5th Sunday of Easter

John 13:31-35

Jesus the Christ
Emmanuel, Lord with us
the God who created all
---- and sustains all
-------- and saves all
lived among us
---- taught us
---- cared for us
---- loved us
---- brought us new life
and left us with the command
Love one another
in the midst of strife and conflict
in the midst of war
---- Love one another
in the midst of families
and finances
---- Love one another
it is then we hear Christ
know Christ
see Christ
in the smile of a child
and the tears of a friend
the laughter in the halls
and the sun in the sky
Love one another
and in doing so
know
---- of God’s love for you
Christ

between a sheet and a hard place

Sunday May 2nd, Acts 11: 4 Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' 8 "I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. Peter found himself caught between a sheet and a hard place. That doesn’t sound bad until you put yourself in Peters place and realize that sheet contains everything objectionable in his limited world view. Peter found himself face to face with God’s expanded view of the kingdom. Peter has had a rough time of it. He has lived with Simon the tanner, touched and healed a dead Greek woman named Dorcus. Now God is continuing his education by once again showing him the expanse of God’s kingdom. Peter is also left trying to explain this to others when he is not so sure he understands it himself. Most of us, like Peter, when confronted with the expanse of God’s kingdom may at first say Wow. Then after a while we come to our senses and say, “but surely you don’t mean them?” It is one thing to expand our view of the horizon as far as we can see, it is quite another to expand it as far as God can see. Sometimes God has used a sheet to show his vision for the kingdom. Sometimes he just takes us up to the line we have drawn in the sand and tell us to step across it, and then leads us to do it again, and again and again and again until we begin to grasp just a part of the expanse of God’s love. Perhaps this was an inspiration for U2’s “No line on the horizon” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oKwnkYFsiE)

preparing and going

Monday May 3rd, Acts 11: 11 "Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.' Peter’s idea? I think not!! God was way out in front of him on this. God is way out in front of us also. Come over here, Kingdom work to do! Now go over there, Kingdom work to do! God is always out ahead, preparing the way, setting the stage and waiting for us to show up to receive the blessing. Where is God leading you do kingdom work? Where is God leading your faith community, your worship community, to do kingdom work? It is never a matter of if, it is only and always a matter of where. You only need to decide what path will you take to get there and how long it will take you to get started, and sometimes, sadly, if you will get started? The life of a Christian is just pointing you nose toward the Kingdom and taking off down that path. That doesn’t mean the road is smooth all the time, nor does it mean that it is rocky all the time, it does mean that God is way out in front of you and this time has prepared the way for you. Christmas is about preparing the way for the Lord, Easter is about going the way the Lord has prepared for you.

start packing

Tuesday May 4th, Acts 11: 15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." If God is sending us into all the world to bring the Good news, who are we to stand in the way? Peter is trying to explain the no line on the horizon boundary less kingdom to boundary loving followers. It is a tough job, full of “Yes, but’s.” Yes I believe the Kingdom is for all (but) who follow the right path, for all (but) who live as the children of God, for all (but) who have made a profession of faith, for all (but) who pray the believers prayer, for all (but) who follow the Christian faith, for all (but, but, but, but). The Christian church over the centuries hasn’t changed much. Even today there is all manner of “yes, but you surely don’t mean ‘those’ people” among those who claim the title of followers of Jesus. All living things have within them the living breath of the Holy Spirit. Our job as kingdom dwellers is to awaken them, and in the process ourselves, to that presence. Where is God leading you that you don’t want to go? Time to start packing.

follow the vision

Wednesday May 5th, Revelation 21: 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This is a vision of God’s kingdom in heaven becoming God’s vision of earth and all humanity. All who are victims and who are hurting will weep no more and every tear will be wiped from their eyes. All who are perpetrators and who are hurting will weep no more and every tear will be wiped from their eyes. There will be no death, no mourning, no crying, no pain, only the joyful presence of God with all of humanity, all of creation. It begs the question, if this is God’s vision, why do we work so hard at maintaining war and injustice? Why do we spend over half of our economy on ways to kill and come unglued over a few dollars to heal? This last year we have seen outrage in the streets over wanting to pay for health care and barely a whimper over the trillions to kill. Many in the name of god, (and for the glory of profit) try to lead us in the opposite direction of God’s leading. God is leading us is to focus on ways to heal, however for the temporary and temporal satisfaction of greed fulfilled by a few, so much of humanity is kept so far from God’s vision. Some day maybe, some day, we may get back on the path God has set before us. In the mean time, for those who have eyes to see, follow the vision.

Kingdom life

Thursday May 6th, Revelation 21: 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. Christ is the beginning and the end. Creation was for the glory of God and in the end Creation will once again be for the Glory of God. For this brief moment called life, both our own lives and the life of all creation, we are given a chance to catch just a glimpse of, and participate in, God’s unfolding promise to mend the entire universe. (Check out “Manna and Mercy” by Daniel Erlander for a delightful rendition of this unfolding promise. www.danielerlander.com) This life is a gift to us to help us grasp the glory of God in this world and participate in the promise. Christians aren’t any better than anyone else, they just have some half-baked idea who to thank. This gift of life given to us is a call to give to those who thirst a drink without cost from the water of life, and in the process glimpse a bit more of that gift of life ourselves. We know the beginning, we know the ending and our lives are the pages in-between. How do you want your page to read? How do you participate in the Kingdom life now?

city vision

Friday May 7th, John 13: 33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. When I was younger, my father taught me how to plow the fields. I rode along with him and asked him questions and he gave me advice for a number of years. When I was old enough to plow alone, he let me go. I was awful. It takes more than head knowledge to really know what you are doing and enjoy it, it takes experience. We have been taught, it is all there in the scripture, now is our time to learn the joy of gaining experience of what it is like in the kingdom of God. When I looked back and saw those first plowed rows staggering down the field, I knew I had a bit of work to do. In time the rows became straighter and I felt good about what I was doing. When I look around and see how far we are from the vision of the Holy City coming down from heaven with no pain, death or tears and manna for all and mercy for all, I see that I, and the rest of humanity, have a long way to go. Some day perhaps we can look back at what we have done and feel good about it. For now, our task is to keep aiming at that Holy City vision.

love one another

Saturday May 8th, John 13: 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This is how you get kingdom experience, this is how you plow your rows straight, you learn to love one another. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself is how the scriptures put it. Caring for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, because that is what they are is how we live it. Life is all about sharing the manna and showing mercy and love for all. All else is fluff.

