Luke 24: 36 – 45 Jesus's Last Appearance

Luke 24: 36 – 45 Jesus's Last Appearance

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And [behold] I am sending the promise of my Father* upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.*

Whatever doubts his disciples had about his resurrection are resolved when Jesus appears in their midst. No spirit he, but fully alive in his physical body as evidenced by his wounds and his desire to eat. He ends his time with them with a gift, a challenge, and a promise. The gift is when he opens their minds to the scriptures making everything clear. The challenge is to preach repentance for the forgiveness of all sins to all nations in his name. The promise is that they will be sent the promise of his Father and “clothed with power from on high”. Then he blessed them and was taken up to heaven. Jesus's time on earth has come to an end. He has done everything he can to prepare his followers for the future. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. The way that those disciples and fledgling followers acted in the following weeks and months and years seemed to fulfill every promise – working together to preach the gospel, sharing their resources, doing their best to follow Jesus in word and deed. Perhaps it is as simple as that – preaching the gospel through our words and our deeds, sharing generously what we have been given and loving each other as Jesus loved us. Words to ponder and I think to live by.

This marks the end of my meditations on Luke. It took me longer than I thought but through the process I learned a lot about myself and the scriptures. I thank God for all I learned and look forward to whatever comes next. I am in his hands and happy to be there.

Luke 24: 13 – 35 Emmaus

Luke 24: 13 – 35 Emmaus

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer* these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

After he had risen, Jesus appears to two of his followers as they travel to Emmaus. They are amazed when Jesus professes ignorance about the events of the last few days. Where has he been not to have heard they wonder? They confide, “We were hoping he was (the Messiah) the one who would set Israel free.” That hope, at least in a political sense was doomed to disappointment. Jesus travels along with them explaining the scriptures to them and then performing what is to become his signature act – the breaking of the bread. In this act they recognize him, an act so integral to his teaching that we continue to re-enact it today. The Eucharist, Thanksgiving.

Luke 24: 1 – 12 The Women at the Tomb and Peter

Luke 24: 1 – 12 The Women at the Tomb and Peter

But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.* Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” And they remembered his words. Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

Two days after Jesus death, three women who loved him arrived at the tomb to further anoint his body. They are keeping vigil, caring for their friend and Lord in death as they did in life, selflessly. Their humble service is rewarded. They are the first to know that Jesus is risen. The two angels present at the tomb ask them to remember what Jesus had told them. Suddenly it becomes clear – a miracle to end all miracles. The women greet the news with amazement and with faith. They rush off to tell the others. Their new is greeted with disbelief by the apostles, except for Peter. Peter who has been tested, found wanting, and forgiven. Peter whom Jesus believed in, believed in Jesus in turn. They say that experience is a great teacher. Peter is a prime example - someone who made mistakes, had to face the consequences of his actions, had to admit he was wrong and ask for forgiveness and then was given it. All of this combined to make Peter the person he is now, the person who will establish Christ's church community on earth.

Luke 23: 50 – 56 The Burial of Jesus.

Luke 23: 50 – 56 The Burial of Jesus.

Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. It was the day of preparation, and the Aabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils. Then they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Joseph of Arimathea, a man of influence in the Sanhedrin, asks Pilate for Jesus’ body so that it can be buried. Luke’s gospel describes him as a “good and God-fearing man who looks forward to the reign of God”. Is he one of Christ’s followers or is he a Jew? Since he has influence in the Sanhedrin he must be a good Jew, and a wise one, since that is sort of the “supreme court” of ancient Israel. And yet the description of him as a person “who looks forward to the reign of God” marks him as a follower of Christ. Maybe we should think of him as a “closet” Christian, someone who leads a double life? That’s a bit harsh. It was not easy to follow Jesus at that time, especially in Jerusalem. Your very life was at risk and Joseph was not the only follower of Jesus to wilt under the pressure. Virtually all the disciples did, including Peter who would play a huge role in establishing the church. And if I am honest with myself, I’m sure I would not have done much better. We don’t know what happened to Joseph after his brief mention in the Gospels, but I would like to think he continued to help and support Christ’s followers. Maybe eventually he became an overt Christian. I think he did. After all, he was a good and upright man who looked forward to the coming of the Kingdom.

Luke 23:32 – 49 The Crucifixion.

Luke 23:32 – 49 The Crucifixion.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]* They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent* beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.

Luke’s version of the crucifixion alone has the crucifixion of the “good” and “bad” thieves. These are the two criminals who are crucified one on each side of Jesus. One, the “bad” thief, mocks Jesus, thinking him a poor messiah that cannot rescue himself, never-mind the Jewish people. The second, the “good” thief , rebukes the first. Like everyone on the city of Jerusalem he knew of Jesus and his sham of a trial. Somehow, he recognizes Jesus innate goodness and holiness and asks to be remembered when Jesus “enters into his reign”. This is the last man outside of Jesus friends and disciples to recognize Jesus for who he really is. The rest lack faith, going along with the crowd, unable to think independently, to recognize Jesus with the eyes of faith. Following Jesus always has and will call for faith and fidelity. Faith in being able to recognize God’s work, God’s workers here on earth, and choosing to be one of them. Fidelity in choosing to stand by that work in the face of adversity, in the face of unpopularity. Jesus went his own way, bringing the word of God not to the powerful but to the poor. He embodied humility, non-violence, love of God and others. That path, if we choose it, is open to us as well - but we must choose it – that counter cultural path. We must choose it.

