Trinity Sunday - I will admit that I, at times, find myself wounded and bruised when overhearing deep discussions of the Trinity. It is personal, I guess, as my own encounter and relationship with God is very much a walk through life with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The wounds and bruises come when I am told that what I know to be true in my own life might not be true at all and I shouldn't write in such "Trinity" words (that's what I get for hanging out with such a wonderful and diverse group of clergy, from many denominations, who love to ponder!). Oh, it is a mystery for sure! A child doesn't understand what is so hard with this kind of relationship! Maybe, I'm still a child ... and that is OK.
TRINITY FAITH
The child stands very small,
hidden in a great tall crowd
of ponderers and speculators,
of those who rename and rework
and those who murmur …
“There is no way. I don’t believe.”
She strains to see,
who holds their attention,
who is causing such commotion …
but she cannot see.
Their tallness surrounds her
and their voices try to drown out
the voice she is so wanting to hear.
But then she hears …
“Come unto me, little child.”
She looks around.
She seems to be the only child.
So the little one squeezes and pushes
her way through the crowds
who are still murmuring,
“There is no way. I don’t believe.”
In the clearing … in this place
between the murmuring ponderers
and the One who said, “Come, little child”,
she finds herself running,
with arms open wide,
as any child would run
toward LOVE.
The little one expected a hug from the One,
but instead, he took her hand and saw the bruise.
“What happened?” he asked
(knowing all along that someone had slapped
her little hand for not being a part of
the renaming and reworking and disbelief).
Yes, the little one expected a hug from the One,
but she received hugs from the Three.
The One who whispered, “beloved child”,
the One who healed her tiny bruised hand and
whispered, “Forgive and forgiven,”
the One who whispered, “I will not leave you as an orphan.”
It was too mysterious, yet entirely enough for her.
She looked at the huddled-together ponderers
and knew that they saw only One.
And she herself pondered …
Is that why he called out,
“Send the little children to me,
for such is the kingdom of heaven?”
The child embraced the Three….
and those huddled together
still saw only One,
and still murmured…
“There is no way. I don’t believe.”
anna murdock 2010©
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
"The Fire That Consumes Us"
(Please read Acts 1:4-5 and Acts 2:1-4)
Lectionary Scriptures - The day of Pentecost
Moses saw the fire – a fire that did not consume the burning bush yet consumed the remainder of his life. Out of the fire, he heard the words, “Remove your sandals. You are standing on holy ground.” Out of the fire, he heard, “I AM GOD.” Just as the burning bush marked the ground as holy for Moses, the tongues of fire that separated and rested on each of the disciples on the day of Pentecost marked that very moment and place as holy ground. For those disciples, as it was for Moses, this was a fire that consumed the remainder of their lives.
There were 120 gathered in a room, waiting for the "gift" that had been promised. They had been told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem, and so they did. They came together in one place and waited in expectation, but for what? These disciples and followers would soon discover that this "place" where they waited was a place where the Holy Spirit would fill their whole being and where their Lord's own prayers for them would be answered. But first, they found themselves together - waiting and praying.
There was a hodge-podge of people gathered together for sure - good, yet stumbling disciples. There were those who had once admonished Jesus and denied him and those who had fled in fear after his crucifixion. There were doubters. Some had stood sobbing yet steadfast at the foot of the cross. Others had returned to their sameness for a while. These were the men and women who had walked with Jesus, who had heard his words and who had witnessed miracles. Among those in this gathering were the very ones who first looked directly into the eyes of our Risen Lord. All had different pasts and bumblingS and shining moments. All had their own personal encounter with Jesus.
In this room, they waited and prayed. They were shaped, molded and transformed much like babies yet to be born. The disciples found themselves, at last, to be moving toward one accord as was Jesus’ prayer for them (and for us). A sound like a violent wind filled the whole house and what seemed to be tongues of fire rested upon each of them. The fire consumed the very hearts of those who are present yet burned nothing around them. There was an immediate empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The place where Jesus' prayers were and are answered is not to be found in the square footage of this gathering room. This "place" of answered prayers is to be found deep within each believer. The gift of the Father is given and the Church begins to take shape as a living, breathing entity in this world and those who gather are "birthed" into Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered and Spirit-led disciples.
This is the story of the birth and empowerment through the Holy Spirit of our own churches and of our own lives as disciples. And so we gather together in our churches just as Jesus commanded his disciples to gather together. We too are disciples with very different pasts. We gather. We worship. We pray in earnest that we might be of ONE accord - free from attitudes of who is the greatest, free from trivial pettiness, free from prejudices, from fears and from apathy. Perhaps our greatest focus in renewal and revival is to be gathered together in worship and expectant prayer, to move toward the body of Christ that is truly with "one accord" and to prepare our own hearts so as to make a welcomed home for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. It is then when the doors of our churches will fling open, and we, the gathered, the hodge-podge of disciples, will go out into the world as Spirit-led disciples of Jesus Christ with hearts consumed by this holy fire within us.