Philip & James, Apostles

John 14:8-14

We don’t know where you are going
we don’t have a handle on what is happening
we don’t feel in control
just show me the one who has sent you
the one we have worshiped for so long
Show me
that I may believe
that which I have already said
I believe
Show me
that I may no longer be nagged by doubts
Show me
---- (I am the way)
---- (and I will be with you)
---- (for I am going)
---- (to be with you in a special way)
Help me to keep the ways
I have learned
from my ancestors
who have lived so long
with the special relationship given
by God
---- (I am the way)
Show us that we may believe in you
Show us
that our human side may be satisfied
Show us
that we may have an edge
over
those who have not been shown
---- (I am the way)
---- (and I will be)
---- (with all people)
---- (in love)

St. Mark, Evangelist

Mark 1:1-15

Prepare the way
Prepare the way of the Lord
was the call
Prepare
and make ready for what will be
----(the time has come)
make ready for the son of God
in the flesh
in the world
living among the people
you and I
who long so to hear the news
who long so to see the doves
descending on the one
God sent
to save
Prepare
----(the Kingdom of God)
the way of the Lord
the one for whom the prophets foretold
the one for whom John foretold
has come
and had defeated the one
who would being death
----(is near)
the message is told
and the time is now new
time for the whole world to change
from what it was
----(Repent)
to what it is in Christ
New
and alive
God has loved the people
God has loved the nations
and sent
the one foretold
----(and believe)
who would save the people
from their sins
----(the Good News)
this Christ
the Son of God

opening litany Psalm 23

Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Congregation: And also with you.

Celebration of Resurrection New Life and Forgiveness

Pastor: We are a Resurrection people called by God to live a Resurrection life.

All: Christ is Risen, Christ is risen indeed. We live our lives each day knowing that Christ has opened the way to New Life to be lived in fullness and forgiveness each and every day. Even when our lives take us through the dark valleys, we know we are never alone, Our Risen Lord is always with us. We therefore will share the good news of the resurrection in our interactions with our brothers and sisters in this world. Amen


Pastor: So let us not deny the resurrection in our lives, but rather go boldly into the world knowing that in this resurrection life we are a forgiven people as we share the good news of God’s grace, in word and deed with the world around us. Amen

Congregation: The LORD is our shepherd, we shall not be in want for the Lord makes us lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside quiet waters. The Lord restores my soul and guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Pastor: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for the Lord is with me; The Lord’s guidance comforts me.

Congregation: For the Lord prepares a table before us in the presence of those who would harm us. The Lord provides us with all we need and our cup of blessing overflows. 

Pastor: Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of my lives,

Congregation: And we will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Well done, my good and faithful servants

After twenty-five years of deliberation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Church Council has abolished its anti-gay policies, effective immediately. Following from discussions at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly last summer, the ELCA will now allow people in same-sex relationships to serve as rostered leaders. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) human beings are no longer considered abominations but blessed church members with full standing. Same-sex partners and families can now fully participate in the ELCA Pension Plan.

Best of all, the ELCA is reinstating people who were removed from ministry positions because they were truthful and came out of the closet, as well as those who conducted holy unions for non-heterosexual couples. The ELCA has practiced restorative justice.

The Lutherans -- breaking from Garrison Keillor stereotypes as shy, retiring, or stoic -- said, "Just do it!" All votes passed overwhelmingly, with no votes against and no drawn-out hassles about how to implement the policies.

I'm particularly grateful to the ELCA for adding restoration to its reforms. My colleague, Rev. Paul W. Egerston, faithfully pastored and served as Bishop in the Lutheran church for 31 years. He resigned one month before the end of his term in 2001. Why? He ordained a lesbian as a Pastor and took a public stand for justice in opposition to the official anti-gay policy of the ELCA. Now, Paul and his wife, Shirley, and their six children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren can take a day off. I believe that through the ELCA's restoration, God has sent them a message, "Well done, my good and faithful servants."

Full Article

Bringing Compassion to the Middle East by Karen Armstrong

It has long been clear to me that unless we learn to apply the Golden Rule globally, treating all nations, all peoples, without exception as we would wish to be treated ourselves, taking their aspirations and difficulties as seriously as we take our own, we are unlikely to have a viable world to hand on to the next generation.

In Sharjah, I met this next generation. It was quite clear that I was talking to some of the future leaders of the Middle East. At both universities, the students were bright, articulate, confident, and asked some of the most intelligent and searching questions I have heard from students anywhere. They understand the global vision of the Charter, not only because University City is an international community, but because many of the students also take part in a project called Global Vision. The project brings students to work in impoverished regions in East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. They return to their studies with new insight about the problems and pain of the world. Both universities see adopting the Charter as a step toward building a more compassionate world, and have committed to promoting it.