Luke 23: 26 – 31 The Way of the Cross

Luke 23: 26 – 31 The Way of the Cross

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.


In my Bible this only has a small resemblance to The Way of the Cross as most Catholics know it – that is the thirteen meditations found around the walls of a church depicting the passion and death of Christ. Luke emphasizes two events in particular of that difficult, agonizing journey – Simon of Cyrene being made to carry the cross and Jesus’ meeting with the “daughters of Jerusalem”. In the first case the drafting of Simon seems pretty straightforward. The soldiers, now firmly in charge, do not want to be robbed of their spectacle. If Jesus expires before they can crucify him they and the throngs of bystanders will be sorely disappointed. In the second case, the result is less clear. Women are weeping for Jesus along the route. Jesus tells them not to weep for him but for themselves and their children. It seems like a dire warning. I’m sure that down through the ages various anti-Semitic groups have used this passage as an excuse to persecute Jews. What can Jesus mean? It is true that his ordeal is almost ended and his reward is at hand while theirs is not. Is it as simple as that? Or is Jesus commenting on the plight of any group that lacks power - as the women and children of the times seem to do – living with the consequences of “the deciders” in this case the men? I have to admit I am grasping at straws. Turns out that God will not protect us from the consequences of our own bad decisions. We have only to look around us to see that playing out all around us in the environment, in our economy, in our culture. I am decidedly feeling gloomy today on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. What do you think?

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth."

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Messiah, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” 5But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here." On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. [Even] Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” (Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder.) Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

Jesus finally faces his accusers. First the elders, chief priests and scribes, then Pilate, Herod, and Pilate again. The priests, scribes and elders want to know if he is the Messiah. Jesus replies, “If I tell you, you will not believe me.” Have not his actions, his words and deeds given enough proof? Certainly for those who see with the eyes of faith. But their minds are closed, their path already chosen. Jesus comes before Pilate on a charge of subverting the nation and opposing the payment of taxes. Pilate questions Jesus and finds him guilty of neither charge then hands him off to Herod who is only interested in Jesus the miracle worker. When Jesus refuses to “perform” Herod grows bored and returns Jesus to Pilate. This is the last thing Pilate wants. The elders, priests and scribes have followed along, accusing Jesus and seeking his death. They have burned their bridges and now incite the crowd to hysteria. Pilate finally gives in. What is the life of one poor, downtrodden Jew to him? The chief priests, elders and scribes cannot bear to be wrong so they “erase” their mistake.

Luke 22: 63 – 65 Jesus Victimized

Luke 22: 63 – 65 Jesus Victimized

The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" And they reviled him in saying many other things against him.

Jesus is about to be brought before the Chief Priest and the elders, and from there to Pilate. But first, the men holding him abuse and humiliate him. They slap him, taunt him, and blindfold him. What is it about people in power who so often take advantage of others? Is it fear of someone different from themselves? Do they feel threatened? Is it about them, the one in power, or is it about the one they have power over? What harm could Jesus do at that point? I think it must be about the one in power. Somehow that absolute power leads to abuse of the vulnerable. It is cowardly, it is despicable, but it is not about the victim, it is about the perpetrator.

Luke 22:47 – 62 Denial

Luke 22:47 – 62 Denial

While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, "Lord, shall we strike with a sword?" And one of them struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, "Stop, no more of this!" Then he touched the servant's ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness." After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, "This man too was with him." But he denied it saying, "Woman, I do not know him." A short while later someone else saw him and said, "You too are one of them"; but Peter answered, "My friend, I am not." About an hour later, still another insisted, "Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean." But Peter said, "My friend, I do not know what you are talking about." Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly.

Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Betrayed by Judas, he is taken away by men with clubs and swords. His followers offer some resistance but Jesus quells it for two reasons: 1) he does not believe in violence of any kind, and 2) he knows his hour has come. As he is taken away, Peter follows along at a distance. Several people see Peter and recognize him as one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter of course denies it three times and then the cock crows – just as Jesus had foretold. Peter goes out and weeps bitterly. This is the man that Jesus will place his church/movement into the hands of – a man who has lacked courage, who has denied him, who has sometimes been foolish and boastful. Sound familiar? It does to me. I have been all of those things and more.

Even though Peter is far from perfect, Jesus still believes in him. Jesus’ belief in Peter, Peter’s attempts to be the person Jesus knows he can be, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the needs of other, all came together for Peter and he had a huge impact on the lives of many – founding a church movement that changed the world. All of these factors can come together for us as well - our faith in Jesus, his faith in us, our attempts to live up to that faith, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the needs of others. But we have to be willing to try and fail and try again as Peter was willing, even though like him we are far from perfect.

