Singing the Lord's Powerful Song

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name

(from Luke 1:39-55)

I consider one of the greatest contributions of the Methodist Movement to be the hymns, both traditional and contemporary.

Within that tradition is Methodism's Great Day of Singing when the worship service is composed of music chosen by the gathered congregation which includes scripture and prayer.

Give me the blessing of a "Hymn Sing Sunday" and free my soul.

What stands out for me in this text is Mary's song, the Magnificat, a she sings about God's unexpected goodness in her ordinary life.

Mary is implying we also may encounter God's unexpected goodness during our daily routine, in the ordinary as well as the difficult activities of daily life.

Songs are power.

Mary’s song is in the past tense because she recognizes she has been drawn into relationship with the God of Israel.

The God of Israel has been siding with the oppressed and downtrodden since the Egyptian captivity, and has been making and keeping promises since the time of Abraham.

Mary's song recognizes that she’s included in this history of God's redemption.

Songs are powerful.

For several months before the fall of the Berlin wall, Citizens of Leipzig had been gathering on Monday evenings for a candlelight vigil around St. Nikolai church singing songs of hope, protest and justice.

They demonstrated a confident and courageous hope in God’s divine activity to save and redeem the world.

It seems to me that as we gather and sing Advent and Christmas songs in the face of the wars and chaos of our times, God is active as lift our voices and of God's redemption in our times.

Think about it: Today it seems as though hope in on a distant horizon. How does this story of possibility through singing ring true for you this season?

John's Witness of Light in the Darkness.

"There was a man sent from God, 
whose name was John. 
He came as a witness to testify to the light,
 so that all might believe through him." 

(from John 1:6-8, 19-28)

Light is essential to life.

Elaine and I are fans of PBS "Nature" program.

 The last three episodes have focused on the Arctic, it's relation to the seasons, and the impact of daylight.

 Just as the changing of Daylight-Saving Time impacts the rhythm of our lives, so it impacts all God’s creatures during the cycle of seasons.

Daylight’s life force and animating power diminishes, so does its animating force making Winter a difficult time due to the darkness impacting emotions, outdoor activities, and routine work.

Our Ancient Ones created essential festivals of light in the darkest and shortest days of the year.

Into the darkness of his day comes John the Witness, sent from God, to announce a coming light that darkness cannot overcome.

The light John the Witness mentions refers to Jesus, more than that this light is the animating life for all people.

This light of the world will continually shine and if darkness temporarily prevails, the light will overcome it because of a fundamental human need for light.

Perhaps while we wait to welcome the Word made flesh there might be a place or a way to shine the light of God.

We are living in times of spiritual and moral darkness, of human brokenness, and oppression.

Surely we could shine light for those experiencing evil, injustice, and oppression.

As we wait for the coming of Jesus possibly we could shine some light to the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and release the imprisoned.

Think about it: There is no shortage of the oppressed, brokenhearted and captive. Who needs your witness of God's light in your life this week?

The Way to Jesus

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness,

proclaiming a baptism of repentance

for the forgiveness of sins.

from Mark 1:1-8

Hope is a powerful force.

The hope of a coming Messiah led John the Baptizer from the wilderness, to the river, and calling for repentance.

The hope of justice in 1952 inspired Private Sarah K. Evans on her way home from her first military assignment, to refuse to move to the back of the bus.

The hope of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman encouraged, a black teenager, Claudette Colvin, in 1955 to refuse to surrender her bus seat to a white person resulting in being handcuffed and arrested.

The Hope in the Civil Rights Movement prompted Rosa Parks to refuse giving up her seat in the "colored" section of the bus when the "white" section was filled.

Hope a better life drives migrants from Venezuela.

The hope of a future prophetic voice led me to baptized Phoebe Kim, my Pastor's daughter.

Hope is a powerful force based on Scripture.

Hebrews 11:1, 8-22, for example, describes Abraham’s faith in trusting God's goodness and ability to deliver on the promises God had made.

Hope is the way to Jesus when we feel the darkness of life hiding the way to Jesus.

Blind Bartimaeus discovered the light of Jesus when he cried out for healing, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

When we look at the violent, chaotic world around and within us and wonder about a way to Jesus, with the hope of Bartimaeus, we can call out “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us”

Think about it: In this season of holiday preparation, how do you slow down and look for a way to Jesus?

In Those Days...

But in those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,

and the stars will be falling from heaven,

and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

(From Mark 13:24-37)

But in those days….

On November 25, 2023, three 20-year-old students of Palestinian descent were visiting family and relatives for Thanksgiving break wearing keffiyehs showing solidarity with Palestine during the war in Gaza

And then darkness:
    The sun will be darkened,

    and the moon will not give its light."

The students were shot and injured near the University of Vermont in Burlington.

A suspect was arrested the following day and the Burlington Police Chief, after arresting a suspect, said the shooting was being investigated as a possible hate crime.

This isn’t the Burlington, Vermont I know.

After spending 20 years pastoring 3 churches in the Burlington vicinity, raising money for homeless shelters, and providing food and blankets for migrants, I have a very different concept of Burlington.

There are over 40 languages represented among Burlington students and their families; nearly one in five kids is an English learner.

Among the languages spoken at home are, Nepali, Somali, Maay Maay, Bosnian, Swahili.

The Burlington I know is the home of Ben & Jerry’s, Patrick Leahy, Bernie Sanders, Phish, and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts,

Burlington, however, is not paradise.