Full Article

Charter for Compassion Web site

4th Sunday of Easter

John 10:22-30

Questions have a way of framing the answer
--(how long?)
of saying
--only these possibilities exist
Within the framework of my mind
--And thought
----And expectation
How long?
--(tell us plainly Lord)
How long before what I expect to happen
--will happen?
Never is the answer
--And Now
Never and Now
--before I hear His voice
Never and Now
--before I am shown the way
Never and Now
--before I hear the words
--already spoken
His sheep will follow
--Because they hear
His sheep will follow
--Because they know
His sheep will follow
--on to new life
--and love
many will not
they are too busy framing the question
to hear the answer

Peter healed from bigotry

Sunday April 25th, Acts 9: 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas, both words mean gazelle), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Last week we heard of Peter being forgiven and sent into the world instead of the sea, to fish. This week we find him near Joppa, in the area around Tel-Aviv. It is here that Peter has the vision of the blanket, the unclean animals and the voice of God telling him not to call unclean anything God had made. Tabitha who also has a Greek name, would have been one of those unclean things Peter thought he might want to avoid. Acts calls her a disciple, not long before Peter might disagree. This is a story of healing and of healing. Tabatha, the disciple some would call an “outsider” is healed to continue to do the work all disciples are called to do is brought back to life. Peter, the leader of the church is healed from the bigotry of considering Tabatha, and all like her, as outsiders. It calls us to look at the question, that in our world today what disciples do we call unclean and what do we need to do to experience Peter healing?

Tanners and Greeks and dead women Oh No!!!

Monday April 26th, Acts 9: 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. Peter continued his schooling. After raising Tabatha from the dead, he stayed with Simon, a tanner. Tanners, besides turning out leather used extensively in those days, were considered unclean. Before a hide is tanned, it is the skin of a dead animal. Touching the skin of a dead animal made one unclean and therefore unable to participate in worship in the temple. God was working on Peter to help him get over his purity test past, just like last week when God was helping Paul do the same thing. Peter, come touch a dead person, come take the hand of a woman, a woman who is a disciple, then Peter live with a tanner. It is enough to make even a strong man like Peter quiver. It is enough to make the loving God of all smile. We will learn God’s lesson to love one another, the extent to which we resist it often times determines the lesson plan God uses. I read these texts from the Gospels and from Acts and wonder how so many churches can get caught up in the purity test all over again. I think it has more to do with making their religion fit their politics than making their politics fit their religion.

Left Behind

Tuesday April 27th, Revelation 7: 9-12 I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing: Salvation to our God on his Throne! Salvation to the Lamb! The book of Revelation is a book of hope. Most often, it is presented as a book to scare people. Those who have presented the book that way are wrong and have twisted and distorted the word of God to mean the opposite of what it should mean. Those included in the book of Revelation gathered around the throne are “all” nations, tribes, races and languages. God’s love is all inclusive, period! Heaven is for All, including those who would distort the word with diatribes of hatred like “Left Behind.” For those who want to take the book of Revelation as anything but all inclusive good news I can only offer the following web site: http://oldlutheran.cybrhost.com/oldlutheran/page.php?page=store&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=OL&Product_Code=8002&Category_Code=


or click on this link to purchase some "left behind" gym shorts.

surrounded by the vast kingdom

Wednesday April 28th, Revelation 7: 14-17 Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they've washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That's why they're standing before God's Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes." When you pass through difficulties in life, (and if you haven’t, just wait, you will) remember that you are never alone. God is with you. Hopefully, the children of God are with you also. The vision of hope in Revelation is one where those who have gone through the difficulties of life, find themselves in the midst of Gods abundant love and grace and surrounded by the vast kingdom that is the Kingdom of God. With this as the vision, go forward and live your life, praising God in confidence knowing you are never alone, even in eternity.

Gil Hinnom

Thursday April 29th, Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. There is a ravine south of Jerusalem which during the days of monarchy, was the scene of an idolatrous cult involving the passing children through fire (II Kings 23:10) In the 1st Century B.C. the name began to change in usage from Gil Hinnom, or the valley of Hinnom, to one word, Gehenna. This name began to denote a place of fiery torment reserved for the wicked after their death and ultimately after the last judgment. Today we use the word Hell. Even though you walk through Hell, remember you are not alone; God is with you and ultimately even reconciling you with those you consider your enemy. Fear not! Even in Hell itself.

hell bent for leather

Friday April 30th, John 10: 27 My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. The “no one” that can’t snatch us out of Jesus hand also includes the one who might be snatched. Not even our own stubborn, self-absorbed obsession for going hell bent for leather straight into the Hinnom valley all by ourselves can’t get in the way. God loves us, Christ died for us, and Christ rose again to keep it that way. How is that for inclusive good news?

live and love life now

Saturday May 1st, John 10: 29 My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, 30 and I am one with the Father. In the beginning, God created all that exist and called it good. Ever since the fall, we have been trying to rend asunder that which God has put together. God calls creation good, we think a little global warming won’t hurt it if it is good for the economy. God calls us to love one another; we want to limit that to a man and a woman so our marriages with a 50% divorce rate can remain intact. Jesus said let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, we tend to see them as an economic bonanza and shove big busted Barbie’s and gun toting heroes in their face at ever advertising moment. What God created, God called good. One of our many tasks it to not let our economics and fears get in the way of that vision. In the end, we all know that God will win. Life starts when we get on that bandwagon and start to live and love this life now.

We are the Church

We are the church, the body of our Lord,

we are all God’s children and we have been restored.

Worship is a time of celebration. We gather together where ever we are and become church. Not the noun “church” but the verb “church.” We become what we do together, we become what God has called us to be, we become the word active in the world in word and deed. We become collectively and individually a part of the Body of Christ.

The church is not a building where people go to pray;

it’s not made out of sticks and stones, it’s not made out of clay.

