Foot Notes

EXPERIENCING THE TRIUNE GOD--MINE

2009-06-12T09:34:00.006-05:00

A Trinitarian God has been with me for a long time. I was raised a Presbyterian, a part of the Reformed tradition, with an emphasis of the Three in One God. Like most of you, I struggled to get my head around the idea, the doctrine. What did it mean? How could it be? Why complicate the deity so? Reasoning only took me so far. When I tried to explain it as a part of my faith reflection for Session meeting the answer was in experience. Three different experiences of God, three different break-throughs, three different characters, yet all were one.

God, the Father, came at the end of an imaginative trek up a difficult mountain. A wise man lived in a cave on the top of the hill. I could ask one question. As I struggled with the climb, I struggled with the question. So much I wanted to know. What is the nature of the universe? What is the meaning of life? What is life? When I arrived my question just popped out, way beyond rational control. “Do you love me?” I asked. The eyes I had seen when I entered twinkled, and now I could see a small mouth slightly curved in a smile. “Yes”, he said.

God, the Son, joined me in a dream. I was quite young in my dream state; so young in fact that I needed someone to hold my hand, someone I couldn’t see since he was so tall. Holding tightly he brought me to a great hall filled with all kinds of nobles dressed in their elegant gowns and medieval suits. The king was coming, coming to sit on his throne raised at one end of the hall. Suddenly a hush covered the room. I was pushed forward, into the open center, before the throne. I was terrified! Why had the one who held my hand pushed me so? I knelt, bowed, hiding my face. A hand reached out and gently lifted my chin. The king looked at me lovingly. The Son had brought me there.

God, the Spirit, came in words on the porch at the end of a silent retreat on Lake Dallas. My experience at Montserrat this time had been troubling. I felt excluded for I did hold the same views on procreation as the presenter did. No room for even silent disagreement seemed possible. I decided to leave early, something I had never done before. To make sure I wasn’t just running I sat on the porch in the darkness of dawn. The light was just beginning to appear. In my head I heard, “Go home, I have work for you to do.” A request indeed awaited me when I got home—a request for service that changed the direction of my life with God and God’s people.

What are your experiences? How have they given meaning to the Trinity?

Blessings

Caroline

PRAYING TO TRIUNE GOD

2009-06-12T09:31:00.004-05:00

June 10, 2009

Thoughts: Two

Today, today…it is raining. My dog wants to go out, but not in the rain. He wants me to stop the rain. I open the door; he looks and retreats. He licks my feet. He sits, asks. I can’t make it stop raining. Is that the way I address God? Make it stop raining, please. He needs to go out or so he thinks. Outside is where he does his business. But rain is unpleasant so he waits, sits. He is so patient, lying, waiting; there will be time when outside is inviting and necessities can happen. A dog’s life, oh so good?

What person of God do I address now? Who responds to the creature, my dog, Scout? Is it a creator, fatherly, lover, God? Is it a companion, friendly, redeemer, God? Or is the One who spirits the storm, blows the trees, and drenches the earth? All I guess you would say. And yes, God is all, but is that just a cop out, a labeling of everything, which then becomes nothing?

God, it is raining. Father, I need to go out. Mother, I’m worried about destruction. Lord Jesus calm the storm. My friend let me share your umbrella. Spirit blow winds of grace. Breathe on me breath of God.

Blessings
Caroline

PRAYING TO TRIUNE GOD

2009-06-08T15:27:00.005-05:00

Thoughts: One

To Whom It May Concern: My computer generates that greeting automatically. To whom do you address your prayers? Is there a particular person of the Trinity that you pray to regularly? Does the content of your prayer differ when you pray to the Father, to the Son, to the Spirit? Do you instead always address God?: God, the merciful one, God the all powerful one, God, the loving one, God, the…. Is how you think of God at the moment reflected in the way you call on God?

I usually address my prayers to God. Sometimes I add a modifier that resonates with my thoughts at the moment. The universal, all-inclusive one seems to fit my picture, but I wonder if I limit God by being so general, generic. Am I missing the loving Father who would wrap his arms around me and tell me he cared? Am I failing to find the intimate talk I could have with One who walked the earth as I do? Do I miss the fantastic energy that an alive and vibrant Spirit brings to the course of daily living? Being in communion with the Ones that are in communion as God, Triune, is an enticing thought—

Which person of the Trinity seems most comfortable? Which least? Why?

