Meditations for Lent

Christ Church Rochester

 Preface TheparishionersofChristChurchofferthesereflectionsforourLentenjourney.Theyrangefromthoughts aboutgivingsomethingupversustakingsomethingon,thoughtsaboutthedayscelebratedsaint,thoughtsaboutthe daysreadings,andthoughtsaboutathemeinthereadings.Theguidelineswerepurposefullyloosetoinvitemany voices,styles,andperspectives. ThisisthefirstyearChristChurchhasdonethis;westartedrecruitingwritersabitlaterthanweshouldhave,so wedonthavemeditationsforeveryday.Readersareinvitedtosupplementthesereflectionswithreadingsfromthe onlinesite(http://www.lectionarypage.net/CalndrsIndexes/Calendar2012.html)andreadingsfromtheDailyOffice Year2intheBookofCommonPrayer. ShirleyRicker Editor Thankstothecontributorswhoare: Contributor Alonzo,Lucy Anstey,Jennifer Barnes,Bob Bement,Jim CollinsBohrer,Padriac Collins,Sarah Cushman,Laura Fields,Noah Henshaw,Richard Hilton,Ron Hilton,Sharon Kristoffersen,Peg Least,Wayne Lechman,Theodore Liddell,Kristy Meditation April7 March16 February23 March19 March17 March3 March9 March2 February22 February27 March6 March31 March27 March9 March1 Contributor Liddell,Kyle McCutchon,Joe Pedersen,Jean Reynolds,Beau Ricker,Shirley Schultz,Mary Sconfitto,Joe Sconfitto,Margaret SweetPage,Marilyle Talley,Claire Tompkins,Christine Urban,John Vukman,Mary Vanderbilt,Deborah Wiersma,John Meditation March24 April2 March7 February29 March13 March14 March12 April4 April5 March21 March23 March10 March26 March20 March5

SpecialthankstoNoahFieldsforhisphotographs

 Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12, 1217 or Isaiah 58:112 * 2 Corinthians 5:20b6:10 * Matthew 6:16, 1621 * Psalm 103 IliketheseasonofLent,andlookforwardtoiteveryyear.ItgivesmesomethingIlongfor,somedisciplinein mylife,adirectiontogo,andachancetoconfrontthistopsyturveyworldheadonbydoingsomethingaboutit!We needallthehelpwecanget! FormanyyearsIhavefollowed,alongwithothersofmystudents,aselfimposedRULEOFLIFEtoguideme duringLent,givingmeadailyrhythm.Itisverysimpleandgoessomewhatlikethis: 1)GiveprayerfulthankstothegoodLordeveryday,foraddingonemoredaytoyourlife,saideitheratthe beginningorattheendoftheday. 2)ReadaselectionoftheBibleeveryday,followingthelectionaryorapassageofyourownchoosing,and pauseafterwardsandmeditateforsometimeonapassagethattouchesyou.Listen,listentowhatitsays. 3)Doagooddeedeveryday:ahandout,asmile,ahello,atelephonecall,avisit,aletteroremail,tosomeone youmeet,someoneyoulove,orsomeoneyoudontlove. 4)AttendchurchatleasteverySunday. ThisRULEwillhopefullyputintoyourlifethespiritofLent,daybyday.Itwillmakeyoumorewhole.Itwillgive youawaytodealwiththecontradictionsyoumeetateverycrossroad.Somenewdecisionmustbemadewiththese differingdemands.Whatisittobe? TheRULEwillallowyoutoact,toconfronttheforceswhicharepullingyouthiswayandthat,sometimes(you laterfindout)nottotheyouthatyouwishdeeplytobe.(ThanksforsomeoftheseideastoEstherdeWaal,world renownedBenedictinelayperson.) ReverendRichardHenshaw

 Thursday, February 23, 2012 Feast of Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

Revelation 2:811 * Matthew 20:2023 * Psalm 116:1017 or 34:18 or 121

Godis everythingthatisgood andthegoodness thateverythingpossesses isGod JulianofNorwich Bibliography MeditationswithJulianofNorwich LentwithSt.Francis LentwithEvelynUnderhill TheabovebooksgivethoughtfulmeditationsforeachdayinLent BobBarnes

PhotographbyNoahFields

Monday, February 27, 2012 Feast of George Herbert, Priest

1 Peter 5:14 * Matthew 5:110 * Psalm 23 or 1 Matthew5:8Blessedarethepureinheart,fortheyshallseeGod.

TodaywehonorGeorgeHerbertpriestandpoetwholivedtobeonly40yearsold.BornwhenShakespeare hadjustbegunhisactingandwritingcareer,Fr.Herbertbringsreadersupshortwithhisimages,hisferventfaith,and thesometimesoddshapeofhispoems.ThosewhoattendedChristChurchFridaynightsuppers20yearsagoorsowill rememberthelateJosephSommersintroductiontoHerbertswork.HerbertwasoneofJoesseveralspecialtiesasa UniversityofRochesterEnglishprofessor. Herbertsfaithwashispassion,andhewrotepassionatelyaboutit.Never,itseems,uncertainaboutGods placeintheworld,hesoughtinhispoetrytoworkouthisplaceinrelationshiptoGod. Someofhismostintriguingpoemsattempttoreplicatethesubjectmatterintheformofthepoem.Hence,one titledTheAltarleapsoffthepageintheshapeofanaltar,andEasterWingsappearsintheshapeofwings.Then, rightinthemiddleofTheAltar,arelittleshortcoupletswhosepungencyknowsnoequal: Aheartalone Issuchastone, Asnothingbut Thypowerdothcut. Whereforeeachpart Ofmyhardheart Meetsinthisframe, Topraisethyname. LetusthisLentreachacrossthecenturiestojoinwithHerbertinpraisingGodsholyname. RonHilton

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Deuteronomy 9: 1321 * Hebrews 3:1219 * John 2:233:15 * Psalm 119:4972

Psalm119:45 Ishallwalkatliberty,forIhavesoughtyourprecepts.NRSV TheseasonofLent,tomany,isquicklyequatedwithaperiodofsolemnpenance,abstinencefromexcess,and hymnssunginaminorkey.Lenthascommonlybeenapproachedwithasighofresignation. ThePsalmistgivesusacontrastingviewofthelifegovernedbynotonlythemoralprinciples,butalsothemore challengingandambiguousidealsofspiritualpovertyandhumility,presentedtousthroughthewordsofChrist. Blessedarethepoorinspirit:fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven(Matt5:3).Fromthisperspective,thepracticesof spiritualpenitenceandreflectiondonotleadtoamiserableexistencecharacterizedbysorrowandrestriction,buta libertyofbeingthatextendstoallaspectsofourexistence.Thislibertyisthedirectresultoftheresurrectioneffectedon Eastermorning,thatwhichwearepreparedforduringthefortydaysofLent.Ourinwardpreparation,whichsome mightviewaslimiting,freesustoexperiencetheliberationofEaster. Duringthisnightofthesoul,thisseasonofLent,letusalwayskeepthefreedombroughttousbyChristinour viewaswereflectonourlives,repentofourtransgressions,andamendourwaysforourgoodandthegoodofthose aroundus. BeauReynolds

PhotographbyShirleyRicker

Thursday, March 1, 2012 Feast of David of Wales

1 Thessalonians 2: 2b12 * Mark 4:2629 * Psalm 16:511 or 96:17 DavidofWaleslivedduringthemidtolatesixthcentury.Inhisyouth,hefoundedamonastery,wherehe intendedtolivebyastrictruleofquietmeditation,selfdenial,andhardworkfortherestofhislife.Thisdidn'tworkout exactly. Hewasdragged(IquoteHolyWomen,HolyMen)toanassemblyofbishopstofightPelagianism,amovement thatchallengedthedoctrineoforiginalsinandarguedthathumansarecapableoffreelychoosingbetweengoodand evilwithoutdivineaid.DavidspokesowellthattheArchbishopchosehimashissuccessorasPrimateofWales.He foundedelevenothermonasteries,madeapilgrimagetoJerusalem,andwasmentortoseveralIrishsaints. Hebecamelegend,hislife'sstoryembellishedinaneleventhcenturyhagiographywrittenbyRhygyfarch,ason ofthebishopofSt.David's(thismaterialisnotinHolyWomen,HolyMen).Inthisimaginativebiography,Davidissonof anunwhowasforcedtomarryaprince,possiblyarelativeofKingArthur,fulfillingaprophecySt.Patrickhadheard fromanangel.StoriestellthatDavidadvisedWelshsoldierstowearleeksintheirhatsinbattlesagainsttheSaxonsso theycouldtelltheirfriendsfromtheirenemies.Theysaythathismonkstriedtopoisonhim,butanIrishsaintrodeto Walesovernightonthebackofaseamonsterandblessedthepoisonedbread,whichtheyatetogetherwithnoill effects.And,inmyfavoritestory,whenDavidgoes(orisdragged)totheSynodofBrefitodebatethePelagians,sucha crowdgathersthatGodraisesupahillunderhisfeetsothateveryonecanseeandhearhimandknowforwhomhe speaks. Ifthatchangedoesn'tillustratedeepantiPelagianism,Idon'tknowwhatdoes.Fivehundredyearslater,people wantedasaintwho,regardlessofhowwellhecommunicatedorhowothersrespondedtohismessage,hadtobe revealedastheagentofdivinetruthbythegroundmiraculouslyrisingunderhisfeet.Itissohardtotrustourselves(or others?)tobeconfidentinwhatwe'vediscoveredthroughsomequietinteriorprocess,orasacommunityweneed ourtruthstobeselfevident. Ican'tuntangledoctrinesoforiginalsin,grace,andfreewillatthemoment,andIwon'tvouchforthehistoricity ofRhygyfarch'saccount.Butthishillstoryspeakstomeanyway.Itspeakstoourhumanhopethat,regardlessofour innerstateorthecrowdsaroundus,truthwillappear,miraculousandindisputable,inthemiddleofcontroversy.Ilike thiskindofthing.Wecelebratethosetruthsweimmediatelyrecognize,theonesthatareatourcorebecauseweare madeinGod'simage:Loveoneanother;dojustice;lovemercy. ThisiswhyIneedthereminderintoday'sreadingfromthegospelofMark:[Jesus]alsosaid,Thekingdomof Godisasifsomeonewouldscatterseedontheground,andwouldsleepandrisenightandday,andtheseedwould sproutandgrow,hedoesnotknowhow.Theearthproducesofitself,firstthestalk,thenthehead,thenthefullgrainin thehead.Butwhenthegrainisripe,atoncehegoesinwithhissickle,becausetheharvesthascome. Epiphanypasses.Assoonaswestarttotrytoliveoutthosetruths,there'saLentenwildernesstowanderin, andwhoknowswhatgrowsinit,orhow.WefindothermountaintopexperiencesinourLentandPassiongospel readings,buttheyarenotplaceswhereconflictdissolves.TheyareplaceswhereJesusislonely,tempted,afraid,