Buildings have walls, that may seem like a good thing in Alaska, helps keep the cold out. It also helps keep people out. For many, funerals and weddings are the entry point to the church. Hopefully it is for someone else’s funeral, but not always. Walls hide what goes on inside the building and for many, what goes on in there is mysterious, corny and outdated. But there are times, passages in life, where the unchurched or largely unchurched are drawn to fill the void in their hearts. Sometimes they come to worship, sometimes they are knows as the CEO’s (Christmas, Easter Only) but they are always the children of God, working to connect with the word of God in here because we have not effectively taken the word of God out there. The failing is less on their part than on ours.  The walls also hide our eyes from seeing the world where God is calling us to live and be the body of Christ. 

You can go to worship but you cannot go to church;

You can’t find a building that’s alive no matter how you search.

Worship can be anywhere. Where two or three are gathered is how Jesus puts it in Matthew. Too often, people come to worship to find God. They miss the point of worship. Worship is the place to come and celebrate with all the other party goers, what God has been doing through you, out there, outside those walls where you, and everyone else lives their lives. Church is a verb, it is what you are doing away from that building. It is the caring for people, serving, listening, checking in, praying, bringing meals, sharing resources, smiling, writing letters to government officials, getting involved. Worship is the party where you come together and say “Wow.” It shouldn’t be called a church, it should be called “the party place.”

The church is not a business, a committee or a board;

It’s not a corporation for the business of the Lord.

There are constitutions, bylaws, contracts, goals and expectations for sure, but they are not the church. They are simply the square hole into which some try to stuff this ever changing blob with no clear defining boarders into. The annual report is this collection of data with boxes for; members, baptized and confirmed, ethnicity, languages spoken, transfer by affirmation and the most important box, statistical adjustment. I would like to see a report that indicated somehow, how many people were talked to or ministered to by how many people who may in some way or another be connected to this ever changing living body, or ministered to by our web radio, or received some of the food we provided. There are no boxes or business models for that, only chaos theory.  God lives in the chaos of real life.

The church, it is the people, living out their lives,

called, enlightened, sanctified for the work of Jesus Christ.

And the work of Jesus Christ is to bring the whole world back together. It is beating swords into plowshares, it is binding up the broken hearted, bringing sight to the blind and light to the world, it is setting free those who are bound in their self imposed prisons and asking why so many are locked up in societies prisons and finding out what we can do to bring about a change, it is to proclaim the year of the Lord where all will be given the economic chance to succeed and strive, it is to forgive and heal and make whole, it is to love, actively love all in this world, especially, the unlovable, it is to bring back together all of creation and look at it and join with the voice of God pronouncing it good, and it is to be done not by the priest, pastor, rabbi or imam, but by all the people of God. Because, remember:

We are the church, the body of our Lord;

We are all God’s children. We have been restored.

“The church song” text and music by Jay Beech 1988

I would highly recommend the music from Jay Beech for good upbeat, liturgical, practical Christian worship music.   You can find it at www.baytonemusic.com

“What is Behind the Syria Scud Scare?” By Joshua Landis on Foreign Policy

Excellent analysis on what is behind the Syrian Scud scare and why it becomes an issue at this time by Joshua Landis.  An excerpt is below or you can read the full article HERE

Reports in U.S. and Israeli papers on Wednesday, alleging that Syria delivered Scud missiles to Hezbollah, has set off a firestorm about the limits of engagement and the danger posed by Syria and nonstate actors in the region. Yet the ensuing debate has ignored the broader context of which this episode is but a symptom: namely, that the continued lack of resolution to the decades-long conflict between Syria and Israel has been allowed to fester.

This new development could not have been better timed to throw a monkey wrench into Washington’s engagement process with Syria and President Barack Obama’s efforts to reanimate the stalled peace process in the region. Robert S. Ford, the first ambassador named to Damascus in five years, is in the midst of his confirmation process. A key committee in the Senate has recommended his confirmation, but the ultimate vote among the full Senate has yet to take place. There are many who would like to stop it, not the least because Obama seems ready to push forward efforts to resolve the long-festering Arab -Israeli conflict. On Tuesday, he declared that solving the dispute was a “vital national security interest of the United States” because it is “costing us significantly in terms of both blood and treasure.”

U.S.: Lebanon at risk if Syria sent Scuds to Hezbollah

My son is currently living in Damascus Syria.  He said that the scuttlebutt on the street is that Israel is looking for some reason to justify an attack on Hezbollah which will most likely take place this summer.   While he was in Beirut for New Years Israel was strafing southern Lebanon trying to get Hezbollah to fire back at them, when that didn't work, they fired on the Hezbollah in Gaza and now there is this article in Haaretz which raises suspicion as to whether the report on scuds is true, or if they are just planting stories to justify their planned attack.


The alleged transfer of Scud missiles from Syria to Lebanon's Hezbollah, if true, would put Lebanon at significant risk, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.

"If such an action has been taken, and we continue to analyze this issue ... clearly it potentially puts Lebanon at significant risk," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters.

On Tuesday, the Kuwaiti daily Al-Rai Al-Aam reported that Syria has recently shipped ballistic Scud missiles to Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.


Meanwhile, The White House said it has raised concerns with Syria about the reports about the transfer of Scud missiles.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Wednesday "we have relayed our concerns at the highest levels about weapons that could destabilize the region."

Israel this week accused Syria of giving Scud missiles to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia.

Gibbs told reporters, "we have an unbreakable bond with the Israeli people and in ensuring their security."

Israeli officials say the introduction of Scuds could alter the strategic balance with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia that battled Israel in a month-long war in 2006. 

full article in Haaretz

3, intact, torn and mended

Just some curious thoughts on Sunday's lessons.