PRAYING TO TRIUNE GOD

2009-06-08T14:37:00.010-05:00

The ways in which the Trinity is imagined fascinate me. The icon painters of the Eastern tradition draw on the three who visited Abraham and told him Sarah would bear a son in her old age. Look at those figures in the icon above and let them draw you in.

Compare that to the sterile and clean symbolism of the triangle and circle and square.

The Celts loved threes so they took easily to the notion of a Trinity. They even found the world full of representations as this prayer from their tradition suggests. Do you sense a creation that reflects the nature of the Triune God?

Three folds of cloth,
yet only one napkin is there;
Three joints in the finger,
but still only one finger fair;
Three leaves of the shamrock,
yet no more than one shamrock to wear.
Frost, snow-flakes, and ice,
all in winter their origin share,
Three persons in God;
to one God alone we make our prayer.

Is our prayer different when we envision and experience God in these forms?

I’m not ready to move yet to concentrating on just one of the persons of the Trinity. Maybe you are. Either way let’s spend the week in prayer to the Triune God.

Blessings,
Caroline

THE TRINITY

2009-06-01T10:41:00.006-05:00

June 7 is Trinity Sunday in the 2009 church calendar and that got me to thinking--about the the Trinity. It’s a doctrine I have a really hard time getting my head around, yet it always seems integral in the Reformed brand of Christianity that I espouse. So when I am reminded, as I have been lately, I suspect it is a part of the spiritual journey I am on that bears noticing. That being the case I’d like to invite you to stop our general discussion of the spiritual journey started just a couple of months ago and spend some time with me and others and this idea. I do believe it is a part of the journey no matter how we understand or whether we accept the doctrine.
How shall we begin? God, three persons yet one God—how can that be? And I think equally important how do we experience God so described? The traditional names are Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; you may choose to name them differently avoiding archaic or sexist language; you may name them more frequently by the role--creator, redeemer, and sustainer. How they are unique, separate, and yet one, tugs mightily for me at the reasoning portion of my brain—various metaphors try to explain: an equilateral triangle in a circle, a holy family united in being, the way in which I am mother, daughter, teacher, the three-leaved shamrock. All work and all fall short.
I turn then to experience not in place of thinking but in tandem with it. How do we experience God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, God three in one? Can we experience each as separate and unique? Can we know them as one? What is the nature of those experiences?

I invite you over the month to ponder this God. I’d like to ask you to devote a week to thinking of each person of the Trinity separately. Pray to God in that person; seek to know God as Father, then as Son, and finally as Spirit. See that person of the Trinity at work in the world. I will keep a record (journal) of my thoughts and experiences; maybe you will too. The last week turn to God as three in one—GOD.

You're invited to share your thoughts here and enter into discussion. In fact the doctrine of the Trinity does suggest that God is in community so also are we who are created in the image of that God.

Blessings,

Caroline

GOD SEEKS

2009-05-06T17:22:00.001-05:00

We are all different; we are all alike. Does that sound true?

When we begin our trek through life we start alike—children of parents, needing of nurture and care, dependent and connected. All of us are disappointed; no ones’ needs are completely and constantly met. We become fearful we will be without; we see ourselves as separate and unable to impact our surroundings; we seek that which brings us pleasure and avoids pain. We are self-centered and selfish, but we need others to sustain our life.

When we begin our trek through life we start differently—children of differing humans, born in divergent households, treated with various degrees of good and ill. Some of us are treated so poorly we have trouble trusting at all. Others of us have a multitude of experiences that life is good. Some of us are taught to look out for number one; others of us learn that the most important activity of living is what is done for another. Our exposures to the life of faith, to one known as God, to a religious community vary immensely. Theology, style, purpose, and the importance of the spiritual life have so many iterations that the combinations produce an infinite set of spiritual heritages; we are all different.

God however seeks each of us. God seeks us as we are. God wishes to bring us to union with God and with all creation. What an amazing possibility! How will you answer? How does God seek you?

What are the significant ingredients in your idea of a faith journey?

