Foot Notes

PENTECOST AND COMMUNITY

2008-05-19T11:30:00.002-05:00

A week has passed since we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. The church was awash in red appropriately. It is the tradition that this is the Church's birthday celebration. Yet we often celebrate at different times such important days so I hope you will grant me that latitude. The gift of the Spirit as the New Testament witnesses is not always at the same occasion. In fact the lectionary passages for Pentecost this year reflected that difference. John's Gospel tells of gentler arrival of the Spirit some time earlier.

I think it is important to think of those times when the Spirit seems truly apparent in a group. Sometimes it is Sunday morning in worship. The fiery tongues do land among us and we are equipped to preach to the masses who understand many different languages. Sometimes the Spirit seems to waffle through a committee struggling to solve the insoluble. Insight, agreement, new ways enwrap the whole. At times the nature of our surroundings pull us from various points on the circumference into a common center and we know the oneness only God's Spirit can bring.

In most cases however the Spirit arrives to make community, a community dedicated to knowing God. Enriched by the unseen yet truly felt movement the Holy Spirit seems to draw us in ways of gentleness, joy, oneness. When it happens we know and are changed. God's Spirit like God of course is beyond our control, but are there ways we can be available, are there communities we can form, are there attitudes and behaviors we can adopt, so when God chooses to be present in the moving way of the Spirit we will be caught in the glory?

A blog is in a way a community. Right now this blog seems to be more a community of one which limits the voice of the Spirit. How can it become a way for God's Spirit to meet with us, guide us, and make us whole? That is my desire. So I pray "Come Holy Spirit, come!"

How can this blog be a community through which the Spirit of Pentecost can blow?

ASCENSION OF JESUS

2008-05-04T21:48:00.002-05:00

Waiting--that is what we must do. Jesus ascended, left his disciples and told them to wait for the coming of the spirit and power. That then is our task this week. In the church calendar Jesus' ascension was forty days after the resurrection and Pentecost, the time the spirit came to the waiting community, is fifty days after Passover. Now of course one can argue about the validity of the timing but perhaps it is valuable to have some time of waiting, of transitioning. Jesus' resurrection, what we celebrate in Eastertide, is certainly glorious and cause for rejoicing. The living Jesus met the disciples where they were. But now he leaves--to go to the Father. A bittersweet experience I imagine for them. Again they must accept that Jesus is not with them as they have known him. They must wait for the spirit, his new way of being present with them. Sadness and joy, excitement and fear, remembering and anticipating--a multitude of emotions must have been their lot those days. Imagine, feel with them.

When have you felt such mixtures of joy and sadness? When have you waited not knowing what would come but expecting? For those in the school system this time of the year, graduation, is always filled with these feelings. Other times of waiting may come to mind--pregnancy, engagement, job review, retirement. Change seems to produce this mixture--letting go so the new can come tugs at our souls.

The spiritual journey is often about these times. We're asked to move forward without seeing clearly the way. We're asked to trust that what we leave behind will be replaced by something deeper. The old must die so the new can be born. Nothing about the journey eliminates the pain of letting go. Yet we are called to move on--to keep walking. Sometimes we take notes and they give us or others guidance as we confront the next steps, "footnotes". Sometimes we wait alone or together until we it is time to let go and move on, making "footprints".

What memories do you have of letting go and finding the new? What is God saying to you as you watch Jesus ascend and wait for the coming of the Spirit?

FRANCISCAN PRAYER

2008-04-29T10:22:00.004-05:00

Most of us remember St. Francis as the one who loved the birds and animals. He is most often pictured with robins on his shoulders and and rabbits in his arms wandering down an idyllic natural path. And indeed St. Francis was connected to the natural world in a unique way. But he was also the saint who was deeply concerned with humans who were in need. In fact his act of kissing the leper, the most disgusting outcast of his day, defines who he was in a real sense. The God he knew demanded that he give up the life of luxury his inherited wealth entitled him to and that he live a life of poverty, begging for his daily food. The order founded by his followers is a mendicant order. In the early days they wandered around the countryside doing good and depending on the love and generosity of those they met for sustenance.

Franciscan style prayer thus is active and outside. And it sees the Savior in all around. So it seems to be an appropriate prayer style for Eastertide. As we wander our streets, probably in a vehicle powered by gasoline, we too can perhaps see Christ around us--not only in the beauty of the spring wildflowers but also in the beggar along the road, not only in the freshness of a cool, sunny day, but also in the pain of the ill, not only in the joy of springtime courting of every species of bird but also in the need of children abused. If we pray as Francis did we will become one with the natural order and particularly with those who suffer. We will do what we can; we will be one with them; we will see Christ in each and every one.