Luke 22: 39 – 46 Agony in the Garden

Luke 22: 39 – 46 Agony in the Garden

For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, 'He was counted among the wicked'; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment." Then they said, "Lord, look, there are two swords here." But he replied, "It is enough!" Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not undergo the test." After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." (And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.) When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test."

Two things immediately jump out at me in this scripture. First, twice during the passage Jesus says to his disciples “Pray that you may not be put to the test”, and “Pray that you may not be subjected to the trial.” These are some of the same words that Jesus used when he taught his followers to pray The Our Father. Somehow, down through the ages they have been changed slightly to “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.” I guess the words are somewhat similar, although I prefer the original. The point being that life is full of tests and trials, some of which come about through our own fault and some through the actions of others or just through bad luck, accident or disaster. How we deal with them is what matters. This brings me to my second point about this scripture. When presented with a trial, Jesus turned to his Father, praying for strength to accept the test if it be his Father’s will. The scripture goes on to say, “And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him”. Tests and trials come often in life and cannot be avoided, but with the grace of God, they can be gotten through. In the end Jesus was rewarded for his fortitude. So too will we be rewarded.

Luke 22: 21- 38 Who is the Greatest?

Luke 22: 21- 38 Who is the Greatest?

"And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed." And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed. Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as 'Benefactors'; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers." He said to him, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you." But he replied, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me." He said to them, "When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?" "No, nothing," they replied. He said to them, 12 "But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, 'He was counted among the wicked'; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment."

Following the Passover meal but before they left the room and headed to the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and his followers remained at table. These are there last few minutes together uninterrupted. How do they spend those minutes? Disputes and denials. The disciples argue among themselves – who is the betrayer that Christ hinted at? Then - who is the greatest among them? Peter’s denial is also foretold. Poor Jesus. He needs his disciples’ encouragement, their compassion, as he approaches his suffering and death. Instead they are focused on themselves. Jesus patiently explains that “it cannot be that way with you”. “Let the greater among you be as the youngest, the leader as the servant”, Jesus says to them. And to Simon Peter he says, “ You must strengthen your brothers.” Jesus has done all he can for them. Soon it will be up to them and to the Holy Spirit. An amazingly, that will be enough. This is the groups that founded our entire faith – The Christian faith. With Christ’s words and deeds for inspiration and the help of the Holy Spirit, they and we are capable of many good things.

Luke 22: 14 - 20 The Eucharist, continued

This passage describes the first Eucharist, a central part of the Catholic Mass and our faith. Why is it so important? What is the deal with the emphasis on "body" and "blood"? Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ, that it is his body and blood in that bread and wine. This is as central a belief as there is for Catholics. It also was probably as shocking a statement as Jesus could have made to devoted Jews who avoided contact with blood at all costs.

Perhaps focusing on the physicality of "body" and "blood" is too simplistic, too nearsighted. Perhaps the point is Jesus's intent to give his total self, his entire being to his followers - to strengthen, inspire, console and encourage them. The physicality of the sacrament, the very, shall we say unusualness of it, makes it unique and memorable. But at bottom it is a symbol of all the richness and depth that Jesus brings into his follower's lives by his words, his deeds, his wisdom, his compassion, his humility, his love for us and for God. That is worth remembering and giving thanks for. Eucharist. Thanksgiving. Amen.

Luke 22: 7 – 20 Passover Become Eucharist

Luke 22: 7 – 20 Passover Become Eucharist

When the day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread arrived, the day for sacrificing the Passover lamb, he sent out Peter and John, instructing them, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." They asked him, "Where do you want us to make the preparations?" And he answered them, "When you go into the city, a man will meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house that he enters and say to the master of the house, 'The teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' He will show you a large upper room that is furnished. Make the preparations there." Then they went off and found everything exactly as he had told them, and there they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it (again) until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you (that) from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.

Jesus is a good Jew and like all good Jews, he celebrates the Passover: the memorial of God’s intervention into the lives of his ancestors to free them from slavery and lead them to the Promised Land. Essentially Passover is a celebration of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. In this gospel passage, Jesus makes the transition from Passover to Eucharist. First he gathers all his loved ones around him as family and friends gather to celebrate the Passover. Then he gives thanks. It doesn’t say exactly what he gives thanks for, but I imagine it is for this chance to be together, for their friendship and presence in each others’ lives, and, since his faith in God is such an important part of his life, he no doubt gives thanks for all of these things to the goodness of God. Then he blesses, breaks and distributes the bread and then the wine – calling the bread his body and the wine his blood (more about this next time). Then he asks those present, his closest friends, “to do this in remembrance of me”. Jesus knows that he is leaving and he wants to leave his followers with some action that will sustain them in the coming times, something that will recall Jesus’ actions and words to them, his sacrifice for them. We Catholics call this a sacrament – a sign given by God to increase and sustain faith. But at its heart, like the Jewish Passover, the Eucharist is a way to celebrate and remember the “in-breaking” of God’s power and mercy to bring God’s people to salvation. Passover/Eucharist. Thanksgiving/Remembrance. Amen

Luke 22:1 – 6 Satan Takes Possession

Luke 22:1 – 6 Satan Takes Possession

Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, 2 was drawing near, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, 3 the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought a favorable opportunity to hand him over to them in the absence of a crowd.