It is a place where one can catch a glimpse of what City of God may look like.

For example: the school district has a multilingual program allowing students to speak English and their native language at home.

Jesus describing a darkened sun, falling stars, shaking heavens is a sign of hope.

All one needs to do is wait, watch, and work mentally, physically, and spiritually. without adequate rest or sleep.

This our Christian calling: keep awake, watch for the signs, and work to build God’s kingdom.

Jesus insists: Keep awake.”

Think about it: Eclipse, earthquake, hurricanes. Feels like the end. How are you called to be a “woke” witness?

Jesus and The Coming Age

God put this power to work in Christ

when he raised him from the dead and

seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.

(from Ephesians 1:15-23)

Fellowship Time after worship is one of my Sunday pleasures as I talk with various people about where they are on their life journey.

Sometimes it's about a new direction in life, or a developing medical condition, occasionally kids and school, or community news. 

When a political discussion starts, I usually leave.

My reasoning is straightforward.

Kings, Queens, Dictators, Governments, have limited ability to solve whatever issue facing society is being discussed.

The authority of the world's rulers simply can't control the powers of a coming pandemic, not to mention climate change, racism, even inflation.

These situations may totally shatter peoples' lives no matter how hard or well-intended are the world's leaders efforts.   

Even more depressing is the fact that some world's leaders seem in cahoots with these powers, even profiting from them. 

God's response to these demonic, destructive powers is a coming age when the Son of Man arrives in glory, and all the angels with him, then seating him at the right on the throne of glory.

With Jesus Christ sitting at God's right hand with the final authority, all of these authorities, powers and dominions, are simply temporary rulers. 

It seems to me that Ephesians insists faith in Jesus and love toward Christians and all God's people defeats the raw power of government and the cruel mathematics of pandemics.

As Christians, Paul insists, we are a people of hope called to do local acts of faith which are based in Jesus seat at God's right hand.

Perhaps, the next time a political discussion starts, I'll ask, "where do you see Jesus?" or "What would you say in a prayer about your concern?"

Think about it: What would you say in a prayer for loved ones about the hope to which Jesus has called us? 

The Day of the Lord's Salvation

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, 

and put on the breastplate of faith and love, 

and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

(From 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

Krisopher Coffman, welcoming the birth of his first son, now realizes how fitting the imagery of labor is.

Though he knew that his wife would eventually go into labor, the last days of her pregnancy were full of waiting and watching. 

At any moment, they knew their lives would change forever, but could not predict it or escape it. 

In Jesus' day, time had two properties: One it was eternal, like death; Two it was cyclical, like New Year's Eve.

In 1 Thessalonians Paul is teaching the concept of time heading toward one destiny: The Day of the Lord.

The Day of the Lord has a catch however: it's hour is unknown coming with a "Great Tribulation".

To make it through the "Great Tribulation" means to be, "sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation." 

Paul's letters are not just for discussion, they are sent to address real communities in difficult moments of faith assuring them they are not destined for destruction.

The image on the latest issue of “Time” magazine is a 12-year-old boy sitting on some rubble overlooking the surrounding Gaza devastation.

It's a Great Tribulation for a parent with a child caught in addiction or alcoholism on a hard road awaiting healing and recovery.

When a crisis makes us ask "Where is God?" it's time to put on the breastplate of faith with its assurance we are not destined for destruction.

The Day of the Lord is the hope of salvation on the other side of the "Great Tribulations" we face globally, socially, or personally.

Did you know: 1st Thessalonians is the oldest book in the New Testament written before any of Paul's other letters and before the Gospels?

Think about it: What do you think the day of the Lord will be like?

Keeping Oil in Your Lamps

"Later the other bridesmaids came also, 

saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 

But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’

 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

(from Matthew 25:1-13)

In my youth, I owned an MGB-GT sports car.

I drove all sorts of places and had all types of adventures.

An MGB-GT has a dual carburetor design which required me to carry a small can of motor oil. 

If either carburetor ran out of oil, the car stopped, I would have to get out the oil can, open the hood, pump oil into the carburetor, and be on my way. 

This is the sense of the parable of the bridesmaids: keep oil in you lamp as well as some stored away so you don't run out while waiting for the groom.

This is what the wise bridesmaids did, prepared for the long, unknown wait since they neither knew the day or the hour.

The foolish bridesmaids, who also didn't know the day or the hour, weren't prepared for the long haul and began running out of oil.

The message of the parable is be prepared with oil and be ready for an unknown, long wait for the groom.

Waiting for the groom is clearly worth his arrival, because, as Isaiah said, faithlessness will fade away, but righteousness and praise will be restored.

More than that, when the groom arrives, the feast will begin, suffering and pain will be removed, and God's reign of justice and mercy begins.

As disciples living in an impatient society, 2000 years from the Resurrection, how do we keep oil in our lamps and wait patiently for the Groom?

Perhaps Wesley's means of Grace provides one answer: by works of piety and works of mercy.

Works of Piety like studying the scriptures, prayer, regularly attending worship keeps oil in our lamps.

Works of Mercy like visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, seeking justice, ending oppression and addressing the needs of the poor keeps us awake.

What do you think keeping awake means in everyday life today, and when and where do you do it?

The Protesting Beatitudes

When Jesus saw the crowds,

he went up the mountain;

and after he sat down,

his disciples came to him.

Then he began to speak, and taught them.