• three times Peter denied
• three times Peter forgiven
• three times Peter asked to feed my sheep
• third time Jesus appeared to the disciples (without Thomas, with Thomas, at the lake shore)
• three days Saul/Paul couldn't see
• 153=9 which is three squared
• they cast lots for Jesus robe because it was one piece and they wanted it to remain intact.
• the net that caught all the fish did not break, but remained intact
• the curtain separating the holy of holies from the people did not remain intact, but was torn
• the tear between God's people represented by Saul and God's people represented by Ananias was mended

not sure what it all means, but it is curious

John 21:1-14

3rd Sunday of Easter

It can’t be true
it just can’t
even the newspapers at eh check stand
would think twice
before they ran this story
He is risen
indeed
even the disciples didn’t believe it
no preaching
no telling the story
no theological dissertation
only fish
and not many of them
it’s not much of an ending you know
the media cold do better
if they would even print such a story
a rebel is executed
his followers hide for a while
then back to work
some said they saw him
some said they ate with him
some weren’t sure
not much of a story
but the way they were fed
on the bread and fish
reminded them of the promise
This is my body given for you
This is my blood
Do this in remembrance of me
Do this
feed one another
Do this
feed one another
Do this
feed one another
Do this
In remembrance
and life can only be
a hint of the miraculous
too plain
and yet
too wonderful
for the check stand papers to print
dead man feeds fish to friends
Is the headline
New life
Is your story

3rd Sunday of Easter

John 21:1-19
It was OK to follow
schlepping around the Galilean country side
doing what we were told
watching every move Jesus made
feeling the excitement
We had it made in a way
connected to something bigger than ourselves
preparing the way for the kingdom
In our own way we had it made
and then
then he was gone
Oh sure there was the resurrection
and the time spent with us
and the day of Pentecost
and then
then the spotlight went off
the houselights came up
and there we were
Party over
Now what?
Back to the same old
fade into the countryside
disappear
take life easy
and forget about that night
and the rooster crowing

Feed my sheep!
Feed my sheep!
Feed my sheep!
Be made whole again
and go into the whole world
which is not
and never will be
the same again
No longer centre stage
but streets and byways
Find the sheep
and feed them

God's will?

Sunday April 18th, Acts 9: 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Paul was doing the will of God by going from town to town to get rid of the new followers of Jesus, at least he thought he was. God however had other plans, which is often the case when we “Think” we are doing God’s will by condemning others. God has plans for us also; plans to spread the word of God’s love and grace. Some confuse that as plans to spread the legalism Paul was about before God turned him around. Today that kind of legalism comes in the form of anti-choice, anti-gay, pro-war, pro-death penalty agendas, the hot button litmus test issues for the conservative Christian community. The TEA party is just a group of pre-Damascus Saul’s. The trouble with the righteousness that comes from condemning others is that it often is just the flip side of the coin of self-righteousness. God had a different agenda for Saul/Paul, and calls us to a different agenda. Now get up, go to the city and meet with the ones you are trying to kill and get schooled. In the end, both student and teacher learn.

three days blind

Monday April 19th, Acts 9: 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. As Jesus descended into death for three days until the light of the resurrection, so too, Paul had his three days of darkness before coming to the light. For Paul, this was a time of rebirth into a new follower of God. For many, there is an old self in us that must die in order to allow for new birth. For 12 steppers, it is step one, admitting there is a problem. For abuse victims it is the realization that nothing will change until they make a change. For most major changes in life style, there is that first moment when you realized that what you are doing is no longer working, and some sort of movement toward health is what is needed. Those dark days before that moment can be difficult, and yet, even there, God is with us to lead us to a moment of light and rebirth.

Damascus, but not back to Israel

Tuesday April 20th, Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Ananias was not interested in going to where Saul/Paul was, he had heard the stories and “Knew” Saul/Paul’s reputation. Saul/Paul was not interested in going into the midst of the Christian community in Damascus, he knew that they knew his reputation for wanting to kill them all. Paul was also not interested in taking this new message of the risen Christ to the Gentile community; they were for this former purist, the epitome of ungodliness. For Paul, who was the righteous of the righteous, the Gentiles were worse than this new Christian group. I heard it said one time that the way to make God laugh is to tell God what your plans are. God was already out ahead of Paul, and Ananias, and the Gentiles and God is already out ahead of you and I. Where is God leading you that you don’t want to go? Is God laughing yet? Isn’t it ironic that with Paul going to Damascus, today he would not be allowed in Israel?

Worthy

Wednesday April 21st, Revelation 5: 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they sang:"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" And worthy are those who follow the lambs calling to be humble servants to one another to receive the glory of God. Think of the irony of the message, the sacrificial Pascal lamb rather than the gift if the gift bearer. The call then goes to you and I to also be the bearers of this gift of grace to one another. Not just to the ones we love, not just to the ones we agree with, not just to the ones like us, but especially to the ones with whom we disagree, find hard to love, and are different. Then the sharing of grace becomes a two way street and what is glorified is God.

least of who?

Thursday April 22nd, Revelation 5: 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" If indeed every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea are singing glory to God in heaven, what does that say about how we should treat these creatures here on earth? Sometimes we start to think that God is for me, not we. Sometimes we forget the vastness of God’s love for all of creation. The exploitation, the pollution, the destruction and deforestation for a buck come with a high price tag indeed. That which you do on the least of these, you do onto me takes on a whole new meaning when we start to think about the vastness of “the least of these.”