The hour is finally upon them. The high priests and scribes have been looking for a way to bring about Jesus’ downfall and finally they have found it, or I should say - him. Judas - the name that will live in infamy and become synonymous with “betrayer”. How did this happen? Luke says that “Satan took possession” of Judas. What does that mean? As Christians we believe Christ is close by us at all times, in reach of our thoughts and our prayers. Ready to strengthen us, to steady us, to comfort us, if only we believe in him and call on him. According to this scripture, Satan is also close by, waiting for an opportunity to exploit our doubts, our fears, and our weaknesses. Ready to “take possession” and lead us into sin. Of course I do not like to think about Satan, his existence and his plans. But forewarned as they say is forearmed. Perhaps the phrases "Lead us not into Temptation" and "Deliver us from Evil" from the Lord's Prayer are Jesus' tacit way of warning us about this without making too much of Satan and adding to his pride.

Luke: 21: 29 – 38 End Times, continued

Luke: 21: 29 – 38 End Times, continued

He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." During the day, Jesus was teaching in the temple area, but at night he would leave and stay at the place called the Mount of Olives. And all the people would get up early each morning to listen to him in the temple area.

Jesus continues to talk about the end times and the signs that will foretell that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Then he makes what appears to be a specific prediction “Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.” What does that mean? The first Christians took that passage quite literally, and behaved accordingly. Many of the passages from the book of the Bible that record the happenings immediately following Christ’s death (Acts of the Apostles) are very inspiring, pointing to a community that worshiped together, shared their possessions with all, and by their love for each other and for those around them gained many converts. When the Apostles began to pass away without the Kingdom of God coming, they began to cast about for explanations. Now more than 2000 years later we still have not had that day come to pass. Is this indicative of God’s patience with us – that more may come to know him? Or has he given up on us? Let’s hope not. Meanwhile, we can only do as Jesus has recommended - be vigilant, don’t get caught up in anxieties and bad behavior, and pray. Or perhaps, even better, live as the Apostles lived in those first heady days of the church – praying, sharing what we have, and loving one another. If we do that we will be ready for the Kingdom to come whenever that happens.

Luke 21: 5 – 28 End Times

Luke 21: 5 – 28 End Times

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."

Jesus predicts the end of days – that period of human history when the world comes to an end. The passages describe great suffering and calamities. Some religions spend a lot of time and energy trying to relate these passages to current events. The events described are very daunting – false gods, wars, earthquakes, plagues and persecutions. I find myself reading over those verses quickly. I don’t want to think about the fear and suffering predicted. I home in on Jesus few words of encouragement, “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." (Yes I skipped over a sentence or two about betrayal, hate and destruction). I focus in on that and try to look past the rest. Steady on. Keep Breathing.

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

The topic of the day is giving alms, giving to the poor. Jesus points out two examples – the rich people who give out of their excess wealth and the poor widow who gives all she has. How much is enough you might ask? We live in a time of extremes – both the numbers of rich and poor are growing. I think perhaps our mistake is in characterizing our giving as charity. Somehow that strikes the American psyche wrong – both in the receiving (people feel humiliated, or sad to be in such a position, or even angry when they are given charity - but enough about them - I think this is really about us!) – or in the giving, which is voluntary, often inadequate to meet the need, and in many cases, an afterthought. I think regarding our giving as charity is where we go wrong. I believe everything we have is due to God’s generosity. Our God-given talents and opportunities are I believe, yes, given to us by God. True, we work hard at them, we develop them, and they bear fruit in terms of recognition and financial payback. Perhaps we need to think more of being grateful and joyful for what we have been given, and out of that joy and gratitude be generous to those around us as God has been generous to us.

Luke 20: 41 – 47 Beware of the Scribes

Luke 20: 41 – 47 Beware of the Scribes

Then he said to them, "How do they claim that the Messiah is the Son of David? For David himself in the Book of Psalms says: 'The Lord said to my lord, "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool."' Now if David calls him 'lord,' how can he be his son?" Then, within the hearing of all the people, he said to (his) disciples, "Be on guard against the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and love greetings in marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."

The Scribes continue with their plots. Jesus sees them for what they are – small-minded men clinging to the trappings of their power with little of real value to offer the people. Jesus has set a new standard, one of humility, service, simplicity and sharing. Somehow, the structure and appearance of faith had begun to outweigh its ability to serve either God of humanity. Jesus foretells their judgment. His way and our way must be one of humble service.