sorrowful,dying.Theyareplaceswhereproverbsandeasyanswersfalldeadtotheground,andGodwithusaskswhy Godhasforsakenhim. I'mtwentyseven.DearGod,I'dlovejustoneplainhill,withaprophetorsaintwiththeHolySpiritmanifestedas adoveonhisshoulder,andI'dwearaleekinmyhateverydayifhe'djusthandmesomestonetabletsthatsketchout somemajorlifeeventsandtellmewhereIshouldfocusmyenergyandwhatIshouldjustletbe.Instead,Iusuallyfeel likeI'minamountainrangewithamillionpeopleshouting,Lookatthiswar,lookatthesefamines,lookatthis oppression,lookatthisgreed,lookatthiscycleofviolence,lookatourprisons,lookjustacrossourborders,lookaround thecity,lookthroughthesidedoorofthechurchaftercoffeehourormindyourownbusiness,beanadult,lookat morejoblistingsanddon'taskwhytherearesomanyopeningsfordebtcollectors.Thewholeworldseemstoecho withgroansofinjustice,suffering,anddivisionandtohavealwaysgroanedinwaysthatI'veonlyjustnoticed.InLent, thattruthhasitsownhill,andwestandwhenitisnamedinthePalmSundayreadingofthePassion. Sowegofromhilltohill,scatteringthoseselfevidenttruthsintoreality(thatrocky,thornyplace),andwesleep andrise,nightandday,waitingforwhathasdiedtosproutandgrowwedonotknowhow.Butwearepromisedwe'll recognizetheripeharvest,thekingdomcome. KristyLiddell

PhotographbyShirleyRicker

Friday, March 2, 2012 Feast of Chad, Bishop of Lichfield

Philippians 4:1013 * Luke 14:1,714 * Psalm 84:712 or 23 butwhenyougiveabanquet,invitethepoor,thecrippled,thelame,andtheblind.Andyouwillbe blessed,becausetheycannotrepayyou,foryouwillberepaidattheresurrectionoftherighteous...Luke 14:1314 WefindJesusteachingataplaceoffood,ataplaceofthesharingoffood.Atthisbanquet,Jesustellsthehost toexpectblessedness,toexpectrepaymentintheresurrectionoftherighteous,werethehosttoinvitethedestitute, diseased,anddisabledintothebanquetandforegotheusualguestlist:friends,family,neighbors. Jesusinjunctionposesaradicalexchange:giveupthefamiliarity,connection,andsafetyoffamilyandfriends, andsupplantitwithpeoplewhomonedoesnotknow,whocarrydiseasethatstillfrightenstoday,whoinsomecases cannotwalk,eat,orsee,andwhowillalmostcertainlyneverhosttheirowncommunalmeals.Thisradicalexchangeof guests,however,alsopromisesarewardtothehost:repaymentintheresurrection. Itgetsmeonedgewhenanactofselflessnessiscondonedandencouragedthroughappealtoselfishness.I worryaboutthepsychologyofsuchanethicaltransaction.IfIgiveupsomethingIdesireinthepresentforapresumably muchgreaterrewardintheresurrectionoftherighteouswhateverthatmaybeisntthegoodofmysacrifice merelyacommodifiedgoodinatransactionofworldlydivineeconomy,destinedtoreapareward,andtherefore actuallybereftofethicalsignificance?IknowthatIstandtobenefitbysacrificingsafetyandfamiliarity,sowhy wouldntIbeawillingtradingpartner?Jesussetsupamutuallybeneficialeconomyofreception;thehostwalksaway withblessednessandtheforgottenvagrantsoftheworldfeastatabanquet. Ontheotherhand,thewelcomingoftheunfamiliar,thediseased,andthepossiblyharmfuloverthethresholdof adoorwayseemssorifewithimplicationsforourexperienceandthemeaningofexistencethatitalmostprecludes understanding.Therefore, Iwilljustconclude: PerhapsJesusdoesntgiveahootaboutthepsychologyofethics,normaybeevenselflessness,norselfishness. Inthisteaching,atleast,hejustcramstheeternal,vague,andmajesticrighteousnessoftheresurrectionrightdowninto aroomabouttobechockfulloflepers,theblind,andtheirfrazzledhost.Jesusaffirmsthataninvitationto participation,extendedtotheneedy,toHim,willberewardedintheresurrectionoftherighteous,whichtomedenotes ataminimumtheincredibleideathattheactionswetakehaveimmediateandultimatesignificancebothtoourfellow beingsandtoGod.Moreover,itisaction,andnotthebaroqueethicaltumultofthemind,thatreapsblessednessand righteousnessintheresurrection.Ourmotivations,fears,andthefearsofourmotivationspaleinsignificancetothe crossingofnewthresholds,andtothewelcomingofstrangersacrossthresholds. NoahFields

Saturday, March 3, 2012 Feast of John and Charles Wesley

Isaiah 49:56 * Luke 9:26 * Psalm 98:14 or 103:14,1318 FromtheCollectfortheday:

LordGod,youinspiredyourservantsJohnandCharlesWesleywithburningzeal,andendowedthemwith
eloquenceinspeechandsong.KindleinyourChurch,weentreatyou,suchfervor,thatthosewhosefaithhas cooledmaybewarmed. ThehymnsofCharlesWesley(17071788)havewarmedtheheartsofmillionsofworshippersforthreehundred years.Overhislifetime,Charleswroteovereightthousandhymns.SomeofthebestlovedhymnsincludeChristthe LordisRisenToday,Christ,WhoseGloryFillstheSkies,ComeThouLongExpectedJesus,Hark,theHeraldAngels Sing,Jesus,LoverofMySoul,Lo!HeComeswithCloudsDescending,LoveDivine,AllLovesExcelling,Ofora ThousandTonguestoSing,andYeServantsofGod. OftheGreatFourAnglicanHymns(alistingbasedonasurveyin1885ofthehymnalsofallthechurchesinthe AnglicanCommuniontheGreatFourhymnsappearedinallofthehymnals),twowerewrittenbyCharles:Harkthe HeraldAngelsSingandLo!HeComeswithCloudsDescending. Thepowerofhispoetrytokindlethefiresoffaithinthebreastsofmenandwomeninourcynicaltwentyfirst centuryunitesuswithfellowworshippersacrossthreecenturies.WhenwesingChristtheLordisRisenToday, Alleluia,weparticipateinanexperiencethatunitesusinspiteofdifferencesincenturyandinlanguage,culture,and finerpointsofbelief.TogetherwewilljoinonEastertoSingyeheavns,andearthreply,Alleluia!Thenletussaya prayerofthanksgivingforthelifeofCharlesWesleyandthepowerofhishymnstokindlethefervorthatwillwarmthe faiththathascooled. SarahCollins

Monday, March 5, 2012

Genesis 41: 4657 * 1 Corinthians 4:820 * Mark 3:719a * Psalm 64 or 65 AwisepriestoncetoldmethatLentisnotaboutgivingsomethingup;itisabouttakingthingson. Thatmademefeelbetteraboutnotgivingupchocolate,butthenleftmestymiedastowhatIshouldtakeon. Aftersomethoughtandreflection,IrealizedIamnotapatientperson,andmytoleranceforother people'sdissentingopinionsisalmostnil.Iknow,thiscomesasashocktothosethatknowme.SoforthisLenten season,Iammakinganefforttotrytounderstandthatpeoplearewhotheyareduetothejourneythattheyhavemade throughthislife.PerhapsapersonfindsMTV's"TheJerseyShore"tobeaqualityprogrambecausetheywereraisedby wolves.ItcouldbethatthepersonwhofindsthemusicofKe$hainspirationalsufferedahearinglossasachild.Maybe thepeoplewhodon'trealizethesuperiorityofdarkchocolatetomilkchocolatewerebefriendedbyacowearlyinlife andarejusttryingtoremainloyaltothedairyindustry.Youjustneverknowthesethings. JohnWiersma

PhotographbyNoahFields

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Genesis 42:17 * 1 Corinthians 5:18 * Mark 3:19b35 * Psalm 68:120, 2436 Jesussfamilytookchargeofhimbecausepeopleweresaying,hesgonemad.GoodNewsBible CharlesMenninger18621952andsons,andWilliamMayo18611939andsonsarehonoredtoday. Episcopalianscelebratethosewholivedalifeofpietyandpurpose,thoughnotcanonized(intheusualsense)byany otherchurch. Drs.MayoandMenningerfoundedongoinginstitutionstoassisthealingandhealth.Dr.Mayoandhissonswere responsibleforfoundingtheMayoClinicwhichattheoutsetwasanotforprofithospitalandclinic,andDr.Menninger foundedtheclinicwhichbearshisnameandwasthefirstgrouppracticeofpsychiatry. Dr.Mayocametotheaidofvictimsofan1883tornado,andduringit,workedwithsistersofSt.Franciswho weretrainedasteachersandnotasnurses.WeareremindedinMarkthataradicallydifferentwayoflivingisrequired inHiswayoflifeandisoftennotunderstoodbyothers.Drs.MenningerandMayofollowedthisinspirationalwayto helplivesofordinarypeopletohealthandhealing.LetusrededicateourselvestotheseaimsduringthisseasonofLent.. SharonHilton

 Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Feast of Perpetua and her companions

Hebrews 10:3239 * Matthew 24:924 * Psalm 34:18 or 124

PerpetuawasayoungRomanmotherwhowenttoherdeathinthearenaattheageoftwentytwobecauseshe wouldnotoffersacrificestoEmperorSeptimiusSeverus.Sheleftherinfantson,resistedtheappealsofherloving father,andriskedherentirefamily'sreputationbecauseshewouldnotrenounceherbeliefthattherewasonlyone God,themakerofheavenandearth,creatorofallthingsvisibleandinvisible.Theprisonmemoirthatshewroteasshe wasfacingjudgmentandexecutionrecountsthevividdreamsthatcametoliftherspirits:agoldenladderreachingto heaven,avastexpanseofgarden,acakeofcheese,agobletofwater,agreenbranchwithgoldenapples.Shediedwith hercompanionsonthisdayintheyear203. IhopethatIwillneverhavetofacePerpetua'schoiceslifeordeath,mycountryormyconscience,myfamilyor myfriends.IdonotknowifIwouldhavehercourage. ThecontemporaryspiritualwriterNoraGallaghertellsastoryaboutadinnerconversationwiththegreatactivist bishopDanielCorriganthathasgivenmeadifferentwayofthinkingaboutwhatitmightmeantogiveyourlifeforyour faith."Whatwouldyoudiefor?"ayoungpriestaskedthebishopataretreat."Waterrights,"heanswered."Theboy satbackinhischair,"Gallagherwrites."Dansmiled.'Whynot?'heasked....'Youdon'tactuallygetuponemorning anddecidetodieforsomething.Youputyourfootonapathandwalk.Onedayyoulookback,maybefiftyyears,and say'That'swhatIgavemylifefor.'"(NoraGallagher,ThingsSeenandUnseen:AYearLivedinFaith[NewYork:Vintage Books,1998],pp.1314). Wedonotalwaysknowwhereourpathswillleadusatthestart,butweknowthatGodwillbewithusevery stepoftheway.Lentgivesusthechanceeveryyeartoreviewourlives,toseeifwehavecomewherewewanted,to reflectonGod'sgrace,todecidewhereweshouldcontinueonourcurrentwayandwherewemightwanttoheadoutin anewdirection.Thisyear,IamlearningthatthesewordsfromtheBookofCommonPrayercanbegoodtraveling companions: OGOD,bywhomthemeekareguidedinjudgment,andlightrisethupindarknessforthegodly;Grantus,inall ourdoubtsanduncertainties,thegracetoaskwhatthouwouldesthaveustodo,thattheSpiritofWisdommay saveusfromallfalsechoices,andthatinthylightwemayseelight,andinthystraightpathmaynotstumble; throughJesusChristourLord.Amen. JeanPedersen

Friday, March 9, 2012 Feast of Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa

Wisdom 7:2428 * John 5:1924 or John 14:2326 * Psalm 19:714 or Psalm 119:97104 "HewhoseestheChurchlooksdirectlyatChristChristbuildingandincreasingbytheadditionoftheelect." GregoryofNyssa,CommentaryontheSongofSongs,Sermon13. ThisfamousquotationofGregoryofNyssa'sclearlyshowsushowsalvationthroughChristhappensthroughtheChurch, throughthegiftsoftheHolySpirit.Asthe"CommunionofSaints"(thenintharticleoftheApostles'Creed),Christ HimselfbecomesrevealedastruthnotINacommunity,butASacommunity.[1]Withinthisunderstanding,theliturgy mustbeviewedinthesenseofmakingpresentoreventhecontinuationofChrist'ssalvificlife.Christ'slifemustbeseen asliturgicalandthechurchasparticipatinginthisverylifethroughtheliturgicalprocess.Throughtheliturgyofthe churchweareinfusedwithanewsharinginthedivinelifebyChrist,theGodman,conjoininghisownbodywiththe bodyofthechurch.[2] Humankindwascreatedforcommunion,buteverywhereisdivided.[3]Wearealldivided,atomizedandmonetarizedby socialandsecularconcernswhich,weareconstantlytaughttopresume,aretheactual,realandpragmaticconcernsof humankindwithchurchandliturgybeingrelegatedtothestrictlyprivateconcernsofindividualsontheirownfree time.Asaconsequence,wefeelalienatedfromeachother,wenolongerfeel"athome"intheworld,andseethevery foundationsofsocialdemocracy(laborunions,socialsecurity,healthcare,pensions,education,socialintegration, humanrightsandworldpeace,etc)beingdissolvedinthenameofmarketefficiency. InthistimeoftheLent,maywekeepGregoryofNyssa'steachingsinmindasweparticipateintheSignofPeaceandthe LiturgyoftheEucharist,tohelpuscometoagreaterappreciationofourhomewithinthecommunionofthechurchand thesalvificrolethechurchcanandmustplayintheworld. GregoryofNyssa(c.335c.395)wasbishopofNyssa,insouthcentralpresentdayTurkey,from372to376,andfrom 378untilhisdeath.HeisveneratedasasaintinAnglicanism,RomanCatholicism,EasternOrthodoxy,Oriental OrthodoxyandLutheranism.Gregory,hisbrotherBasilofCaesareaandGregoryofNazianzusarecollectivelyknownas theCappadocianFathers.GregoryisknownforhiscontributionstothedoctrineoftheTrinity,hiscontributionstothe NiceneCreed,hisOrigeniandoctrineofUniversalSalvationandhisneoPlatonicphilosophicalorientationparticularly ofthatofPlotinus.Hehasbeentreatedasaminortheologanuntilabout1950whenhiseschatologyaswellashis prefigurementofpostmodernismgainedwidespreadattention.[4] LauraA.Cushman TheodoreW.Lechman References [1]BeingasCommunion:StudiesinPersonhoodandtheChurch,JohnD.Zizioulas,St.Vladimir'sSeminaryPress,1985,p. 115. [2]"LiturgyandtheSenses",CatherinePickstock,fromPaul'sNewMoment:ContinentalPhilosophyandtheFutureof ChristianTheology,JohnMilbank,SlavojZizekandCrestonDavis,editors.,2010BrazosPress,p.128. [3]"TheCity:BeyondSecularParodies",WilliamT.Cavanaugh,fromRadicalOrthodoxy:ANewTheology,JohnMilbank, CatherinePickstockandGrahamWard,editors,1999Routledge,p.182. [4]GregoryofNyssa,WikipediaEntry,"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_of_Nyssa",Feb15,2012.

 Saturday, March 10, 2012

Genesis 43:1634 * 1 Corinthians 7:1024 * Psalm 23 or 27

Psalm27
PsalmistDavid, WhyareyousoconfidentthatGodwillprotectyou, OpenHishousetoyou, Shelteryou, Liftyouaboveyourenemies, Hearyouwhenyoucall, Offeranunconditionalhome, AndshowHERgoodnesstoyouwhileyoulive? Or, ShouldYOUbeseeking Howtoserve God? DoesS/HEliveforyou or YouforHIM? JohnUrban

 Monday, March 12, 2012 Feast of Gregory the Great, Bishop

1 Chronicles 25:1a, 68 * Mark 10: 4245 * Psalm 57: 611 or Psalm 33:15, 2021

Mark10:4245 ButJesuscalledthemtoHimselfandsaidtothem,Youknowthat thosewhoareconsideredrulersovertheGentileslorditoverthem, andtheirgreatonesexerciseauthorityoverthem. Yetitshallnotbesoamongyou;butwhoeverdesirestobecome greatamongyoushallbeyourservant. Andwhoeverofyoudesirestobefirstshallbeslaveofall. ForeventheSonofMandidnotcometobeserved,buttoserve, andtogiveHislifearansomformany." Jesushadthisthingaboutexpectingtheimpossiblefromus.ItsironicthattheOneWhocreatedallthings, includingus,wouldseeminglynotunderstandhumannature.Wehaveanobsessionwithauthority.Wemodelour societies,ourgovernment,evenourfamilystructureswithauthorityinmind.Wecraveit,withallitstrappingsoffame, powerandwealth.Anditdoesntneedtobeinthebigthingseither.Ihavearighttoexerciseauthorityovermytime, whichismyown;mymoneywhichIhaveearned.ButtheugliestrightistheauthorityIexerciseoverwhoIthink deservesmytimeandresources.Ithinkthatsagoodexampleoflordingitoversomeone. IwasshamedintorealizinghowshortIcomebyanewscommentaryaboutElenaDelleDonne.Anextraordinary athlete,shemostlikelycouldhavenamedherpriceatanycollege.Alreadythebesthighschoolbasketballplayerinthe country,herroadwaspavedwithpromisesoffameandglory.Sheleftitalltobewithheroldersisterborndeaf,blind andwithcerebralpalsy,andinthewordsofthecommentator,onlyknowsherkidsisterbythespecialwayshetouches her,byherhugsandkisses,andbyherscent. Yetitshallnotbesoamongyou;butwhoeverdesirestobecomegreatamongyoushallbeyourservant.Itseems tomethatElenaDelleDonneisdestinedforgreatness. http://www.npr.org/2012/02/08/146514859/forloveandthegameastarshinesindelaware JoeSconfitto

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Feast of James Theodore Holly, Bishop