FOOTNOTES

2009-05-06T17:07:00.009-05:00

My name is Page; I am a Page child. In my family there was a Daddy Page, a Mommy Page and another sister Page. Since big Pages sometimes have on the bottom a small word of explanation or reference, those in my father’s student group dubbed my sister and me “footnotes”. College students write papers, papers that must be appropriately referenced and authenticated, but the rest of us can just say what we think. But the name has stuck with me and the need to give credit also. However when I divided the word into the two words another meaning emerged. That is what this blog by is all about; notes on the footsteps we take along the pathway of living. I call that walk our spiritual journey.

Many of us want spiritual to mean only that ephemeral part of existence far removed from the nitty-gritty of life, the concrete world of matter. But when we read Scripture, when we honestly pray, when we seek the Divine, very quickly we find that all of life is spiritual. The divisions of body and soul, material and spiritual, doing and being, earth and heaven, seem less and less significant, less and less real. Our souls that seek the Divine are a part of our bodies with which we are united with God’s creation. The veil between worldly and otherworldly ripples in the breeze. Humans seek the Divine as the Creator seeks to be one with creation. The steps we take mark the sand and the waves. Let’s compare our notes on what we see, what we feel, what we sense, who we are, and who is the One we meet.

What is your definition of the spiritual journey?

EASTER SUNDAY

2009-04-08T13:05:00.008-05:00

Luke 24: 13-27

Three days after the crucifixion two followers were walking toward a village. Confused perhaps is the best word to describe them. They had hoped Jesus was Israel’s savior. But he had been executed by word of chief priests and power of the Roman authorities. Hope died. Amazingly however word had come that his tomb was empty and some women had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Hope again?

Can we identify in any way with these two? When have you experienced such a roller coaster of emotions? When have you had your hoped raised, then dashed, and then raised again? How does that affect your ability to trust, to believe?

Another joined them as they walked and asked what they were talking about. They replied, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” His answer “What things?” led them to recount their woes and their wondering. He then began to explain again how scripture taught that Jesus was the Messiah. Only however when he broke bread with them did they recognize him as the one they had followed.

Today listen to the conversations; listen deeply; listen broadly; listen expectantly. Jesus is alive and talking it seems.

Lord Jesus, be alive again in our beings, among us. We offer ourselves in thanksgiving for your perfect work in bringing all to oneness with God and each other. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline

i ask; will you answer, jesus?

2009-04-08T12:49:00.018-05:00

Today you are among the dead, Jesus. Yet, I still have questions to ask. Will you answer? Will I hear? So much has been discussed over the last weeks—questions of God’s kingdom, questions of your Messiahship, questions of God’s purposes. Questions also have centered on who we are, what it means to follow you, when you will return. Sometimes you answered clearly, other times obliquely; some queries you refused to answer. The stories told haven’t always agreed or presented a consistent picture of who you are, but all eventually name you as God’s anointed, the one we are to follow.

So as you sleep with the dead today Jesus, will you answer? These are our questions:

What will you ask Jesus today?

The broken, the cast-away, and the beautiful, how do I put them together in the kingdom?

Sinful humanity and the fervent desire for goodness, both are a part of me; how do I deal with that and why am I that way?

Why, Jesus, do you trust us to follow? Why do you expect us to trust you?

Why in God’s name is so much pain necessary?

And what sorts of questions will Jesus answer?

Questions of humanity and not deity it seems to me.

Questions asked honestly and purposely.

Questions of the sort that the responses can be used for living faithfully, but not questions of the sort that simply give power, he answers, it seems, perhaps.

So I will always be in doubt about some things. But I can ask. Jesus will answer. I can trust the answering will be what is good, what is true, and what is at one with all creation and God.

Jesus, let your light shine from the depths to the heights, through all of creation, including me. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline

WHO ARE YOU, JESUS?

2009-04-08T12:46:00.008-05:00

Mark 14: 53-62 (religious authorities); John 18: 33-40, 19: 8-16 (Pilate); Luke 23: 6-12 (Herod); Luke 23: 39-43 (criminal on cross)

On Good Friday the issue of ‘who Jesus is’ was a life and death matter. Unable to find consistent testimony against him, the high priest asked him point blank, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Mark finally has Jesus answer; “I am”, he said. The other synoptic writers are not so sure; Jesus said, they record, “You have said so.” These words were sufficient to condemn him to death for blasphemy.