Luke 20:27 – 40 Resurrection

Luke 20:27 – 40 Resurrection

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called 'Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Some of the scribes said in reply, "Teacher, you have answered well." And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

The plot to try to discredit Jesus proceeds, this time with the Sadducees as the instigators. They construct this highly unlikely scenario of brothers and widows - times seven. Jesus answers patiently that in the age to come our past relationships and situations no longer apply. After resurrection we are not this one’s wife or that one’s husband. I imagine we also leave all our infirmities behind – age, illness, disability. No one knows for certain what it and we will be like. Resurrection itself is a matter of faith, but I like to think we will be bright souls, purified and buoyant individuals, forgiven for our past transgressions and judged for our good works and good qualities. Wouldn’t that be nice? What do you think?

Luke 20:20 – 26 Give to Caesar

Luke 20:20 – 26 Give to Caesar

They watched him closely and sent agents pretending to be righteous who were to trap him in speech, in order to hand him over to the authority and power of the governor. They posed this question to him, "Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is correct, and you show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful for us to pay tribute to Caesar or not?" Recognizing their craftiness he said to them, "Show me a denarius; whose image and name does it bear?" They replied, "Caesar's." So he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." They were unable to trap him by something he might say before the people, and so amazed were they at his reply that they fell silent.

Looking for any excuse to cause Jesus’ downfall, the Scribes and Pharisees send spies to try to trip Jesus up. They ask him whether they ought to pay taxes or not. If the Scribes and Chief Priests can get Jesus to deny the Roman’s authority perhaps the Romans will arrest Jesus. Jesus of course sees through their ploy and answers with the following statement: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” This outfoxes his adversaries for the moment, but I want to look more closely at this statement. What does it really mean? What is Caesar’s? What is God’s?

Caesar is the civil authority. In return for taxes paid the population receives protection and services. At least that is what a government is supposed to do, although we can all attest to the fact that that government’s oppress, misuse resources and are subject to corruption and mistakes. They are the imperfect practical reality of our lives. But what is God’s? We know from our reading of scripture that God wants us to love him and love others as we love ourselves. He wants to be at the center of our lives. Our dealings with our government and the economy are not to be the primary relationships in our lives and receive our primary focus. Our love for God and those around us, our families, our neighbors, are where our true mission lies.

Luke 20: 1-19 Jesus’ Authority

Luke 20: 1-19 Jesus’ Authority

One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, approached him and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?" He said to them in reply, "I shall ask you a question. Tell me, was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?" They discussed this among themselves, and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' then all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." So they answered that they did not know from where it came. Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things." Then he proceeded to tell the people this parable. "(A) man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and then went on a journey for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenant farmers to receive some of the produce of the vineyard. But they beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. So he proceeded to send another servant, but him also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. Then he proceeded to send a third, but this one too they wounded and threw out. The owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I shall send my beloved son; maybe they will respect him.' But when the tenant farmers saw him they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him that the inheritance may become ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 3 What will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and put those tenant farmers to death and turn over the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they exclaimed, "Let it not be so!" But he looked at them and asked, "What then does this scripture passage mean: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." The scribes and chief priests sought to lay their hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people, for they knew that he had addressed this parable to them.

The Scribes and Pharisees think they can stop Jesus by challenging his authority. He turns the question of his authority back on them and they get caught up in their bad intentions. Jesus sees through them and refuses to let them off the hook. The then tells the Parable of the Tenants in which the owner of a vineyard sends a series of representatives to collect his share of the profits. The tenants deal harshly with those representatives, sending them away empty handed. The owner sends his son, his ultimate representative, who will surely receive the tenants’ respect. Instead the tenants see the son as the only thing standing between them and their possession of the vineyard they have been renting. They kill the son. “What will happen next?” Jesus asks the Pharisees. He answers his own question: The vineyard owner will make and end of the tenants and give the vineyard to others. This is a very thinly veiled description of their own situation, starring the Scribes and the Pharisees as the tenant farmers. Jesus predicts their fall and his vindication. They do not fail to get the point, but instead of repenting of their intentions they deepen their folly by continuing to plot Jesus’ downfall.

Luke 19:45-48 The Temple Traders

Luke 19:45-48 The Temple Traders

Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.'" And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

As I noted earlier, Jesus upon entering Jerusalem had thrown down the gauntlet. By letting himself be called both “king” and “blessed who comes in the name of the Lord” he has challenged both the political and religious leaders. Now he goes after the merchants and traders who set up shop in the temple precincts adding (financial) injury to insult. The chief priests are unhappy to say the least and vow to destroy him. What is Jesus problem with the combination of worship and commerce? The temple is supposed to be a house of prayer. The priests are supposed to be looking after the spiritual well-being of God’s people and lead them in the worship of God. There is no need for merchants in the temple. Anything any one may want or need is available in the city in numerous locations. There is no reason to waylay the faithful their way to worship. It is at best a distraction and at worst an abuse of power since I assume that the priests benefit from allowing the merchants to sell in such a prime location. Jesus objects. This is not what a temple is for. Jesus is going to preach his message of repentance until his last breath. The Chief Priests and Scribes hear his message but instead of feeling the need to change, they plot his demise. The stage is set for betrayal.

Luke 19:41-44 Poor Jerusalem

Luke 19:41-44 Poor Jerusalem

As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If this day you only knew what makes for peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."

As Jesus enters Jerusalem amid all the Hosannas, knowing what fate awaits him, he weeps not for himself but for Jerusalem. "If this day you only knew what makes for peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes.” he says. He goes on to predict a devastating future for the city. What does this “if only” mean? Could this fate have been avoided? The cynic in me says “no”. I have been reading a book recently called “Journey to the Common Good" by Walter Brueggeman. One of the Bible stories examined in the book is the Exodus, the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh. God has heard the cries of his people longing for freedom from oppression. First, through Moses God tries to reason with Pharaoh. When that doesn’t work he acts in a big way, breaking the Israelites out of slavery through the utter destruction of the Pharaoh’s vaunted army in dramatic fashion. (the parting of the Red Sea). They rejoice in their freedom, but all too soon begin to fall back into their old ways, doubting God and disobeying his commandments. My guess is that this is where Jerusalem is today – full of doubts and disobedience. (Maybe we could say it is where we are today as well.) Human nature, then and now is remarkable consistent. As I think about this scripture a little more, something else occurs to me. Not only are people consistent in their willfulness and lack of faith, but amazingly God is also consistent in his mercy. He once again is ready to act in a big way – by sending his only Son to die for our salvation. For three years Jesus has been preaching repentance, gathering followers, challenging the status quo and making enemies. Jesus, in doing his Father’s will, in laying down his life in trust, is about to do something really big, something that will have tremendous consequences for all of us and the entire world. Maybe instead of focusing on the stubborn willfulness of us I should be focusing on the tremendous mercy of God. Changing our ways remains necessary, and hopefully with God’s help, remains possible.

Luke 19: 28-40 Entry into Jerusalem

Luke 19: 28-40 Entry into Jerusalem

After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, "Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' you will answer, 'The Master has need of it.'" So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying this colt?" They answered, "The Master has need of it." So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. 7 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." 8 He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!"

Jesus enters Jerusalem and begins the final phase of his journey, a journey that will end in death and resurrection. I link the two because he and we cannot have one without the other. But enough about that for now. Jesus I suppose could have snuck into Jerusalem quietly. Maybe that would have put events off for a while. But he didn’t. He made the very public, almost triumphal entry that we celebrate on Palm Sunday – with the donkey, the spread cloaks, the palms waving, the crowd cheering. Actually, the crowd links him with God saying that he is “blessed” and “comes in the name of the Lord”. The crowd also calls him a “king”, so in one fell swoop, both the political and religious leaders currently in power are put on guard. The Pharisees take note and ask him to rebuke his followers’ presumptiveness. He replies that even if he could the very stones would cry out. The stage is set. Jesus is steadfast and ready.

Luke 19:11 – 27 A Hard Story to Swallow

Luke 19:11 – 27 A Hard Story to Swallow

While they were listening to him speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, "A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, 'We do not want this man to be our king.' But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, 'Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.' He replied, 'Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.' Then the second came and reported, 'Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.' And to this servant too he said, 'You, take charge of five cities.' Then the other servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.' He said to him, 'With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding person, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.' And to those standing by he said, 'Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.' But they said to him, 'Sir, he has ten gold coins.' 'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'"

Jesus tells another parable about a nobleman who gave sums of money to servants to invest while he was away on a journey. When he returned he checked up on his investments. He rewarded the ones who made a good return and took away from the one who did not. He consolidated his hold on power by slaying his enemies and announces the moral of the story “'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Why does Jesus tell this parable and what are we supposed to learn from it? This pronouncement sounds like some type of “law of the jungle” capitalist manifesto, a kind of “might makes right” justification , the very antithesis of what Jesus has stood for. Following on the example of Zacchaeus who Jesus complimented for his generosity and just behavior, it is somewhat unbelievable. Maybe that’s the point, although Jesus does not explicitly state that there are two ways we can respond to wealth and power – the way of Zacchaeus or the way of the nobleman turned king. That’s all I can come up with. Any ideas?

Luke 19: 1 – 10 Zacchaeus

Luke 19: 1 – 10 Zacchaeus

He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."

Jesus decides to visit Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho and a wealthy man. This person seems far outside Jesus’ usual constituency of the poor and disenfranchised. In fact he seems to be the polar opposite. Jesus, however, continues to confound conventional wisdom and defy stereotypes. He has come to call sinners, he reminds us, and anyone who gives him an opening is worthy of his time and attention – even wealthy tax collectors. Thank God for that! I too am wealthy by many standards and like Zacchaeus, I am far from perfect. Zacchaeus actually becomes someone we can all look up to, someone who works within his reality – his wealth and position of power – resolving to be generous with his blessings and just in his actions. Jesus applauds his efforts and announces his salvation. Zacchaeus is a model for us and a sign of hope for our salvation. Generosity and Justice. Amen.

Luke: 18:31-43 The Beginning of the End

Luke: 18:31-43 The Beginning of the End

Then he took the Twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon; and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise." But they understood nothing of this; the word remained hidden from them and they failed to comprehend what he said. Now as he approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, 8 have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Jesus foretells his passion, death and resurrection. His followers cannot grasp it. A mood of introspection and sadness seems to grip Jesus as he journeys on. He is preoccupied by his future and yet he is still asked to meet the needs of those around him. His disciples need him, people who look to him for cures need him. Even in his distress he must carry out his mission, preach, cure and prepare his followers. He does so and his actions and words bring glory to God. His role is never an easy one but his understanding of its importance, his obedience to God’s will, and his trust in the God’s ultimate plan sustains him. Obedience and Trust. Why do I find those two requirements so difficult?

Luke 18: 18-30 Who Can Be Saved?

Luke 18: 18-30 Who Can Be Saved?

An official asked him this question, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.'" And he replied, "All of these I have observed from my youth." When Jesus heard this he said to him, "There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him (now sad) and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard this said, "Then who can be saved?" And he said, "What is impossible for human beings is possible for God." Then Peter said, "We have given up our possessions and followed you." He said to them, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive (back) an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come."

A wealthy and powerful young man asks Jesus how to achieve everlasting life. Jesus refers him to the Commandments, specifically those concerned with love of neighbor, which the young man claims to have done since childhood. Then Jesus adds one more little thing – the man must give all his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus. This appears to be a deal-breaker for the young man. I guess it goes to the issue of the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law. Jesus sums up the law in two simple statements: Love God above all, Love neighbor as you love yourself. Perhaps what Jesus is saying is that if you truly carry out these laws then you want to follow him and his ways with your heart and soul. If you love your neighbor as yourself then you would want to do all in your power to make the lives of those around you better. This is a message that not only the young man finds hard to swallow. I too am far from meeting this standard. How is it possible he and we ask? Only with God’s help. Only by having our hearts and minds changed could such a countercultural message of justice, solidarity, generosity and humility ever be possible.

Luke 18:15 – 17 Trust, continued

Luke 18:15 – 17 Trust, continued

When I first looked at this scripture the other day I puzzled over it. It seemed a minor passage about children, babies of all people. Now I think it is key or rather I should say “trust” is key. Jesus, his entire life, his death, his preaching, and his message, is absurd by the standards of today and by the measurements of our culture. If we model ourselves on him, on his words, his deeds, we will from time to time surely be taken advantage of, misunderstood, ridiculed, overlooked, and worse – as Jesus was. Mother Teresa, one of my favorites, wrote this wonderful poem entitled “Anyway”. You may be familiar with it:

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Trust. Trust in him who came to call us and show us the way. Trust in him who sent him. Trust.

Luke 18: 15 – 17 Trust Me

Luke 18: 15 – 17 Trust Me

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, "Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."

This passage mentions children, a group not often talked about in scripture. Actually, excuse me, he mentions infants, even rarer. It seems like Jesus’ message (in the minds of many) is targeted to men, even reserved to men. Women and children are an afterthought. Although it does not mention who brings out the children, from the reaction of the disciples who “rebuked them”, I have to believe it was women. Jesus once again goes way beyond conventional wisdom. He not only wants to have the children brought to him, but he holds them up to his listeners as examples who are worthy of him. We are to be as trusting, as accepting as children.

How do we measure the quality of a child’s acceptance? It is innocent, with no calculation of cost. It is wholehearted, holding nothing back. It is straightforward and direct, nor overcomplicated. As Jesus gave his admonition about children he begins with “Amen I say to you”. We could translate that to “Trust Me”. Children are pre-disposed to trust - openhearted and genuine. What a high bar to meet. By the time we are adults we have somehow decided that that sort of trust is foolish and even impossible. Cynicism becomes a barrier to faith, and yet that is what Jesus calls us to put aside. It is not an easy path to follow, but it is his way and the way he holds out to us.

Luke 18: 9 – 14 The Humble and the Exalted

Luke 18: 9 – 14 The Humble and the Exalted

He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Jesus compares the worship of two characters – a Pharisee and a Tax Collector. The first – the Pharisee – praises God in a self-congratulatory manner. He is so busy patting himself on the back he sees no need for God’s mercy. He is already saved or so he thinks. The Tax Collector, on the other hand, is a person held in contempt by most of the population and fearful of his standing with God. The only thing he is sure of is his unworthiness and his need for the mercy of God. Humility is much valued quality in Jesus’ mind, and pride a key failing. “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Our attitude is key.

Luke 18: 1-8 Do Not Lose Heart

Luke 18: 1-8 Do Not Lose Heart

Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.' For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Once again Jesus tells us to hang on in the face of adversity. Such patience and persistence will surely be rewarded. If persistence works with regular folks and even those who are unjust, how much better will God deal with those seek his aid. Jesus has absolute faith in his Father’s ability to respond. That is not the problem. He says that rather, the difficulty is in finding any who shares his faith.

Luke 17: 22 – 37 Day of the Son of Man

Luke 17: 22 – 37 Day of the Son of Man

Then he said to his disciples, "The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, 'Look, there he is,' (or) 'Look, here he is.' Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be (in his day). But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, a person who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise a person in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left." They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather."

