Musings for the Third Week in Advent

Sunday, December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent

Midweek Musings

Reflection by Pastor Macholz

INTRODUCTION
The presence of the Lord "in your midst" in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the Lord in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one "more powerful" than John, even with his winnowing fork in his hand, is good news--and cause for exultation--for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

Lucy, martyr, died 304
Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (whose name means "light") originally fell on the shortest day of the year.

Prayer of the Day (ELW)

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

First Reading

Zephaniah 3:14–20

The prophet Zephaniah's message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, prophesies joy for Judah and Jerusalem. Judgment has led to repentance, and God's salvation is at hand.

¹⁴Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
¹⁵The LORD has taken away the judgments against you,
he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more.
¹⁶On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.
¹⁷The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
¹⁸as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it.
¹⁹I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
²⁰At that time I will bring you home,
at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes, says the LORD.

Psalm (ELW)

Isaiah 12:2–6

In your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isa. 12:6)

²Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not ^| be afraid,

for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might,

and has become ^| my salvation.

³With joy you ^| will draw water

from the wells ^| of salvation.

⁴And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call ^| on God's name;

make known the deeds of the LORD among the nations;

proclaim that this name ^| is exalted.

⁵Sing praises to the LORD, who has done ^| gloriously;

let this be known in ^| all the earth.

⁶Shout aloud and sing for joy, O ^| royal Zion,

for great in your midst is the Holy ^| One of Israel.

Second Reading

Philippians 4:4–7

Despite being in prison, Paul is remarkably upbeat as he writes this letter. Here, he urges his friends in Philippi to trust God with all their worries and concerns, with the hope they will experience God's joy and peace.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Gospel

Luke 3:7–18

John the Baptist heralds the mighty one "who is coming." John teaches that preparation for God's reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.

⁷John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. ⁹Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." ¹⁰And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" ¹¹In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." ¹²Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" ¹³He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." ¹⁴Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages." ¹⁵As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, ¹⁶John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
¹⁸So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Reflection

The third Sunday of Advent is/was known as Gaudete Sunday because in Latin, the first words of the opening antiphon for that day’s Mass were "Gaudete in Domino semper" "Rejoice in the Lord always". Those words, from Philippians 4:4 set the tone for the day as they are added to the other readings.

Zephania exhorts the people of Israel to ‘exult with all your heart’ for God has removed judgments from them.

The psalmist calls all within earshot to ‘sing praises to the Lord who has done gloriously.’

The second lesson (see above)

And even in the Gospel, after his seeming browbeating of those within earshot and a massive call to repentance, Luke ends this section with these words: ‘So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.’

With the above references in mind it’s easy to see why, even though John’s exhortation may sound contrary to the fact, this is known as Rejoice Sunday. His words are filled with hope and promise as he tells the people that one who is mightier than he is on the way. In fact, he’s so powerful John is not worthy to untie his sandals.

So frequently we hear John’s admonition in tones that are negative and off-putting yet when we dig deeper we discover great depth and power in what he has to say. No matter how bad it might be or be getting, no matter what we have done or left undone, the One who is coming brings forgiveness and cleansing and healing.

Our understanding of that is part of the preparation for Advent. Clean out the clutter. Rejoice in the Lord. Celebrate!

Jesus is coming. Rejoice and give thanks.

Let us pray

• For wisdom for the leaders of this nation, that they might find a way toward civil discourse and honest evaluation of the realities in and with which we live.
• That those who seek companionship during this holiday season may discover the desire of their hearts
• For those who mourn the loss of loved ones as they enter these days
• For warmth for those who have no coats
• That we might hear the Christmas story once again with new ears and see it with new eyes

Quote

Advent Optimism

It is important to remember the deep, in some ways anguished seriousness of Advent, when the mendacious celebrations of our marketing culture so easily harmonize with our tendency to regard Christmas, consciously or otherwise, as a return to our own innocence and our own infancy....

But the Church, in preparing us for the birth of a “great prophet,” a Savior and a King of Peace, has more in mind than seasonal cheer. The Advent mystery focuses the light of faith upon the very meaning of life, of history, of [humanity], of the world and of our own being. In Advent we celebrate the coming and indeed the presence of Christ in our world. ~Thomas Merton

Musings for the Second Week in Advent

Sunday, December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent

Midweek Musings

Reflection by Ann Patterson

INTRODUCTION
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer's voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi's prophesy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the "salvation of God."

