John 2:1-11 Ordinary 2C Jesus’ first sign is turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Jesus, Mary and Jesus’ newly called disciples are all in attendance. Horror of horrors, the hosts of the wedding reception run out of wine. Mary realizes the problem, and perhaps she can relate as a hostess who would want to be spared such embarrassment in front of the gathered community. She says to Jesus, “They have no wine.” Note that Mary does not ask Jesus to fix the problem. She simply tells her son, “They have no wine.” Jesus then responds cryptically: “What’s it to you or me? My hour has not yet come.” Huh? How does Jesus’ response relate to Mary’s statement? Then Mary instructs the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Why? Jesus just said “So what?” about the lack of wine. Now Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them. How does this sequence of events go together? The editor in me wants to send this manuscript back to John and ask him to smooth out the … [Read more...]
The gift of limping
Reminders of human finitude take surprising forms. A recent back injury that refuses to abate has raised spiritual questions for me. Am I supposed to be learning patience? Giving thanks in all circumstances? Slowing down or grinning and bearing it? Should I read that account of Jacob and the angel a few more times and try to take away a lesson? Is God trying to get me to submit, repent, beg for a blessing? Or did I just hurt my back because I am human — prone to injury and illness, bound to die? Regardless, could my inability to walk with grace, wear stylish shoes and get up and down without wincing be a catalyst for plumbing deep questions about God and self, life and death, autonomy and interdependence? Some days I ponder such deep thoughts as I struggle to get out of my car. Other days I just wish to return to my pre-obviously-finite self. Every now and then I consider with increased compassion those facing chronic illness, unrelenting pain, degenerative diseases or an incurable … [Read more...]
Baptism of the Lord — January 13, 2019
Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Year C Do not fear. I have called you by name. You are mine. All the people were filled with expectation. Heaven opened. The Holy Spirit descended. God spoke. Would that all Sundays were as jam packed with divine super powers as Baptism of the Lord Sunday. Water, fire, Spirit, dove, Godly proclamation and affirmation. All those gathered that day around the river Jordan witnessed these supernatural phenomena. Would that all our worship services were so undeniably infused with the presence of the Triune God. If I surveyed those in the pews of congregations like the ones I know best – those mainline, now dubbed oldline, Protestant congregations located up and down main streets of towns and cities across American – and asked for one word to describe worship, what would it be? Take moment and answer for yourself. What’s the first word that comes to mind? Be honest. Was it “boring”? Maybe “cerebral”? Please don’t get me … [Read more...]
Epiphany — January 6, 2019
Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany Year C Nations shall come to your light. Gentiles have become fellow heirs. Wise men came from the East. On Epiphany, this first Sunday of 2019, it appears that God relished diversity and inclusion long before such goals became the responsibility of human resource departments, college administrators and appointed faith leaders. God shines light upon the people of Israel not for their own sake alone, but for the sake of the nations. So reflective of God’s glory will the Jewish people be that other peoples will be drawn to them and these other peoples shall also be radiant as a result. Paul tells the readers of his letter to the Ephesians the reason he is a prisoner for Christ Jesus is for the sake of the Gentiles. All he endures and undertakes brings the Gentiles closer to Christ and to God’s light bearing chosen ones in order that all will be members of the same body. Those who have been far off will now be brought close — … [Read more...]
Holy Spirit house of worship
Ineffable. The feeling that washes over you in worship or in a session meeting or at a community event in the church parking lot when you sense the presence of the Holy Spirit. Tangible, unmistakable, but difficult to describe exactly. Ineffable. The feeling that clings to you in worship or in a session meeting or at a community event in the church parking lot when you sense the presence of conflict, tribalism or indifference. Tangible, unmistakable, but difficult to describe exactly. Hang around congregations long enough and encountering both scenarios is inevitable. But what makes the difference between Spirit-infused and Spirit-adverse churches? It doesn’t take long to ascertain which stance prevails in any given faith community. The greetings (or not) of the “greeter,” the easy laughter (or not) in the congregation, the liturgical litany that is the weekly calendar printed in the bulletin, the content of the announcements, even the signage on the building and the … [Read more...]
Prayer for the New Year
God of our past, present and future, as the calendar turns and we greet another year, we ask not so much for answers to those questions that perplex us, but for confidence in your never-failing care for us. As we reflect on the year we leave behind, we begin with gratitude for the moments and the milestones in which we experienced your presence. As we look to the year ahead, we start with hope for a kinder, more just, lavishly loving world. Through all the years, we depend on the abundance of your grace, the generosity of your mercy and the unwavering promise of your compassion. Aid us, Almighty God, when we fail to be the people you create and call us to be. Comfort us, Abba, when we face times of sadness, loss and grief. Admonition us, Lord of all, when we neglect the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Guide us, Triune God, all the days of this new year, and indeed, every day of our lives until that time when we see you face to face. Amen. … [Read more...]
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