Gracious and Giving God … Your Son has said that this fire that consumes is your gift to us. Perhaps we are too hesitant to pray for such all-consuming fire for our lives and for our churches. Forgive us for not reaching out to receive this incredible gift. In this moment, in both our alone times and in our gathering-together times, we pray that we might have willing hearts to receive your great gift. May each of us be consumed by your Holy Fire so that we might be a part of bringing the impassioned Church into this world, fueled by the flames of your Spirit and fanned by holy winds of your very breath. Come, Holy Spirit, Come. Amen.
anna
Lectionary Scriptures - The day of Pentecost
Moses saw the fire – a fire that did not consume the burning bush yet consumed the remainder of his life. Out of the fire, he heard the words, “Remove your sandals. You are standing on holy ground.” Out of the fire, he heard, “I AM GOD.” Just as the burning bush marked the ground as holy for Moses, the tongues of fire that separated and rested on each of the disciples on the day of Pentecost marked that very moment and place as holy ground. For those disciples, as it was for Moses, this was a fire that consumed the remainder of their lives.
There were 120 gathered in a room, waiting for the "gift" that had been promised. They had been told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem, and so they did. They came together in one place and waited in expectation, but for what? These disciples and followers would soon discover that this "place" where they waited was a place where the Holy Spirit would fill their whole being and where their Lord's own prayers for them would be answered. But first, they found themselves together - waiting and praying.
There was a hodge-podge of people gathered together for sure - good, yet stumbling disciples. There were those who had once admonished Jesus and denied him and those who had fled in fear after his crucifixion. There were doubters. Some had stood sobbing yet steadfast at the foot of the cross. Others had returned to their sameness for a while. These were the men and women who had walked with Jesus, who had heard his words and who had witnessed miracles. Among those in this gathering were the very ones who first looked directly into the eyes of our Risen Lord. All had different pasts and bumblingS and shining moments. All had their own personal encounter with Jesus.
In this room, they waited and prayed. They were shaped, molded and transformed much like babies yet to be born. The disciples found themselves, at last, to be moving toward one accord as was Jesus’ prayer for them (and for us). A sound like a violent wind filled the whole house and what seemed to be tongues of fire rested upon each of them. The fire consumed the very hearts of those who are present yet burned nothing around them. There was an immediate empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The place where Jesus' prayers were and are answered is not to be found in the square footage of this gathering room. This "place" of answered prayers is to be found deep within each believer. The gift of the Father is given and the Church begins to take shape as a living, breathing entity in this world and those who gather are "birthed" into Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered and Spirit-led disciples.
This is the story of the birth and empowerment through the Holy Spirit of our own churches and of our own lives as disciples. And so we gather together in our churches just as Jesus commanded his disciples to gather together. We too are disciples with very different pasts. We gather. We worship. We pray in earnest that we might be of ONE accord - free from attitudes of who is the greatest, free from trivial pettiness, free from prejudices, from fears and from apathy. Perhaps our greatest focus in renewal and revival is to be gathered together in worship and expectant prayer, to move toward the body of Christ that is truly with "one accord" and to prepare our own hearts so as to make a welcomed home for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. It is then when the doors of our churches will fling open, and we, the gathered, the hodge-podge of disciples, will go out into the world as Spirit-led disciples of Jesus Christ with hearts consumed by this holy fire within us.
Gracious and Giving God … Your Son has said that this fire that consumes is your gift to us. Perhaps we are too hesitant to pray for such all-consuming fire for our lives and for our churches. Forgive us for not reaching out to receive this incredible gift. In this moment, in both our alone times and in our gathering-together times, we pray that we might have willing hearts to receive your great gift. May each of us be consumed by your Holy Fire so that we might be a part of bringing the impassioned Church into this world, fueled by the flames of your Spirit and fanned by holy winds of your very breath. Come, Holy Spirit, Come. Amen.
anna
Monday, May 10, 2010
"But Wait !"
Please read John 17:20-26
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 7-C
Do you remember the moment, the very moment when you first heard someone sweetly and earnestly pray for you in your presence? Whatever the reason might have been, someone looked to the heavens and called out to God for you and you overheard. The feeling that swept over you surely is etched in your memory. The actual words might have faded over time but the sense of humility, of peace, of healing and of purpose remains forever. It is overwhelming. God’s ear is turned on words offered on your behalf by another. Often it is that very moment that fills us with God’s strength and sends us into the world as disciples.