Will you join in praying this way? Will you share what you see and do?

Note: I will try to be more regular in my posts and do look for your comments--Sorry I was late this week; I'll try to get a post online by Sunday afternoon.

EASTERTIDE

2008-04-18T10:01:00.004-05:00

We are deep in the season of Eastertide. This is the time in the church calendar when we remember and reflect on the disciples' experiences of the risen Christ. As you read the last chapters of the each of the gospels you find different stories of how Christ resurrected was met. Some describe a closed room, others conversations along the road, Mary met Jesus in the garden around the tomb, and Peter eats and talks with him along the lake shore. We also spend some time during this season experiencing with the early disciples the time of waiting, the time of early witnessing to the salvitic work of Christ.

Will you too remember and reflect on your own experiences of the risen Christ. How has he greeted you? As you remember also reflect on your response and on those who have joined you along the way. What footprints do we leave as we walk along the path with our risen Lord?

Will you share your experiences? Will you reflect on the community that aids you in knowing the risen Christ?

EASTER SUNDAY

2008-03-22T17:46:00.002-05:00

JESUS IS NOT IN THE GRAVE

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint [Jesus]. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb…. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ”Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16: 1-2; 5-8

Lord, we have called you Jesus, Rabbi, Son of Man, Son of God, Messiah. Today we call you Lord. Our amazement at this day is beyond words. Our gratitude transcends what can be said. And yet we fear—fear and wonder, can it be true what the women said? Continue to remind us that indeed forgiveness is real, death is not the final word, evil is defeated. Continue to call us as we call to you. For we pray in your holy name. Amen.

Picture: "Inside the Dolman, the Tomb" St. Nectaire, France, 2002

SATURDAY OF HOLY WEEK

2008-03-21T17:25:00.005-05:00

Jesus, Buried

When [Pilate] learned from the centurion that [Jesus] was dead, he granted the body to Joseph [of Arimathea]. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

Mark 15: 45-47

We wander this day for Jesus is dead and God mourns.

Jesus, so many names—Messiah, Son of the Blessed One, King of the Jews, one of Nazareth. Jesus, so many experiences, so many roles—teacher, prophet, priest, anointed, crucified. Today you are buried. Death is real. Life is ended. We have killed Jesus. Only you God, you who cry this day, can save. We wait. Amen.

Picture: "Graves in Dark Sly" Clonmacnoise, Ireland, 2000

FRIDAY OF HOLY WEEK

2008-03-20T22:10:00.003-05:00

Jesus, Condemned

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and
‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Mark 14: 60-64

Close your eyes. Picture the scene in the high priest’s chamber. See the high priest and the council; imagine their robes of authority; look deeply into their faces. Feel the emotion in the room.

Open your eyes. See Jesus. Imagine his demeanor; look into his eyes. Hear his silence. Listen with all your being—your ears, your eyes, your mind, and your heart. The high priest asks his question, your question. Who are you Jesus? What shall we call you?
And Jesus answers!

Stay in the silence of this place. Look anew at Jesus.
Close your eyes and hear the responses of those around you. Hear with compassion. Hear your own questions. Wonder how you too think Jesus deserves to die.

How do we daily crucify our Lord?

Forgive us O Lord ….Amen

THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK

2008-03-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

Jesus, Betrayed

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him…. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. Mark 14: 10-11; 44-46

Betrayal by one you know well, one you love, is one of the truly devastating events of human life. Jesus, human as we are, was not exempt from it. Betrayal tears at the very fabric of our being. Betrayal however takes many forms. Sometimes we betray others without even being aware. We repeat a story we think true. We tell a confidence we think is public knowledge or at least known by many. Sometimes we betray another to force their hand. We hope they will finally do what we know they can and need to do. And sometimes we betray out of a sense that we have been betrayed. Revenge seems justified. The other must hurt as we do. Is Judas so different from us?

How do I betray you Lord Jesus?

Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. Lord Jesus, have mercy on us.

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

2008-03-18T18:24:00.008-05:00

Jesus, Anointed

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head…. And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “…She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” Mark 14: 3, 5, 8-9

What can I do that is so lavish? What justifies such lavishness?