(from Matthew 5:1-12 )

It was customary for some Elementary school teachers to post a list of classroom rules at the beginning of the school year.

These rules set a code to live by so learning could take place and acceptable behavior defined.

When Moses met God on Mt. Saini, God gave him a set of rules, the Ten Commandments, to take to the people as a code of conduct.

The Commandments are a set of instructions on how to worship God and ethical behaviors

basic to Judaism and Christianity.

The first four concern relating to God and the remaining six are how God's people are to relate to each other.

When Jesus taught the disciples what is now known as the beatitudes, they were, first of all declarations of God’s grace.

When he sat down with the disciples, the beatitudes he spoke were not a list of "Thou Shall" nots, but a description of a series of contrasts between reality and Jesus' coming kingdom.

For example: when Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek”, in our world the meek don’t get the land, they get left holding the worthless beads. 

In the coming kingdom, God's eye is on them and they will inherit the earth.

This, says Jesus, is the way things are in the coming Kingdom.

Those meek do not have to do anything to attain the blessing of inheriting the earth, they have already been blessed. 

As we grow in God’s kingdom, we hope to become more like those named as blessed.

Think about it: How are the Beatitudes an act of protest against the current order of any time and place?

Reviving Our Souls

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;

the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple."

(from Psalm 19:7-14)

It seems to me this is a time of souls under stress. 

From Lewiston, Maine to the Israel-Hamas war to the Ukraine war and other areas of turmoil across the world, and personal issues, it's a time of souls under stress. 

As an English Lit. major in college I grew to appreciate diverse types of poetry and poets.

My appreciation for Robert Frost lies within the imagery, situations, or events, such as The Mending Wall, which examines the contradiction of cultural and physical boundaries.

However,  I have come to believe hymns are the poetry which give voice to souls under stress.

I have concluded this based on the conviction that music and singing are the voice of the soul and so, together, help release and express the soul under stress. 

Music and singing, then, are a Means of Grace.

The psalms, which were originally designed to be sung employ beautiful imagery, playful poetry, and elegant prayer-petitions.

Contemporary forms of psalms to be sung can be found in the United Methodist Hymnal both in the Psalter section and in other locations, such as Psalm 23 at #734.

Our hope beyond souls under stress lies in Sunday worship as hymns and songs are sung no matter the accompanying instrument.

Trapping Jesus

“Give therefore to the emperor

the things that are the emperor’s,

and to God the things that are God’s.”

(From Mt. 22:15-22)

Shortly after visiting my sister in Virginia, I received a notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation with a photo of my car.

The letter stated clearly, with substantiating evidence, that I exceeded the speed limit for a work zone, but since this was my first violation there was no monetary fine, but I could request a hearing if I so chose.

I HAD BEEN TRAPPED AND CAUGHT!!! 

This text from Matthew describes the Pharisees and Herodians setting a trap for Jesus hoping he will answer incorrectly and either offend the public or disobey Roman law.

The trap is asking Jesus about paying the emperor's' poll tax knowing either "yes" or "no" causes trouble. 

Jesus requests a coin inviting them to describe its' inscription.

The Pharisees and Herodians reply, "the emperor".

Jesus effectively avoids the trap by saying if it's the emperor's give it to him and as a citizen of Rome, act accordingly and obey Roman laws. 

But by avoiding this trap, Jesus sets up a situation in which each person must decide what belongs to God and what belongs to Caesar.

Jesus is teaching us to thoughtfully analyze the world, fearlessly determine the result, and then morally engage in the world based on what we believe is true.

The goal of life is not just defeating the empire with a "yes or "no" answers.

The goal of life is giving to God the things that are God's which means to love people, including enemies, strive after God's kingdom and righteousness, and live in hope between now and the future. 

Until the end, as citizens of heaven, our goal is continuing to pursue the way of God, gradually and completely.

Think about it: as a citizen of heaven, how are you giving to God the things that are God's?

Gods' Dining Invitations

"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king

who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 

He sent his slaves to call those who had been 

invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come."

(From Mt: 22:1-14)

My Niece's wedding was a glorious event held in an outdoor venue with the reception in a decorated, refurbished barn.

Dressed in a flowing white gown, she and her fiance' exchanged self-written vows becoming husband and wife.

Following dinner, tables were moved aside starting the high-volume, high-energy dancing of young people.

Watching people 50 years younger than me do an unrecognizable dance including light sticks is beyond description.

As I read the parable of the Wedding Banquet, the similarities were immediately recognizable.

Invitations to my Niece's wedding and the one in the parable's Kingdom banquet were sent out in either RSVP or personal invitation.

I have no idea, though, how many people responded to her invitation. with a "Sorry, can't make it" RSVP.

The king, though, gets "Sorry, can't make it" responses so he sends messengers to invite again because the banquet is ready. 

The messengers come back with "Sorry, we don't have time. We have better things to do" responses.

The banquets' ready the king sends messengers into the main street to invite anyone but the messengers are mocked and killed.

The outraged king sends his messengers into the streets to get anyone, good or bad, filling the banquet hall.

I am impressed by two aspects of God Jesus revealed in this parable.

First, Jesus implies, dining invitations to God's heavenly banquet are constantly sent.

God, Jesus implies, invites and invites and invites.

Second, dining invitations to God's heavenly banquet, means you are worthy of a place at the table.

With God's dining invitations finally based on justice, you may be seated next to someone you consider "bad" but God has decided is "worthy".

 God's dining invitation says that no matter what you may think or feel, there is a place for you at the table.