But only Rome could actually execute someone, so Jesus was sent to Pilate. Pilate also asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” an invitation to convict himself of sedition. Jesus, according to John’s gospel, made clear that his kingship while real was not of this world. Pilate doesn’t understand and asked again. Jesus finally answered, “You say that I am.” Herod too interrogated him but Jesus did not answer. Crucifixion did not stop the questioning. Luke tells us that one of thieves put to death with him asked, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Rebuked by the other thief, Jesus responded only to the repentant one. Wasting words on answering loaded questions even when the issue was life or death was not what Jesus did. His answers seem to be that which allowed him to fulfill what he understood to be his destiny.

When we come to Jesus, to a dying Jesus, what sort of questioner are we? When we see Jesus charged with a capital crime, what sort of answerer is he?

Jesus, as you were accused you still wanted someone to hear who you were, what you were about. You still knew those who asked. Even in pain your thoughts were about others and your calling. Help us to hear. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

VIOLENT RESISTANCE NECESSARY?

2009-04-08T11:57:00.003-05:00

Luke 22: 47-53

A crowd gathered in the dark of the garden. The religious authorities had sent their guard. Judas of the Twelve, the betrayer, led them to the place. He kissed Jesus and the temple police came forward to arrest him, swords and clubs at ready. The revolution is about to begin or is it? Jesus’ companions asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Is that not the way to win? Isn’t violence necessary to change significantly the way things are done? Shouldn’t we defend the innocent, the righteous, the good, with every force available? We have swords, too! History tells us that’s the only way to stop evil. One of Jesus’ followers struck the first blow cutting off the ear of the slave of the high priest. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” and healed the slave’s ear.

Can you follow this Jesus? Can you not use the power you possess? Do you agree that violent resistance is not necessary? How do you understand Jesus?

We now live some two thousand years later. Our “swords” are much more powerful. But we still must arrest those who disturb the “peace” of our society. We still attack those who we consider dangerous. We still make mistakes in justice. We still misjudge and condemn those who are innocent and advocates of a better way.

What does Jesus say to us today when we draw our swords? Or would you not ask this question of him?

Lord Jesus, what does it mean to follow you? We would defend you. We would please you. We call you Lord. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

WASHING AND BETRAYAL

2009-04-07T17:19:00.003-05:00

John 13: 1-30

When one confronts a crisis that has the potential of death, we humans often enter a different realm. We have heard of foxhole conversions and deathbed confessions. Being with one who is dying can be one of the most intimate and awesome experiences humans have. When we know one we love may die soon, reality seems to shift. After the loss of a spouse, a parent, or a child we often sense a different world.

Some times one who is facing dying says those things that he or she has always wanted to say but somehow couldn’t. Parents may have one last word of advice. Lovers express the depth of their love. Soldiers want their buddies to know who they really are. Jesus as John remembered him wanted his disciples to know him. Jesus wanted them to understand what he was all about. Jesus wanted them to remember after he was gone. So he washed their feet and told them one of them would betray him.

Remember or imagine such times of impending death.

Jesus made his point symbolically. He did that which only a slave would do—washed the feet of those dining with him. Peter probably asked what each of them felt, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus now knew that what he saw ahead they couldn’t comprehend yet. His impending death was not real to them. His mission was still veiled. Peter and Jesus’ dialogue expressed the disciples’ confusion. Jesus continued to explain; the mission will soon be theirs. The betrayer was prepared, but all they could ask was who is it.

Ponder on the reality of denial and betrayal. How does it happen? What brings us to that point? How do we react once it has happened? Seek more than quick answers. Invite Jesus to be present.

Lord Jesus, I am deeply sorry. How unaware I am; how often I betray. Only you can forgive. Only you can resurrect me. Please. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

A SPECIAL OCCASION OR WASTE?

2009-04-06T19:50:00.004-05:00

Mark 14: 3-11

Jesus was at dinner with a friend—Simon the leper—and his disciples. It was not long until the Passover meal. A woman came with costly ointment of nard and poured it on his head.

Imagine the room. Smell the nard. Sense the room. See the woman. Feel her emotions, her motives. See Jesus. Notice his expression. How do you react to what she has done?

Criticism erupted. Their mission was about the poor, the marginalized, and the outcasts. Jesus should know better; he was the one who had taught them. “Why was this ointment wasted in this way?” they retorted. “For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.”

