Easter 6C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for May 1, 2016

First Reading: Acts 16:9-15

An ancient Greek Orthodox icon of St. Lydia, wearing purple robes.

An ancient Greek Orthodox icon of St. Lydia, wearing purple robes.

As we move into the final weeks of Eastertide, our readings remind us that God’s love is for everyone, all earth’s nations and all earth’s people: Jesus did not come for only a chosen few. In our reading from Acts, we find Paul taking Jesus’ message into pagan Greece for the first time. He sees a man in a vision but, arriving in Macedonia, encounters a woman, Lydia, a wealthy and influential member of her community. Baptizing Lydia and her household, Paul begins the community that will become the church at Philippi, extending the Christian movement into Europe.

Psalm 67

This short but exuberant hymn shouts praise for God and all of God’s works, and asks for God’s blessing. All the earth knows God’s ways, the psalmist sings. Let all the world’s people praise God. God judges all the people fairly, and guides all the world’s nations. “May all the ends of the earth stand in awe of God.”

Second Reading: Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

As we read into the final chapters of Revelation, we suddenly recognize that the New Testament is ending with a vivid description of the author’s vision of life at the end of time. The final judgement has come, and all God’s people from all nations have come together in peace. Even earthly kings now worship a higher king in a city that needs no temple, for God is its temple; the New Jerusalem is so brilliant in the graceful glow of the Lamb that it needs no other light.

Gospel: John 14:23-29

John’s account of Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles extends through five full chapters. He tells them that must leave them, but tells them not to be afraid, assuring them that God the Father will come to them and Father and Son will be with them even when Jesus has gone away. The words that Jesus uttered just before his passion and crucifixion resonate with us again as the Ascension and Pentecost draw near: Jesus is going back to the Father, but they will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide the people in Jesus’ name. The people of God show our love by keeping Jesus’ word.

Easter 5C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for April 24, 2016

St. Peter's Vision.

St. Peter’s Vision. Late 19th century stained-glass window, Church of St. Peter, Nottingham, England.

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18

God’s love is for everyone, not just a few. This is the generous message that we hear throughout today’s readings. First we hear Peter explaining how a vision from God showed him that Christ’s message was not intended for his fellow Jewish believers alone, but for Gentiles as well. Sharing the gift of the Spirit through baptism without requiring conversion to Judaism must have seemed new and strange to these believers formed by tradition, but God’s message to Peter is clear, and God’s words overcome Peter’s prejudice.

Psalm 148

Like a symphony with a resounding final coda, the Psalms end in a series of hymns of praise that shout out God’s glory with ringing exultation. In this Psalm we behold all creation praising God. All the angels and the universe, the sun and moon, stars and heavens, all praise the Lord, as do fire and hail, snow and fog; domestic animals, wild animals – even sea monsters! All humanity, too, praises the Lord, old and young people, kings and their subjects, men and women: God’s glory is universal, and God gives us all strength.

Second Reading: Revelation 21:1-6

In the remaining weeks of Eastertide we move on to the closing chapters of Revelation. Heaven and Earth have passed away in this apocalyptic vision. Everything has changed! Earth and sea, creation as we knew it, is no more. Now God is coming to earth to live with mortals, as Jesus Christ had done; all humanity will be God’s people, and God will be with them in a world where all things are new. God will wipe away tears and banish mourning, crying and pain; God will quench all thirst with the water of life. Death will be no more!

Gospel: John 13:31-35

Jesus and the apostles are gathered at the Last Supper. Judas has just sneaked out to go betray Jesus, and we know that Jesus’ passion and death lie just ahead; yet Jesus begins his last words to his friends by reminding them all to love. In loving one another, loving our neighbors, loving even our enemies, Jesus has given us clear instructions to love all of God’s people, and through this abundant, universal love to show the world how Jesus loves us all. “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love … Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Easter 4C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for April 17, 2016

El Buen Pastor, painting by Cristóbal García Salmerón (1603–1666), Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

El Buen Pastor, painting by Cristóbal García Salmerón (1603–1666), Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

First Reading: Acts 9:36-43

Even in the midst of difficulty, we always have hope in God. This encouraging theme resonates through today’s readings, reminding us that God protects us, feeds us, washes away our tears and offers us life. The sudden death of Tabitha must have hit the infant church hard, as this hard-working disciple was known for her works of charity and made clothes for the group. Then Peter, filled with the Spirit, brings her back to life with a prayer and a command, just as Jesus had done with Lazarus and others.