Think about it: Comparing the different two dining stories, where do you see God's Grace?

One Loaf, One Cup

 "Let me sing for my beloved 

my love-song concerning his vineyard: 

My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill."

(from Isaiah 5:1-7)

Living a sacramental life describes my pastoral ministry.

Baptism, I have concluded, through study and searching the Scriptures is when a person enters a covenant, by water and the Spirit, to Serve the Lord by resisting evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever form it presents itself.

Reflecting on these statements, I conclude baptism is a one-time event with the church offering Christians periodic opportunities to renew their vows.

It is, as one of my professors stated, a "ritual with responsibilities."

The Eucharist, sharing the loaf and cup in Jesus' name, is what sustains us as we strive to live out our baptism vows.

When we bless and share the cup we are proclaiming the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 

I was given a coffee mug from a church that had inscribed on it, "feeding the community, body and soul".

Baptism and Eucharist form my core beliefs and practices.

Thus, when I donate an item to the Food Pantry, I do it not only to feed a hungry person, but also as a way of "resisting injustice and oppression."

When I receive communion, I am proclaiming my Christian faith, as well as having my soul nourished by the Holy Spirit.

Communion asks us, will we produce the sweet wine of justice as God expected or produce the foul smell of injustice that ultimately offends God? 

Pressing Toward the Goal

I do not consider that I have made it my own;

but this one thing I do:

forgetting what lies behind and

straining forward to what lies ahead,

I press on toward the goal for the prize

of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

(from Philippians 3:7-14)

Each Summer Elaine and I would load our car with food, outdoor gear and stuff and head to Southwest Harbor, ME. for a seaside, spiritual retreat.

Sometimes we traveled scenic Route 2 through New Hampshire and Maine, other times Interstates 84, 495 and 95. 

Each Route provided vistas of hills and valleys as well as urban buildings and traffic.

Yet there was an "are we there yet?" sense to the journey.

As a Pastor, Elaine and I had been on the move for many years knowing there would be another move to another church, so there really wasn't a sense of having arrived or finally getting there.

The Apostle Paul describes his relationship with Christ as one of being "on the move" writing, "I press on toward the goal."

This is an "are we there yet?" as he presses on, moving from his accomplishments to the goal he wishes to obtain.

John Wesley would call this "going on to perfection" striving for the goal of "the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus".

Being on a journey is a major theme in the Scriptures and a description of our lives which includes vistas and urban traffic on our way to "perfection".

Knowing Christ is pressing toward our heavenly call realizing that no one has arrived yet, everyone is on a journey going on to perfection.

Think about it: what have been the vistas or urban traffic in your pressing toward perfection?

Learning God's Ways

Lead me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all day long.

(from Psalm 25:1-9)

A Certified Lay Speaker in my first appointment wanted to preach, so together we designed a worship service.

The Lay Speaker said, "I'll do the Pastoiral Prayer."

I replied, "Actually, it's pronounced "pastoral", there's no "i" in the word.

"No", the Lay Speaker said with certainty, "it's Pastoiral. 

It quickly became apparent this wasn't a teachable moment because the Lay Speaker was insisting on "pastoiral" 

Jesus faces something like this going into the temple and begining to teach.

The priests and chief elders want to know Jesus' source and authority to teach, and who gave Jesus permission.

Jesus answers: "the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.” 

Why this answer? Because these sinners experienced a teachable moment by believing John’s testimony about Jesus.

It seems to me God teaches us humility, trust and joy beginning in verse 1 “To you, Oh Lord, I lift up my soul."

As In Jesus' day when people worshipped, they lifted their hands to receive God's blessings which included instruction, learning "God's ways", and trust "you are the God of my salvation."

Yes, the psalm composer, like us, wants teachable moments and trusting God, but that includes the desire to be with God, to "walk God's ways".

What good does it do to learn God's ways and then not walk in them?

Walking in God's ways, though, is two-way communication as the author listens to God but boldly tells God "not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions".

This is amazing, teachable moments come when we realize, in times of trouble, that God is with us and we walk together. 

Think about it, when have you been changed by a teachable moment provided by God?

How Many Times Jesus?

Then Peter came and said to him, 

“Lord, if another member of the church sins against me,

 how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”

 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but,

 I tell you, seventy-seven times. 

From Matthew 18:21-35 

Twenty two years have passed since I watched the destruction of the Twin Towers and attempt of the Pentagon. 

Instantly, the world and everything i knew was different and the world as was changed forever.

September 11, 2001, feels like a lifetime ago.

A calamity like that provides a major historical divider, but it's impossible to understand and use in my daily life.

So, I find other opportunities to use as markers othat are evidence of God's sustaining grace my daily life. 

Peter’s question here is one that may cause us to look in two directions.

One direction is looking back at 9/11 trying to understand it and grieve the destruction and violence. 

The other is looking forward by celebrating the courageous actions of mercy from first responders and the solidarity 9/11 created within us.

The choice to move forward is based on hope, possibility and the grace of God. 

Forgiveness is about lifting a burden, releasing a debt, refusing to allow the past to define the future.

 This is the lesson Jesus is teaching when Peter asks how many times to forgive before starting the biblical process, seven?

Jesus answer, 70 times 7, means always, which is the point of the parable.

How do we do that?

I my conviction is that God,  through Jesus, takes our  brokenness and suffering giving it a future that is, finally, good.