You are there; don’t you agree?

Jesus however praises the woman. She saw him; she knew what was to come. She had “anointed his body beforehand for burial.” We will all remember her he said and so we do. But what do we remember?

What does the woman’s action mean to you? What do you hear in Jesus’ response? Can you imagine doing what she did?

Jesus, friend, we won’t think of your dying but she did. Jesus, master, we can’t fathom your wasting what so many need but you blessed it. Jesus, Son of Man, we don’t understand your way but you answer. Help us. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

WHEN IS THE END OF THE AGE?

2009-04-05T18:32:00.001-05:00

Matthew 24: 3-8, 36; 26: 1-2
Jesus continued to teach in the synagogue. Having silenced his adversaries he prophetically proclaims the hypocrisy of the authorities, the coming destruction, and laments the lack of receptiveness of Jerusalem. When he came to the Mount of Olives away from the crowds the disciples asked him, when will the end of the age be? What will be the sign of its coming? Jesus answers only with a warning. Beware of those who will lead you astray. Nations will be in turmoil. Expect persecution. “But”, he says, “about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Are you concerned about the end of the age? Do you look for the return of the Son of Man? Faced with the loss of death do you look forward to the resurrection?

Jesus continued to try to prepare his disciples for what was to come. In parable and discourse he sought to convince them to live always in preparation for his return and his judgment of the peoples. Remember me; stay true to what I have taught, he seemed to say. Finally he said, soon, after the Passover, I will be “handed over to be crucified.”

Imagine you are among the disciples. Listen to Jesus’ answer. Does it satisfy? Does it give you hope or cause despair? Now reflect on your own life. How does Jesus’ answer seem to you now? Does it give hope or despair?

Jesus, calling you Lord invites difficulties it seems. If you are Lord of all why such pain, disruption, delay. Still I ask, when will you come? When will the kingdom be? Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

JESUS’ FINAL DAYS: QUESTIONS RAISED

2009-04-04T21:29:00.005-05:00

The stories the gospel writers tell about Jesus’ last days center around those who had followed him from Galilee, those who were his inner circle, those who had been convinced he was God’s chosen. It is a story of intimates, of friendship, of denial and betrayal. It is a story with which we who are honest about our lives are very familiar.

Jesus confronts power. He is arrested. He is questioned. But he says little. His public behavior is very different from what we have become accustomed to seeing from an innocent person accused of a major crime.

But the questions all seem to ask, who is he and what is my, our, relationship with him? And what does that have to do with Yahweh, with God’s involvement with God’s creation?

As we begin this week before we engage in the turmoil, before we experience personally these last days, let’s stop. Today let’s search for our souls. Today let’s nurture our spirits. Sit. Reflect. Be.

Loving God, we need to know you are—you are loving, you are here, you are welcoming. Give us today the assurances we need so that we may walk with Jesus this week. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

festival of nationhood time, i watch

2009-04-03T22:12:00.007-05:00

Wailing Wall
at Passover

Capitol on Fourth of July

Lord Jesus, I need time to watch. I can’t absorb the magnitude of your mission. I fail to grasp the depth of your final trip to Jerusalem. I want just to be there for a while. Amen.

Passover for the Jews reminded them of the birth of their nation. When we think of the birth of our nation we too remember the excitement of escape from oppression. We celebrate the day of declaration. But if we’re honest we know that death and destruction were also a part of that rending. Not everyone thought it was right to rebel. Soldiers on both sides lost life and limb. Even when we believe we are right to take these actions our conscience keeps us from excessive glory. The Jewish celebration of Passover was also a solemn occasion; the sacrifices of the past were brought to mind; the cost of nationhood known. Jesus chose this time to make his final statements. Jesus chose this time to connect and to separate from his people. Jesus chose this time to reveal God anew.

Picture the creation of a nation, a kingdom. What answer does Jesus speak to us as a people?