Jesus’ disciples had gathered and were waiting together as instructed. In their waiting, no doubt there were whispers as they prayed, as they wondered and as they pieced together the words that Jesus had earlier offered to them. Oh, how they must have felt to have overheard Jesus’ beautifully intimate prayer for God’s glory to shine through his life and in his suffering. How powerful and yet how humbling it must have been to be counted among the disciples as they overheard his prayers for God’s power and protection to come upon them. They now found themselves in a room, waiting for this holy power to come and send them out into the world.
But wait! What is that we hear? Did Jesus offer prayers to his Father for us as well? These very prayers have brought us into the room with the disciples. We are listening even closer than before. Jesus is praying in earnest for us. Staring death in the face, Jesus remembers you and me. We are always on his mind.
We hear Jesus whisper “may they be one.” His words resound throughout the ages. This is a prayer for complete unity among believers not unlike the unity of Jesus and God … a unity of love and faith-filled obedience. This overheard prayer is for the body of Christ to be of like mind, realizing that the diversity of its parts is not a division in the body. He prays for us, the body of believers, so that we might stand before the world in Jesus as he is in his Father. He prays that through this strength found in unity, of like purpose and of love, the world will come to know that the very same love that God has for him, God has for us as well. In our unity, in our oneness, Jesus prays that we mirror his divine relationship with God so that the world might know of this tremendous love for all and that we might bear witness to it.
And just as we want to run out into the world, filled with the loveliness of Jesus’ prayer for us, he says “But wait … You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” There are times when it is good to be overwhelmed by the prayer that Jesus has prayed for us in our presence. It is good as well to be wrapped in the swaddling of this love before going out into a world fully clothed with this holy power. So wait … wait until …
Holy God … Thank you for allowing us to overhear such intimate conversations. This prayer that has been whispered on our behalf has truly touched our hearts in overwhelming ways. But who are we to be counted among the disciples? Who are we to be chosen to share your great love with others? Who are we to have our very names whispered by Jesus in such a way that they might fall before you? We are yours and we are loved and that is enough, isn’t it? Give us like purpose, Oh God. Bring us to that place were Pentecost happens. Amen
anna
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 7-C
Do you remember the moment, the very moment when you first heard someone sweetly and earnestly pray for you in your presence? Whatever the reason might have been, someone looked to the heavens and called out to God for you and you overheard. The feeling that swept over you surely is etched in your memory. The actual words might have faded over time but the sense of humility, of peace, of healing and of purpose remains forever. It is overwhelming. God’s ear is turned on words offered on your behalf by another. Often it is that very moment that fills us with God’s strength and sends us into the world as disciples.
Jesus’ disciples had gathered and were waiting together as instructed. In their waiting, no doubt there were whispers as they prayed, as they wondered and as they pieced together the words that Jesus had earlier offered to them. Oh, how they must have felt to have overheard Jesus’ beautifully intimate prayer for God’s glory to shine through his life and in his suffering. How powerful and yet how humbling it must have been to be counted among the disciples as they overheard his prayers for God’s power and protection to come upon them. They now found themselves in a room, waiting for this holy power to come and send them out into the world.
But wait! What is that we hear? Did Jesus offer prayers to his Father for us as well? These very prayers have brought us into the room with the disciples. We are listening even closer than before. Jesus is praying in earnest for us. Staring death in the face, Jesus remembers you and me. We are always on his mind.
We hear Jesus whisper “may they be one.” His words resound throughout the ages. This is a prayer for complete unity among believers not unlike the unity of Jesus and God … a unity of love and faith-filled obedience. This overheard prayer is for the body of Christ to be of like mind, realizing that the diversity of its parts is not a division in the body. He prays for us, the body of believers, so that we might stand before the world in Jesus as he is in his Father. He prays that through this strength found in unity, of like purpose and of love, the world will come to know that the very same love that God has for him, God has for us as well. In our unity, in our oneness, Jesus prays that we mirror his divine relationship with God so that the world might know of this tremendous love for all and that we might bear witness to it.
And just as we want to run out into the world, filled with the loveliness of Jesus’ prayer for us, he says “But wait … You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” There are times when it is good to be overwhelmed by the prayer that Jesus has prayed for us in our presence. It is good as well to be wrapped in the swaddling of this love before going out into a world fully clothed with this holy power. So wait … wait until …
Holy God … Thank you for allowing us to overhear such intimate conversations. This prayer that has been whispered on our behalf has truly touched our hearts in overwhelming ways. But who are we to be counted among the disciples? Who are we to be chosen to share your great love with others? Who are we to have our very names whispered by Jesus in such a way that they might fall before you? We are yours and we are loved and that is enough, isn’t it? Give us like purpose, Oh God. Bring us to that place were Pentecost happens. Amen
anna
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
"MY Peace I Give"
(Please read John 14:23-29)
Lectionary Scripture - Easter 6-C
We gathered together behind closed doors to share those most unexplainable moments in our journeys of faith. Time and time again, I heard variations of the same words. "I can’t explain it. It was a peace that washed over me." Every person in the room, as they shared their spiritual journey with the others, ended by saying those same thoughts in some manner. Had they not heard the others speak of this same Peace? It was as if they must end their own sharing by saying these very words or their stories would not be complete. This unexplainable Peace proved to be the common denominator in our many different experiences. God’s Peace-giving was too defining of a moment in our lives for it not to be told once more. It was a Peace that had washed over every person. A holy Peace that now flowed through them, at times more recognizable than other times, but always there. It was that Peace that passes all understanding.