I amalso convinced that God is relentlessly working to bring redemption and healing even from the most difficult of circumstances whether globally, nationally or personally. 

God's Generosity

"Am I not allowed to do what I choose

with what belongs to me?

Or are you envious because I am generous?’

So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

From Matthew 20:1-16

By way of explanation, last Monday I ran into unexpected technical issues while trying to send "Reflections" from my phone. 

Basically, Maine isn't necessarily the hub of hi-tech communications and I'm a novice at sending group emails from my phone.

Thus when this sentence started my research, "Describe in a word or two what you think is the meaning of parable of the laborers in the vineyard about," I learned Jesus was teaching about the 9th commandment, thou shall not covet.

Meaning, don't covet what God chooses to bless.

For example, God chose to give Elaine and I the blessings of the scenes below. Notice the ships, lighthouse, pond.

pond w.mountains

Scenic Harbor

 Lighthouse view on boat ride

 After 5 days of fog views, we would have preferred different blessings.

I am certain God blessed others with magnificent views of the harbor, lighthouse, and pond.

Should I complain to God, the response would be: "Am I not allowed to do what I choose

with what belongs to me"

In other words, God gives blessings equally, look for and appreciate the blessings you have been given.

Meaningful Cross-bearing

Then Jesus told his disciples,

“If any want to become my followers,

let them deny themselves and take up

their cross and follow me.

For those who want to save their life will lose it,

and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

(from Mt. 16:21-28)

My college life included taking a rural bus to town and walking to nearby Asbury Methodist Church.

Asbury was a large church in the center of Greeneville, Tennessee seating about 6-700 worshippers.

In 1958 it had a traditional service; hymns, scripture, preaching, and choral anthem.

The enduring memory I have of that worship was the closing chorus: verse 1 of Hymn 424: "Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free; No, there's a cross for everyone and there's a cross for me."

I felt that being 800 miles away from home, on a floor with students having very different morals from mine, (I don't get drunk on moonshine) was my cross to bear. 

My life journey opened new meanings of "self-denial" and "cross bearing". 

Matthew's fairly vague about self-denial, making it easy to misunderstand. 

Self-denial definitely doesn't mean remaining in an abusive situation and considering it one’s “cross to bear" and playing the victim. 

Neither is self-denial avoiding life's joys, blessings, and responsibilities calling it "self-sacrifice".

Denying myself chocolate during Lent isn't really self-denial.

Cross-bearing is better explained by Paul in Romans 12:9-21 where he lists virtues, actions, and attitudes.

Clearly, for Jesus, cross-bearing meant a price paid in blood. 

There people who like, Jesus, paid the price in blood, such as John the Baptizer, Stephen, and Oscar Romero.

For me, cross-bearing means serving others, as Jesus did, with compassion as one of God’s faithful disciples.

I think cross-bearing is about setting aside my agenda to meet others' needs, such as the hungry, the homeless, and the poor.

Cross-bearing means to me resisting evil, injustice and oppression forms they present themselves.

These types of cross-bearing bring a meaningful life, provide a glimpse of God’s Kingdom, and offer hope in hopeless situations.

Think about it: What crosses has God asked you to take up so far, and what has been their impact?

When You’ve Lost Everything

For the LORD will comfort Zion;

he will comfort all her waste places,

and will make her wilderness like Eden,

her desert like the garden of the LORD;

joy and gladness will be found in her,

thanksgiving and the voice of song.

(from Isaiah 51:1-6)

Maui's images are apocalyptic. 

The disastrous wildfire sweeping across the village destroying buildings as it burned.

The scenes of people fleeing into the sea for safety as the fire burned furiously with smoke choking them as they sat in the water.

The harrowing scenes of devastation left by the wildfire leaving survivors with questions about housing and recovery.

The "places of waste" with burned houses, historic buildings, and motor vehicles.

The widely admired community banyan tree's canopy is scorched, its leaves dead, and its burnt bark and limbs give it an ashen appearance.

The recovery and rebuilding are estimated to take years.

When you've lost everything, what is the source of stamina to rebuild and recover from such wreckage and desolation?

The Israelites were a broken and defeated people taken in chains to Babylon, losing their temple, their homes, their way of life. 

Displaced and disoriented, God’s people know only loss and death with the world they knew a fading memory limiting their vision to decades of captivity ahead. 

They describe their situation with words of scarcity such as: “wilderness,” “desert,” “waste places”. 

When you’ve lost everything, it’s easy to safeguard what little is left, gripping tightly to protection, suspicious of others’ motives and needs. 

These verses from Isaiah celebrate what God will accomplish among the exiled people offering comfort, hope, and a vision of abundance. 

For the LORD will comfort Zion; 

he will comfort all her waste places, 

and will make her wilderness like Eden, 

her desert like the garden of the LORD; 

joy and gladness will be found in her, 

thanksgiving and the voice of song.

As the LORD did for Zion, so will the LORD do for Maui by bringing comfort, hope and abundance.

As the LORD did for Zion and Maui, so God's work continues.

To see the work of God's hands, God’s dream—Eden, garden, deliverance, abundance,

Isaiah says , "lift up your eyes...my deliverance will never be ended."

When you've lost everything, lift your eyes to see God's everlasting salvation and deliverance.

The Persisting Woman

"She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs

that fall from their masters’ table.’

Then Jesus answered her,

‘Woman, great is your faith!

Let it be done for you as you wish.’

And her daughter was healed instantly."