153

Friday April 23rd, John 21: When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it. 10-11 Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip. 12 Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master. Time to move forward to the task at hand. The disciples are out of the upper room, out from behind the locked doors. Thomas, the first one out the doors has now led them in a confession of faith, my Lord and My God. And still, when Jesus said to be fishers of men, they took it to be fishers among men. Not much different than summer in Alaska where often evangelism takes a back seat to salmon streams. It is unusual for an exact number of fish to be mentioned. It has been suggested that there were 153 known nations in the world at the time of the writing of John. Even if that is not the case, the number does point to a large, and universal aspect of the kingdoms to whom the disciples were being sent to spread the good news. It is also important that the net was not torn, the same way Jesus garment on the cross was not torn, as opposed to the curtain in the temple dividing the holy of holies from humanity was torn. Jesus message is one of unity, all called to live as brothers and sisters with one another, as opposed to the temple which divided the holy of holies, from the Hebrew section which was divided from the Gentile section. In Christ is wholeness, in humanity, division. We are called therefore to go into all the world, baptizing them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit and teaching them of the love of God. And knowing we are never alone, for the Lord is with us, and them, even onto the ends of the earth.

Soul food

Saturday April 24th, John 21: 15After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep." 17-19 Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. There is a statue on the shore of the Sea of Galilee of Jesus forgiving Peter. Did Peter need forgiving to be accepted into the kingdom of Heaven? Or did he need forgiving to move on into evangelizing. Three times he denied, three times forgiven, each time with the call to go and “feed my sheep.” In all our Christ Denying deeds, we too are forgiven. But not just forgiven from our sins, but forgiven for our calling, “Feed my sheep.” Feed them with belly food, yes. But more importantly, feed them with grace filled soul food.

How to start a war in the Mideast if you want to keep Hammas and Fatah from talking

IDF order will enable mass deportation from West Bank

A new military order aimed at preventing infiltration will come into force this week, enabling the deportation of tens of thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank, or their indictment on charges carrying prison terms of up to seven years.

When the order comes into effect, tens of thousands of Palestinians will automatically become criminal offenders liable to be severely punished.

Given the security authorities' actions over the past decade, the first Palestinians likely to be targeted under the new rules will be those whose ID cards bear home addresses in the Gaza Strip - people born in Gaza and their West Bank-born children - or those born in the West Bank or abroad who for various reasons lost their residency status. Also likely to be targeted are foreign-born spouses of Palestinians.

Until now, Israeli civil courts have occasionally prevented the expulsion of these three groups from the West Bank. The new order, however, puts them under the sole jurisdiction of Israeli military courts.

The new order defines anyone who enters the West Bank illegally as an infiltrator, as well as "a person who is present in the area and does not lawfully hold a permit." The order takes the original 1969 definition of infiltrator to the extreme, as the term originally applied only to those illegally staying in Israel after having passed through countries then classified as enemy states - Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.

The order's language is both general and ambiguous, stipulating that the term infiltrator will also be applied to Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, citizens of countries with which Israel has friendly ties (such as the United States) and Israeli citizens, whether Arab or Jewish. All this depends on the judgment of Israel Defense Forces commanders in the field.

full article in Haaretz

Opening Litany based on Psalm 30

Pastor: We are a Resurrection people called by God to live a Resurrection life.

All: Christ is Risen, Christ is risen indeed. We live our lives each day knowing that Christ has opened the way to New Life to be lived in fullness and forgiveness each and every day. We live as Resurrection People discovering the opportunities God has placed before us to share the good news of the resurrection with one another in this world. Amen

Pastor: So let us not deny the resurrection in our lives, but rather go boldly into the world knowing that in this resurrection life we are a forgiven people as we share the good news of God’s grace, in word and deed with the world around us. Amen

Psalm 30

Congregation: I will exalt you, LORD, for you rescued me and refused to let my enemies and fears triumph over me. I cried to you for help, and you restored me, you brought me up from the depths and kept me from falling even deeper.

Pastor: Therefore sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise the Lord’s holy name for though there may be anger at our deeds and lack of belief, the Lord’s favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning light.

Congregation: When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” In my pride I claimed your favor O LORD, and felt it made me as secure as a mountain. Because of my arrogance you turned away from me, and I was shattered.

Pastor: We cried out to you, O LORD and begged for mercy, saying, “What will you gain if we die and sink into the grave? Can our dust praise you or tell of your faithfulness? In our despair, we finally turned from our pride to your love and cried out, hear us, O LORD, and have mercy on us, Help us, O LORD, for we turn now to you.

The psalm ends with: (Mourning into Dancing)

You've turned my mourning into dancing again, You've lifted my sorrows
I can't stay silent I must sing For Your joy has come


Where there once was only hurt, you gave Your healing hand
Where there once was only pain you've brought comfort Like a friend
And I feel the sweetness of your love Piercing my darkness
And I see the bright and morning sun
As it ushers in your joyful gladness


You've turned my mourning into dancing again you've lifted my sorrows
And I can't stay silent I must sing For your joy has come

Post Resurrection Offertory Prayer

We offer with joy and thanksgiving from all the wonders and gifts you have laid before us. In gratitude for this resurrection life we gladly share our time, our possessions and our joy as a thankful offering back to the Lord. Receive these gifts from the heart and help us to use them wisely as we remember the words of Jesus; "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Amen!”

Fear and Doubt in the upper room

At our Easter worship we celebrated and experienced the resurrection. The women have seen and told the disciples, Peter has looked in the empty tomb, bread was broken and Jesus was recognized. After all this, the church was not began, this is my body broken for you, this is my blood shed for you and for all people, had not begun. We start off the Sunday after the resurrection with the disciples still in fear behind those locked doors, looking for a way out, but not daring to take it.