This is the very same Peace that put a song in the hearts of the imprisoned Paul and Silas. This is the Peace that lifted the eyes of Stephen in his last hours on earth. It has carried so many through the challenges of life and finds its way into the darkest of days. And this is the Peace that keeps us resting in the arms of God. It is not of our making for it is holy through and through.
Search as hard as you can. Try to find this kind of peace in possessions, in books, in money or in the words of others. You will not find it. Jesus looked at his followers and said, "Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you." Did you hear that? He said, "MY Peace." This Peace is certainly not as the world gives and one that passes all understanding for Jesus’ Peace comes from an intimate relationship with his Father. He has seen God’s face. He has rested in God’s loving care. He has trusted his Father in all things. And Jesus has heard God call him “beloved”. THIS is the Holy Peace that flowed like a river through the veins and heart of Jesus himself. THIS is what Jesus calls “MY Peace.”
Oh, the glorious words. “MY Peace I GIVE to you. It is a gift, this Peace. Not earned, but given. As much as I would like to give it to you myself, I can’t. It is Jesus’ Peace, not mine. It is his gift for you, not mine to give. How can one preach or write about something so intimate as the giving and receiving of such Peace? I don’t think that we can. But we can offer the hope that comes in the waiting and the testimony of those who cannot share their faith-journey without ending with the words of such Peace.
Holy God, Giver of Peace … You know just the perfect time to give this gift to each one of us. Often it is when we least expect it. Many times you pour out this Peace upon us when our lives seem to be farther away from you than they should be. You are patiently persistent, carrying this gift with you always, waiting for a time when an ounce of faith slips out from a broken-apart heart or your name falls from our lips in a way that surprises us. You wait, with this gift of Peace in hand and wait and wait until the time is right for the gift-giving. Thank you, oh God, for this Peace-With-Us that washes over us and quenches our thirst with the waters of Shalom. Amen.
anna
Lectionary Scripture - Easter 6-C
We gathered together behind closed doors to share those most unexplainable moments in our journeys of faith. Time and time again, I heard variations of the same words. "I can’t explain it. It was a peace that washed over me." Every person in the room, as they shared their spiritual journey with the others, ended by saying those same thoughts in some manner. Had they not heard the others speak of this same Peace? It was as if they must end their own sharing by saying these very words or their stories would not be complete. This unexplainable Peace proved to be the common denominator in our many different experiences. God’s Peace-giving was too defining of a moment in our lives for it not to be told once more. It was a Peace that had washed over every person. A holy Peace that now flowed through them, at times more recognizable than other times, but always there. It was that Peace that passes all understanding.
This is the very same Peace that put a song in the hearts of the imprisoned Paul and Silas. This is the Peace that lifted the eyes of Stephen in his last hours on earth. It has carried so many through the challenges of life and finds its way into the darkest of days. And this is the Peace that keeps us resting in the arms of God. It is not of our making for it is holy through and through.
Search as hard as you can. Try to find this kind of peace in possessions, in books, in money or in the words of others. You will not find it. Jesus looked at his followers and said, "Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you." Did you hear that? He said, "MY Peace." This Peace is certainly not as the world gives and one that passes all understanding for Jesus’ Peace comes from an intimate relationship with his Father. He has seen God’s face. He has rested in God’s loving care. He has trusted his Father in all things. And Jesus has heard God call him “beloved”. THIS is the Holy Peace that flowed like a river through the veins and heart of Jesus himself. THIS is what Jesus calls “MY Peace.”
Oh, the glorious words. “MY Peace I GIVE to you. It is a gift, this Peace. Not earned, but given. As much as I would like to give it to you myself, I can’t. It is Jesus’ Peace, not mine. It is his gift for you, not mine to give. How can one preach or write about something so intimate as the giving and receiving of such Peace? I don’t think that we can. But we can offer the hope that comes in the waiting and the testimony of those who cannot share their faith-journey without ending with the words of such Peace.
Holy God, Giver of Peace … You know just the perfect time to give this gift to each one of us. Often it is when we least expect it. Many times you pour out this Peace upon us when our lives seem to be farther away from you than they should be. You are patiently persistent, carrying this gift with you always, waiting for a time when an ounce of faith slips out from a broken-apart heart or your name falls from our lips in a way that surprises us. You wait, with this gift of Peace in hand and wait and wait until the time is right for the gift-giving. Thank you, oh God, for this Peace-With-Us that washes over us and quenches our thirst with the waters of Shalom. Amen.
anna
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
"Telling our Psalm 23 Story"
Psalm 23 (in a version other than KJV)
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 4-C
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 NIV)
Oh, so you have looked at the Scriptures this morning and said, “I know this by heart. I’ll just glance over the words and move on.” Think again. More often than not, we have memorized the King James Version of Psalm 23. The words found there are beautiful to be sure. But there are no “Thou’s” in the version above. The words don’t “floweth” in quite the same way, do they? That is why I chose another version of David’s beautiful testimony of faith. There are times when the familiar is too familiar and we forget to listen to the words that are offered to us. So, this morning, I ask that you reread Psalm 23 in a different light. Sit on your porch, in a garden or in a quiet room. Read the words slowly, as if you are reading them for the first time. Perhaps choose several versions to read. Allow the words to take shape not just as David’s walk of faith but that of yours as well. These words are for the living! They are for each of us in our own days.
When I turned to my Bible this morning, I first read “Psalm 23 … a psalm of David”. These words are David’s testimony to the everyday relationship with the LORD in and of his life. TESTIMONY. The words in the wonderful book of Psalms, whether they be words of joy and thanksgiving, words of lament, or words of praise and worship, are all testimonies to God’s involvement in the life of an individual or community. TESTIMONY. That word stops us in our comfortable tracks, doesn’t it? It asks more of us than we are often willing to give. TESTIMONY. If you had pen in hand, what would you write as your own Psalm 23 words of faith? What would you share?
I daresay that the words of faith that find themselves flowing from us would still be those of a consistent, unchangeable, ever-present, loving LORD. David’s shepherd is our shepherd! His LORD is our LORD! Just think for a moment … the LORD, the very One who created all is our shepherd. Imagine that! The One who caused the floods and dried the land is our shepherd. We are God’s priceless possessions for sure, loved both in our “bleating” times and in our times of rest.
How precious to me are the verbs of my shepherd. God MAKES me to lie down, LEADS me to quietness, RESTORES my soul, GUIDES me in paths of righteousness, COMFORTS me in dark places, PREPARES a table before me even in the presence of my enemies, ANOINTS my head with oil. Yes, I am LED by the shepherd and FOLLOWED by goodness and love. These verbs are not only the promises and testimonies of David and not only mine that I claim, but be assured that they are yours as well.
The LORD is David’s shepherd. The LORD is my shepherd. The LORD is your shepherd. We are part of a wonderful flock. How sweet it is to hear the voice of our shepherd. How powerful it is to testify to his care for us and presence with us. Just as David’s words are to us, so might our words be for others.
Holy Shepherd of our lives … This day, we pray that we might stop “bleating” long enough to hear your voice. Place within each of us a testimony to your ever-presence and to your loving care. Pour out of us words that can no longer be kept to ourselves. Open hearts of wayward sheep so that they might hear you calling for them and live into their days being loved and cared for and led by you. Amen.
anna
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 4-C
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 NIV)
Oh, so you have looked at the Scriptures this morning and said, “I know this by heart. I’ll just glance over the words and move on.” Think again. More often than not, we have memorized the King James Version of Psalm 23. The words found there are beautiful to be sure. But there are no “Thou’s” in the version above. The words don’t “floweth” in quite the same way, do they? That is why I chose another version of David’s beautiful testimony of faith. There are times when the familiar is too familiar and we forget to listen to the words that are offered to us. So, this morning, I ask that you reread Psalm 23 in a different light. Sit on your porch, in a garden or in a quiet room. Read the words slowly, as if you are reading them for the first time. Perhaps choose several versions to read. Allow the words to take shape not just as David’s walk of faith but that of yours as well. These words are for the living! They are for each of us in our own days.
When I turned to my Bible this morning, I first read “Psalm 23 … a psalm of David”. These words are David’s testimony to the everyday relationship with the LORD in and of his life. TESTIMONY. The words in the wonderful book of Psalms, whether they be words of joy and thanksgiving, words of lament, or words of praise and worship, are all testimonies to God’s involvement in the life of an individual or community. TESTIMONY. That word stops us in our comfortable tracks, doesn’t it? It asks more of us than we are often willing to give. TESTIMONY. If you had pen in hand, what would you write as your own Psalm 23 words of faith? What would you share?
I daresay that the words of faith that find themselves flowing from us would still be those of a consistent, unchangeable, ever-present, loving LORD. David’s shepherd is our shepherd! His LORD is our LORD! Just think for a moment … the LORD, the very One who created all is our shepherd. Imagine that! The One who caused the floods and dried the land is our shepherd. We are God’s priceless possessions for sure, loved both in our “bleating” times and in our times of rest.
How precious to me are the verbs of my shepherd. God MAKES me to lie down, LEADS me to quietness, RESTORES my soul, GUIDES me in paths of righteousness, COMFORTS me in dark places, PREPARES a table before me even in the presence of my enemies, ANOINTS my head with oil. Yes, I am LED by the shepherd and FOLLOWED by goodness and love. These verbs are not only the promises and testimonies of David and not only mine that I claim, but be assured that they are yours as well.
The LORD is David’s shepherd. The LORD is my shepherd. The LORD is your shepherd. We are part of a wonderful flock. How sweet it is to hear the voice of our shepherd. How powerful it is to testify to his care for us and presence with us. Just as David’s words are to us, so might our words be for others.
Holy Shepherd of our lives … This day, we pray that we might stop “bleating” long enough to hear your voice. Place within each of us a testimony to your ever-presence and to your loving care. Pour out of us words that can no longer be kept to ourselves. Open hearts of wayward sheep so that they might hear you calling for them and live into their days being loved and cared for and led by you. Amen.
anna
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"Gone Fishing"
Please read John 21:1-19
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 3-C
This week has been a strange one for me. This is the first time since I began to write weekly devotions in 2001 that a Scripture has weighed so heavily on me that it became impossible to choose other verses, yet at the same time, the words would not flow from heart to page. I was so tempted to simply e-mail you with the words “GONE FISHING" or "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK SOON" or maybe even "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK AFTER BREAKFAST" and leave it at that.
I had read the Scriptures over and over again. What I have wanted to share was trying its best to flow in poetry form and yet didn't. I tried to write in prose, and couldn't. Each time I read "Feed my sheep", tears welled up in my eyes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday came and went. So what am I to do? This morning I realized that I am to share the best that I can even if it is Thursday evening.
It seems that this quietness of mine had a lot to do with the glow of a charcoal bonfire, the smell of the smoke and the eye contact between a disciple and Jesus. Not along a lakeshore as in these Scriptures, but in a courtyard. Surely the bonfire, the smell, the eye contact made with Jesus along the lakeshore transported Peter back to his three denials. I felt for him and quite possibly even for me.
In this moment when Jesus sought Peter out and invited the disciples to breakfast, I have seen myself this week with bread in one hand and reaching out to receive a piece of fish from Jesus. Sitting with the disciples, with the warmth of the bonfire on my own face, I have remembered my own goof-ups and misspoken words and suddenly realize that Jesus loved me through them, time and time again. I have remembered denials and omissions, and have sensed this breakfast prepared on the edge of what is comfortable and familiar and safe to me (as it was to Peter) is Jesus' way of pursuing us in spite of such things. I have heard, "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep" and "Do you love me?” and the tears have flowed. This is what has slowed my words for the week. After Jesus loving Peter (and me) through goof-ups, after pursuing Peter (and me) through omissions, after raising a shamed head at a sunrise breakfast invitation and at the very place where Peter (and I) find it easy to climb back into a comfortable, safe and familiar box (or boat), Jesus gives great affirmation to what Peter is called to do as a disciple on earth.
And what about me? What about you? What about others? This would be the most "delicious" breakfast ever, for any one of us, when all of the puzzle pieces fall into place and we recognize what Jesus is doing. Jesus LOVES us even in our Peter-like responses. He PURSUES us even after omissions. He gives AFFIRMATION in our calling (whatever shape that puzzle piece might be).
Listen to the words spoken at this breakfast. Listen as if Jesus speaks them directly to you. “Do you love me? Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me.” We are made whole once more and sent out to feed and tend in Jesus’ name.
God of mercy and grace … When we put up a “Gone Fishing” sign, you meet us at the lakeshore and point to the school of fish. When we can only see a bonfire that flickers with shameful memories, you invite us to breakfast around a new bonfire. You raise our heads so that our faces might reflect your Light. When our last memories of eye contact were that of omission and denial, you ask us to look into your eyes once more … and we now see love and forgiveness. When we hunger to be the disciples you have called us to be, you hand us bread and fish and affirm our callings. And when we struggle with words of love for you, you help us form the words. O God, thank you for this great breakfast. Amen
anna
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 3-C
This week has been a strange one for me. This is the first time since I began to write weekly devotions in 2001 that a Scripture has weighed so heavily on me that it became impossible to choose other verses, yet at the same time, the words would not flow from heart to page. I was so tempted to simply e-mail you with the words “GONE FISHING" or "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK SOON" or maybe even "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK AFTER BREAKFAST" and leave it at that.