(from Matthew 15:21-28)

My hearing aids make sounds louder, but they aren't perfect. 

That's why I have to say "What?" frequently and why Elaine asks, "Did you hear what I said?"

Other times Elaine raises the volume of her voice several decibels and I reply, "well, you didn't need to yell!"

Folks who don't understand how hearing aids work, wonder why I give strange answers to questions such as, "would you like water or coffee?" and I respond, "yes".

The Canaanite woman was shouting at Jesus, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David”,  since she knows of Jesus' power and willingness to show mercy on all who approach.

She seeks a personal mercy because her daughter is tormented by a demon and she knows that what impacts her child, affects her as mother.

In her culture, women’s words are usually met with silence, interruption or, disrespect by men, including the disciples who consider her an annoyance.

The Canaanite woman clearly stated her need, shows respect for Jesus calling him "Lord", and identifies herself as a distant relative, "Son of David".

Yet Jesus ignores her.

She persisted! 

She didn’t go away; she won’t be dismissed! 

She shouts louder!

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!!!

Finally, recognizing cultural differences, she says, Now listen here, Jesus, it's not fair to feed the dogs with the children's food.

Jesus hears the Canaanite woman and simply replies, “Let it be done for you as you wish"

and heals her daughter.

Jesus declares that her self-determination, which he calls faith, has led to the healing.

This is a story of self-determination leading to change leading to hope.

 

Jesus hears us, through persistence, no matter the shouting or turmoil around us, providing hope when life seems hopeless.

Think about it: When have you experienced a need to persist so Jesus hears? How did that lead to change? 

Jesus' Life-giving Feast

Taking the five loaves and the two fish,

 he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves,

 and gave them to the disciples, 

and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 

And all ate and were filled

(from Mt.14:13-21)

Hedding United Methodist Church in Barre, Vt. recently remodeled its kitchen enabling them to host and feed anyone coming to their "community dinners".

Their mission of "Feeding the community: body and soul" is lived out with a nutritious, hot meal as well as musical entertainment.

Understanding the significance of their mission is best grasped knowing Barre's context.

Barre is a diverse city economically and culturally including the affluent, working class, and destitute. 

Understanding Matthew's story of Jesus feeding the 5000 also requires understanding the setting and context.

Before Jesus feeds the 5000, Herod is hosting a birthday party including elite, powerful attending.

At this event, one of the powerful demands the head of John the Baptizer served on a platter, and receives it.

First, the Roman Empire in Jesus time had significant inequalities involving food availability.

Lack of food meant people struggled daily, otherwise poor nutrition experienced sickness and disease.

Second, the bible clearly says God’s will is that hungry people are be fed as happened in Exodus (see Exodus 16).  

Third, people expected God’s empire to have of abundant food and feasting for all.

With these contexts, Jesus heads to a deserted place followed by a crowd needing to be fed.

Jesus sends the disciples into town to find food and they return with 5 loaves and two fish.

Jesus hosts this meal by blessing the food and distributes it to the crowd.

Jesus hosts a life-giving feast enacting God’s will of feeding hungry people anticipating the food abundance described by Exodus and Isaiah. 

The context of the 21st Century is one of great diversity resulting in economic and social injustice. 

Today, gathering at the Lord's table, Jesus hosts a life-giving feast reminding us of the abundance of hope, love, and justice in the age to come.

What do you think: What physical or spiritual need do you feel is greatest?

Jesus, Our Hope in Troubled Waters

When evening came, Jesus was there alone, 

but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, 

was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 

And early in the morning Jesus

came walking toward them on the sea.

(From Mt 14:22-33) 

Chesuncook Lake, the third-largest lake in Maine, is approximately 22 miles long, 1–4 miles wide, and about 150 feet deep.

As Scoutmaster, I was leading older scouts on a canoe trip on Chesuncook because it qualified as High Adventure 50-mile trip.

On the second day, the wind became strong threatening to swamp the canoe in the widest, deepest part of the lake.

The solution to staying afloat was having the scout in the bow, paddle hard and using a cross-bow stroke. 

The unmotivated scout just didn't feel like it.

Until God sent the wind catching the canoe, turning it sideways, broadsiding the canoe with a wave drenching us in cold water.

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit inspired the scout to "feel like it".

There's a deeper story in the Gospel if we look at Jesus' action rather than Peter's faith.

'Early in the morning, between 3- 6 a.m.' a storm arises battering their boat with waves.

They're terrified!

The horrified disciples imagine a ghost coming toward them on the sea, considered the place of evil and chaos.

Old Testament salvation stories, such as Exodus, are about God's former saving acts while this story concerns God's future saving acts through Jesus.

So, Jesus walking on the sea indicates God has given Jesus authority over the created order, including chaos and evil.

Jesus immediately meets them at the boat saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

"It is I" is better translated from the Greek, as "I Am" God's word to Moses.

Jesus is saying, "Take heart, it is the Son of God; do not be afraid.

The hope in the disciple's stormy crisis is Jesus, the Son of God, is coming.

The hope in our troubled waters, in our chaos, is Jesus saying, "the Son of God, is coming! Do not be afraid!!!

Take heart, Jesus, the Son of God is coming!!! Do not be afraid!!!

Think about it: How did Jesus come to you in a time of crisis? 

What God's Kingdom is Like

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed

that someone took and sowed in his field;

it is the smallest of all the seeds,

but when it has grown

it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree

so that the birds of the air

 come and make nests in its branches.”