Deuteronomy 6:2025 * Acts 8:2639 * John 4:3138 * Psalm 86:1117 Whatdoesbeingadisciplemean?Whatdoesbeingadisciplepromise?Discipleshipandtherelatedideaof selfdisciplinearethemesintodaysscripture.Ifrequentlythinkaboutselfdisciplinewhen,forexample,Ivesaid somethingIregret.ButIveneverthoughtmuchaboutdiscipleshipexceptinitsacademicsense.Ibecameadisciplein collegewhenIfinallydiscoveredwhatIwantedtomajorinandsettleddowntoreadHomerinGreekwithaprofessor whobecamemymentor.Forme,thisprofessordidntjustteachGreekhetaughtlife.WhenIstudiedwithhim,doing theworkseemedajoyratherthananythingthatrequiredalotofselfdiscipline.InafirstcenturyChristiancontext,I thinkofdisciplesasmenandwomen1pouncingonJesusseveryword,askingwhatdoesitmean,teacher?Them tryingtounderstand,sometimesgettingitright,sometimesgettingitwoefullywrong. InDeuteronomywehearmuchabouttheIsraelitesgettingitwrong.Sobadly,infact,thattheyalmostlose Israel.ThepromiseheldouttothemliesjustacrosstheRiverJordanwhich,inverses6:2025,theyhavenotyet crossed.ThereMosesremindsthemthatthereareconditionsforinhabitingthisnewland:tokeeptheirCovenantwith GodandtokeeptheTenCommandments.ThisnewlandrequiresfollowingGodsplan.Onesoldwayoflifewont workhere.TheIsraelitesfinallydocross,butthejoyonefeelsforthiswanderingpeopleismitigatedbythegriefof realizingthatMosesisnotallowedtojointhem: theLordspoketoMosesandsaid,GoupthismountandlookoutoverthelandofCanaanthatIam givingtotheIsraelitesfortheirpossession.Onthismountainyoushalldieandbegatheredtoyour fatherskin,justasAaronyourbrotherdiedonMountHor.Thisisbecausebothofyouwere unfaithfultomeatthewatersofMeribahbyKadeshwhereyoudidnotupholdmyholinessamongthe Israelites.YoushallseethelandfromadistancebutyoumaynotenterthelandIamgivingtothe Israelites.(Deut.32:5052) Thisendingtemptsamodernreaderatleastthisonetoattributeitsharshnesstoacultureinwhich retribution,ratherthancompassion,wastheexpectedresponsetofailedfaith.Iseeamessagethatyourmentorcan onlytakeyousofar.Atsometimeitwillbetimeforyou,thedisciple,totaketheleadthus,forme,theresgreat poignancyinthecontinuationofleadershipbyJoshua.JustasMosesreluctantlypickeduptheyoke,sotoomustJacob. So,too,mustwe. CertainlythemenandwomenwhofollowedBishopJamesTheodoreHolly(18291911),thefirstAfrican Americanbishop,totheirpromisedlandofHaitiweredisciples.Thiswasin1861atimewhensomeAmericansofboth racesbelievedthatthebesthopeoffreedomforAfricanAmericanswasinthecreationofablacknationinAfricaorthe Caribbean.InhisfirstyearsinHaiti,Hollylosthiswifeandfourchildrentotheplague.Nonethelesshecontinuedhis ministrywhilecaringforhistwosmallsons.2 IthinkaboutmyownnewfoundjoyworshippingwiththecongregationofChristChurchafterfortyplusyearsof absencefrombothChristChurchandfromanyworshipatall.Ifoundmyoldwayoflivinglackedsomething.Perhaps thatmakesmeadisciple,aswell.ShirleyRicker
Im thinking here of Lukes 70 disciples rather than just the 12. After these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was to come. (Luke 10:1) 2 Holly, James Theodore. Facts about the Churchs mission in Haiti: a concise statement. (http://anglicanhistory.org/usa.jholly/facts1897.html).
1

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Genesis 45: 1628 * 1 Corinthians 8: 113 * Mark 6: 1329 * Psalm 81 or 82 WhenIreadtoday'slessons,Ifoundstrongthemesoffood,somethingIlove.Itmademethinkabouthowwe observedLentathomeandatChristChurchwhenIwasachildinthe1950s.Athome,myparentsalwayswentona diet,andweneverhadanythingfordessertexceptgrapefruit.Mypoormotherhadtocutaroundeachsectionineach half,andthenwekidswouldjustcomplain,"Oh,no,grapefruitagain?"AthomeandatSundayschoolchildrenwere instructedto"giveup"somethingforLent.Ishouldhavegivenupgrapefruit,butIdidasIwasurgedandgaveupcandy. Mymotheralwayssaid,"JustthinkhowgooditwilltasteonEaster,"anditdid,eventhoseyears,asIwasgettingolder, whenIcheatedabit.Later,IlearnedthatwhatIamdoingforLentmaybemorerewardingthanwhatIamgivingup. ThisyearIhavetheChristChurchLentmediationbooklettoenhancemyLenten"doing." InanyEpiscopalChurchchoirthereisatleastonesingerwhosays"Ugh,Lentenhymnsaresuchadrag,theyare sominor."You'llhavetocometochurchtoheartheminorkey,butIleaveyouwithverses35ofHymn142. Asthoudidsthungerbearandthirst,soteachusgraciousLord, todietoselfandchieflylivebythymostholyword. Andthroughthesedaysofpenitence,andthroughthyPassiontide, yea,evermore,inlifeanddeath,Jesus!withusabide. Abidewithus,thatso,thislifeofsufferingoverpast, anEasterofunendingjoywemayattainatlast. ClaudiaFrancesHernaman(18381898) MarySchultz

March 16, 2012

Genesis 47:126 * 1 Corinthians 9:1627 * Mark 6:4756 SomeofyoumayknowofmyinterestintheOldTestament,soIlloffersomethoughtsIhavehadonChapter47 ofGenesis.Josephintroduceshisfather,JacobIsrael,tohisboss,Pharaoh,andcontinueshisjobofkeepingEgypt functioningatatimeofpotentialeconomiccollapse. JosephsfamilyhasmovedtoEgypt.Itsonlyforalittlewhile,theywontbeintheway,andtheyrenotreally bloodthirstycannibals.FromPharaohspointofview,hecanaffordtobeniceaboutit,since,afterall,Whatarethese Asiaticstoyou,OAmun,thewretchesignorantofgod?1Pharaohgenerouslyofferedpostsofresponsibilitytothe cowboys,astheyseemedtohim.HeleftittoJosephtodecide,sincehealwayslefteverythingtoJoseph.Asitwas before,inthehouseofhisownerPotiphar,everythingprosperedunderJosephshand,fromourpointofviewbecause hewasnotignorantofGod,andexceedinglyblessedbyGod.Theirconversationalsofollowedtheadviceofthe millenniumorsoprevious(IthinkJosephisaround2100BC),fromTheInstructionAddressedtoKingMerikare:Enrich theyoungmenwhofollowyou,Providewithgoods,endowwithfields,Rewardthemwithherds.2 JacobIsraelwastherulerofthefirstpartofJosephslife,butPharaohruledoftherestofit.Pharaohaskeda questionthatweonlyasklittlechildren,Howoldareyou?Whetheritwasrudeornot,Jacob,beingveryold,tookthe opportunitytocomplainabouthisage,insteadofboasting.TheGreekstootendedtodespairoveroldageratherthan revereit.Intermsofnumerology,JacobIsraelsage,atthispoint(130)orathisdeath(147),wasnotaperfect number,andthatmayhavebeenwhathewasupsetabout. Josephstillhadabigjobtodo.Thedreamoraclehadpredictedafamineofsevenyears,andearlierwewere toldthatonlytwohadpassed.Uptillaround2200BC,theFertileCrescentregionhadbeenexperiencingwhatgeologists calltheClimaticOptimum,sinceabout5200BC,withwarmweatherandsteady,seasonalrains.Withtheclimate disrupted,thegreatmigrationshadbegun.3PharaohwascountingonJosephsadministrativeskillstopullthewhole countrythrough.Josephendedupwithallthepeoplesherdsofallkindsofcattle.ForboththeHebrewsandtheIndo Europeans,thewordforcattlewassynonymouswithwealth,or,property.4 Weshouldnotlookasthisstoryassomeprecisehistoricalnotebutreaditmoremetaphorically.Hereweare toldwhythelandbelongstotheking,becauseJosephwangledit.EveninAmerica,wetalkaboutrealestate.Thereal isderivedfromthewordroyal,assumingthatthelandbelongstothecrown.Thisisnotalwaysthecase,however,as canbeseenbytheresistanceputupbytheIcelanders,5andintheBiblicalprophecieswarningtheIsraelitesagainstthe formationofamonarchy.Josephalsomovedpeoplearound,adivideandconquerstrategy,foreshadowingthestory oftheBabyloniancaptivity,andinstitutedapercentagetaxsystem,foreshadowingthetitheandpropertyexceptions madefortheLevites. JenniferAnstey
Lichtheim, Miriam, Ancient Egyptian Literature: A Book of Readings, Volume II, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1976, p. 65 2 Lichtheim, Miriam, Ancient Egyptian Literature: A Book of Readings, Volume 1, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1975, p. 101 3 Winkless, Nels III and Iben Browning, Climate and the Affairs of Men, Harper's Magazine Press, New York, 1975 4 The Hebrew word for cow also means wealth; The Rig Vedas hymns constantly ask for wealth in numbers of cattle, horses and children 5 The Sagas of the Icelanders: A Selection, Penguin Books, New York, 1997, throughout (no authors, many translators)
1