“Passover: The Egyptian Redemption”

Fourth of July picnic

THE QUESTION AGAIN

2009-04-02T18:37:00.002-05:00

John 12: 27-36

Last we turn to John’s gospel and Jesus’ teachings to the crowds just before his death. Jesus as John knew him was well aware that he faced a painful death, but believed unequivocally that what happened to him would glorify his Father in heaven. The way to bring the defeat of the “ruler of this world” was for Jesus to die, to be lifted up. The crowds read scripture differently. To Jesus they said. “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” While we may not be troubled by the tradition inherited by the crowds who surrounded Jesus, perhaps we too wonder just who is this Jesus.

Is that the ultimate question? How will you hear an answer? What defines the way you know the truth of the answer?

The Jesus John portrays again takes the question to another level. Never really addressing the question asked, Jesus simply counsels those who are there to walk in the light while they have it with them. Learn so that you will become children of the light.

Imagine the light of God shining through the Son surrounding you and illuminating your path. See. Respond as you are led.

Sweet Jesus, your path was so painful and your followers so slow to understand. Forgive our foolish questioning. Help us to see. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

GREATEST COMMANDMENT? NO MORE QUESTIONS

2009-04-01T19:07:00.003-05:00

Mark 12: 28-37

Another one comes to ask. Jesus and those who disputed with him had drawn a crowd. Whether this one came to put Jesus to the test or to ask sincerely for his thoughts can be debated from reading the texts, but the question posed is one we remember. “Which commandment is first of all?” he asked. Jesus answers apparently without hesitation quoting his heritage, “ ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” The answer was heard! Jesus’ position was established; his opponents were silenced. Now he alone would ask questions. But as we know winning the debate did not save his life.

We usually rightly concentrate our study of this passage on the Great Commandment, but for a moment let’s think about the questioner, answerer, and the question. Why did Jesus answer this question directly when previous ones he had dodged? Why was this answer sufficient to end the attempt to entrap him? Why did this questioner accept the response?

No one else asks Jesus a question until he is on trial. Can we hear as those who were there that day? Does not Jesus summarize his teaching in this one response?
Let’s listen for how this answer is acted out in the remaining days of his life.

Lord Jesus, teach us to love as you describe, as you did. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline

RELIGIOUS LEADERS CHALLENGE

2009-03-31T22:30:00.002-05:00

Matthew 22: 15-33

Jesus had become a problem to the various religious groups who debated with each other for the minds of Judah. They believed that they knew the correct way to Yahweh however, and the differences among them paled in the light of the rabbi from Galilee. He, Jesus, was creating too much distraction; Rome might notice and remove their right to worship; besides he seemed to be saying that he was God’s chosen, blasphemy. Their big problem was the ignorant masses; they liked him. So they plotted to entrap him by asking questions.

First up, the Herodians. After several syrupy deferential comments they asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” Designed to get Jesus in trouble with either the crowds or the government, this either-or question seemed to leave no way out. Later the Sadducees came asking the impossible if you believe in the resurrection which they did not. A woman according to the law was married to seven brothers. (Each brother died childless so the woman became wife of next brother in line.) After describing this ‘what if’ situation they asked, “In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.”

Using carefully crafted questions to win an argument is a common debating technique. When and where have you seen or used this method? What do you think of it? How does it make you feel? What do learn about the one who questions this way?

The writer of Matthew makes it clear that Jesus is not fooled. He knows the motives of his antagonists and he is clever enough to avoid their traps. Looking at a coin Jesus comments in phrase often quoted, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” To the Sadducees he replies that they are wrong for they know neither power of God nor the scriptures. The resurrection will be a new age, an age without dying and marrying. In addition the God Moses heard in the burning bush is the God of the living. So God is alive and so are we.

Are you pleased Jesus escaped the traps? Do you admire his mental acumen? How do feel about asking him questions?

Jesus you sidestepped those who opposed you, yet I too wonder about paradoxical questions. Are there questions you will not answer? Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

CHIEF PRIESTS ASK

2009-03-30T21:27:00.003-05:00

Luke 20: 1-8

Do you think credentials are important? Are you more likely to believe one who is an expert? What gives a person authority for you?

Authority is a significant issue for most of us. We feel cheated if we find out the one we hired didn’t actually have the degree they claimed; often it doesn’t matter that they are doing a good job. Abuse of position is so heinous in our thoughts because we give power to officials and we trust that it will be used for the common good. Decisions are often made based on the word of one who has the appropriate papers. Authority in society is given to those who demonstrate skill, knowledge, or have proof of expertise. So would not we like the chief priests and other leaders of Judah ask Jesus “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things [teaching in the temple and proclaiming the nearness of the kingdom of God]? Who is it who gave you this authority?” Religious leaders more than any others must be authenticated for they possess the power to lead the people astray.