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342
Little is known about Nicholas, except that he was a bishop in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he was famous for his giving to the poor, and so has become a symbol of anonymous gift-giving.

Prayer of the Day

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

First Reading Malachi 3:1-4

The Lord announces a covenant with Israel. A messenger like Malachi (his name means "my messenger") shall prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by purifying and refining God's people, as silver and gold are refined.

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the LORD whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight — indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. ²But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; ³he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. ⁴Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

Psalm Luke 1:69-79

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. (Luke 1:78)

⁶⁸Blessed are you, Lord, the ^| God of Israel,

you have come to your people and ^| set them free.

⁶⁹You have raised up for us a ^| mighty Savior,

born of the house of your ^| servant David.

⁷⁰Through your holy prophets, you promised of old to save us ^| from our enemies,

⁷¹from the hands of ^| all who hate us,

⁷²to show mercy ^| to our forebears,

and to remember your ^| holy covenant.

⁷³This was the oath you swore to our ^| father Abraham:

⁷⁴to set us free from the hands of our ^| enemies,

free to worship you ^| without fear,

⁷⁵holy and righteous before you, all the days ^| of our life.

⁷⁶And you, child, shall be called the prophet of ^| the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord to pre- ^| pare the way,

⁷⁷to give God's people knowledge ^| of salvation

by the forgiveness ^| of their sins.

⁷⁸In the tender compassion ^| of our God

the dawn from on high shall ^| break upon us,

⁷⁹to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shad- ^| ow of death,

and to guide our feet into the ^| way of peace.

Second Reading Phillippians 1:3-11

The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tender-hearted Paul, sometimes a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in love and knowledge.

³I thank my God every time I remember you, ⁴constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, ⁵because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. ⁹And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight ¹⁰to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, ¹¹having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Gospel Luke 3:1-6

John the Baptist is a herald of the saving Lord, whose way is prepared by "repentance for the forgiveness of sins." As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, ²during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. ³He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, ⁴as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
⁵Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
⁶and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

REFLECTION

The lessons from Malachi and Luke are both about preparation. Malachi says that God’s messenger will prepare the way of the lord by purifying with a metal refiner’s fire. Luke’s approach is more about forgiveness and repentance. John the Baptist proclaims that all will see the “salvation of God” as the crooked are made straight and rough ways are made smooth. In calling the people to a new beginning, both messengers speak of a moment when God will transform human history.

Like the people to whom Malachi and John the Baptist preached, we have an opportunity to make a new start. We long for Christ’s coming and can indeed enjoy his presence anew in our lives. By surrendering to this new beginning, we make Advent about the revelation of God in Christ, the reconciliation of creation, and the spirit of compassion. Let us put the to-do list aside at least once every day of this blessed season and remember that Christ has come and is coming once more to each of our lives.

PRAYERS

Let us give thanks for a season in which to start over again and pray

for those who have been blown off course by life’s storms

for those who are trying to change course through repentance and forgiveness

for those who are burdened by poverty, sickness, or grief

Quotation

"The world is not as just, not as loving, not as whole as we know it can and should be. But the coming of Christ and his presence among us—as one of us—give us reason to live in hope: that light will shatter the darkness, that we can be liberated from our fears and prejudices, that we are never alone or abandoned.” -Life Is an Advent Season, Connections, 11-28-93

Musings for Advent 1

Sunday, November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent

Midweek Musings

Reflection by Karen Grover

INTRODUCTION
Advent is about the "coming days." God's people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a "righteous Branch to spring up for David." The Thessalonians awaited "the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints." Our Lord's contemporaries hoped for the time "to stand before the Son of Man." With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper.

Prayer of the Day (ELW)

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

First Reading

Jeremiah 33:14–16

In the Old Testament, "righteousness" often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today's reading, Jerusalem's future name—"The Lord is our righteousness"—proclaims that the Lord is even now working salvation for Israel.

¹⁴The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. ¹⁵In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ¹⁶In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."

Psalm (ELW)

Psalm 25:1–10

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. (Ps. 25:1)

¹To ^| you, O LORD,

I lift ^| up my soul.

²My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be ^| put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph ^| over me.