Psalm 23

These comforting verses comprise what is surely the most familiar Psalm of all. It expresses our trust in God as a kindly, protecting shepherd, an image that Christians eagerly adopt for Jesus, the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Its comforting words offer us confident hope even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Although it turns darker momentarily as we envision our joy at dining sumptuously at God’s table while our enemies must only stand by and watch, it ends as full of hope as it began, accompanied by God’s goodness and mercy as we reside with God forever.

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

Since last week’s reading we have skipped over a chapter filled with striking, frightening symbols and allegories, and now we stand again with a vast crowd dressed in white, representing all nations, races and people; all united in worshiping the Lamb, Christ, our King. These are the ones who have come through “the great ordeal,” facing persecution for Jesus’ sake. Now they know joy with the Lamb, who has become their Shepherd and gives them the water of life, protects them and wipes away their tears.

Gospel: John 10:22-30

Is Jesus the Messiah? In the verses of John’s Gospel just before this, Jesus has declared himself the Good Shepherd. Now the group of Pharisees that has been quizzing Jesus becomes insistent, demanding that he end the suspense and tell them plainly if this is his claim. Jesus tells them not to ask for his words but to look at his works, the things that he has done in the name of God, his Father. His followers – his sheep – follow him willingly; and through their faith they will gain eternal life.

Easter 3C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for April 10, 2016

The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, Raphael, 1515. fresco, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, Raphael, 1515. fresco, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

First Reading: Acts 9:1-20

Saul was mean, and Saul was scary. He persecuted the early Christians with all his strength. But when Jesus confronted Saul in a blinding vision on the road to Damascus, everything changed. Matthew told us that Jesus said, “just as you did to the least of these … you did it to me.” Jesus tells Saul that by persecuting those who follow Jesus, he was persecuting Jesus. When Saul gets this – with help from a rather wary Ananias – his hatred for Christ and Christians falls away. Saul becomes Paul, who will go on to take the infant church to the world.

Psalm: Psalm 30

Today’s Psalm offers praise and thanksgiving to God in a specific context: It expresses the singer’s gratitude for having been restored to good health and rescued from an immediate threat to life. When God’s face is hidden from us, we live in fear; but God’s restorative mercy turns our wailing into dancing and makes our hearts sing. Think about this Psalm in the context of today’s other readings: Paul’s conversion turns his enmity to new life in Christ. Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus is wiped away as Jesus calls Peter three times to love him and to feed Christ’s sheep.

Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14

All the people of all the world’s nations, and all the animals of land and air and ocean, too, gather around the throne to worship the Lamb in this beautiful, metaphorical vision. In contrast with the bloody, frightening images of dragons and war-horses that fill the pages of Revelation, Christ, the king, is not pictured as a mighty emperor or a roaring lion but as a vulnerable lamb: a symbol of the Passover, a slaughtered victim that is now raised and glorified for us.

Gospel: John 21:1-19

In a narrative similar to Luke’s account of Jesus meeting two disciples on the road to Emmaus, John tells us that the seven disciples in their fishing boat didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Only when the stranger on the beach shows them how to fill their nets to bulging with a heavy catch does Peter recognize Jesus. Then Jesus, recalling the awful night when Peter denied him three times, asks three times whether Peter loves him, then commands him three times to feed Jesus’ lambs and sheep.

Easter 2C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for April 3, 2016

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Caravaggio, c. 1601–1602. Oil on canvas, Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam, Berlin, Germany.

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Caravaggio, c. 1601–1602. Oil on canvas, Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam, Berlin, Germany.

Acts 5:27-32

Jesus has died, Christ has risen! Jesus’ friends, filled with the Holy Spirit, are leading a movement. The apostles teach, they preach, and they perform miraculous healings, just as Jesus had done. The authorities, fearful that all this might attract unwanted Roman attention, aren’t any happier about this than they had been with Jesus. The high priest summons Peter and others for questioning, but Peter stands strong: God’s word, through Jesus – the one whom they had killed but who lives on at God’s right hand – overpowers mere human authority.