I had read the Scriptures over and over again. What I have wanted to share was trying its best to flow in poetry form and yet didn't. I tried to write in prose, and couldn't. Each time I read "Feed my sheep", tears welled up in my eyes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday came and went. So what am I to do? This morning I realized that I am to share the best that I can even if it is Thursday evening.
It seems that this quietness of mine had a lot to do with the glow of a charcoal bonfire, the smell of the smoke and the eye contact between a disciple and Jesus. Not along a lakeshore as in these Scriptures, but in a courtyard. Surely the bonfire, the smell, the eye contact made with Jesus along the lakeshore transported Peter back to his three denials. I felt for him and quite possibly even for me.
In this moment when Jesus sought Peter out and invited the disciples to breakfast, I have seen myself this week with bread in one hand and reaching out to receive a piece of fish from Jesus. Sitting with the disciples, with the warmth of the bonfire on my own face, I have remembered my own goof-ups and misspoken words and suddenly realize that Jesus loved me through them, time and time again. I have remembered denials and omissions, and have sensed this breakfast prepared on the edge of what is comfortable and familiar and safe to me (as it was to Peter) is Jesus' way of pursuing us in spite of such things. I have heard, "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep" and "Do you love me?” and the tears have flowed. This is what has slowed my words for the week. After Jesus loving Peter (and me) through goof-ups, after pursuing Peter (and me) through omissions, after raising a shamed head at a sunrise breakfast invitation and at the very place where Peter (and I) find it easy to climb back into a comfortable, safe and familiar box (or boat), Jesus gives great affirmation to what Peter is called to do as a disciple on earth.
And what about me? What about you? What about others? This would be the most "delicious" breakfast ever, for any one of us, when all of the puzzle pieces fall into place and we recognize what Jesus is doing. Jesus LOVES us even in our Peter-like responses. He PURSUES us even after omissions. He gives AFFIRMATION in our calling (whatever shape that puzzle piece might be).
Listen to the words spoken at this breakfast. Listen as if Jesus speaks them directly to you. “Do you love me? Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me.” We are made whole once more and sent out to feed and tend in Jesus’ name.
God of mercy and grace … When we put up a “Gone Fishing” sign, you meet us at the lakeshore and point to the school of fish. When we can only see a bonfire that flickers with shameful memories, you invite us to breakfast around a new bonfire. You raise our heads so that our faces might reflect your Light. When our last memories of eye contact were that of omission and denial, you ask us to look into your eyes once more … and we now see love and forgiveness. When we hunger to be the disciples you have called us to be, you hand us bread and fish and affirm our callings. And when we struggle with words of love for you, you help us form the words. O God, thank you for this great breakfast. Amen
anna
Monday, April 5, 2010
"Without A Doubt!"
Please read John 20:24-31
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 2-C
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John’s words … an eyewitness to the risen Christ and to Thomas’ hurting hopes transformed into unwavering belief and faith … without a doubt!).
I’m afraid that, over the centuries, a huge “D” has been sewn onto Thomas’ robe. The word has been branded across his forehead. And fingers point as whispers are said. “Doubter". Oh my. For us “Johnny-Come-Lately’s” to the faith, we know deep within our hearts that this is a misnomer. The word “doubter” becomes such an obstacle that we often turn a deaf ear to probably the greatest affirmations of faith in all of the Scriptures. “MY LORD and MY GOD!” There is not a shred of doubt in the words that spill out from the lips of Thomas. Not one.
Of course, we do wonder why Thomas wasn’t with the others at Jesus’ first appearance in the room. That’s our nature to wonder about such things. There is no indication as to the why’s in the Scriptures. Perhaps it hurt too much for Thomas to hope. Just maybe it was that same hurting hope that brought him back into the house to be with the disciples and the others. Yes, Thomas grew up with the words of Isaiah telling of the coming of the Messiah. So have we. Yes, he walked with Jesus, listened to his teachings and witnessed miracles. And yes, he was a disciple among disciples. An eyewitness to Jesus’ crucifixion. He should have believed without any other proof. So, why should Thomas have had such a need to see Jesus, the risen Christ for himself?
Thomas heard the words “We have seen the risen Lord” from the other disciples and yet didn’t believe. Neither did the disciples when Mary exclaimed the same. Haven't we heard the very same words from those who have shared their own faith with us? … “I have seen the risen Lord.” The witness of others opens our hearts to believe but there is a need within each of us for a personal encounter with our risen Lord.