Saturday, March 17, 2012 Feast of St. Patrick

1 Thessalonians 2:2b12 * Matthew 28:1620 * Psalm 97:12, 712 or 96:17 AsaPadraic,SaintPatricksDayhasalwaysbeenspecialdayforme.Eachyear,mySaintPatricksDayisfilled withgreattraditionalIrishmusicandtimewithmyfamilyandfriends.Whilegrowingupitwascommontoarrivehome fromgradeschoolandfromhighschoolduringtheweekssurroundingMarch17thtofindseveralofRochestersfinest traditionalIrishmusiciansplayingliveinmylivingroom.Thesemusicianswouldbepracticingtuneswithmymother,a hammereddulcimerplayer,andhavingasplendidtime.TheywouldbepreparingfortheannualIrishmusicconcertthat mymotherandfatherproducedinDowntownRochesterfrom1988to2008.Whileitmademehappytolistentothe brightsoundsoffiddles,banjos,guitars,andaccordions,Ifeltthemostjoyinwatchingthesmilesofthehundredsof Irishmusicfanswhocametotheconcertstohearandseethesemusicians,alongwithIrishdancers,eachyear.These concertswereagiftofloveandmusicfrommyparentstotheRochestercommunity. MyfavoriteSaintPatricksDayhymnisSt.PatricksBreastplatewithwordsattributedtoSt.Patrick.AsaboyI firstfellinlovewiththishymnbecauseofitsmajesticmelodyandeachofitssevenlongverses.AsIgrewIbeganto listenmorecloselytothewordsandlearnedmoreaboutSt.PatricksloveofGodandofJesusChrist. TheverseofSt.PatricksBreastplate: Christbewithme,Christwithinme,Christbehindme,Christbeforeme, Christbesideme,Christtowinme,Christtocomfortandrestoreme, Christbeneathme,Christaboveme,Christinquiet,Christindanger, Christinheartsofallthatloveme,Christinmouthoffriendandstranger, hasbecomethemostimportanttomeasIdailydiscernmycalltobeapriestintheEpiscopalChurch.LikeSt.Patrick, whofaithfullyprayedandsangthesewordsduringhistravelswhileintroducingChristianitytotheIrishpeopleca.428 CE,IamalsocomfortedtorememberthatJesusChristisalwayswithinmeandisalwaysallaroundmealongmy journey. PadraicMichaelCollinsBohrer

Monday, March 19, 2012 Feast of St. Joseph

2 Samuel 7:4, 816 * Romans 4:1318 * Luke 2:4152 * Psalm 89:129 or 89:14, 2629

Healwaysseemstobeinthebackground,andscripturedoesntrecordasinglewordofJesusfoster father,hisearthlyfather,hishumanfather,thismanJosephborninBethlehem,c.90BCE1. LukesGospel[1:2638]tellsusofMarysvisitbytheangelGabrielandherresponseBehold,Iamthe handmaidoftheLord;letitbetomeaccordingtoyourword.Andlater[1:4655]theGospelrecordsthat beautifulCanticleweknowastheMagnificat,MysoulmagnifiestheLord,

andmyspiritrejoicesinGodmySavior,. MatthewsGospel[1:1825]tellsusthatwhenJoseph,whowasbetrothedtoMary,foundoutthatshewas withchild,hewantedtoresolvethesituationquietly.ButJosephwasalsovisitedbyanangeloftheLordwho appearedtohiminadreamandtoldhimthatthechildwasconceivedoftheHolySpirit;sohetookMaryashis wife.Butnotasinglewordisrecorded!

BothMaryandJosephsubmittedtothewillofGodbuttheonlyspokenwordsscripturerecordsare thoseofMary.Why? Forthatmatter,whydidJesusneedanearthlyfather?Ifwearewillingtoacceptthethoughtsof ThomasAquinas2itwasanecessarypartoftheplanfortheincarnationbecauseifMarywereunmarried,the Lawwouldhavesubjectedhertostoning.Also,theinfantJesuswouldneedthecare,nurturing,and protectionofahumanfather. Jesusheavenlyfatherwantedhissontohavethesupport,thenurturing,andtheprotectionthata humanfamilycouldprovidetakingintoconsiderationthemoresofthetime. Josephcarriesouthisresponsibilitiesasafosterfatherprovidingforhisfamily,protectinghisfamily, teachingJesusthefamilytrade,andworryingaseveryparentdoesuntilhisdeathinNazareth,20July18CE. JosephwasapiousJew,adescendantofDavid,andacarpenterbytrade.AsJosephtheCarpenter, heisconsideredthepatronsaintoftheworkingperson,onewhonotonlyworkedwithhishands,buttaught histradetoJesus.ThelittlethatistoldofhimistestimonytothetrustinGodwhichvaluessimpleeveryday duties,andgivesanexampleofalovinghusbandandfather.3
JimBement

1 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Joseph The childhood of Christ by Thomas Aquinas, Roland Potter (transl.), 2006 ISBN 0521029600, pgs. 110-120 3 Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2006, pg. 200

 Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Feast of Cuthbert, Bishop

2 Corinthians 6:110 * Matthew 6:2433 * Psalm 23 or 1 IchosethisdatebecauseitwasthefeastdayofSt.CuthbertofNorthumbria,oneofthemedievalsaintswitha coolfact:whilehewaslivingasahermitontheFarneislands,hegotlawspassedtoprotecttheducksthatnestedonthe island.Anearlyconservationist!Anyway,hewasashepherdbeforehejoinedthemonasteryandbecameamonk,so the23rdPsalmisperfectforthedayofSt.Cuthbert. JustlastweekIshowedmyBibleasLiteratureclassthefilmKingDavid.ThefilmshowsDavidasaboy,fresh fromtakingcareofhisfamilysflocks,playinghisharpandsingingthispsalmtosootheKingSaul.Itsabeautifulsetting forthepsalm,allowingmetoseetheshepherdDavidtalkingaboutthingsheknowswell:thegreenpastures,thestill waters,thepathsthesheepfollow,therodandstaffthatheusestoguideandhelphissheep. WearemadeintheimageofGod,sowhowearecanalsohelpusunderstandGod.Davidisagoodshepherd, andthereforehepicturesGodtakingcareofhiminthesamewaythatDavidtakespleasureincaringforhissheep.This ideathattheloveofGodcanbeglimpsedthroughwaysinwhichweveexperiencedhumanlovehascomfortedme sooftenintimesofsadnessorwhenIamfocusingonmyownfailings.Icanlookatwhatisbestinme,forexample,the deeploveIhaveformychildren,andbeassuredthatitisexactlythatkindoflove,andmore,thatGodfeelsforme.If GodisthegoodshepherdtoDavid,Godisthegoodmothertome.IfIcancontinuewiththeparentanalogy,Ive preparedatableplentyoftimesforthekids;Iveanointedtheirheads(OK,withshampoo,notoil,butstill...)andIve certainlyfilledtheircupsmany,manytimes.Iwantedtodoit;itwaspartofhowIshowedhowmuchIcherishedthem. ForDavid,theseareprobablyactsofhospitality,notthoseofaparent,butIstillhearDavidbaskinginthecare,the physicalcare,Godprovides.Theyareactsoflove.ThispsalmencouragesmetotrustthatGodhasthatkindoflovefor me,andIshouldbaskinit. DebVanderbilt

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Feast of Thomas Ken, Bishop

Philippians 4:49 * Luke 6:1723 * Psalm 34:18 or 145:813 ThomasKen,BishopofBathandWells(16371711) WhenIwasapproachedlastweektoparticipatewithaMeditation,IagreedtodosomethingonThomasKen. Atthattime,hisnamewasnotfamiliartome.BishopKenisrememberedonthe21stofMarchintheLiturgical Calendar.TheprayerassociatedwithKen,speaksofhimasonewhohadthegraceandcouragetobearwitnesstothe truthbeforerulersandkings.SometimesthiscourageorsayingwhathethoughttobetruemeantthatKenfelloutof favorinthecourt.Kenwasordainedin1662.HelosthispostasRoyalChaplaintoPrincessMarywhenhepublicly disagreedwithherhusband,WilliamofOrange.Perhaps,hisbestknownactofdissentwaswhenherefusedtosupport KingJamestheSecondsDeclarationofIndulgence.Kenwasoneofthesevenbishopswhorefusedtopublishthe KingsdecreewhichwouldhaveopenedupvariouspublicofficestononAnglicans.Kenandsixotherbishopswere imprisonedintheTowerofLondonandthenfreedbyanoutragedmob.JamestheSecondendedupfleeingintoexile. WilliamofOrange,thenewKingofEnglandandhiswife,Marythencameintopower.Hereagain,Kenchose nottotakethepathwhichwouldhavemadehislifeeasier.SincehehadalreadyswornanoathofallegiancetoJames theSecond;underthecircumstances,heclaimedhecouldnotswearanotheronetoWilliamandMary.In1691, becauseofthisdecision,KenlosthispositionasBishopofBathandWells.Hethensteppedoutofthepublicrealmand atage54wentintoretirement.HeiscelebratedinhisFeastdayprayerasonewhoconstantlydefendedwhatisright andwhowaswillingtosufferfortruthssake. Today,wearemorefamiliarwithBishopKenthroughthepresenceofhismusicintheliturgy.Iwillclosewith hisdoxologyorsongofpraise.Itisthefinalstanzaofthreeofhismostwellknownhymns. PraiseGodfromWhomallblessingsflow. PraiseHim,allcreaturesherebelow. Praisehim,above,yeheavenlyhost. PraiseFather,SonandHolyGhost. ClaireTalley