Psalm 150

We chant, sing or read a Psalm just about every time we gather to worship. The 150 Psalms cover a range of emotions, from pleas for help to calls for God’s blessing to anguished songs of lamentation. Psalms beg forgiveness, express hope, even call down God’s wrath. But the most joyful Psalms sing God’s praise, and Psalm 150, the hymn of joy that ends the book, musters a virtual orchestra to proclaim God’s glory with flutes and harp, strings and cymbals. Sing out loud as we celebrate the resurrection today.

Psalm 118:14-29

A week after Easter, we repeat much of last Sunday’s Psalm, underscoring its theme of joyful thanksgiving to God who protects us, brings us victory and becomes our salvation. Today we continue through the final verses, which turn from talking about God’s goodness to address God with loud hosannas, giving thanks for God’s favor and mercy. “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord,” we sing, in words that we will repeat when we sing the Sanctus in the Great Thanksgiving.

Second Reading: Revelation 1:4-8

Many Christians find Revelation hard to understand, even weird and scary, with its visions of lakes of fire, dragons, horsemen riding through rivers of blood … the number of the Beast! Today’s opening verses, however, give only a hint of the allegorical imagery to come. Originally addressed to the persecuted Christians of seven cities in what is now Turkey, it assures them that all are loved by Christ, “the ruler of the kings of the earth,” who will come and set us free.

Gospel: John 20:19-31

It’s easy to mock Thomas with the nickname, “Doubting Thomas,” that has stuck to him for 2,000 years. But remember that the other apostles doubted the women, too, when they came running back to report that Jesus had risen. Look at Thomas’ perspective: All his friends got to see Jesus and rejoice as he gave them the power of the Holy Spirit and empowered them to forgive sins. We don’t know why Thomas wasn’t there, but wouldn’t you be a little jealous and cranky, too, if you had missed out? Take note too that Jesus wasn’t angry with Thomas. Doubters or no, we all have life in Jesus’ name.

Easter Sunday C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for March 27, 2016

Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene

Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene. Pietro da Cortona, 1640-1650, oil on canvas. Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.

First Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Alleluia. Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! It is Easter Sunday, we remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All our readings speak of the resurrection and our life. Our first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles, the evangelist Luke’s account of the life of the early church. In these verses, Peter teaches in the household of the centurion Cornelius, a Roman army officer. Peter tells them about the Christian way: Jesus was crucified but raised from the dead, and now God’s saving grace is given through Jesus to Jew and Gentile, to all the nations. Jesus is Lord of all!

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

In this ancient hymn we remember Israel’s joyful thanks to God for its return from exile. While the prophetic words, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” spoke of the new temple, Christians may read this verse as a metaphor for Jesus. The words shout out the hope of an Easter people: “I shall not die, but I shall live … The Lord … did not give me over to death. … you have answered me and have become my salvation.”

Second Reading: I Corinthians 15:19-26

In his pastoral words to the early Christians of Corinth, who were puzzled and possibly arguing over the theology of resurrection, Paul tries to put the resurrection and its significance into simple terms. Remembering Adam’s fall and the ancient tradition of offering the first fruits of the harvest to God, Paul reminds the Corinthians that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection changes everything. The resurrection promises the arrival of God’s kingdom on earth and of eternal life.

Gospel: John 20:1-18

Have you ever noticed that each of the four Gospel accounts of the resurrection is slightly different? In John we walk this road with Mary Magdalene, seeing her in tender verses as the only one who stayed behind at the empty tomb after the others had left. John portrays her as the first person to meet and speak with the risen Christ, and the one sent to proclaim the good news of his resurrection to the others. As in many other Gospel accounts of the risen Christ encountering his friends in unexpected ways, Mary did not recognize Jesus at first. But when he calls her name, you can feel the joy in her delighted response, “Rabbouni!”