There is such beauty in these verses. Thomas voiced what he truly needed. Jesus offered only what Thomas’ heart required. To see the nail marks in Jesus’ hands. To place his hand there as well as in Jesus’ sword-pierced side. There was no mention of nail-pierced feet from Thomas nor did Jesus offer to show him those marks as further proof. The risen Lord was (and is) the Good Shepherd seeking to save the lost lamb. Jesus loved this one person enough to address Thomas’ hesitations and hurting hopes. He said, “See my hands. Put your hand in my side.” Thomas found that he had no need to do that. His affirmation of faith was immediate and it has echoed throughout the ages. “MY Lord and MY God!”
Thomas’ proclamation, without a doubt, is the clearest profession of faith, allegiance and loyalty in the Gospels. Without a doubt! “MY Lord and MY God!” Let’s remove all doubt. Jesus says that those of us who believe without seeing will be blessed. John ends this account, underlining what is most important and that is our ultimate response to Jesus Christ. When Jesus presents himself to any of us, will we fall on our knees and proclaim, without a doubt, “MY Lord and MY God”?
Prayer: God-among-us … You find us everywhere, don’t you? Behind closed doors, waiting, but not knowing what we are waiting for. Wandering among other wanderers, hoping beyond hope that we might see you for the first time or see you with greater clarity. Ready to share with another that we have indeed seen you. Praying that just one might say “My Lord and My God”. Remembering when we once said those same words. O God, make your Presence known wherever we are and in whatever way is needed to place “My Lord and My God” on our lips and no doubt within our hearts. Amen.
anna
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 2-C
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John’s words … an eyewitness to the risen Christ and to Thomas’ hurting hopes transformed into unwavering belief and faith … without a doubt!).
I’m afraid that, over the centuries, a huge “D” has been sewn onto Thomas’ robe. The word has been branded across his forehead. And fingers point as whispers are said. “Doubter". Oh my. For us “Johnny-Come-Lately’s” to the faith, we know deep within our hearts that this is a misnomer. The word “doubter” becomes such an obstacle that we often turn a deaf ear to probably the greatest affirmations of faith in all of the Scriptures. “MY LORD and MY GOD!” There is not a shred of doubt in the words that spill out from the lips of Thomas. Not one.
Of course, we do wonder why Thomas wasn’t with the others at Jesus’ first appearance in the room. That’s our nature to wonder about such things. There is no indication as to the why’s in the Scriptures. Perhaps it hurt too much for Thomas to hope. Just maybe it was that same hurting hope that brought him back into the house to be with the disciples and the others. Yes, Thomas grew up with the words of Isaiah telling of the coming of the Messiah. So have we. Yes, he walked with Jesus, listened to his teachings and witnessed miracles. And yes, he was a disciple among disciples. An eyewitness to Jesus’ crucifixion. He should have believed without any other proof. So, why should Thomas have had such a need to see Jesus, the risen Christ for himself?
Thomas heard the words “We have seen the risen Lord” from the other disciples and yet didn’t believe. Neither did the disciples when Mary exclaimed the same. Haven't we heard the very same words from those who have shared their own faith with us? … “I have seen the risen Lord.” The witness of others opens our hearts to believe but there is a need within each of us for a personal encounter with our risen Lord.
There is such beauty in these verses. Thomas voiced what he truly needed. Jesus offered only what Thomas’ heart required. To see the nail marks in Jesus’ hands. To place his hand there as well as in Jesus’ sword-pierced side. There was no mention of nail-pierced feet from Thomas nor did Jesus offer to show him those marks as further proof. The risen Lord was (and is) the Good Shepherd seeking to save the lost lamb. Jesus loved this one person enough to address Thomas’ hesitations and hurting hopes. He said, “See my hands. Put your hand in my side.” Thomas found that he had no need to do that. His affirmation of faith was immediate and it has echoed throughout the ages. “MY Lord and MY God!”
Thomas’ proclamation, without a doubt, is the clearest profession of faith, allegiance and loyalty in the Gospels. Without a doubt! “MY Lord and MY God!” Let’s remove all doubt. Jesus says that those of us who believe without seeing will be blessed. John ends this account, underlining what is most important and that is our ultimate response to Jesus Christ. When Jesus presents himself to any of us, will we fall on our knees and proclaim, without a doubt, “MY Lord and MY God”?
Prayer: God-among-us … You find us everywhere, don’t you? Behind closed doors, waiting, but not knowing what we are waiting for. Wandering among other wanderers, hoping beyond hope that we might see you for the first time or see you with greater clarity. Ready to share with another that we have indeed seen you. Praying that just one might say “My Lord and My God”. Remembering when we once said those same words. O God, make your Presence known wherever we are and in whatever way is needed to place “My Lord and My God” on our lips and no doubt within our hearts. Amen.
anna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)