Two years ago, I planted several Peony bulbs.

The following Spring when one shoot sprung forth, I was delighted and feeling a sense of satisfaction.

I waited for other bulbs to send a shoot forth, but they were operating on their own time-frame. 

I waited patiently for any shoot to produce a bud which produced a flower.

This is year two and I wonder which will come first, a flower or the Apocalypse?

 

Reflecting on Jesus' parable of the mustard seed, I see a description of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus stresses the seed grows into something majestic and unimaginable becoming a sign of God's Kingdom.

For me, it's not the plant's size or growing into a shrub and then a 60' tree, but the kingdom-like qualities.

Healing is one quality of a mustard seed.

In Jesus day mustard was considered an antiseptic for treating for scorpion stings and curing toothaches.

Nutritious Food is also a quality of the mustard plant.

The mustard plants' berries may be eaten dried or fresh and are very nutritious being high in fiber and vitamins.

Surprise also describes God's kingdom.

When Jesus talked about the seed becoming a shrub and then a tree, it probably surprised people since the seed rarely produces a tree or shrub.

Shelter is another description for God's kingdom.

The listeners knew birds seldom, if ever, nested in mustard shrubs or trees, but they knew of trees hosting birds in passages like Ezekiel 31:6 and Daniel 4:12, where the image symbolizes God's Kingdom.

For me, when Jesus describes God's Kingdom, he is saying it's an amazing place of healing for tired, sin-sick souls, being fed bread from heaven, and a miraculous shelter.

Jesus is deliberately describing the Kingdom of God as an astonishing, extraordinary place of hope where God is present and active among us.   

Think about it: When or where have you seen a small seed of faith magnified into something greater?

A Story of Deliverance

"For great is your steadfast love toward me;

 you have delivered my soul

 from the depths of Sheol."

(from Psalm 86:11-17)

On June 23, 2018, a junior association soccer team chose to explore Tham Luang Nang Non, a karstic cave with complex deep recesses, narrow passages and tunnels.

Twelve members of the team aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old assistant coach went missing after setting out to explore the cave after a practice session.

Shortly after they entering the cave, team was stranded in the tunnels by sudden and continuous monsoon rains partially flooding the cave system, blocking their way out and trapping them deep within.

They were stranded and out of contract for over a week since all rescue attempts to locate the group were hampered by rising water and strong currents.

Rescue efforts grew into a massive operation amid intense worldwide public interest which involved international rescue teams involving nearly 10,000 people.

Between July 8 and 10, all 12 boys and their coach were rescued from the cave by an international team.

This is a story of how God works. 

The human story and biblical narrative tell us that when we unintentionally wander into unfamiliar places, get lost, and require rescue, God knows our need for deliverance.

One form of deliverance comes through Jesus Christ who claims to be “the way, the truth, and the life."

The psalmist can call boldly to God, confident both of God’s will and of God’s power to deliver from the depths of Sheol, darkness.

Like the psalmist, I am confident that God's will and power will deliver us from whatever darkness we find around us, be it a personal crisis, social injustice, or natural calamity. 

Even in these darknesses, we are all able to confidently sing praises to the Lord for t deliverance stories around us.

Think about it: What were the circumstances that brought about your deepest spiritual need and God's deliverance? 

The Inspiring Word of the Lord

"For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hand"

(from Isaiah 55:10-13)

Vermont is experiencing a catastrophic flooding event.

As my District Superintendent described it, "the rain falls and the flood waters rise".

Barre, where I lived, and Montpelier, were inundated with rain causing the flooding and covering streets with mud.

Montpelier, for a time, evacuated residents, two of whom I know.

Montpelier cancelled a boil water order  due to contaminants and closed the main streets.

Small towns, such as Weston and Londonderry, were flooded and temporarily isolated.

Roads and bridges have been washed away including the historic Queechy covered bridge

Reflecting on the impact of this catastrophic event, two thoughts occurred to me.

First, there is an economic consequence to local businesses and the towns and cities as they attempt to recover.

The costs will be astronomical.

Second, there is a spiritual impact as people cope with the upheaval. 

Feelings such as grief over lost possessions, confusion about what's next, questions about restoring life a new normal instead of the former things.

Imagine the emotions of the 96 year old woman who lost everything.

Putting things in proper perspective, the words from Isaiah are about the Word of the Lord accomplishing what it is intended to do.

God’s Word gives life.

God's Word is intended to give life and accomplishes it, because as Isaiah says God’s Word that does not return empty.

Israel needs to hear this because of the Exile, Babylonian captivity, homeland invasion, and Temple's destruction.

God's Word restores hope which inspires praise.

God's Word gives life and restores hope even as Vermont experiences catastrophic flooding.

In our own lives, when we experience a catastrophe, an upheaval, or a soul-sickness, God's Word restores hope and inspires praise. 

Perhaps as we imagine returning to dry lands, mountains and hills bursting into song, trees clapping hands, we will experience new life from the Word of the Lord. 

Think about it: how does the Word of the Lord inspire you in difficult times?

The Assurance of Sabbath Rest

"Come to me, all you that are weary 

and are carrying heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

(from Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30)

The evening news stresses my soul.

I watch the 6 O'clock news and the 8-10 O'clock analysis and commentary of major events including on-location of the Ukraine War.

It's possible to disconnect from the evening news by pushing a remote button and watching "Jeopardy".