Holy Jesus, in a week of contrasts we reach the middle. You entered as a humble king, riding on a donkey. You confronted the authorities and proclaimed with fire your vision of love that God desires. A humble woman anointed you and she alone seemed to understand. Help us as we walk with you this week to understand such lavishness. Help us to honor you. Help us to continue to worship in spirit and truth. Amen.

Picture: "Medieval Spires" Le Puy-en-Velay, France, May, 2002

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

2008-03-17T18:13:00.001-05:00

Rabbi Jesus and his Opponents

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your 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.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12: 28-34

Jesus, the teacher, knew well the ways of rabbinic disputation. He knew well the Scriptures. But more than all of these he knew God. He knew the God of Israel’s past, he knew the God of Israel’s present, and he knew well the God of the world’s future. And he tells us what God commands. And he tells us what the kingdom of God is about. Disputation has ended. Action begins.

How will we love as our teacher instructs?

Rabbi Jesus, teach me to love as God loves, to love with all my being. Rabbi, teach me to love my neighbor—both those I consider loveable and those I think repulsive. Rabbi, bring your kingdom. Amen.

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK

2008-03-16T19:36:00.009-05:00

Rabbi Jesus

and the Elements

"Barren Tree Blown" Highlands, Scotland, December, 2006

In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11: 20-25

It is a day of authoritarian statements and action by Rabbi Jesus, this Monday, Holy Week. The fig tree without fruit, the moneychangers and sellers in the temple, both heard the wrath of the rabbi from Galilee. Prayer, faith in God, and forgiveness, bring power even over the elements. The crowds are spell bound, but the authorities seek a way to kill him.

What is Jesus saying to you today? How do you hear his truth?

Lord Jesus, help me have a forgiving heart; forgive my sins; protect me from your wrath; give me the faith that heals. Amen.

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY, HOLY WEEK

2008-03-15T18:43:00.004-05:00

Jesus, the King

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11: 7-10

The Jews of first century Palestine like most people throughout history understood the role of kingship and the importance for their well being that they be ruled by a good king. They had heard the stories of the good king David, the prosperity of the people, the favor with which it seemed God accorded him. So they hoped—hoped for a return to kingship that would bring God’s favor to them, that would remove the terror of the Roman legions, that would restore Israel to position in the world. Maybe Jesus would be that king; maybe Jesus would expel the soldiers, the tax collectors, and the puppet rulers. Maybe Jesus would begin the reign God had promised.

But he comes on a donkey. Where is the power to defeat enemies in that? And with riff-raff following. Where are the leaders who will bring about the needed changes? What sort of king indeed is this, is this Jesus? Does he truly come in the name of the Lord God? —Always the question in every time, especially ours.

Who is this King Jesus?

Lord Jesus, King of all creation, let us not forget your power, your wisdom, your kingship. Remind us that you chose the road of humility, of service, of death, so that your kingdom might come in its differentness, in its redemption, in its glory. Amen.

A PAUSE

2008-03-15T18:31:00.005-05:00

"Walk the Way
With Jesus"
The last week of Lent we call Holy Week. This week we remember the events the gospel writers describe as Jesus’ last days. It is the feast of Passover that draws him to Jerusalem, David’s royal city. The significance of this last week in Mark’s view is suggested by the relative length of his description of the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. Of the sixteen chapters in the gospel six of them or three-eights of the whole are devoted to this last week.

Again we hear Jesus addressed by various names. Again we see the confusion about who he is. Both enemies and friends misunderstand his true nature. A week that starts on such an upbeat note (We call it the “triumphal” entry.) ends in crucifixion, death, and the grave. In one week we travel the long course the past years, the past weeks, have led us. Quickly we must see, comprehend, and respond. Emotions are high—it is festival time—hopes are flying—maybe this is the one. A roller coaster ride could not bring any more ups and downs than this week does.

I invite you to enter the fray, to be there with the crowds, to walk with Jesus’ disciples, to hear Jesus’ names. I pray that as you experience the week you will hear your name, your being, for as we come to know who Jesus is, we come to know who we are, and we come to know our part in God’s good creation.

Following Jesus this week will be difficult; we will all fail. And yet we will all rise on Easter morn, for we are loved by God—God who comes to all of humanity in Jesus of Nazareth, Rabbi, God’s Beloved, Son of Man, the Christ

Picture: Via Appia, Rome

SATURDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-14T21:40:00.005-05:00

Jesus, the Messiah

And Peter said, “You are the Messiah.”

"Christ Panocrator Sinai VI Icon", Benedictines du S.C. de Montmartre

Gaze deeply; let the icon bring you to the one pictured. Know the Christ. Hear the voice, the desire, the hope, of the Messiah today.

