their work is done

The people will all remark

We have done it ourselves.

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 20:17-28

While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised." Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

November 24, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

This is so beautiful … I read only the first page and it was enough: http://www.preaching.com/sermons/11564012/

Namaste

The Readings

Zephaniah 3:1-13

1 Peter 2:11-25

Matthew 20:1-16

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.' When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

November 23, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Today we reflect on the famous Eye of the Needle pericope. Yikes! From my humble perspective, it truly IS hard for a rich person to enter fully into God’s wholeness. It’s easier to believe in one’s own human power and to worship the Gods of money and business (busyness) and ambition.

Gracious loving God, everything I have is yours; everything I do is for you. Help me to shed the heavy mantle of control and surrender myself to your way.

Namaste

The Readings

Obadiah 1:15:21

1 Peter 2:1-10

Matthew 19:23-30

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."

Then Peter said in reply, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

November 22, 2011

Reflection (the reading is below)

This is a lesson I have not yet brought fully into my own life, for I have many false refuges. That is what, I think Jesus refers to when he speaks about possessions. In order to be whole, I must give up false refuges, whether those are excessive possessions, or anger, or overuse of technology, or work, or addiction to food or alcohol or drugs.

Gracious loving God, I know you are always in me, with me, and pouring your unconditional love upon me in an everlasting shower of blessing. Open my eyes to that so that I may walk in your ways and delight in your will and enjoy the true refuge of the YOU that is right here.

Namaste

Reading

Matthew 19:13-22

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Then someone came to him and said, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "I have kept all these; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

November 21, 2011

Again, those who plot to confuse Jesus ask him a double-edged question. Remember from http://ruahmie.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-3-2011.html that Herod has divorced and remarried and that if Jesus answers one way he (they hope) appears to criticize Herod, a Jewish leader, and if he answers another way he appears to criticize Moses.

Instead, Jesus acknowledges the trickiness of marriage and advises personal reflection and integrity.

Gracious loving God, may we keep our eyes on you in everything we do, resting in your consolation at all times.

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 19:1-12 (NRSV)

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he cured them there.

Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?" He answered, "Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." They said to him, "Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?" He said to them, "It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery."

His disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." But he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."

November 20, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Can you imagine a day when the Hatfields and McCoys get together for Thanksgiving dinner? When the Sharks and the Jets share Cuchifritos recipes? When the Tattaglia and Corleone families concelebrate the festa dei sette pesci on Christmas Eve?

Imagine then, the Egyptians, Assyrians and Israelites gathered to one by a gracious God who declares, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my heritage.”

With whom do YOU need to make Eucharist? Begin by asking God to send a blessing.

Namaste

The Readings

Isaiah 19:19-25

On that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; when they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior, and will defend and deliver them. The LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians; and the Egyptians will know the LORD on that day, and will worship with sacrifice and burnt offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them. The LORD will strike Egypt, striking and healing; they will return to the LORD, and he will listen to their supplications and heal them.

On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.

On that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my heritage."

Romans 15:5-13

Luke 19:11-27

November 19, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

“Although we as resentful people want to believe that forgiveness has its limits, what shall we do with the example of Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:34) or of Stephen as he was stoned to death (Acts 7:60)? Certainly, the executioners of Jesus never asked for forgiveness or showed any regret for their behavior. When Jesus commands non-retaliation in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-42), he does not set conditions. Instead he concludes by saying, as the Revised English Bible translates, "There must be no limit to your goodness, as your heavenly Father's goodness knows no bounds" (Matthew 5:48). Forgiveness, Jesus says, like mercy, can have no preordained limits.”

From http://www.tritebuttrue.com/blog/archives/2007/06/forgiveness_the.html

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 18:21-35

Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

November 18, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

No one is off the radar screen, we learn from reading Matthew today. Otherwise we are not one. No one is off the radar screen. The person who cut you off in traffic, the prisoner, the victim of crime, the annoying, the unappealing, the self-righteous, the innocent, the guilty. You. Me. THEM (whoever they are). We are all the one-hundred.