For me, that's irresponsible discipleship because I would also be disconnecting from those weary and carrying heavy burdens such as the traffic director on a road crew in the summer heat or the undocumented worker in a Florida citrus grove.

After all, Jesus taught the disciples, the weary ones were the sick and the lame, the lepers and demon-possessed, the tax collectors and sinners, the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the persecuted.

Ordinary folk labored wearily under the weight of their low social position within the Roman society based on secure wealth, status, and power at their expense. 

"Take my yoke upon you," Jesus says, and you will find rest.

Jesus' invitation is an assurance for the ordinary folk laboring wearily to find rest for their souls.

For Jesus, rest was an image of salvation, of what the world will finally look like with God’s purposes enjoying complete Sabbath.

Under Roman occupation, yokes were laid on the necks and shoulders of oxen, prisoners of war, and slaves.

Jesus is offering a liberating yoke: the assurance his teaching and way of discipleship, are life-giving, not oppressive.

Taking up Jesus' yoke is joining God’s kingdom of justice, mercy, and compassion breaking into this world, and finding the sabbath rest for which the soul longs.

Life yoked to Jesus under God’s grace and mercy, frees the burden of sin and the need to prove oneself.

The assurance of the Sabbath is resting deeply and securely in God’s grace.

Think about it: What is truly restful? What spiritual practices help you put down your burdens?

A Cup of Water

and whoever gives even a cup of cold water

 to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple

—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

There's something holy about sharing a cup of cold water. 

Surely there's holiness in the simple act of compassion when one person takes the time to recognize thirst in another and quench it. 

Certainly, it's a gesture refreshing a thirsty soul wandering in a spiritual desert.

Sharing a cup of cold water facilitates a holy hospitality in our ever-increasing society of disrespect. 

Probably it's a way of teaching holiness to new disciples, "little ones", regarding the meaning of caring for others in Jesus' name.

Clearly, it's a sign of hope in a world that doesn't seem to have a sense of justice and longing for the new age Jesus talked about. 

These types of holy actions are definitely a something and individual can do as part of being a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus reminds the disciples he represents God's vision of a new age, therefore the disciple offering a cup of cold water in Jesus' name represents that same vision.

The book of Acts names people such as Ananias of Damascus, Simon the Tanner, Cornelius, Lydia, Prisca/Aquila, Sergius Paulus, whose hospitality helped Jesus' mission of building God's new age. 

The Jesus promises to reward disciples who find a way to bless the ones offering cups of cold water either now or at the end of the age. 

Think about it:  Is Jesus is calling us to respond with simple kindness? A way of being? A ministry for the church?

The God of Sparrows

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground 

unperceived by your Father. 

And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 

So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

(from Mt.10:24-39)

Fear is a powerful emotion.

Trust me, I know first-hand.

I took a youth group to the observation site on Place' Ville Marie with its awesome view of Montreal. 

The elevator doors opened revealing the observation site as glass from ceiling to floor. 

The youth ran right to its edge and looked out upon this incredible scene.

Terrified, I leaned against the wall as far from the edge as possible.

Now imagine Jesus gathering the disciples around and describing their mission.

Their mission? Proclaim: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons'

The disciples, eager to continue Jesus' mission, realize it is dangerous and may cost their lives.

Jesus understands fear as reason for the disciple's failure upon leaving the safety of their homes and families.

Following Jesus and  proclaiming the coming of God’s reign, may cause them to finally succumb to fears' power and want to quit. 

Jesus tells them three different times, "Do not be afraid".

The God of sparrows, Jesus says, God cares for them virtually like two sparrows worth a penny of which you have more value.

The God of sparrows knows your fears and is with you.

Fear is a universal and powerful force motivating our society and our own lives so we are taught to fear the larger world as well those who are closest to us.

So then, where their hope in the face of fear?

Jesus naming out loud the suffering and its causes freed them from the stubborn grip of fear.

As it was with them, so it is with us.

Naming our fears aloud to the God of sparrows frees us from their control.

God knows our life's ups and downs' caring more for us than the sparrows.

Think about it: how can fear be an agent for growth?

Dominos and Grace

“Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob,

and tell the Israelites:

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how

I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself."

(from Exodus 19:2-8a)

I met the 17-year-old and his family were walking past our house with luggage and plastic bags. 

I asked about this odd procession, a single mom with three boys, and discovered they recently moved into the neighborhood and were walking to the laundromat because they had no car. 

When I met the family again on the way to the laundromat, I asked the teen if he would help me with yard work for a little cash.

"Yes, sir," he replied.

He arrived on the set day and I showed him how to use the trimmer. 

When he finished trimming, I invited him to share some water as we sat on our deck. 

As we chatted, I asked him if he knew how to play dominos.

"No, sir, but I'd like to learn."

We set up a time, he arrived, learned how to play, and we played several games.

During the game, he shared his journey beginning with a cataclysmic event causing his mom to lose her $160,000 salary to more than a year in homeless shelters, to their current home. 

Our Dominos game was an occasion of Grace.

By Grace an epiphany opened me to the experience and emotions of events leading to homelessness.

A face was put on the homeless people I have encountered at church, the Bowery Mission, and at the Port Authority Bus Terminal meal site.

By Grace, the Exodus reading, which relates an account of the past, present, and future of God's people, becomes eternal.

By Grace, God's Covenant with God's people is an assurance of salvation toward a new future. 

By Grace, the LORD, will raise up as on wings of eagles, the wanderer, the seeker, and the prophets.