What does it mean to you to call Jesus Messiah?
What does it mean to the world that Christ has come?

Jesus, Christ, savior of the world, have mercy on us. Bring your saving balm; spread your healing grace on our turbulent earth. Awaken our hearts, quicken our feet, free our minds, so that we may live as true citizens of your kingdom rightly relating to you and to each other. Make us instruments of your love and peace and hope. Amen.

FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-13T22:45:00.002-05:00

Come to the Feast of the Messiah

And crowds again gathered around [Jesus]; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. …
“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’…
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. …
“How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! … but…for God all things are possible.”
Mark 10: 1b, 6-8a, 14b, 23b, 27b

Today let’s imagine what is to come. Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Relax your body and mind and spirit. Invite God’s presence with you in whatever special way seems right.

Now suppose that Jesus asks you to be one of those to help plan a great feast, a banquet for the whole kingdom of the Messiah. Jesus hands you the guest list. Read down it. Whose names are on it? What names please you? What names surprise you? Are there names left off?

You arrange the tables. Jesus you seat at the head. Who sits at the table with him? Do you? Do you wish too?

How will you arrange the rest of the guests? Will you seat each or just let those who come choose where to be? How will you encourage the guests to enjoy the feast? What will you suggest to Christ to serve; how will you decorate?

How will you “welcome” the children, the women, the dirty, the crazy, the criminal, the_________ Christ put on the list?

Let the feast begin. See your work transformed as Christ arrives. Hear the toast Christ speaks to begin the great feast. Enjoy dreaming today.

Jesus, the Christ, we pause today in our trek to Jerusalem, to Calvary, to see that for which you came, the kingdom you bring. Give us courage to continue the journey, give us wisdom to choose your way, and give us the hope of a world in which the Messiah reigns. Amen.

THURSDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-12T21:03:00.001-05:00

The Messiah’s Kingdom

Will be Very Different

So Jesus called [the disciples] 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. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10: 42-45

It takes a lot of confidence to be humble. That sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. Humility is not about acting like you’re worthless or shying away from power. Jesus himself says that his life will be a ransom for many; such a ransom wouldn’t mean much if Jesus had spent his ministry holding back his words and actions for fear of seeming too bold.

It is not a sin to believe that you can make a good difference in the world. You’re created in God’s image. You’re a part of Christ’s body. You are one within whom the Spirit can move. That’s a big deal. Humility is about holding these truths in tension (or in harmony?) with the belief that every other person God created also has such worth. And yet our lives are about something larger than any of us. We find our greatness, our fullness, in living for God, in serving God’s creation.

How do you now see your role in the Messiah’s new order?
Be honest. Be humble. How are you one with others in this living?

God of grace, forgive me for all the ways my pride distances me from you. Forgive me for the times when I have confused shame and passivity for humility. Forgive me for my failure to recognize your imprint upon my brother or sister. Transform my heart and mind so that I can dedicate my life to your service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-12T09:46:00.005-05:00

Jesus talked of a Messiah
who must Suffer

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Mark 8:31-33

He told us, but we didn’t want to hear what he had to say. He didn’t want to believe what he said would happen would happen. Surely no good could come of it. There must be another way –one that is more the way we want it to be. Peter must have thought so.

Peter denied Jesus, long before the cock crowed that fateful night. He did not want God’s will to send the Messiah to the cross. He did not trust that Jesus would know God’s will and follow it.In his denial, Peter tempted Jesus to turn away from God’s will. Peter must have been horrified at the rabbi’s passionate response.

How often, and in how many ways do we, like Peter, unwittingly tempt each other to turn from God’s will?
How often do we expose temptation and resist its allure?

Righteous God,
Grant us discernment to recognize temptations, even the smallest ones. Help us rebuke temptation. We yearn to walk more closely in your path. Guide our feet. Amen.

TUESDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-10T21:02:00.003-05:00

Jesus asked
“Who do you say that I am?”

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Mark 8: 27-30

At a nice restaurant, a woman paid for her and her companion’s meals using her credit card. The waiter who had served her lunch took it and not only charged the meal to the card but also copied its number, expiration date, and three-digit code. He began a methodical process of reinventing using her information and claiming it as his. It took nearly a year for her to complete the slow and maddening process of trying to reclaim her financial and personal stability.