Fear is a powerful tool. It kept the disciples behind the doors. It allowed the disciples to blame the one disciple who dared leave as a doubter, while they were still behind those walls. Fear, one of the main obstacles overcome on the cross was still in control and was about to overtake the church before it was born. Into this fear, Jesus came and offered forgiveness, the Spirit, boldness, and slowly moved them and the church outside the walls.

Fear continues to hold us back. Fear keeps us building walls in our society and in our churches. Fear keeps us using the same format for worship, if we change it, or the music, perhaps the God who created all things, and knows our hearts far better than you and I will not understand. If we include “those people” in our society, everything will fall down. If we don’t do anything about climate change we may well start a cataclysmic response that could destroy civilization, which may be easier to take than changing our lifestyle today. Even the Gen X slogan of “fear not” is based on a fear of missing something. Fear is never rational, but rather stifles the rational under a sea of “what if?” Fear holds us back in the world.

Into this fear filled world, behind the locked doors of the upper room and the inner chambers of our hearts, comes the risen Christ. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven. You are now the embodiment of God’s grace on earth. Even though there are numerous places in the scripture where the angels announce “fear not” I think it is less about chiding us for having fear than it is about encouraging us to face those fears and to move forward in spite of them.

On the cross, Jesus died for all for the forgiveness of sins. Earlier, he took the bread and broke it, no more the life of a sacrificial animal, but rather the joy of sacrificially sharing our meal, our means, our relationships with one another. He then took the cup and blessed and gave it to all to drink saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins, no more scape goats, no more sacrificial bloodletting on the altar of our world, no more grudges as the foundations for the walls in our lives. Only forgiveness, for you, and for your enemy and a call to come together around a meal and work things out as brothers and sisters who are loved by your heavenly Father. No more fear of getting to heaven, no more fear of hell, rather the calling of heaven where we will finally see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Even though the tomb is empty and the upper room is empty, we continue to build the walls that separate us, and the love of God provides the means to tear them down. So if you have doubts, welcome to the club, they are the ants in the pants of faith, they keep it up and moving. If you have fears, welcome to the club, but face them knowing you are a child of God, saved by the grace of God and you are never alone. If you are hiding behind walls, Jesus comes and stands beside you, not to give you comfort within the walls, but to give you the strength to break them down from the inside out and start to live as a child of God. Welcome to God’s world, outside the walls of fear and doubt and into the sunshine of new life.. Now live it!!

"Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin" And Other Modern-Day Heresies

Another excellent article by Rev. Cheng. click on the title above or the link below for the whole article

Christians who "hate" LGBT sexualities and gender expressions while allegedly "loving" LGBT people are nothing more than modern-day gnostics. It is simply not possible to divorce one's sexuality or gender expression -- LGBT or otherwise -- from one's spiritual self, particularly if such sexualities and gender expressions are rooted in the love of God, the love of the other, and the love of the self.

Those of us who walk the Christian path should reject the modern-day heresy of "love the sinner, hate the sin," especially when it comes to LGBT people. Instead, we should focus on the two great commandments of (1) loving God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, and (2) loving our neighbors as ourselves (see Matt. 22:37-40). Nothing more and nothing less. We should spend far less time worrying about how to make others repent, and far more time worrying about our own repentance, or metanoia. If we truly believe in a gospel of grace as opposed to a cult of works-righteousness, then we should believe that God -- and not humans -- will take care of the rest.

Read the full article by Rev. Cheng

2nd Sunday in Easter

John 20:19-31

I sit in darkness
late at night
the kids are asleep
quiet now
--after a day of fun
oblivious to the adult world
--as we have made it
of war and hate
and children very much like themselves
loved very much like themselves
without enough
--of their share
--to survive
I want to venture out
To help in this world
--of too much
----and not enough
but I often find myself
----------hiding
here in the darkness
----------comfort
-------------safety
of my own walls
when
--into this sanctuary
--of my
------awareness fear
comes a voice
----(peace)
of disturbing comfort
that seeks to destroy
------------my little kingdom
-------of what
--------------can
------------------I
--------------------do
-----------------------anyway walls
I am heralded again
----(peace)
from that voice of life
----(be with you)
I long to
--but wish not
------------hear
peace
in the midst of your world
and because of it
as the words still ring
------in my mind
I remember the one who came
To make all things new
And I long
--for that contact
that would take me by the hand
and lead me
--down the path of what will be
lead me
----(as the Father sent me)
somehow to show
--that Christ lives
show it to others
------and myself
Help me Lord to do thy will
----(I send you)
today

2nd Sunday of Easter

John 20:19-31

Let me see
(the sun shinning)
I want to feel
(the wind)
How can I know
(a babies smile)
It is you Lord
(the rain)
How can I know
(the joy of another)
You have risen
(the joy of touch)
From the dead?
(my love)
How can I know
(for you)
Love lives
(the warmth I feel when I care
For another)
That was once dead
(prayer)
I can’t know unless I see
(faith)