³Let none who look to you be ^| put to shame;

rather let those be put to shame ^| who are treacherous.

⁴Show me your ^| ways, O LORD,

and teach ^| me your paths. R

⁵Lead me in your ^| truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

in you have I trusted all ^| the day long.

⁶Remember, O LORD, your compas- ^| sion and love,

for they are from ^| everlasting. R

⁷Remember not the sins of my youth and ^| my transgressions;

remember me according to your steadfast love

and for the sake of your good- ^| ness, O LORD.

⁸You are gracious and up- ^| right, O LORD;

therefore you teach sinners ^| in your way.

⁹You lead the low- ^| ly in justice

and teach the low- ^| ly your way.

¹⁰All your paths, O LORD, are steadfast ^| love and faithfulness

to those who keep your covenant and your ^| testimonies. R

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13

Upon Timothy's report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church.

⁹How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? ¹⁰Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
¹¹Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. ¹²And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. ¹³And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Gospel

Luke 21:25–36

God will fulfill God's purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God's people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God's promised redemption.

²⁵There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. ²⁶People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. ²⁸Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
²⁹Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; ³⁰as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. ³¹So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. ³²Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. ³³Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
³⁴Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, ³⁵like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

REFLECTION:

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly..........." That is one scary piece of advice. I do enjoy wasting time on frivolity and the excesses of life. I may not get drunk, but I do enjoy imbibing. I certainly get weighted down with the worries of this life, in spite of how blessed I am. I feel as though I am in a constant state of flux waiting for something to happen internationally, nationally, locally, and/or personally. Maybe I am not representative of the general population awaiting Christ's coming, but I know I am not too out in left field when I think about conversations I have had with friends.

Right now, at the beginning of this Advent season, I am in a state of joy with the anticipation of Christ's birth. I know "all things" will take place and that I will have to work through His suffering later. But even through that suffering I become so aware of His love for us, that I can actually feel the hope that His love will triumph over all of the hate, wars, violence, diseases--all in the present that tears God's world apart. If I think I'm suffering, what must God be going through watching what is happening to His creation. We as His children hardly pay heed to what we are doing to it. And still he loves us. Just possibly I should get out of myself and be more on guard. I know the end even before the beginning. Who knows when He will come again--do I need a date? Living in hope is not so bad. Living in all that God has provided me is not so bad either. Love and hope--God is great!

LET US PRAY

• in thanks for our Father's abundant gifts
• in hope for His coming
• for those who cry out for His help
• for the many who cannot sit down with family for a Thanksgiving feast
• for those who will be providing for the hungry and homeless

QUOTE

God is great, God is good, and we thank him for this bounty

Musings for Christ the King Sunday

Midweek Musings
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Christ the King
Lectionary 34 / Proper 29
Reflections by Gary Lazenby

INTRODUCTION
Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, they still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king's title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the "one like a human being" (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel's vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.

Prayer of the Day (ELW)
Almighty and ever-living God, you anointed your beloved Son to be priest and sovereign forever. Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united by the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

First Reading Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14
To the community for whom this passage was written, it seemed as though the oppression they were experiencing would never end. Daniel’s message is: It shall end. The Ancient One who is judge will call all nations to account and will give dominion to "one like a human being," the Messiah.

9As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
and an Ancient One took his throne,
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
and its wheels were burning fire.
10A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
13As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
14To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed.

Psalm 93
Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:2)
1The LORD is king, robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and | armed with strength.
The LORD has made the world so sure that it can- | not be moved.
2Ever since the world began, your throne has | been established;
you are from | everlasting.
3The waters have lifted up, O LORD, the waters have lifted | up their voice;
the waters have lifted up their | pounding waves.
4Mightier than the sound of many waters,
mightier than the breakers | of the sea,
mightier is the LORD who | dwells on high.
5Your testimonies are | very sure,
and holiness befits your house, O LORD,
forever and for- | evermore.

Second Reading Revelation 1:4b–8
The book of Revelation begins by celebrating the Almighty God, who spans all of time. Similarly, Jesus is celebrated as the firstborn from the dead who rules over the world’s rulers. He is the one whose return we eagerly await.

4bGrace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.
8I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Gospel John 18:33–37
In John’s gospel, the story of Jesus and Pilate presents two different ways of exercising power: through force or with love.