Namaste

The Readings

1 Maccabees 4:36-59

Revelation 22:6-13

Matthew 18:10-20

"Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.  What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?  And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.  So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.  "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.  But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.  Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

November 17, 2011

It’s interesting that every time Jesus talks about his own death, the disciples quickly get around to an ambitious dispute concerning primacy. They may have been surprised by Jesus’s recommendations:

Practice humility (become like children); regularly take a look at yourself for new perspectives (change); have great respect for everyone – no exceptions (not even little ones); everyone encounters stumbling blocks – do not react with revenge. To do so would be as silly as cutting off your nose to spite your face, for we are all one in communion.

Namaste

The Readings

1 Maccabees 4:1-25

Revelation 21:22-22:5

Matthew 18:1-9

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes! "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.

November 16, 2011

Reflection (The reading is below, for your reference)

Check out this very fine exegesis on today’s Gospel reading which came from http://kingskidstuff.com/miracles-of-jesus/coin-fish-mouth/

The religious leaders were constantly looking for ways to accuse Jesus. They were jealous of his popularity and afraid that they would lose their power and status. They preferred the praise of associates over a personal relationship with God. When the officials in Capernaum asked Peter if Jesus paid the Temple tax, Peter immediately said he did.

Jesus confronted Peter with an issue that would define his ministry. If Jesus was the Son of God, he was exempt from taxes. But in order to not offend anyone, he sent Peter on a very strange fishing trip to retrieve the Temple tax for both Jesus and Peter.

When Jesus told Peter what to do and Peter acted on Jesus’ words, their faith activated the spiritual realm. God had to make everything happen just as Jesus had said. Only God could have known where a coin was in the Sea of Galilee that would be the exact amount of tax owed. And only God could have commanded a fish that would be ready to retrieve it and deliver to Peter. God miraculously supplied Peter’s needs and God will supply everything you need as well. All God is waiting on is for you to have the faith to believe it is so.

Namaste

The Gospel Reading

Matthew 17:22-27

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands,  and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised." And they were greatly distressed.  When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?"  He said, "Yes, he does." And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?"  When Peter said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the children are free.  However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."

November 15, 2011

Reflection

This one took a lot of pondering for me and I’m still not done. But for right now the thing that I find so interesting is that when the disciples failed, they did not give up on themselves, rather they sought mentoring from their tutor Jesus. And Jesus did not give up on them either. They’re faith was little but it did exist. In the parallel passage in Mark, the father of the suffering child says to Jesus, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”

Gracious loving God, I too say that I believe, help my unbelief. Kindle the embers of my belief, don’t let me choke the flame with self-doubt.

Namaste

Gospel Reading:

Matthew 17:14-21

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him,  and said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water.  And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him."  Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me."  And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly.  Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"  He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

November 14, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

We carry Jesus in our hearts and sometimes his image gets a little weary looking. Maybe our Jesus has become like a greeting-card message, “Have a nice day!” Or perhaps it seems to us like the message of Jesus has become irrelevant. Today’s gospel reading offers a few suggestions for us. One might be to connect with friends who are spiritual companions; another might be to find a way to go to a prayer place. Most important is to pay special attention to what God is saying. Chances are, God is not saying that we should focus our attention on spending time or money on material possessions (like dwellings), no matter how worthy that might seem at the time. Chances are, God is telling us to listen. Chances are God is telling us not to be afraid. For sure, God is with us in the dark scary places.

Gracious God, open my eyes that I might see how you would transform the way I see you, now and forever.

Namaste

The Readings

Matthew 17:1-17

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.  Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"  When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.  But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."  And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."  And the disciples asked him, "Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"  He replied, "Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things;  but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands."  Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

November 13, 2011

For a fabulous reflection on today's readings, go to http://trinityconcord.org/Sermons/MorrisKliment13Nov2011.mp3

Gospel Reading:

Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus said, "For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, `Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' His master said to him, `Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, `Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' His master said to him, `Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, `Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master replied, `You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "