Christmas 1

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 28, 2014

Ancient Orthodox icon of Saint John Theologian

First Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Isaiah’s great book of prophecy has reached its closing chapters, the people have returned from exile; even if there is plenty of hard work yet to be done, the mood is joyous and exultant. You may notice that this reading overlaps our Isaiah reading two weeks ago, repeating the appealing images of the people as a joyous bridal pair, looking forward to a new life together, and of God as a nurturing gardener. Now we celebrate the new Zion’s righteousness and praise for God as a example to all the nations.

Psalm: Psalm 147

God’s promises have been fulfilled! Praise the Lord, or in the original Hebrew, Hallelujah! One of the five Psalms of praise and triumph that complete the Psalms, the hymn book of the ancient Temple, today’s Psalm rings in harmony with our Isaiah reading, exulting in the people’s return from exile to rebuild Jerusalem with God’s help. And again we see an image of God as nurturing keeper of a divine garden, sending gentle rain for grass and crops and finest wheat, nurturing food for our flocks and herds and for us all.

Second Reading: Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7

Note well that throughout his short letter to the Galatians, Paul is arguing in fierce conflict against some in the early church who demanded that gentile converts follow the strict Jewish law. We should be careful not to interpret these words as anti-Jewish or as suggesting that the new covenant abolishes the old. But we can all celebrate his ringing conclusion to this passage, celebrating our joy in being adopted without restriction as God’s heirs and children through Christ.

Gospel: John 1:1-18

While Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels start with the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, and Mark’s begins with Jesus’ baptism, John’s Gospel is decidedly different. Poetic and spiritual, rather like a hymn, it sings the glory of God’s own word becoming flesh, living among us, lighting up the world. The Word that was in the beginning with God, when God said, “Let there be light,” is now, will be, and in God’s time always has been, incarnate as human flesh, Jesus, God with us.

Advent 4B

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 21, 2014

Magnificat e Visitação, the Visitation and the Magnificat.

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Does God need a house? King David, consolidating his earthly kingdom, was dissatisfied with the people’s custom of keeping the Ark of the Covenant in a mere tent. David wanted to build a great temple for God to live in. But God, speaking through the Prophet Nathan, dismisses this idea. God lives with the people. God’s home, David hears, is with the House of David, the dynasty of God’s people, the family that Christians would understand as the “family tree” of Jesus. As we hear in today’s Gospel, God gives Jesus “the throne of his ancestor David.”

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

The Psalmist celebrates God’s covenant with David, a royal lineage that God established to last forever. Even through the devastation of war and the pain of exile, when Israel and Judah might have wondered if God’s promise had been revoked because of their failure of righteousness, the prophets continued to foretell a new King David, who Christians would recognize in Christ, the Messiah.

Psalm: Canticle 15

In place of a Psalm today we sing the Magnificat, the beautiful words from Luke’s Gospel that we often hear in Morning and Evening Prayer. As we hear in today’s Gospel, the Angel Gabriel has told Mary that she will give birth to King David’s heir, the Messiah. When she feels the infant move in her womb, she rejoices in a poetic celebration that echoes the words of the prophets: thoughts that, perhaps, her son Jesus would hear from his mother: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.”

Second Reading: Romans 16: 25-27

Throughout his letter to the Romans, Paul has encouraged Rome’s Gentile and Jewish Christian communities to heal their differences and get along. Now, in a ringing doxology that concludes the epistle, he emphasizes that God’s covenant with the people, expressed through the prophets, is given for all humanity. Through Jesus we all live forever in glory!

Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38

As Advent draws to a close and the joy of Christmas and the birth of Jesus draws near, we hear Luke tell the familiar story of the Angel Gabriel’s visit to a young Palestinian woman named Mary. Through God’s Holy Spirit this young virgin will give birth to a son named Jesus, who will inherit King David’s throne and rule over an eternal kingdom. She responds to this amazing news with simple, trusting acceptance: “Let it be with me according to your word.” And then, in following verses, she will go on to utter the poetic, prophetic words of the Magnificat, the Song of Mary.

Advent 3B

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 14, 2014

John the Baptist in the Wilderness

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

It’s Rose Sunday! Today we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, and our Advent readings start to turn from the hope and fear of end times and Judgement Day to thoughts of the Incarnation, the Messiah, the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. The Prophet Isaiah speaks to the people returning from exile to a devastated Jerusalem, assuring them that God’s good news comes to the poor, the oppressed, captives and prisoners. Later, according to Luke’s Gospel, Jesus will read these same verses in the synagogue at Nazareth, declaring that this scripture was fulfilled on that day.

Psalm: Psalm 126

Today’s Psalm sings the people’s joy at God’s promise through Isaiah having been fulfilled for the people, as it joyfully exults that God did, indeed, restore Jerusalem’s fortunes. God has been good. God has turned the people’s tears into songs of joy; their weeping into a bountiful harvest.

Psalm: Canticle 15

In place of a Psalm today we sing the the Magnificat, the beautiful words from Luke’s Gospel that we often include in Morning and Evening Prayer. The Angel Gabriel has told Mary, a virgin, that she will give birth to the Messiah, the heir of King David. When she feels the infant move in her womb, she rejoices in a poetic celebration that echoes Isaiah and that, perhaps, her son Jesus would hear from his mother: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.”

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Closing his short first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul builds on his prior verses that had urged the people to be prepared in prayer and rejoicing for Christ’s return. He encourages them to be faithful and filled with the Spirit, seeking to do good and avoid evil so as to be ready – “sound and blameless” – when Jesus Christ returns.

Gospel: John 1:6-8,19-28

The Advent readings weave together in a pattern as this week’s Gospel shows us John the Baptist quoting the verses from Isaiah that we had heard in last week’s First Reading. Now, says John, he is in fact the voice crying out in the wilderness, calling on the people to make straight the way of the Lord. This is to be done not for his own sake, says John, but to make way for the one who is coming after him – Jesus – who is so much greater that John is unworthy to untie his sandals.

Advent 2B

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 7, 2014

Baptism of Jesus, Mosaic, Arian Baptistry in Ravenna, 500s

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

God is coming, so make the way ready. God is coming, so make ourselves ready. This Advent theme, following on last week’s readings, comes full circle in today’s Lectionary, beginning with the Prophet Isaiah and returning in the opening verses of the Gospel according to Mark. Last week’s Isaiah reading took us to the end of the book, when the people have come home to a devastated Jerusalem, filled with fear and hope. Today’s verses – familiar through their use in Handel’s “Messiah” – look forward to their return from exile. The prophet prays that God will comfort us, lead us like a shepherd, gather us like lambs in God’s protecting arms.

Psalm: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Today’s Psalm echoes Isaiah’s message, remembering the time of exile and rejoicing that God’s comfort, indeed, did come to the people. Yes, the people behaved badly. They sinned. But God has forgiven our iniquity, blotted out our sins, and returned us to the land in righteousness and peace. The straight highway that Isaiah foretold has become a path for God’s feet.

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a

The latest letter included in the New Testament, this second letter in Peter’s name was likely written down a century or more after the crucifixion. After so many years, Christ’s expected return had surely become a concern for the early church. What did this delay mean? Perhaps God’s time is not like our time: “One day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” Still, be patient, the author urges God’s people. Live holy and godly lives. Be at peace, and wait for God.

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Think about this: These are the first words of the first Gospel written, set down perhaps 30 or 40 years after Jesus died on the cross. Mark begins not with the birth of Jesus nor his death and resurrection, but by declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark portrays John the Baptist proclaiming the words of Isaiah. John stands as God’s messenger preparing the way for Jesus, the one so powerful that John is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. Jesus is coming to baptize us with the Holy Spirit!

Advent 1B

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 30, 2014

The Prophet Isaiah, Lorenzo Monaco, 1405-10

First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9 

One clear idea rings through today’s readings as Advent begins: God is coming. God may come quietly, quickly; God may come amid fire and upheaval. We had better be ready. Near the end of this great Old Testament book of prophecy, Isaiah speaks while the people are returning home to Jerusalem from exile at last. They must face up to harsh reality: This is not the city they knew, but a devastated landscape with a destroyed Temple and a remnant of defeated people. Oh, God, the prophet cries, come down! Show your might, restore your people. Form us into something new … and please forgive our sins.

Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

The Psalm, too, calls on God to hear the people’s prayers, set aside God’s anger, and restore Israel. The people have suffered. God’s punishment has forced them to endure their enemies’ derision and laughter. They have eaten and drunk their tears like bread and water. Please, God, the Psalmist pleads: Shine the light of your countenance upon us, save us, and we will never turn from you again.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Paul opens his first letter to the Corinthians in the formal style of ancient Greek correspondence. He greets and thanks the people of this church, and in doing so reassures them that Jesus Christ will soon return and find them strong and free of sin. Thanks to the grace and peace that God has given them, they will reflect God’s faithfulness in the fellowship of Christ.

Gospel: Mark 13:24-37

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of his hope for God to come and bring justice after the first destruction of Jerusalem. Now, while the Romans are destroying the city and the temple again, the Evangelist Mark hopes for Jesus’ return in power and glory. It is no wonder that Mark uses apocalyptic language as he imagines Jesus speaking of the signs and portents that will accompany his return. In three quick images, Jesus warns of a tumultuous time; advises his followers to watch for signs of his return; and urges them to be on the watch. Like the wise bridesmaids with their oil-filled lamps, we are wise to be ready, be awake, be alert.

Christ the King A

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 23, 2014

Mosaic of the Last Judgment from Ravenna, Italy c. 520CE

First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 

The long Pentecost season ends today, a festival day long known as Christ the King. For many of us, the idea of kingship may seem an echo of old times. But today’s readings suggest that Jesus Christ is a different kind of king, not a traditional patriarch but a loving shepherd. Ezekiel’s prophecy spoke to Israel in exile, praying for a new King David in a new Jerusalem where those who have suffered will be restored. For Christians, it’s hard not to look back and see Jesus reflected in these ancient verses, understanding Jesus as the perfect image of God in human form.

Psalm: Psalm 100

This joyous hymn, which Episcopalians may recognize as the Jubilate in Morning Prayer, carries out the image of God’s people as the protected sheep of God’s pasture, joyously singing thanksgiving and praise.

Psalm (Track 2): Psalm 95:1-7a

This joyous hymn, which Episcopalians may recognize as the Venite in Morning Prayer, carries out the image of God as king and shepherd. We are the protected sheep of God’s hand, joyously singing thanksgiving and praise.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

After spending a few weeks with 1 Thessalonians, perhaps the earliest of Paul’s letters, we now turn to Ephesians, a later epistle most likely written by a first century Christian a generation after Paul’s death. Perhaps working out the early church’s growing understanding of Christ, the author declares that God the creator has placed the resurrected Jesus at God’s right hand and given him authority over all things in heaven and in the church, his body on earth.

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Matthew now concludes his series of parables on the kingdom of heaven with this familiar reading. Recognizing the face of Jesus in the face of a hungry, thirsty, homeless person, sick and naked and oppressed, isn’t always easy, but Matthew leaves us in no doubt that this is the way to make God’s kingdom happen. Then Matthew turns from loving our hungry neighbor to warning that those who fail to do so will earn eternal punishment. This is a hard teaching. Do you think that Matthew is saying that, once we know what Jesus asks of us, we ignore his call at our peril? But remember, too, that the one who judges us is the one who loves us the most.

Pentecost 23A

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Robin Garr

Parable of the Talents

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 16, 2014

First Reading: Judges 4:1-7 

Our long trek through the ancestral stories of Israel draws near its end in the book of Judges. The people live in the promised land but don’t yet have a king. They have settled in to a cycle of behaving badly – “doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord” – then repenting, turning back, and restoring justice under a judge. Considering the patriarchal culture of the First Testament, it is quite remarkable that one of the most noteworthy judges was Deborah, a prophet and a woman, who with God’s help seems quite confident in ordering her generals into battle.

First Reading (Track 2): Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18

We have two more weeks until Advent, but our readings – reflecting an ancient tradition – don’t wait to turn toward Advent themes. Immediately after All Saints, we begin to hear alarming prophecies and puzzling parables about Judgement Day, waiting for Jesus, and the kingdom of God. The ancient reading from the prophet Zephaniah imagines a horrifying Judgement Day, when those who complacently and without humility ignored their duty to be righteous and just will reap what they sowed.

Psalm: Psalm 123

Subtly but sharply, today’s readings move from the female judge Deborah to a short, powerful Psalm of worship and praise that quite clearly looks to God in male and female imagery as both master and mistress. We can see inspiration for a theology of liberation here, too, in the Psalmist’s call for a preferential option for the poor, over against the contempt shown them by the rich and the proud.

Psalm (Track 2): Psalm 90:1-12

We are very small. God is very large. A thousand of our years pass in a moment for God, while our lives “pass away quickly and we are gone,” like grass that dries up in a day in the desert heat. The Psalmist – taken by tradition to be Moses, the only Psalm so attributed – petitions God on our behalf, praying that God may help us learn to make good use of the time that we are allotted.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

 In last week’s reading, Paul assured his church in Thessalonika that the Christians who had died before Christ’s return would not lose their opportunity to be with him in the kingdom. Now he urges them to be prepared. Using colorful metaphors – a thief in the night, and a woman’s sudden labor pains – he emphasizes that the day of the Lord may come suddenly and by surprise. Be faithful, he says; be loving; care for one another, and be ready.

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

It’s hard not to feel sorry for the third slave in today’s Gospel. Many of us would probably be just as cautious in safeguarding an angry master’s treasure. But look at what comes next in this series of parables about waiting for Christ’s return: The last judgement, when Christ will look for those who saw the face of Jesus in the hungry, the thirsty, the oppressed, sick persons and prisoners. Jesus hopes that we, like the first two slaves, will take risks and give of ourselves abundantly, that we may enter into the joy of our master.

Pentecost 22A

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 9, 2014

The Wise and Foolish Virgins. Unknown master, Flemish, oil on oak panel, c. 1480. Staatliche Museen, Berlin.

First Reading: Joshua 24:1-3a,14-25 

This week’s readings are challenging. They make us work to discern how these selections from Scripture might guide our lives. Here we see the people renewing their covenant with God as they enter the promised land. They recall their path out of slavery in Egypt, and they promise to be faithful to God, placing no other gods before God. But what do you think about the people’s gratitude that God drove out the Amorites who lived in the land to make a home for Israel? Does this troubling verse make you think about our treatment of the American Indians or Israel’s modern relationship with Palestine? How do you suppose God might expect us to interact with the world’s nations in modern times? 

First Reading (Track 2): Amos 5:18-24

This week’s readings are challenging. They make us work to discern how these selections from Scripture might guide our lives. The prophet Amos begins with a frightening question: What if God’s judgement does not go well for us? What if God rejects our prayers and turns away? What if we run from a lion only to be eaten by a bear!? But there is hope. As the verses that surround this reading assure us, when we seek good and not evil – when our justice and righteousness flow like mighty waters – then God will be with us.

Psalm: Psalm 78:1-7

We sing only the first seven verses of a very long Psalm today. The Psalm in full goes on to recount the sins and failures of the people, a sorry narrative that ends happily, nevertheless, with the love and skillful guidance of God. Today, however, we hear good news of God’s gifts to humankind, God’s words and teachings that we should pass down to our children and their children’s children.

Psalm (Track 2): Psalm 70
 
Today’s Psalm, too, begins on a dark note. The Psalmist is beset by enemies who would not only kill him but enjoy his misfortune and gloat over his losses. The Psalmist wants justice: Let those enemies suffer the shame and disgrace that they seek for him! Can the poor and needy who seek God count on God’s protection? God is great. But please, God, the Psalmist begs: Hurry, God, please. Don’t make us wait!

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Hey! Is this about the Rapture? Well, not exactly. Yes, some Christians do read this passage as a literal prediction of dead and living believers all being lifted up through the clouds to meet Jesus at the last trump. But most bible scholars find a simpler explanation: Early Christians expected that Jesus would come back and establish God’s kingdom very soon, while they still lived. But now it was a generation later, and some people were dying! Would they miss Jesus? No, says Paul. Be encouraged: All will be saved.

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

When Matthew tells us that Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven will be like this,” we can expect the following parable to challenge our expectations. Sure enough, this story is just as unsettling as the other “kingdom” parables we’ve heard recently: the outcast who had no wedding garment; the murderous vineyard workers; and the workers who were all paid the same. Here, the bridesmaids who didn’t plan ahead were locked out of the banquet, dismissed by the bridegroom, even though he was late, himself! Is Jesus telling us that the kingdom of heaven is unfair? No. Rather, the parable offers simple wisdom: Jesus, the bridegroom, is coming: Be ready!

All Saints A

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 2, 2014

Ancient All Saints painting from the Romanian Orthodox church.

First Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 

What a stirring scene for All Saints Day! The apocalyptic vision of John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, reveals a countless multitude of people from every race and nation – indeed, all the saints. All the world’s people are gathered to praise the Lamb, Revelation’s allegorical image for Jesus as both sheep and shepherd, both victim and victor, and the loving protector who guides us as a single multitude in all Earth’s glorious diversity.

Psalm: Psalm 34:1-10, 22

Most of the Psalms address God in prayer, but this one is different: The Psalmist here sings directly to the people, offering us wise counsel: As God’s saints and as God’s servants, we praise and worship God. We are small and humble. God is great and powerful. Yet when we are in trouble, when we are afraid, when we are hungry, we place our faith and trust in God and need not fear. Taste and see that God is good; happy are we who trust in God!

Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3

Biblical scholars believe that the three short letters of John were written neither by John the apostle, John the evangelist, nor John the author of Revelation. After all, John was – and is – a very common name! The first letter of John celebrates the abundant love of God that showers on us and makes us all God’s children. All of God’s children, all of God’s saints, are brothers and sisters through God’s creative love.

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Ah, the Beatitudes! The familiar opening verses of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, this list of blessings gives us a hint of how Jesus wants us all to live. But wait a minute! When we pay attention, as we should, don’t the Beatitudes turn our usual, comfortable vision of the world upside down? Blessings go not to the rich and powerful but to the poor, the meek, the hungry; those who seek peace in a world of violence; those who are oppressed and persecuted because they fight for justice? There is a message here for all God’s saints and sinners.

Pentecost 20A

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Robin Garr

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Oct. 26, 2014

Ancient Russian icon of Jesus giving the Great Commandment.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 

Here ends the Torah, the first five books of the First Testament, the Law. Moses has led the progeny of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph out of slavery in Egypt, received God’s commandments and made God’s covenant at Mount Sinai. He has wandered 40 years in the desert with a fractious people, and now comes within sight of the Promised Land only to meet God again, on another mountain top, and learn that he may see the land but that he won’t be allowed to cross over to it. Moses sees God’s promise fulfilled, but Moses will not live to enjoy it.

First Reading (Track 2): Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18

The central law that we love our neighbors as ourselves frames today’s readings, beginning with this encounter between God and Moses and returning in Jesus’ words in the Gospel. In a series of instructions that restate the moral code of the commandments, God’s words to Moses in this reading tell us how to be in good relationship with our neighbors. They culminate with the summary conclusion – the first place in the bible where this is explicitly stated as a rule – that we shall love our neighbor as we love ourself.

Psalm: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

This Psalm, attributed by tradition to Moses, sings praise for God’s eternal ongoing creation in which a thousand years pass like a day. In comparison, our lives are as evanescent as the grass that turns from green to brown overnight. Then the narrative turns to a plea as we ask God to hear our prayers, to turn toward us with loving-kindness and make us glad.

Psalm (Track 2): Psalm 1

Today’s short Psalm, the first in the book of Psalms, sings of the two paths that we may choose to take through life. In poetic verses that seem to foreshadow Jesus’ parables about the seeds that fall on variously nourishing ground, the Psalmist likens us to trees: The lush, fruitful and well-watered trees of the righteous who follow God’s way; and the weak trees that can’t stand straight, representing the way of the wicked. Which way shall we choose? The Psalm makes our options clear.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

It is interesting to “listen in” as Paul talks about one of his churches in Greece to the people of another neighboring church! The Philippians apparently had some big problems; someone there clearly didn’t treat Paul well. The people of Thessalonika, though, treated him kindly, developing a dear friendship that Paul likens to a nurse caring for her children. (Happily, by the time Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians several years later, all must have been forgiven, as it reflects a cordial relationship too.)

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46

We may think of Jesus’ words about the greatest commandment as profoundly Christian, deeply reflecting everything we know about Jesus. And this is true. But we should never forget that these words are deeply Jewish too. The “greatest and first” commandment, by Jesus’ own statement, directly quotes the Shema, the most important Jewish prayer; the second comes straight from the Holiness Code in Leviticus. Our spiritual heritage goes back a long way, and as Jesus told us earlier in Matthew, he did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets (that is, the first testament) but to fulfill it.

Illuminations

Welcome to Illuminations. We hope these brief reflections on Sunday's readings will help you prepare thoughtfully for worship.

Author Archives: Robin Garr