33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Reflection:

When Jesus was living among people like Peter, Mary, King Herod, Pilate, and all of the thousands of other people, they just could not understand who Jesus was in this life. Some wanted him to be the king of Israel, others wanted him to be a doctor and heal the sick, others wanted him to be the greatest teacher of all time, and a few thought that Jesus should be the king of the whole earth. Jesus told them that he was not a king for this world but people would not believe him.

Jesus was to be the king of a new world, the kingdom of God. It is a world of peace and love and filled with joy. It is an honest world where people do not cheat or steal or murder. His world is a world where God rules but where people have clean hearts. This is the kingdom for Jesus. He is the great king, the Christ, who lives forever.

The people who live in this world could not understand him and since they could not understand him they were afraid of him and they wanted him to be put away, even killed, to make sure that a God of peace and love would not be their king.

Christ is our King and we will live in his Kingdom forever.

Let us Pray

• For those living under oppressive governments.
• For those who manipulate truth to their advantage.
• For those who know Christ as their King.

Quotes:
From the 1973 movie, Jesus Christ Superstar:

Jesus: “There may be a kingdom for me somewhere, if you only knew.”

Musings for Christ the King Sunday

Midweek Musings

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Reflections by Gary Lazenby

INTRODUCTION
Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, they still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king's title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the "one like a human being" (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel's vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.

Prayer of the Day (ELW)

Almighty and ever-living God, you anointed your beloved Son to be priest and sovereign forever. Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united by the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

First Reading

Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14

To the community for whom this passage was written, it seemed as though the oppression they were experiencing would never end. Daniel’s message is: It shall end. The Ancient One who is judge will call all nations to account and will give dominion to "one like a human being," the Messiah.

⁹As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
and an Ancient One took his throne,
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
and its wheels were burning fire.
¹⁰A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
¹³As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
¹⁴To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed.

Psalm (ELW)

Psalm 93

Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:2)

¹The LORD is king, robed in majesty;

the LORD is robed in majesty and ^| armed with strength.

The LORD has made the world so sure that it can- ^| not be moved.

²Ever since the world began, your throne has ^| been established;

you are from ^| everlasting.

³The waters have lifted up, O LORD, the waters have lifted ^| up their voice;

the waters have lifted up their ^| pounding waves.

⁴Mightier than the sound of many waters,

mightier than the breakers ^| of the sea,

mightier is the LORD who ^| dwells on high.

⁵Your testimonies are ^| very sure,

and holiness befits your house, O LORD,

forever and for- ^| evermore.

Second Reading

Revelation 1:4b–8

The book of Revelation begins by celebrating the Almighty God, who spans all of time. Similarly, Jesus is celebrated as the firstborn from the dead who rules over the world’s rulers. He is the one whose return we eagerly await.

^4bGrace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, ⁵and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, ⁶and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
⁷Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.
⁸I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Gospel

John 18:33–37

In John’s gospel, the story of Jesus and Pilate presents two different ways of exercising power: through force or with love.

³³Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" ³⁴Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" ³⁵Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" ³⁶Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." ³⁷Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Reflection:

When Jesus was living among people like Peter, Mary, King Herod, Pilate, and all of the thousands of other people, they just could not understand who Jesus was in this life. Some wanted him to be the king of Israel, others wanted him to be a doctor and heal the sick, others wanted him to be the greatest teacher of all time, and a few thought that Jesus should be the king of the whole earth. Jesus told them that he was not a king for this world but people would not believe him.

Jesus was to be the king of a new world, the kingdom of God. It is a world of peace and love and filled with joy. It is an honest world where people do not cheat or steal or murder. His world is a world where God rules but where people have clean hearts. This is the kingdom for Jesus. He is the great king, the Christ, who lives forever.

The people who live in this world could not understand him and since they could not understand him they were afraid of him and they wanted him to be put away, even killed, to make sure that a God of peace and love would not be their king.

Christ is our King and we will live in his Kingdom forever.

Let us Pray

For those living under oppressive governments.

For those who manipulate truth to their advantage.

For those who know Christ as their King.

Quotes:

From the 1973 movie, Jesus Christ Superstar:

Jesus: “There may be a kingdom for me somewhere, if you only knew.”

Musings for Pentecost 23

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Lectionary 32Proper 27

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Midweek Musings
Reflection by Patrick McGrath

INTRODUCTION

Widows are visible everywhere in today's readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows' houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn't see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.

Prayer of the Day (ELW)
O God, you show forth your almighty power chiefly by reaching out to us in mercy. Grant us the fullness of your grace, strengthen our trust in your promises, and bring all the world to share in the treasures that come through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

First Reading 1 Kings 17:8–16
This chapter begins the story of Elijah. God sends a drought on Israel because of the sins of King Ahab. This passage depicts God’s saving acts not only on behalf of Elijah, but also on behalf of those who are associated with the prophet, even a foreigner, the widow of Zarephath.

8Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you. 10So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink." 11As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." 13Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. 14For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth." 15She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. 16The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.

Psalm 146
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
1Hal- lelujah!
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3Put not your trust in rulers,
in mortals in whom there is no help.
4When they breathe their last, they re- turn to earth,
and in that day their thoughts perish.
5Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help,
whose hope is in the LORD their God;
6who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them;
who keeps promis- es forever;
7who gives justice to those who are oppressed,
and food to those who hunger.
The LORD sets the captive free.
8The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.
9The LORD cares for the stranger;
the LORD sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
10The LORD shall reign forever,
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

Second Reading Hebrews 9:24–28
The letter to the Hebrews describes Christ as a high priest who offers himself as a sacrifice for our sin. Christ does not die again and again each year. He died once, is alive with God, and will reveal himself on the last day.

24For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; 26for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, 28so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Gospel Mark 12:38–44
After engaging in a series of public arguments with religious leaders in the temple, Jesus contrasts the proud and oppressive ways of those leaders with the sacrificial humility and poverty of the widow.

38As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."41He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Reflection:
This was an interesting reflection for me, as I have been preparing the 2010 budget for Atonement. I believe, to a degree, each family that belongs to our church is feeling the pinch of the recession, and our giving reflects the perspective of the widow much more than those with abundance.

As I did not know much about tithing, and it was a topic in one of Pastor’s sermons, I decided to do a small bit of research. I found this site: http://www.minxcenter.org/minxcenter/blog/tithingEastman.htm.

Here is a passage from the article:

“For some, the matter of tithing as an ideal basis for giving to a church is controversial. They make a very persuasive argument as noted by church historian and futurist Leonard Sweet in an excellent online monograph, "Freely You Have Received, Freely Give." He begins with the observation that what is popularly known today as tithing has little resemblance to the biblical tithing of the Hebrew people. Here are some of his arguments against tithing as a system of giving for churches today:

. Tithing was a complex system of three tithes (which amounted to 23 1/3 percent, not 10 percent) in an ancient culture as a part of religious ceremonial laws not observed by Christians today.
. Tithing tends to foster a spirit of legalism rather than generosity and compassion.
. The tithe sets too low a standard for the rich and too high a standard for the poor.
. Tithing has not worked; look at how few Christians actually tithe.
. Tithing is so tied to money that God's claim on the rest of one's life can be diminished. Giving is divorced from the more comprehensive call to stewardship.

On the other hand, Sweet makes some equally persuasive arguments in favor of tithing in churches today:
. Tithing is a simple, neat formula that gives priority to the church and its ministry, which gives some helpful baselines and starting points for Christian giving.
. Tithing is a spiritual discipline that can actually move people to deeper levels of faith and awareness of God's presence.
. All tithers recommend tithing. 100 percent. Tithers dare non-tithers to find one person who tithes and regrets it.
. More tithing would have tremendous benefits for churches.”

Wow, could you imagine 23 ½ percent being your tithe? That would require quite a change of lifestyle for my family.

Anyway, as my family and Atonement face another year that is going to be fiscally challenging, I am trying to balance our ability to give in relation to an unsure future. It is my hope that we can increase our giving to offset the anticipated loss in the 2010 budget.

Let us Pray
For those enduring difficult fiscal times
For those attempting to stimulate the economy and create jobs
For those who give, no matter the method

Quotes:
No one has ever become poor by giving. ~ Anne Frank
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill

My Ken Klassen moment:

A pig and a chicken were walking by a church where a charity event was taking place. Getting caught up in the atmosphere, the pig suggested to the chicken that they each make an offering.
"Great idea!" the chicken replied. "Let's offer them ham and eggs!"
"Not so fast," said the pig. "For you, that's an offering. For me, it's a sacrifice."