Musings for Reformation Sunday

Sunday, October 25, 2009
Reformation Sunday
Midweek Musings
Reflection by Pastor Macholz

INTRODUCTION
On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ—the good news—that makes us free! We pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians will also be one at the Lord’s table.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


First Reading Jeremiah 31:31–34

The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets

31The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt — a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

Psalm 46
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:7)
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea;
3though its waters rage and foam,
and though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken;
God shall help it at the break of day.
6The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake;
God speaks, and the earth melts away.
7The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob | is our stronghold.
8Come now, regard the works of the LORD,
what desolations God has brought upon the earth;
9behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world;
who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
10"Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."
11The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.


Second Reading Romans 3:19–28
Paul's words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and the other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ's death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.

19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For "no human being will be justified in his sight" by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.


Gospel John 8:31–36
Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.

31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." 33They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" 34Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Reflection

If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I suppose in theory that is true and I suppose in some sense in reality that is true as well. I know that theologically it is a fact but here’s my struggle, I’m still bound to sin and I can’t break free. At least not by what I do!

That was Luther’s dilemma; how could he save himself? Nights and days spent in solitude, endless penance and the use of a whip, times of refusing food as well as other disciplines tried took him nowhere. It wasn’t until he read again the words in God’s Word that we are saved by grace through faith, it is a gift of God and not of works that he found freedom. He knew he no longer needed to do it himself, God had done it for him in Jesus Christ.

I know that as well and believe it with my whole heart. I also know that I remain a slave to my sinful desires and wants and that gets me into trouble. It is easier to condemn someone than it is to pray for them. Easier to ignore them then get to know their life and their pain. Easier to walk by on the other side than to stop and help. Easier to quickly say yes than stop and think and say no.

Sin has a strong hold over us make no mistake about it. It drives our thoughts and words and actions when given a chance and sometimes even when we fight it as best we can. Consider those who are addicted to substances, to murder, to lying, to cheating, to getting more than they deserve, to getting ahead. We our in a constant war with the sin within and more often than not we find ourselves on the losing side.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ. In Christ we are set free from the sins of our past and given new hope and an opportunity to start all over again. The slate has been wiped clean and the road before us is ours to conquer by the grace of God and the aid of the Spirit. To be sure, we will move back into the cycle of sin, but each time we move out of it in the forgiveness of sin, we learn a bit more and are strengthened in faith and life.

This Sunday the church celebrates the Reformation. It is a celebration not so much about a man as it is about God’s manifest for us in Christ. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us and in him we are set free. Celebrate that freedom and receive the hope and grace offered. You don’t need to save yourself, God has taken care of that, has paid the cost. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good and his mercy endures forever. Amen.

Let Us Pray
For the ability to receive the grace freely given
For generous hearts and lives
To be less judgmental of others
In thanksgiving for the life and work of Martin Luther
For one another and all in need

Quote
Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. Martin Luther.

Musings Pentecost 20

Sunday, October 18, 2009
Lectionary 29
Proper 24
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Midweek Musings

Reflection by Ken Klassen

INTRODUCTION
Today's gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who's number one, which leads Jesus to say something about God's take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God's community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray "your kingdom come" we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.

Luke, Evangelist
Identified as the author of both Luke and Acts, Luke was careful to place the events of Jesus' life in their social and religious contexts. His gospel gives us some of the most beloved parables, as well as the songs of Zechariah, Mary, the angels, and Simeon.

Prayer of the Day (ELW)

Sovereign God, you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

First Reading

Isaiah 53:4–12

This reading is from the last of four passages in Isaiah that are often called "servant songs." Christians are probably most familiar with this servant song. In light of Christian faith, the servant’s healing ministry and redemptive suffering are understood to be fulfilled in the life and death of Christ.

⁴Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
⁵But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
⁶All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
⁷He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
⁸By a perversion of justice he was taken away.
Who could have imagined his future?
For he was cut off from the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people.
⁹They made his grave with the wicked
and his tomb with the rich,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
¹⁰Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain.
When you make his life an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the LORD shall prosper.
¹¹Out of his anguish he shall see light;
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.
The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
¹²Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm (ELW)

Psalm 91:9–16

You have made the LORD your refuge, and the Most High your habitation. (Ps. 91:9)

⁹Because you have made the LORD your refuge,

and the Most High your habitation,

¹⁰no evil will befall you,

nor shall affliction come near your dwelling.

¹¹For God will give the angels charge over you,

to guard you in all your ways.

¹²Upon their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot a- gainst a stone. R

¹³You will tread upon the lion cub and viper;

you will trample down the lion and the serpent.

¹⁴I will deliver those who cling to me;

I will uphold them, because they know my name.

¹⁵They will call me, and I will answer them;

I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue and honor them.

¹⁶With long life will I satisfy them,

and show them my salvation. R

Second Reading

Hebrews 5:1–10

Using imagery from scripture and from Jewish worship practices, Jesus is presented as the great high priest who was obedient to God’s saving plan. Through his suffering and death he has become the source of eternal salvation.

