An Elder Pilgrim's Reflections

But Jesus rebuked him, saying,  “Be silent, and come out of him!”  And the unclean spirit,  convulsing him and crying with a loud voice,  came out of him."  (from Mark 1:21-28 ) I understand “Apocalypse” to mean: A. God destroying the powers of evil and raising the righteous to life in God’s kingdom. B. an event involving destruction or damage on an awesome or catastrophic scale, such as 911 My struggle begins with a mini-apocalypse as Jesus’ identity is revealed with the heavens torn open, the Spirit driving Jesus into a desert, being tempted by Satan, accompanied by servant angels, and wild beasts. This is a scene of gigantic spiritual threats. From his desert experience, Jesus preaches the apocalyptic idea of God’s Kingdom which is the core of Mark’s gospel 1:15: “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”. After preaching Jesus calls four fishermen who immediately leave their nets and follow him. My apocalyptic struggl...

"When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it." (from Jonah 3:1-5,10 ) Whale Watching trips are major attraction in Bar Harbor, ME. Book a trip, go and watch for a whale spout or breach, return to port, and compare whale tale sightings. I can't imagine any whale tales include being thrown overboard, swallowed, and spit out on the beach. Jonah’s fish fable creates a fun Bible narrative for children. Jonah’s fish fable is actually an adult moral tale designed to teach something about God, salvation and ourselves. Imagine how you, like Jonah, would feel if you were told to “Go to Ninevah,” the capital of your occupying force known for its brutality, and say God will overthrow this sin city in 40 days. Like Jonah you'd probably disobey God, get in a boat and go in the opposite direction. This isn’t what God says to do, so Jonah ends up...

Eli said to Samuel,  “Go, lie down; and if the Lord calls you, you shall say,  ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”  So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before,  “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said,  “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  (from 1 Samuel 3:1-10 ) What does it mean to be called by God? Does God's call happen to just a few, or is it part of our Christian life? 1 Samuel is set in Israel’s early life which had known strong leaders like Moses and Joshua. After these dynamic leaders, Israel divided into tribes at war with each other requiring a series of judges for these precarious times. God needed someone to speak because, “The Word of the Lord was rare in those times” and “all the people did what was right in their own eyes” God’s call begins with Hannah, who is barren, begging God for a child, and while praying, Eli, the priest, enters. Eli tells Hannah that her prayer...

The beginning of the good news about  Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. (from Mark 1:1-11 ) Alicia Vargas tells the story of picking up her six-year-old granddaughter from what she thought was her soccer game. She explained to me, “No, Nana, it wasn’t a game; we were only practicing skills, like kicking and running. Even soccer players have to practice the basics sometimes.” Amazing. True, isn’t it? Sometimes experienced disciples and church members have to go back to the beginning and review, practice the basics. The basics begin for the Gospel of Mark when John the Baptizer appears in the wilderness, people confess their sins, and are baptized for repentance. The basics continue as John the Baptizer says that while he baptizes in water, Jesus is coming and will baptize in water and the Holy Spirit. The basics conclude with Jesus’ baptism as the heavens are torn, the Holy Spirit descending him as a dove, and God’s voice declares Jesus is the chosen, the beloved Son. ...

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (from Luke 2:1-20 ) Can you imagine Christmas without manger scenes, children's pageants, candlelight services, caroling, and gift giving? Gift-giving, a pagan Winter Solstice ritual, evolved with Christianity, spread with the Three Wise Men, finally becoming Black Friday and last-minute shopping. Luke intended the Nativity story to define Jesus as Savior by comparing the political and economic differences between Jesus and emperor Augustus, an aspect overlooked by Christmas celebrations. Scholars point to these four verses:  1. "Emperor Augustus decrees a registration." (Luke 2:1 NRSV). This census counts people and properties for taxation and social control by making the rich richer and exploits the poor making them poorer. By decree, Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth, go to Bethlehem regi...

“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...

"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...