Friday, March 23, 2012 Feast of Gregory, the Illuminator

Acts 17:2231 * Matthew 5:1116 * Psalm 33:611 or 98: 14 Gregory,theIlluminator AsPaulwandersthroughthestreetsofAthens,confrontedwithpagangods,heistakenabackbytheinscription ToanunknownGod.AlthoughPaulmayhavehadverydifferentintentionswhenintroducingthisunknownGod, thesewordsremindmeoftimeswhenGodhasfeltunknowntome.DoyourecognizethisGod?TheOnethatseems absentduringdifficulttimes,theOneweseekinmomentsoflonelinessanddarkness. Ourfaithcanbeuniquelychallengedinmomentsofsufferingandhopelessness.Whetherconfrontedwiththe lossofalovedone,sufferingofothers,orourownhealthissues,ourfaithcanbecalledintoquestion.Inthese momentsweareremindedthatourfaithcantfixthepainweareexperiencingorremovethesenseofabandonment thatbesetsus. HowshockingwasittolearnthatevensomeoneassaintlyasMotherTeresa,aniconofcharityandselflessness, felttheabsenceofGodinherlifeandherwork.InletterswrittenwhileperforminghumanitarianworksinCalcutta, India,thefounderoftheMissionariesofCharityandrecipientoftheNobelPeacePrizeexpresseddoubtsaboutthe presenceofGod.Writinginconfidence,sheshared:Asformethesilenceandtheemptinessissogreat,thatIlook anddonotsee,listenanddonothear.Thetonguemoves[inprayer]butdoesnotspeak...1 Imustadmit,therehavedefinitelybeentimeswhenIwonderedhowGodcanallowinjusticestoexist.Ihave questionedhowasupremebeingcanpermitextraordinarysufferingandtragediestoexistintheworld,andinmyown life.ToreadthesoberingconfessionsofMotherTeresaremindsmeofhercompletehumanness. AsIbecomemoreintrospectiveovertime,Inowrecognizethatthosetimesofprofoundspiritualcrisiswere indeedtimesofgreatestspiritualawakening.IrecognizenowthattheunknownGodwasalwaysbesideme.Itwas mewhohadclosedmyhearttotheMercyofGod. Onthisday,wecelebrateSaintGregory,theIlluminator,whobroughtChristianitytotheArmenians,makingit thefirstnationtoadoptChristianityasanofficialreligionin301AD.Inhishonor,wearereminded,asweareinthe Acts,toremainopentotheSpiritwhoignitesthelightwithinus.KnowingthatGodistheauthorofnewbeginnings,of orderoutofchaosandlightoutofdarkness,wecanremainconfidentthatthisGodofhopeandgracewillnever abandonus,evenwhenourpathseemstotakeusintotheveryheartofdifficultyanddespair.
Christine Tompkins

BrianKolodiejchuk,MotherTeresa:ComebemyLight.(NewYork:CrownPublishing,2007),288.

Saturday, March 24, 2012 Feast of Oscar Romero, Archbishop and Martyrs
Revelation 7:1317 * John 12:2332 * Psalm 31:1524 OscarRomero,ArchbishopofSanSalvador,1980,andtheMartyrsofElSalvador ThosewhosurrendertotheserviceofthepoorthroughloveofChristwilllivelikethegrainofwheatthatdies.Itonly apparentlydies.Ifitwerenottodie,itwouldremainasolitarygrain.Theharvestcomesbecauseofthegrainthatdies. Weknowthateveryefforttoimprovesociety,aboveallwhensocietyissofullofinjusticeandsin,isaneffortthatGod OscarRomero,March24,1980 blesses,thatGodwants,thatGoddemandsofus. OscarRomerowasbornin1917toapoorfamilyinElSalvador.Whenhewas13,helefthometoattenda seminary,firstinElSalvador,andlaterinRome.Hewasordainedin1942,andremainedinRometobegindoctoral work,butwassenttoSanMiguelinElSalvadortoserveasapriest.Duringhisserviceasapriest,hewasfairly conservative,andsometimeshadpoorrelationshipswithotherclergy.Hewasparticularlyconcernedwithpersonal pietyand,inhisnotesfromdiscussionswithhispsychiatrist,feltthathewasneverquitededicatedasheshouldbe.In 1970,hewasconsecratedastheauxiliarybishopofthearchdioceseofSanSalvador.Inthisposition,hefeltquite unsureofhimself,andataretreathewrote(translatedinJamesBrockman'sbiographyofRomero)Imustbemore naturalandspontaneousinaffection.Imustovercomemyselfandexpressmyopinions.Especially,Imustdefendthe faithandthechurch'steachingwithcourage.In1974hebecamethebishopofSantiagodeMaria,aruraldiocesethat includedhisbirthplace.Finally,onFebruary23,1977hewasappointedasarchbishopofSanSalvador.Hewas consideredtobethesafe,uncontroversialchoiceasarchbishop,ashewassupportedbythegovernmentandthemore conservativevoicesofthechurch.Theantigovernmentorganizationsandthoseintheliberationtheologymovement weredisappointedinthischoice. Atthistime,thesituationinElSalvadorwasverytense,duetoclassinequalityissuesandapooreconomy. Mostofthecountrywasextremelypoor,andalmosthalfofthelandwasownedbyjustthirteenorfourteenfamilies. Themainexportinthe1900swascoffee;in1931,therewasacrashincoffeeprices,leadingtounemploymentand poverty.Inlate1931,therewasamilitarycoup,whichpromotedthefascistvicepresidentofthecountrytothe presidency.In1932,leftwingandcommunistgroupsjoinedwithsomeoftheindigenouspeopletoattemptto overthrowthenewgovernment.Theystartedanuprising,killingaboutahundredpeople,buttheywerequickly defeatedbythearmy.Thegovernmentannouncedameetinginapublicsquaretodiscusstheissuesandinvited membersoftheinsurrectiontoattend;whentheyarrived,thearmyopenedfireandkilledtensofthousands(estimates rangefrom10,000to40,000)ofpeople.Thegovernmentthenbeganemployingdeathsquadstohuntdownanyone suspectedofbeingpartofthemovement,andanyonewholookedlikeanindigenousperson.Theconflictwounddown overthenextfewdecades,untilmoreeconomictroublearrivedin1970.Thegovernmentusedthearmyandspecial police,andsupporteddeathsquads,inordertokeepthepopulationundercontrol.ThegovernmentsofElSalvadorand theUnitedStateswereconcernedthatacommunistrevolutionwouldtakeholdthroughoutallofLatinAmerica.Clergy andotherreligiousleaders,unionmembersandorganizers,andsuspectedcommunistswerekilledforyears.Outofits fearofcommunism,theUnitedStatessupportedthegovernmentwithmilitaryadvisors,militarytrainingintheUnited States,andmoney.In1978,about700werekilledbythegovernmentalignedforces;thenextyearalmost1800were killed.Finally,inOctober1979,amilitaryjuntaoverthrewthegovernment,promisingtoworkforlandreformandother popularpolicies.However,theymadeverylimitedchanges,andsufferedseveralchangesinleadership,beforefinally dissolvingin1982.Bythistime,thecountrywasinacivilwarthatwouldclaim75,000lives.

Asarchbishop,Romeroseemedtointendtocontinuetheexistingpoliciesofthechurch:advocateforunity,and workwiththepoor,whilemaintaininggoodrelationshipswiththegovernment.However,onlyafewweeksafterhe wasinstalledasarchbishop,hisclosefriend,apriestnamedRutilioGrande,wasridingwithacoupleofpeasantfarmers whentheywereattackedandkilledbyadeathsquad.AfewweeksbeforeGrandewaskilled,oneofGrande'sfriends, anotherpriest,waskidnappedandthenexpelledfromthecountry.Grandegaveasermonwherehesaid: IamfullyawarethatverysoontheBibleandtheGospelswillnotbeallowedtocrosstheborder.Allthatwill reachuswillbethecovers,sinceallthepagesaresubversiveagainstsin,itissaid.SothatifJesuscrossestheborderat Chalatenango,theywillnotallowhimtoenter.Theywouldaccusehim,themanGod...ofbeinganagitator,ofbeinga Jewishforeigner,whoconfusesthepeoplewithexoticandforeignideas,antidemocraticideas,andi.e.,againstthe minorities.IdeasagainstGod,becausethisisaclanofCains.Brothers,theywouldundoubtedlycrucifyhimagain.And theyhavesaidso. RomerowenttocelebrateafuneralmassforGrande.Romerosaid:"WhenIlookedatRutiliolyingtheredead,I thought:iftheykilledhimfordoingwhathedid,thenItoohavetowalkthesamepath".ThepeoplethatGrandewas tryingtovisittoldRomerotheywerecertainthatGodwouldsendsomebodytotakeupGrande'swork.WhenRomero returnedtothecapital,hebegantobreakwiththegovernment.Heannouncedthathewouldnottakepartinany governmentfunctionuntilGrande'sdeathhadbeeninvestigated.(Thisneverhappened.)Hecanceledallservicesat churchesthroughoutthecountrythenextSunday,exceptforasingleserviceinthecapital,where100,000people attended.Hespokethroughhissermonsandwritingsandradioshows,callingforpeaceandencouragingpeopleto worktogetherandstoptheviolence.Theconflictstillcontinuedtoworsen.Hereceiveddeaththreats;theseseemed tobotherhimgreatly.AtaretreatattheendofFebruary1980,hewrote ...Iaskhimtomakehislove,hisjustice,histruthshinethroughmemoreeasily.Iamafraidofviolenceto myself.Ihavebeennotifiedofseriousthreatsforthisveryweek.Ifearbecauseoftheweaknessofmyflesh,but IpraytheLordtogivemeserenityandperseveranceandalsohumility,becauseIalsofeeltemptedtovanity. Healsowrote, ThusdoIexpressmyconsecrationtotheheartofJesus,whowaseverasourceofinspirationandjoyinmy life.ThusalsoIplaceunderhislovingprovidenceallmylife,andIacceptwithfaithinhimmydeath,however harditbe.Idonotwanttoexpressanintentiontohim,suchasthatmydeathbeformycountry'speaceorour church'sflourishing.Christ'sheartwillknowhowtodirectittothepurposehewishes.Formetobehappyand confident,itissufficienttoknowwithassurancethatinhimismylifeandmydeath,thatinspiteofmysinsI haveplacedmytrustinhimandIshallnotbeconfounded,andotherswillcarryonwithgreaterwisdomand holinesstheworksofthechurchandthenation. Hereturnedtohisworkandreadinghissermonsontheradio.OnMarch23,1980,inhissermon,heaskedthe armytostopkillingcivilians: Brothers,youarefromthesamepeople;youkillyourfellowpeasants...Nosoldierisobligedtoobeyanorder thatiscontrarytothewillofGod...InthenameofGod,inthenameofthissufferingpeople,IaskyouIimplore youIcommandyouinthenameofGod:stoptherepression! Onthe24th,hewasatahospitalchapel,celebratingamassforthefuneralofafriend'smother.Whilehewaselevating thechalice,hewasshotandkilled.

 Hissermonthatdaywasontoday'sgospelreadingtheopeningquotationcamefromthatsermon.ElSalvador didnotseepeaceafterRomero'sdeath.Acivilwarensuedthatlasted12years.Thousandsofpeoplewerekilled, includingRomero,religiousworkersandpriestsbeforehim,andafterhim,eventhoseworkingtonegotiatewiththe antigovernmentgroups.WhiletodaythereisnocivilwarinElSalvador,thereisstillmuchpovertyandhighcrime. Mostofthepartiesinvolvedintheviolencethegovernmentforces,andtherevolutionaryforcescametogetherfor peace.Butmanyofthoseresponsiblefortheviolencehavecertainlynotbeenputtoshameinsteadtheyhaveheld positionsinthenewgovernment. SomeofthemweretrainedintheUnitedStates,attheSchooloftheAmericas,wheretheywereinstructedthat, inordertopreservethenationalgovernment,theyshouldtargetforcounterintelligenceactivitiesthoseteamsor hostileorganizationswhoseobjectiveistocreatedissensionorcauserestlessnessamongthecivilianpopulationinthe areaofoperations.Isupposetalklikelyinglipsandletthewickedbeputtoshame;letthembesilentinthe gravecouldcauserestlessness.WhileIknowIshouldfindtoday'sreadingstobecomfortingandencouragingwhich Icertainlydotheyaresometimeshaunting.Thisisperhapsmywayofobsessingoverpersonalpiety(maybetheonly thingIcancountonhavingincommonwithRomero).It'shardtoread ...theonewhoisseatedonthethronewillshelterthem. Theywillhungernomore,andthirstnomore; thesunwillnotstrikethem, noranyscorchingheat; fortheLambatthecenterofthethronewillbetheirshepherd, andhewillguidethemtospringsofthewateroflife

whilealsoknowingthatmygovernmentprintedamanualfortheSchooloftheAmericaswhichstatedthatindicators ofinsurgentscarryingoutpsychologicaloperationsinclude (a)Clergyembracingliberationtheology (b)Clergyinvolvedinactivitiesconcerningpolitical,ruralorlabordiscontent. (c)Adultmenreceivingrefugeorfoodfromclergyorhelpfromthem. WhatcanIdotokeepthisfromhappeningagain?WhatmeaningfulactionscanItaketomakesureI'mnothelpingto speakagainsttherighteous? KyleLiddell

 Monday, March 26, 2012 Feast of The Annunciation

Isaiah 7:1014 * Hebrews 10:410 * Luke 1:2638 * Psalm 45 or 40 or Canticle 3 or 15

March26,theFeastoftheAnnunciation,transferred
Inthe1970's,IwasamemberofTheTreesCommunity.Bygooglingit,youcanlistentoourrenditionofPsalm 45(butbepreparedforsomethingunusual).WealsosanganAnnunciationsongwrittenbyoneofourmembers,(I cannotfinditonlineatpresent),whichbegins, "Cameanangelinthenight, Asuddenbrightandfierylight, Likeastarthrownfromthesky TotheplacewhereMaryprayed. 'Allhail,sweetMary,whydoyouweep? Godhaslookeduponyouwithfavor Hispromisestokeep.'" Psalm45isaweddingsong.Thecastisalittlehardtofollow,buttherearedefinitelybridesmaids.Ithasbeen readasametaphorforChristandHisBride,theChurch.In"TheChristTree,"amusicalmeditationbeginningwiththe soul'sthirstforGodinPsalm42,weusedPsalm45torepresentthesoul's"marriage"orcommitmenttoGod.Theline thatkeepscomingbacktomeinthinkingaboutthisLentenmeditationisverse11,"Listendaughter,forgetyournation, yourancestralhome.Thekingdesiresyourbeauty.Heisyourlord;bowdownbeforehim." ThatiswhatMarydidwhenshesaid,"HereamI,theservantoftheLord;letitbewithmeaccordingtoyour word."IntheMagnificat,weseeherfullofhopesforhernation,butshedidnotrealizethatwiththischild,Godwas startinganewnation.WearepartofthatnewKingdom,broughtintoitbyourbaptism.AsweprepareinLenttorenew ourbaptismalcommitment,letusrememberthatGodhaslookeduponuswithfavorhasdesiredthebeautyofour souls;letusbowdownbeforeHimand,continuallyseekingtheunionofourwillwithHis,say,"Letitbewithme accordingtoyourword." ChristmasinLent? MaryVukman

 Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Feast of Charles Henry Brent, Bishop

Ephesians 4:17, 1112 * Matthew 9:3538 * Psalm 122 or 133 FromthelettertotheChurchatEphesus: ...EachofuswasgivengraceaccordingtothemeasureofChristsgift. Thegiftshegavewere...toequipthesaintsfortheworkofministry,forbuildingupthebody ofChrist... Havewethoughtrecentlyaboutthegiftswehaveallbeengiven,tobuildupthebodyofChrist(theChurch)? Perhapswehavebeengiventhegiftofteachingormaybethegiftsofacraftspersonorartist.Letusrememberthatwe arenotonlycalledtobepresentatworshipontheLordsday,buttotakeactiontobuilduptheChurch.Duringthe Lentenperiod,letusallconsiderhowwemightusethesegiftsmorepurposefullytoenrichthelifeoftheChurchand alsohowwemightreachouttootherswithgenuinehospitality. WayneLeast

PhotographbyNoahFields

Saturday, March 31, 2012 Feast of John Donne, Priest

Wisdom 7: 248:1 * John 5: 1924 * Psalm 27:511 or 16:511 TodayisthelastSaturdaybeforeHolyWeekbegins.WehavebeeninvitedtoexperienceaHolyLent,atimeof reflectionandpenitence,preparationforthenewlifewhichburstsforthinEaster.Thereadingstodaytakeustoaplace ofdarkness.ThePsalmistinPsalm42expressesadeepyearningforGodandasenseofGodsabsence: Asthedeerlongsforstreamsofwater, somysoullongsforyou,OGod. MysoulthirstsforGod,thelivingGod. WhencanIenterandseethefaceofGod? Mytearshavebeenmybreaddayandnight, astheyaskmeeveryday,WhereisyourGod?

ThepsalmistdesiresanencounterwiththelivingGod,notareligiousroutine.Herememberstimesinhispast thatheexperiencedGodspresence,butthattimeisnotnow.Heisinaplaceofsorrow,isolation,emptiness,and thosearoundhimarenothelpingastheyquestionhisfaith.Inthemidstofthisspiritualdarkness,thewritercries outtoGod,expressinghisfrustrationandneed: IwillsaytoGod,myrock: Whydoyouforgetme? WhymustIgoaboutmourning withtheenemyoppressingme? Itshattersmybones,whenmyadversariesreproachme, whentheysaytomeeveryday:WhereisyourGod? Whyareyoudowncast,mysoul, whydoyougroanwithinme? WaitforGod,forIshallagainpraisehim, mysaviorandmyGod. Thepsalmistswordsresonatewithourownexperiencesofconfusionandspiritualdryness. TheGospelstorytellsoftheencounterofBartimaeuswithJesus.Bartimaeusisblind,inphysicaldarknessasopposed tothepsalmistsemotionalandspiritualdarkness.Heisisolatedbyhisinfirmityandforcedtobeginordertosurvive. WhenhehearsthatJesusisnearby,hecriesouttohim:Jesus,SonofDavid,havemercyonme!!Thosearoundhim trytosilencehim,topreventhisdisturbingtheRabbiwhoissurroundedbyalargecrowd.Perhapsthey thoughtblindnessapunishmentorhislotinlife;eitherwaynotimportantenoughtodisturbthemaster.Bartimeas isnotdeterredbythecrowdsresistanceandcontinuestocryout.Jesus,inthemidstofthechatterandconfusion, hearsBartimaeuscall.Helooksattheblindmanwithwhatmusthavebeengreattendernessandasks:Bartimaeus, whatdoyouwantmetodoforyou....andBartimaeusaskstoreceivehissight.Jesushealsthisblindman,and BartimaeusresponseistofollowJesus. InthecomingweekwewillberememberingtheeventsofChristspassionandresurrection.Thedaysleading uptoHolySaturdayaredaysofdarkness,whenweareinvitedtorememberthefrailtyofthosewalkingwithJesus andwithitourownvulnerability.Whatarethesourcesofdarknessinourlives?Whatcircumstances,relationships, losses,threatsinviteustoreflectonourfrailtyandneedforGod?IsthereafeltabsenceofGodinour suffering?Whataretheyearningsinsidethatcompelus? ThomasMertonsaid: This,then,isourdesert:tolivefacingdespairbutnottoconsent.Totrampleitdownunderhopeinthe Cross.Towagewaragainstdespairunceasingly.Thatwarisourwilderness.Ifwewageitcourageously,we willfindChristatourside.Ifwecannotfaceit,wewillneverfindhim.