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ²He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; ³and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. ⁴And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
⁵So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
"You are my Son,
today I have begotten you";
⁶as he says also in another place,
"You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek."
⁷In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; ⁹and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, ¹⁰having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel

Mark 10:35–45

On the way to Jerusalem the disciples ask Jesus to grant them seats of honor. Jesus responds by announcing that he and his followers will “rule” through self-giving service.

³⁵James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." ³⁶And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" ³⁷And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." ³⁸But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" ³⁹They replied, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; ⁴⁰but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."
⁴¹When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. ⁴²So Jesus called them and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. ⁴³But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Reflection

In the previous chapter of Mark, we find the apostles are arguing among themselves about who is the greatest and Jesus responds,

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be last, and the servant of all.”

Did they get? Probably not because in this week’s Gospel Reading the apostles are again jockeying for position in the kingdom. James and John are trying to get from Jesus, top rankings that have power and position. And when the other ten learn of this they say, hey! what about me? Once again Jesus responds,

“but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…”

Now did they get it? Probably not. Being a servant runs contrary to human nature. As I read about the apostles, I like the idea that they were not perfect and that they kept showing their human nature. This is what happens to me. So if someone were to ask, do I get it? The answer would be, try as I may probably not. I’m reminded that,

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned to our own way.”

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.”

The grace the Lord is amazing!

Prayer

Lord we give thanks for God’s amazing grace and pray for:

openness to the place where we look to serve, rather than to be served

continuing wisdom for President Obama

all those who serve our country and work for peace

the sick, the suffering, and those in need

Quote

Always hoped that I’d be an apostle,

knew that I would make it if I tried.

Then when we retire, we can write the Gospels,

so they’ll still talk about us when we’ve died.

Lyric from Jesus Christ, Superstar

Musings for Pentecost 19

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Midweek Musings

Reflection by Deb Johnson

INTRODUCTION The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark's gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.

First Reading

Amos was a herdsman by profession and a prophet by God’s call. During a time of great prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel, the prophet speaks to the wealthy upper class. He warns his listeners that fulfilling God’s demand for justice brings blessing, while corruption and oppression incur God’s wrath.


⁶Seek the LORD and live, or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire, and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it. 
⁷Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood, and bring righteousness to the ground!
 ¹⁰They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
¹¹Therefore because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.
¹²For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins — 
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate.
¹³Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time.
¹⁴Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said.
¹⁵Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

PSALM
So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)

¹²So teach us to number our days

that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

¹³Return, O LORD; how long will you tarry?

Be gracious to your servants.

¹⁴Satisfy us by your steadfast love in the morning;

so shall we rejoice and be glad all our days.

¹⁵Make us glad as many days as you afflicted us

and as many years as we suffered adversity.

¹⁶Show your servants your works,

and your splendor to their children.

¹⁷May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us;

prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork.

Second Reading

We cannot hide our thoughts, desires, and actions from God, to whom we are completely accountable. Nevertheless, Jesus understands our human weakness and temptations, because he also experienced them. Therefore we can approach the throne of grace to receive divine mercy from Christ.



¹²Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
¹⁴Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Gospel

Jesus has been teaching his disciples about what is most valued in God’s eyes. Now, a conversation with a rich man brings his message home to the disciples in a way that is surprising but unforgettable.



¹⁷As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ¹⁸Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'" ²⁰He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." ²¹Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." ²²When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
²³Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" ²⁴And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵It 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." ²⁶They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" ²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."
²⁸Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." ²⁹Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, ³⁰who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age — houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions — and in the age to come eternal life. ³¹But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

REFLECTION

These are challenging words to us these days. As I sit here in the comfort of my living room looking out on the sun streaming through the lilac bush and reflecting an array of greens. I only need to look around me and see all the “stuff” I have accumulated … wondering … what this stuff has gotten in the way of. Loving good? Establishing justice? Wegmans could close for a month and I think I would still have enough food and then some. I too struggle through these verses and I often wonder if I am in a different spot this year than when we last read them. Perhaps next time …. Reread the scriptures again … what speaks to you …

“Hate evil and love good, and establish justice.” …

Today what can you do to establish justice … at home, at work, in the world?

“Steadfast love in the morning”

Begin the day with steadfast love in your hearts and on your lips.

“The word of God is living and active.”

Know that the word comes to us anew and alive every day … it is LIVING

“He was shocked and went away grieving.”

Is losing possessions like losing a parent? Are we (am I) that that attached to them that I would GRIEVE their loss?

LET US PRAY

For the children and families of our military

For those who serve the poor in the cities and in distant lands

For our creation that we may care for it with vigor

For those who are possessed by their possessions

For the creatures who prepare for the changing seasons

QUOTE

For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light,

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our grateful hymn of praise.

Folliott S. Pierpoint