Alternate Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

Have you ever noticed that all four Gospel accounts of the resurrection are slightly different? Eyewitness accounts often differ on details, and the Gospels are no exception.​ ​​Only Luke, for example, names ​all the women​ who had come with Jesus from Galilee as the first to learn that Jesus was risen. They ran back to tell the rest. Does it surprise us that the men didn’t believe them until they went to see for themselves?

Palm / Passion Sunday C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for March 20, 2016

Procession: Liturgy of the Palms C

Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday Russian Orthodox icon‎.

Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday Russian Orthodox icon‎.

Psalm 118

This Psalm is thought to be an ancient anthology of Temple songs of celebration and praise. Just as the crowd in the following Gospel passage shouts out its verses upon Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, it is easy imagine a joyous crowd clapping hands and singing this Psalm loudly, celebrating the Lord their God.

Luke 19:28-40

Jesus gets on a colt to ride into Jerusalem. The Jewish throngs waiting to welcome him would surely have recognized this as an allusion to the prophet Zechariah’s verses about the Messiah’s arrival: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you … riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey!” Then the crowd responds with another joyful Messianic verse, the one that we just sang in Psalm 118 and will sing again at the Great Thanksgiving: “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Liturgy of the Passion C

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

Holy Week draws near, and our readings darken with grief and pain. But even when the world grows dark, the hope that lies in faith and trust remains. The Prophet Isaiah surely meant the “Suffering Servant” figure as a metaphor for Israel under the iron foot of exile, hoping some day to return home with God’s help. Christians should respect this tradition, but we may see it as a symbol for Jesus too, particularly in its clear call to turn the other cheek against our enemies, knowing that God is with us.

Psalm 31:9-16

Have you or a loved one ever suffered from serious depression? It seems likely that the Psalmist deeply understands this stunning anguish that can break down body, mind and spirit. But even in the black depths, the Psalmist sings, hope endures. When the world feels dark and black, trust God and pray: “Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.”

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

When Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell in Rome, he may have had Isaiah’s Suffering Servant in mind. In poetic verses that historians believe may have been taken from an early Christian hymn, Paul tells us that Jesus “emptied himself,” becoming one with us even in suffering; he took on human frailty as he bore the gruesome pain of crucifixion. We, like Paul, are called to serve God and our neighbor humbly and obediently, becoming “more” through being “less.”

Gospel: Luke 22:14-23:49

In modern liturgy, we celebrate Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday together, watching in shock and surprise as the crowds who cheered for Jesus upon his arrival in Jerusalem quickly turn to mocking him and calling for his crucifixion. And now Jesus, too, calls us to be servants: “The greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. … But I am among you as one who serves.” What might this look like in our lives? How are we called to serve?

Lent 5C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for March 13, 2016

Mary Magdalene, by Jan van Scorel

Mary Magdalene, Jan van Scorel, c. 1530. Oil on panel, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam‎.

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

As Palm Sunday and Holy Week draw near, today’s readings touch on the theme of moving toward a goal with God’s help. Isaiah envisions the people in exile, defeated and hopeless, unable to get up; “extinguished, quenched like a wick.” But in God there is hope for new ways. God will make a path in the wilderness and create rivers in the desert, protecting God’s chosen people and bringing them home.

Psalm 126

Today’s Psalm echoes the hope that we heard in the Isaiah passage, as seen from a future joyous day when all things old have been made new again. God has restored Israel’s fortunes, filling the people with laughter and shouts of joy. Those who left the holy city, weeping under burdens that seemed too great to bear, now return in joy, bringing in a bountiful harvest.

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

Once a proud Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, Paul thought he had a lot to boast about. But now that he knows Christ, everything has changed. That which was old is now rubbish to him; having gained righteousness from God through faith in Jesus, his new hope rests in the resurrection. As Isaiah advised Israel, so Paul urges the Christian converts of Philippi in Greece: Forget what lies behind. Press on toward the goal of resurrection and life through God’s call in Jesus.

Gospel: John 12:1-8

To grasp the powerful context of this familiar narrative, re-read John’s verses just before and just after the story of Mary weeping as she anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, causing such an uproar that the chief priests and Pharisees decided to kill Jesus to keep the Romans from stepping in. Just after today’s verses, the temple authorities decide to kill Lazarus, too, because his miraculous return from the dead is inspiring people to follow Jesus. Jesus is at risk of death. He warns his friends that they won’t always have him with them. But don’t mistake the meaning of Jesus’ words, “You always have the poor with you.” This is not an argument against helping the poor. On the contrary, it is a direct quote from Torah, God’s explicit commandment that we must always open our hands to the poor and needy neighbors in our land.

Lent 4C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for March 6, 2016

The Return of the Prodigal Son, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Spanish, 1617 - 1682. Oil on canvas, The National Gallery

The Return of the Prodigal Son, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Spanish, 1617 – 1682. Oil on canvas, The National Gallery

First Reading: Joshua 5:9-12

Themes of fresh starts and new beginnings unite all of today’s readings. From the Israelites’ arrival at the Promised Land to the Prodigal Son’s return home, we hear that God is with us through transition; God stands at our side in time of change. In our first reading, the people share the joy of reaching Canaan at last. After 40 years in the wilderness, their slavery in Egypt is now only a memory, and they will begin to enjoy the fruits of the land’s bountiful harvest.

Psalm 32

We don’t always do the right thing. In our hearts we know this, even as we feel the pain of knowing that we have wronged another, or hurt a loved one. When we step away from the God who loves us and who always stands ready to forgive, our guilt piles up, and we groan in sorrow. When we repent – literally, when we stop being stubborn and turn back from our wrongful ways to trust in God – then we feel the comfort and joy of knowing God’s forgiveness.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Our new direction as Christians, Paul says, comes when we recognize Jesus not only as human but as Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah. In Christ everything old has passed away. Everything has become new! Through Christ God forgives all our trespasses and reconciles the world to God. In making this point to a community that has been quarreling with him and with each other, Paul reminds them to forgive and be reconciled, just as God has done with us through Jesus.

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Just about everyone remembers the parable of the Prodigal Son, and it’s easy to grasp its meaning: God forgives us when we stray and then return. Even if we have been prodigally sinful, God welcomes us home with a father’s joy and abundant celebration. But wait! There’s more: Look at both ends of the story. At the close, the older brother, hurt because his good behavior won him no praise, is reminded of his father’s loyal, long-standing love. And at the beginning, we hear that Jesus told this story to remind the scribes and Pharisees that a sinner’s return deserves as much celebration as the recovery of a lost sheep.

Lent 3C

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Feb. 28, 2016

Moses before the Burning Bush, Domenico Fetti, 1613-14.

Moses before the Burning Bush, Domenico Fetti, 1613-14.

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-15

God is beyond our imagining. Scripture tells us this over and over. Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts, and our ways are not God’s ways, says Isaiah. It’s no surprise, then, that Scripture stretches our imagination with images that try to capture some sense of God’s power. One such image is fire. God led the Israelites in the wilderness as a pillar of fire and column of smoke. There’s fire, too, as God speaking to Moses from a burning bush. God, who is and always will be, calls Moses to lead the people out of slavery in Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Psalm 63:1-8

We hear a voice crying out in the wilderness, alone and thirsty yet nevertheless trusting in God. Even in a barren and dry and probably scary place where there is no water, the Psalmist’s soul thirsts not for mere liquid refreshment but for God, whose loving-kindness is better than life itself. Even in hard times we trust in God, finding comfort under the shadow of God’s wings, held in God’s strong right hand.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

In verses that link our First Reading, Psalm and Gospel, Paul recalls that many of the Israelites died in the wilderness, arguing that this happened because God was not pleased with them. Recalling lessons from Exodus, Paul urges us not to practice idolatry or immorality; don’t put Christ to the test; don’t complain. These things happened to our ancestors to serve as an example to us, reminding us to be faithful when hard times test us, knowing that God will provide us strength through our faith.

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Pilate killed a group of Galileans, and more people died unexpectedly when a tower fell. Sometimes bad things happen. Were these people punished because of their sins? Jesus, responding to the crowd’s questions, tells us that God does not punish sin with suffering. But repentance – turning away from bad behavior – brings forgiveness and eternal life. Just as the gardener gives the barren fig tree one more year of nurturing in hope of fruit, we hope for God’s forgiveness … and another chance.