OutofthisfeltneedcomesadeeperthirstforthelivingGod,thedesireexpressedbythePsalmistand Bartimaeus.Ritualisnotenough.Theologyisnotenough.Evenservicetoothersisnotenough.WeapproachEaster knowingthatwewillmeettheretheChristwhoisasnearasourownheart.AndwhatthenwillweanswertoHis question:Whatdoyouwantmetodoforyou?? PegKristoffersen

PhotographbyShirleyRicker

 Monday April 2, 2012

Isaiah 42:19 * Hebrews 9:1115 * John 12:111 * Psalm 36:511 InthewaywelistentoGod,wemustlearnanewway.Wemustnottrytolistenforhiswordasthepersonwe aretoday;arrogant,righteous,andwealthy.WehavetolistenforGodscallasaservant;humble,willingandpoorin spirit.ForGodcallsnotthemightyandpowerful,whomhewillreadilystrikedown,butcallsthelowlytobehis presenters. Looknottoourlawsforredemption,buttothebloodoftheSonofGodwhowassacrificedforoursins.Theold wayshavemeritintheirownright,butwillnotbringsalvation. BemindfulofplacingvalueontheeffortofthosewhoserveGod,becarefulnottojudgeharshlythosewho spendtheirenergyandmoneyinpraisingJesus.Dowhatyoucaninyourownway.LoveGodthewayheteachesus. TreatothersasthoughtheyhavetheHolySpiritwithinthem. SeekonlytheprotectionofGod.Goaboutyourwaywithoutregardtothejudgmentofothersandtheriskof losingourworldlythings.PraiseGodforhisprovidinguswitheverythingweneed,andprotectingusfromthe temptationsofourownsinfulways. Listen.Pray.Do.LetthepowerofthewayJesusteachesusfillourears,ourmuscles,andourwill.Tobetterlive onthisEarthinpreparationforbeingwelcomedtohisFathersHeavenlyKingdom. JoeMcCutchon

PhotographbyShirleyRicker

April 4, 2012 Isaiah 50:49a * Hebrews 1:13 * John 13:2132 * Psalm 70

CanyouplaceyourselfintothetimeofJesus,thelatespringlikedaysofPassover?Smellthelasttracesofnard thatMaryofBethanyhadpouredintoJesushair,notallthatlongago?FeeltheexhilarationofwatchingLazaruscome outofthetomb,thensitdownandeatwithyou,likenothinghadeverhappenedtohim.Knowinyourheartthat Passoverisaparty,GodhadcertainlycausedatriumphoverEgyptandwewalkedoutwithalltheirstuffandweare celebrating.Itstomorrowafterall.AndJesusisexcited!Hecantwaittocelebratewithus(Luke15:22)beforeHe suffers. Wait,beforeHesuffers.Theonewhostillsmellslikeperfume,whoraisesdeadpeople,isplanningonpartying withus,celebratingthelambwhosebloodwas/isonthatdoorpost.WhatisitliketositatthattablewithJudas,tohear thewordsgoquickly,dowhatyouhavetodo?WhatisitliketosipthatcuptheonecalledRedemption,justafter youvestuffedyourselfwithroastlamb.Ah,butthatstomorrow.Andthesufferingcomesaftertomorrow. Butitstoday,andJesusisstillcloseby,thereisstilltimeforthingstobedone.Althoughwestillcansmellthe perfume,feelthejoy,revelinthemerriment,weknowthedarkdaysareahead.Andweknowtheroadgetsrougher, steeper,andmoredifficult.Likeoneoftheapostles,drawclosetohimtoday.Afterall,todayisthedayofsalvation! Drawnearwhileyoustillrecognizehimbecausetomorrowwearegoingtotheparty,andthesufferingcomesafter tomorrow. MargaretSconfitto

PhotographbyShirleyRicker

April 5, 2012 Maundy Thursday

Exodus 12: 110, 1114 * 1 Corinthians 11: 2326 * John 13: 17, 31b35 * Psalm 116:1, 1017 MaundyThursdayisthedaybeforethecrucifixion.InothertraditionsthisdayiscalledHolyThursdayorGreat Thursday.MaundyisfromtheLatinwordmandatumwhichmeanscommandment. IntheEpistleappointedforMaundyThursdaySt.Paulrecalls: Jesus,onthenightbeforehedied,tookbread,gavethanks,brokeitandsaid, "Thisismybodygivenforyou.Dothisinremembranceofme.Inthesame wayalsohetookthecup,andsaidDothis,asoftenasyoudrinkit, inremembranceofme.

AndfromtheGospelofJohn: Atamealwithhisclosestfriends,Jesusgotupfromthetable,tookoffhisouterrobe,tiedatowel aroundhimself.ThenJesuspouredwaterintoabasin,begantowashthedisciples'feetand,finally,wipedtheir feetwithatowelthatwastiedaroundhim.ForIhavesetyouanexample,thatyoualsoshoulddoasIhave donetoyou...Igiveyouanewcommandmentthatyouloveoneanother.JustasIhavelovedyou,youalso shouldloveoneanother. Jesusisgivinganewcommandment...thatweloveoneanother.JesusdoesntsayIthinkitwouldbeniceifyou lovedoneanother.Hedoesntsay,Youmightwanttothinkaboutlovingoneanother.Hiswordsarefirmand imperative.DOTHIStoremembermeandLoveoneanotherasIhavelovedyou. Christianshavedonethisbrokenbreadandsharedwinesincetheverybeginning.Sharingthebreadand wineoftheEucharistiscommanded,butso,also,iswashingothersfeetandservingothersafterJesusexample.These arebothsacramentalactionswhichpointbeyondthemselvestothesacrificewhichJesusmadeonthecrossand continuestomakeforus.Asoftenasyoueatthisbreadanddrinkthecup,youproclaimtheLordsdeathuntilhe comes.And,lestweforget,thatlovecostJesushislife. ReverendMarilyleSweetPage


April 7, 2012 Holy Saturday Job 14:114 or Lamentations 3:19, 1924 * 1 Peter 4:18 * John 19:3842 Whatdoyoudowhenyourworldfallsapart?OnHolySaturday,thedisciplesmusthavebeeninastateof shock.Theirbelovedteacherwhohadhealedsomany,theirMessiah,whohadbeengreetedwithpalmsastheSonof DavidonhisentryintoJerusalemlessthanaweekearlier,hadbeenexecutedasacriminal!Whatshouldtheydonow? Andwhatshouldwedowhencopingwithdisasterslikethelossofajob,thedeathofalovedone,oranyothertimewe feelthatourworldhascrumbled?Thereadingsfortodayshowussomepossibleresponses. Jobwasapiousanduprightman,butsuddencalamitieshadkilledallhischildren,strippedhimcompletelyofhis considerablewealth,andruinedhishealth.IntodaysreadinghecomplainstoGodanunderstandableresponse, thoughnotparticularlyhelpfulexceptasaventforhisemotions. IntheGospelreading,JosephofArimatheaandNicodemuscareforthebodyofJesus,wrappingitwithcostly spicesandplacingitJosephsownnewtomb.Theirchoicewastodowhattheycouldtohelp,inthemidstoftheirown sorrowanappropriatechoiceforfollowersoftheOnewhohadcommandedustoloveourneighborsasourselves. Petersletteragreeswiththisapproach,remindingus,Aboveall,maintainconstantloveforoneanother,forlove coversamultitudeofsins. ForallofuswhowishtofollowJesus,IthinkthatanextremelyimportantexampleisthechoiceHemadeinthe GardenofGethsemane:Notmywillbutyoursbedone.Thisisdifficulttosayinthemidstofadisaster,butinmy experienceitisaveryhelpfulwaytopray.LukesGospelsaysthatafterJesusprayedthiswayinthegarden,anangel fromheavenappearedtohimandgavehimstrength(Luke22:43).AnexampleIlikeisalittlechildcryingabouta brokentoywhileholdingontoitwithallhismight;hisfathercanfixitforhimonlywhenheiswillingtohanditoverto him.IttakesfaithtoentrustourproblemstoourHeavenlyFather,butitdoesmakeitmuchmorepossibleforHimto helpus.Ilearnedsomethingaboutthisasafreshmanincollege.Ihadahugecrushonaveryniceboy,afriendofmy cousin,andhadbeenhopinghewouldwritetome.Butinsteadhesentmeaninvitationtohisengagementparty,and allmycastlesintheaircamecrashingdown.(Yearslater,hebecameastategovernor,andIrealizedthatIcouldnever havebeenthepoliticalhostessheneeded!)AnyhowIwenttothechapelandpartofmyprayerwasapproximately, Lord,obviouslyyoudidnotwantwhatIwanted,butImsureyouhaveabetterplanforme,sopleasetakechargeof mylifeandhelpmetodowhatyouwant.Well,Godansweredmyprayerbytouchingmewithhislove;Icannotreally describeit,butforweeksafterwardsIwasridingmybikearoundcampussingingtheGloria.Ofcoursesurrenderingour willtoGodisanongoingprocess,butIbelieveeachstepalongthatpathbringshelpwhenweneeditmost. ThereadingfromLamentationsistheonethatIfindmosthelpfulfordesperatesituations.Jeremiahhadbeen persecutedforprophesyingtoJerusalemabouttheapproachingdisaster;whenthecitywasdestroyeditwouldbe understandableifhehadfeltitservedthemright.InsteadhewroteinLamentations,Myeyesflowwithriversoftears becauseofthedestructionofmypeople.Howeverhealsowrote,ButthisIcalltomind,andthereforeIhavehope: ThesteadfastloveoftheLORDneverceases,hismerciesnevercometoanend;theyareneweverymorning;greatis Yourfaithfulness. Sowhenourworldseemstohavefallenapart,letusdowhatwecantobehelpfulandloving,askourLordto takechargeofthewholesituationandsaywithJeremiah,ThesteadfastloveoftheLORDneverceases. Theresurrectioniscoming!ThanksbetoGod. LucyAlonzo