How do you know when one speaks for God as Jesus claimed he did?

Jesus’ answer is a question. What about John’s baptism; was it from God or humans? The leaders were afraid to answer for they knew they would enrage the crowd if they denied John’s inspiration, but they would condemn themselves for they had rejected him if they agreed with the people. So they replied that they didn’t know. Jesus thus refuses to answer their question. Is this a case where Jesus sees that these leaders already have decided that his authority is not legitimate? Is Jesus saying his authority is, like John’s, known by the people rather than the authorities?

What does Jesus accomplish by answering as he does? What do we learn about his authority? What do we learn about asking Jesus?

Jesus continues to teach and the scribes and chief priests realize more and more that he sees their rejection of him as rejection of Yahweh. They want him silenced but fear the crowds.

Lord Jesus, sometimes we are like the multitudes that seek and see. Sometimes we are like the authorities that feel responsible for what is and feel threatened by you. We often hear only those we find accredited, authorized by the institutions of our world. Help us to be open to the truth in whatever place you put it. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

JESUS ENTERS THE CITY

2009-03-29T19:39:00.005-05:00

Matthew 21: 1-17

The gospel writers tell us that Jesus entered Jerusalem just before the Passover feast riding on a donkey. Dripping with symbolism Jesus invites the crowds to believe—believe he is the one of whom the prophets spoke, see that he is different from the power centers entering ahead of armed legions, know that he knew the ways of the people. The crowds cheered, spread their cloaks on the roadway, and waved branches of palms. The writer of Matthew tells us “the city was in turmoil, asking ‘Who is this?’”

Indeed who is this? What does Jesus intend us to hear by his ‘triumphal entry’? Is he inviting confrontation? Is he speaking truth to power? Does he have a death wish? Is he foolhardy? Is he the “one who comes in the name of the Lord” as the crowds sang?

The crowds answer the question. He is the “prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee”. They continue to cheer, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The chief priests and scribes angrily address Jesus, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Crowds do go crazy. Authority must restore order. Rome will hear. We must control the riffraff. Jesus answers, “yes” and it is what Scriptures suggest.

When we envision this scene transposed to today what will we ask? What will Jesus say?

Lord Jesus, are we among those who wave branches and cry ‘Hosanna’ or are we those who question the disruption? Are we with you or against you? Speak. Forgive. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline

FIRST PART OF HOLY WEEK: PUBLIC QUESTIONS

2009-03-28T15:22:00.004-05:00

The last two weeks of Lent I would like to look at the questions asked Jesus during what we call Holy Week. Each of the gospel writers devotes a large part of their work to this period. While we will find some disparity about the timing of the incidents, I think we can rightfully assume, that whether or not this questioning happened at the end of Jesus’ life, those who told his story felt these were important queries, and so included them in their descriptions of Holy Week. What I want to suggest is that these questions for those who wrote of Jesus were important!

This week I want to look at the discussions during the first part of the week. For the most part these were public events. Jesus entered Jerusalem at the time of the feast of Passover and confronted his critics, engaged the crowds, and was seen as a threat by the authorities. The uneasy truce the religious and governmental hierarchy of Judah had arranged with mighty Rome could become unhinged. Public demonstrations centered on a charismatic potentially nationalistic leader might bring the wrath of Roman legions. Revolution was treason! The Messiah to come, most Jews believed, would be their king, a king that would reestablish their independent nation and their place as the people of God. Some thought Jesus was he and so far he had not discouraged that idea among the ordinary citizens.

Large throngs of people can be moved—moved to compassion, moved to violence. We are all aware of the power and energy in a gathering of many committed to a cause. We are all aware too of the fickleness of these crowds; today they are willing to follow you to the death, tomorrow they will stone you and run you out of town.

Jesus decides to enter the city of David. The time has come to make his witness. Throughout the countryside he has preached and healed and gathered a following. Now it is time he says to move to the city, to the capitol. And for the days leading up to the celebration of the feast he is very visible, teaching in the Temple and debating openly with the various religious leaders of that time and place. Plotting however goes on behind the scenes. It is time!