In this culture, our identity is acknowledged by a driver’s license, a birth certificate, a passport, a Social Security card, a school ID, or some other form of documentary evidence. Plenty of institutions, including the Federal government, hope to introduce more secure forms of identification containing personal biometric data. The stated purpose of these innovations is to make the nightmarish experience of “identity theft” more difficult. What is truly amazing to me is how thoroughly our public identity is tied to documents that reveal our names, addresses, phone numbers, and shopping preferences. And yet, that’s not who we are.

Who do people say that I am? When Jesus asks this question he is not referring to the official census of the Roman Empire, nor to his trade, his parentage, or birthplace. The answer that comes out from the disciples is the official line: a prophet, perhaps even one of the big names in the field. Face it, though, that’s just another form of identity theft.

He then becomes extremely personal with them: Who do you say that I am? Peter’s response would not pass muster in any government in his world or our world. Not everyone is able to make this statement; there are no official documents that substantiate Peter’s apart from the texts that we Christians consider authoritative. Hidden though it may be to some, we—like Peter long ago—believe that our identities are ultimately defined by his identity: the Christ, Son of the living God.

In the silence of your heart let Jesus address his question to you—“Who do you say that I am?” Sense how your response impacts you and the world.

Jesus, you have chosen your path; you invite us to journey with you. But we tarry; we are not sure who you are. We tarry, for we fear we know who you are. We tarry, for we would keep the identities we have so carefully crafted. Forgive our hesitancy. Keep us from tarnishing your mission. Continue to remind us that our true being is in God. Amen.

MONDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-10T09:38:00.007-05:00

Jesus was called the Son of David

"Beginning of sketch of human face"

As [Jesus] and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:46-47

Ponder the blankness, the missing pieces of the face. Begin to fill them in. Let the visions come. Open yourself to the spirit blowing across the earth just as blind Bartimaeus did as Jesus walked by.

Who is this one who passes by, whose face we begin to see, this Jesus? In our blindness what do we call out?

Jesus Christ, is that you walking just ahead? Will you see me? Will you stop? If I could only see more clearly, if I could only love more dearly, if I could only follow more fearlessly, if I could only…. Heal me, have mercy on me, redeem me, Jesus Christ.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

2008-03-08T20:02:00.001-06:00

Jesus, the Christ

He is the Messiah, the Christ.

Mark has led us through the public ministry of Jesus. Yet we still are not sure who he is or why he is here. He has been called teacher, rabbi. He referred to himself as the Son of Man. He heard God call him beloved, son. And then he asks. He wants to know what the crowds think, but more than that he wants to know what we think. The identification of Jesus’ messiahship is for the few around him. The ones committed to his work, the ones willing to leave all to follow, they recognize him, or do they? What does it mean to name Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one?

Some will say he is king, maybe king of the Jews in the lineage of the great king David. Some will think savior, a warrior who will lead a conquering Israel as did Joshua. Others maybe dream of the whole world ruled by one who is God’s representative, God’s emperor—a world of peace and prosperity especially for those now left out of the good life. Still others may see a priest who will restore the purity of the faith and bring the people to repentance, and all of society will finally follow the law. The Messiah, some imagined, would finally restore the world to its rightful order; God’s reign would begin and all nations would know the Lord.

How would it happen? With an uprising of faithful soldiers say some; with the defeat of the secular powers and the return of rule of the godly under the banner of the Christ, thought others. But Jesus talked of suffering, of dying, of servanthood. Jesus felt called to this mission. God had chosen him to bring salvation, as messiahship suggests, but the way he described was difficult and painful. Following is hard.

How do you understand Jesus’ mission, call? Do you too have a sense of being chosen of God for particular role?

Jesus Christ, open my heart so that I too may hear and follow, may be the one God calls me to be. Amen.

SATURDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-08T19:13:00.018-06:00

Jesus,

Messenger of

God’s light

and love

And God called him My Beloved Son.

"Woman at the sea" Galveston Beach, Texas, summer, 1977

Let waves of the picture wash over you until you are one with it. Walk gently out. Feel the water, the sun, the sand. See the expanse of the sea.

Hear God’s words of belovedness to the Son, to you, to all you know, to all of creation. Walk in God’s light. Let Jesus be your guide.

God of light, let my journey be toward you. Guide my steps. Protect my being. Let your son, your beloved, be not only my light, but also the light of the world. Forgive our inattention, our unawareness of your glory. Transform us; renew us; save us. Bring to fruition your vision for all creation. Amen.

FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-06T22:18:00.001-06:00

They Walked Down the Mountain

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” Mark 9: 9-13

When Jesus talks to his disciples on the way down the mountain of his transfiguration, he urges no discussion of what had occurred on the summit until his death and resurrection. I picture them looking at one another with raised eyebrows and can hardly blame them for changing the subject to the expectation of the new kingdom: Was it to be heralded by Elijah or not?

It’s at this point that Jesus’ begins to think out loud, in a discourse that feels like stream-of-consciousness. Acknowledging that Elijah is to come, then reflecting upon the sufferings of the Son of Man, Jesus remembers John the Baptist and blurts out that Elijah has already come. He too is caught in the paradox of the kingdom being not yet arrived but already here.

Sometimes we find ourselves convinced that the kingdom of God is right around the corner, the end is near. Sometimes we assume that the kingdom that Jesus had in mind is already here and, in some mysterious way, working itself out. Jesus was able to live with the paradox of the “already, but not yet” character of the kingdom. It did not prevent him from doing the works of the One who sent him; it must not prevent us from doing the same.

Sense the tension Jesus and his disciples felt as they retreated down the mountain into the fray of living. Sense the similar tension of living today.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

THURSDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-06T22:09:00.002-06:00

Jesus was Transfigured

A Meditation on Mark 9: 2-9
Sit quietly. Become aware of your breathing. Close yourself off from all that is around you. Invite God, Jesus, to be present with you as you enter the text of the Scripture in mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Imagine you are one of those Jesus takes with him to the mount of transfiguration.

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
Climb the mountain with Jesus—Reach the top—rest to catch your breath. And see—dazzling white—
What do you do? How do you feel? What do you think?

And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
See Jesus with Moses and Elijah. Does it seem strange for Jesus to be talking with them? Do the dead know the living? What do you think they’re talking about?

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
Are you glad Peter spoke? Did he say what you wanted to say, what were you thinking? Do you have other things to say? Do you want to stay here?

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to him!”
Are you in the cloud or just watching it? What is it like?
Did you hear the voice? What does it mean? Who speaks? Is it real? Are you—afraid, awed, excited… ?

Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
What happened? How do you feel now? How do you see Jesus? Who is he really?

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Trek down the mountain.
Do you trod or bounce or…? What do think has just happened?

Only a few saw Jesus transfigured, why? Do you know him thus glorified?

Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God, let me be with you. Teach me, walk with me, save me. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-04T17:35:00.004-06:00

The Demons named Jesus
God’s Son

Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!”
But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.
Mark 3: 11-12

Jesus’ reputation as a healer has spread; more and more people are seeking to touch him. Mark 3:9 gives you an idea of just how many people we’re talking about and how eager they are: “He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him…”. The Son of God, who has power to overcome evil spirits and debilitating demons, is also a fragile, vulnerable human being who could easily be hurt by the overwhelming crowds.

The juxtaposition is a poignant foreshadowing of what is to come: the scandal of God suffering on a cross, and thereby overcoming the world.

How does Jesus, God’s Son, as the evil spirits saw, continue to reflect in our world the power of the vulnerable over the demonic?

Dear Lord, I often come to you with a list of requests, even demands, and call it prayer. Although I will always continue to ask, on behalf of others and myself, grant me the restraint and patience to listen, to reflect on who you are, and to give thanks for all you do. This I pray in your name. Amen.

TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

2008-03-03T20:36:00.002-06:00

Jesus, Baptized by John,
heard a Voice of Heaven

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1: 9-11

I don’t remember my baptism. I was baptized as an infant. I was too young to know and understand what the sacrament meant. I know I was baptized. That’s it. There’s only one baptism. As an infant, our parents pledged to nurture us within the family of faith. God gives us his love before we are able to respond in faith.

What were Jesus’ feelings when he emerged from the water? We are told what he saw and heard. What did he feel when the Holy Spirit descended and God claimed him as his own? I can only imagine. Did he feel refreshed and renewed, full of God’s love and delight?

I wonder what it would be like to be baptized as an adult: to know that God loves me dearly, that God claims me as his own; that my sins are forgiven, that God takes delight in me, and that the Holy Spirit resides in me. As an adult, I reaffirm the commitments made for me through the sacraments. Like with Jesus, God speaks to us in a very personal way.

As we remember Jesus’ baptism, take time to rethink the meaning of baptism in your own life.

Loving God, as we remember the baptism of your beloved son, we rededicate our lives through repentance, faithfulness and discipleship. Pour your grace upon us as we seek to follow your will. Amen.