the spirit is upon me

Sunday April 11th, Acts 5: 27 When the apostles were brought before the council, the high priest said to them, 28 "We told you plainly not to teach in the name of Jesus. But look what you have done! You have been teaching all over Jerusalem, and you are trying to blame us for his death." First the power structure in Jerusalem, those who were in cahoots with Rome, said a loud No to Jesus’ message of grace and forgiveness by crucifying our Lord and Savior. They thought they were rid of him by having him crucified. They thought they had saved their necks and the necks of all their friends from the Romans by getting rid of Jesus. In Response, God said a loud “YES,” and Jesus and his trouble making went merrily on and in the process did save the necks of the Romans, those who were in cahoots with Rome, their friends and you and I. The ripples of the YES continued with the disciples and instead of denying him, as they did at his crucifixion, they were going about the Jesus business which is brining the good news. Jesus business, if it is honest Jesus business, always scares those in power who rule with fear. If it doesn’t scare them it is probably not Jesus business, it is just disguised to look like it, like those who were in cahoots with Rome. There are a lot of those on TV. To tell if they are cahoots or converts, ask how they follow Jesus mission statement in Luke 4: 18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Now ask how you follow it.Sunday April 11th, Acts 5: 27 When the apostles were brought before the council, the high priest said to them, 28 "We told you plainly not to teach in the name of Jesus. But look what you have done! You have been teaching all over Jerusalem, and you are trying to blame us for his death." First the power structure in Jerusalem, those who were in cahoots with Rome, said a loud No to Jesus’ message of grace and forgiveness by crucifying our Lord and Savior. They thought they were rid of him by having him crucified. They thought they had saved their necks and the necks of all their friends from the Romans by getting rid of Jesus. In Response, God said a loud “YES,” and Jesus and his trouble making went merrily on and in the process did save the necks of the Romans, those who were in cahoots with Rome, their friends and you and I. The ripples of the YES continued with the disciples and instead of denying him, as they did at his crucifixion, they were going about the Jesus business which is brining the good news. Jesus business, if it is honest Jesus business, always scares those in power who rule with fear. If it doesn’t scare them it is probably not Jesus business, it is just disguised to look like it, like those who were in cahoots with Rome. There are a lot of those on TV. To tell if they are cahoots or converts, ask how they follow Jesus mission statement in Luke 4: 18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Now ask how you follow it.

majestic vista

Monday April 12th, Revelation 1: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. The majestic vista that unfolds before us in Revelation starts with this vision of the heavenly throne. It is greater than any earthly throne. It is longer lived than any earthly throne, spanning beyond the reaches of time. Compared to this throne, earthly power, with all its wealth and military might is nothing. All the threats of war, all the structural ways greed is sanctioned and blessed, all the power and wealth, is nothing compared to the greatness of God’s reign. It is a perspective which causes us to as ourselves, which kingdom will I serve?

Piety or Justice?

Tuesday April 13th, Revelation 1: To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Part of this vision of the Heavenly Kingdom and the Heavenly throne is that power is given to you and me, the children of God. What that means is the power is not given to princes and principalities and the supposed rulers of the earth but to the children of God. That power however comes with a purpose. That purpose is to bring hope and forgiveness to all, even those who are in league with the princes and principalities. The goal is a heavenly earth, not a new power structure. In the mean time, what are we to be about. A common understanding in the U.S. is that Christianity is about God and Me, and even with gestures of grace, we should go through local Christian organizations or private charity, but never the government. That is wrong. The image of the Kingdom of Heaven coming down to earth calls us to work now through the collective us to work to put in place procedures and policies that bring about a greater equality in the world. That is the difference between private piety and seeking justice.

overjoyed and scared

Wednesday April 14th, John 20: 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. I don’t know if this is an accurate description of what happened. If the disciples were hiding behind locked doors in fear, and if Jesus came and stood among them and showed them his hands and feet, I would think there may have been even more fear than before mixed in with that joy at seeing the Lord. I get more of the picture of someone hiding in a dark room and having someone tap them on the shoulder and saying “Boo.” Before you can experience joy, you need to get the heart down out of your throat and working again. Hiding behind locked doors or behind our church walls is not an option with Jesus. The mission is never behind the locked doors, it is in the highways and byways, in the work place and at the gym. The kingdom is out there, not in here. And yes, every encounter with someone out there will bring about change, change in their hearts, change in the world around them, and change in your heart and change in the world around you. God’s love is ever dynamic and alive, never stagnant, pietistic and pure.

Dept. of Forgiveness, the DOF

Thursday April 15th, John 20: 21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." As if they were not scared enough when Jesus snuck up on them; now it is getting real scary. It was bad enough that Jesus came and stood among them behind the locked doors, now after showing his hands and feet he tells them that as the Father has sent him, now he is sending them. Where he is sending them is out, on the other side of the locked doors that in their minds are locked for a very good reason. Then they are given the task of forgiveness, forgiveness for wanting to stay behind the locked doors as well as forgiveness for wanting to get back at the ones outside those locked doors. They are also called to bring the message of forgiveness to the ones they are hiding from. In Lutheran circles this is called the office of the keys, when we forgive the sins of others they are forgiven, when we retain the sins of others, they are retained, and often enough, it is we who are doing the retaining. As scary as it sounds, it is our calling also. We are called out behind our doors locked with the key of piety and bring the word of forgiveness, even for our enemies. Maybe instead of spending ¾ trillion on defense budgets, we should simply institute a department of forgiveness, but alas, there is not a profit to be made.

everyone out

Friday April 16th, John 20: 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." The one who showed enough guts to not be behind the locked doors is the one who gets blamed for not believing what the others still weren’t sure they believed. After all, Thomas came back. And where did he come back to? The room with the locked doors with the disciples still behind the locked doors after seeing Jesus who told them to go out there and forgive. Ironic isn’t it! Things haven’t changed much, Glenn Beck now make a good living blaming the victim. You have a chance for something different though, for now Jesus’ words go out to you. See the holes where the nails were? Good! Receive the Holy Spirit, it’s your turn. Get going outside those walls and be the church!!

back to work

Saturday April 17th, John 20: 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Now we can all start to feel better, this is a text of comfort for many in the church. It was a week later. Jesus had been there, Jesus had sent them, Jesus has blessed them with the Holy Spirit, and where are they? Still behind the locked doors!!!! And two thousand years later we often find ourselves in the same place, behind the closed church doors. Blessed are those who have not seen and still go outside the comfort of the church walls with the message of forgiveness.