Remember the various motives you identified earlier for asking questions. Be aware of these as you listen to the questioners this week. Why did they ask what they did?
Remember the various ways in which Jesus has responded to those who came to him with queries. Why did he answer as he did? What might have been his motives? Let those thoughts guide you as you listen to the dialogues this week.

Lord Jesus, we begin to walk what we know will be your final week on earth. You face death, as do we. You chose to proceed despite the risk. Help us to grasp what lies beneath this week so we might ask and hear more clearly. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline

jesus i hear

2009-03-27T12:02:00.005-05:00

Jesus how often I hear and turn a deaf ear. I hear your call to redeem the world, but I think that salvation is all about heaven and not about the kingdom now. I hear your word that greater things are coming, but I like the comfort of knowing what to expect. I hear your offer of living water, but I doubt such can exist. I retreat like the Jews into accusing you of being unclear when I don’t want to hear your word.

You call us to see God through you. So how can I imagine you and then God.

A picture: blue sky, observation tower, white sand, breaking waves, rugged mountains, waving palms, concrete barriers, car and tent home, collections of throw-aways, warm sun.
God, Jesus, where are you?

Seeing God through Jesus calls me. Lead me Lord. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline

who are you jesus?

2009-03-27T11:41:00.001-05:00

While the people that we have read about this week are similar to those we met in previous weeks—seekers, skeptics, disciples—the encounters seem to me to have a different tone. The very concrete physical world in which we live is where these questioners live. But the dialogues they have with Jesus push them into another realm. Sometimes they can make the leap but often the gap is just too wide. Misunderstanding, lack of comprehension, doubt plague most. And yet the Jesus John portrays continues to respond, to explain. Over the centuries we continue to search these lines of text, continue to pray these passages, continue to hold in silence this Jesus. And at times truth breaks through. We watch the angels ascending and descending; we are born of the spirit; we drink at the well of living water; we know the Son of God.

But more often perhaps I return to the world I know best, what we call the “real world”. My doubts and questions return with a vengeance. I plead; please tell me clearly who you are. Please make the way plain. And yet my plea is couched; I don’t want to know too much so that I find too much is expected. I want to follow at my pace and with the comforts I find necessary. Visions of angels and discussions of rebirth are for the far-out, the emotional fringe, the fanatics. I want no street corner preacher; I like church the way we do it. I want no passionate healer who demands great change. I want no call to share the wealth or make friends with enemies.

Is it not clear who Jesus is? Is it not our closed eyes that prevents our seeing? Is it not our hard hearts that prevents our believing?

Lord Jesus, forgive. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline

THE CROWD AND THE JEWS QUESTION JESUS: WHO ARE YOU?

2009-03-25T17:07:00.002-05:00

John 10: 22-31

Who are you, Jesus, a blasphemer, demon-possessed, son of God, one with the Father? The writer of John knows the answer, but the crowds and particularly the Jews do not. As the gospel progresses the debate between the Jews and Jesus grows more serious, the sides more divided, the ground for hearing and gathering smaller. Is Jesus the Messiah and to be worshiped and followed or is he the enemy of the true God and to be arrested and killed? The issue is life and death; the issue is faith and truth; the issue is the preservation of the law and worship of Yahweh; the issue is ‘Who is Jesus?’. So again the Jews ask the question. This time during the festival of Dedication when Jesus was walking in the temple portico they gathered around him and said, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah tell us plainly.” The question, finally asked, is fraught with all sorts of emotions and agendas.

Before we hear Jesus’ answer imagine the various motives for asking this question. Think about the different people who gathered that day. Think about the needs and assumptions they held.
Now think about our time and place. Who might ask such? Why might they ask this? Why might we ask?

Jesus says, “I have told you, and you do not believe.” What’s more my works that I do in the name of the Father testify to who I am, but you do not believe because you are not among those given to me by the Father. “I and the Father are one.” The Jews we are told again prepared to stone him.

How do we react to Jesus’ answer? Are we surprised, irritated, insulted, furious…? What do these encounters suggest about asking Jesus our questions?

Lord Jesus, be patient with our questioning, our doubting. Lord Jesus, let us hear your voice. Lord Jesus, bring us to the Father. Amen.

Blessings
Caroline