The day of the Son of Man is the day that Christ will be vindicated. But first he must suffer much and be rejected by the present age. The inability of many from the present age to recognize Jesus as the Son of God is tragic but not a first. People down through the ages have found reasons not to believe. The refused to believe during the time of Noah, they found reasons not to repent and reform their lives in the time of Sodom. Eventually Jesus says, there will be no more time to change. The Son of Man will return and the hearts of all men and women will be revealed. All that we are and all that we have done will be laid open before God. Our actions and words will speak for us - no room for negotiation or prevarication. We will be judged on the facts of our lives. Not all will fare well that day. Some refuse repeated invitations to believe.

17:20 – 21 When?

17:20 – 21 When?

Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he said in reply, "The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.' For behold, the kingdom of God is among you."

For many months Jesus has been preaching about the coming of the Kingdom. People have greeted the news with awe, with fear, with joy, with apathy. The Pharisees want to know “when?” What are they to watch for? What are the signs, the evidence? Jesus replies that it is not a matter of “here” or “there”. Then he says something startling. “The kingdom of God is among you.” What does that mean? What exactly is the kingdom of God?

After thinking about this, I believe the Kingdom of God is in our relationships with God and others. Jesus has said over and over in many different ways: love God, love one another. John the Baptist was the one who foretold the coming of the Kingdom. He called people to repent and reform their lives. Then Jesus brings the message home. The Kingdom of God is at hand. It is in our hands, within our grasp. It is in our relationship with God and with others. All that it requires is that we love God and one another. Of course that is not always easy to do. It sounds like a big leap. We are more likely to be people of fear than people of trust. However, if we can do this – love God and others – through our words and deeds - we can live in a world, our world, oriented toward God. This is our part in the beginning of the coming of the Kingdom. Where it ends we do not know. It is still unfolding, unknown to anyone but God. We can choose to live in this Kingdom of love for God and for each other. That is our challenge and our choice. And our privilege. Amen.

Luke 17:11 – 19 Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11 – 19 Ten Lepers

As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met (him). They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

This scripture passage is entitled “Ten Lepers” in my bible, but in my mind I call it gratitude. Jesus is met by ten lepers who beseech him for a cure. Jesus takes pity on them and tells them to go show themselves to the priests. Along the way they discover they have been cured. Nine of the ten take off back to their families, their loved ones , so great is their joy. Only one former leper, and him a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to give thanks. Who is gratitude more important to: the one who received the favor/gift? Or the one who gave it? Surely Jesus needs nothing from the Samaritan or from us. And yet, cultivating an attitude of gratitude to others and God helps us become aware of how much we need God and others. Jesus seems to be urging us not to take him or God for granted. Both faith and gratitude (an attitude that you have been gifted, or blessed) are attitudes to be cultivated.

Luke 17: 5 – 10 Mustard Seeds

Luke 17: 5 – 10 Mustard Seeds

And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'? Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Jesus finds his disciples faith lacking. If they only had faith the size of a mustard seed they could truly accomplish wonders, says Jesus. Your job, says Jesus, is to have faith in me and my mission. If they do not, then they are the “useless servants” in this gospel passage. It was hard for them back then, as it is hard for us today to follow Jesus in faith. Working for the coming of the Kingdom, following Jesus' example of service and humility, shows our faith in Jesus and his mission. It is hard to act on faith. By its very nature, faith is a leap into the unknown. We don’t know how things are going to turn out. We just have to trust in him as he had to trust in his Father. We just have to have faith.

Luke 17: 3 – 4 Correcting Your Brother

Luke 17: 3 – 4 Correcting Your Brother

"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him."

This brief two verse scripture is astonishing. If your brother does wrong, correct him. If he repents, forgive him. Plain and simple. No words of retribution, no penances, no judgment, no condemnation. And not just once, but seven times a day (which I think means, as many times as necessary). Jesus counsels compassion and patience. We know right from wrong and should try to do that – in our own actions. That we can control and will be held accountable for. Other than that we have little we can and should do. Jesus is saying in this scripture, do not judge others, forgive them. That should take a load off of all of our shoulders.

Luke 17: 1 – 2 Sayings of Jesus Part I

Luke 17: 1 – 2 Sayings of Jesus Part I

He said to his disciples, "Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.

My version of the Bible mentions "scandalizing the little ones" vs. "causing them to sin". For the first time in any of the gospels to my knowledge Jesus speaks about avoiding scandals. “It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around your neck than give scandal to little ones.” What does Jesus mean? What is a scandal? To me a scandal in an unexpected, unforeseen and damaging behavior – it is an action that not only breaks faith but destroys faith. Given that, I can see why Jesus takes scandal very seriously. Unfortunately, the only current context that I hear about scandal in is the context of the church covering up scandalous behavior (priest sexual abuse) so as to not “scandalize the faithful”. In a sense they were right to fear scandalizing the faithful – it did and does destroy faith. Covering it up, covering up any serious sin, is damaging both to the individual and to the institution. Jesus mission and message was to announce the coming of the Kingdom and to urge all who sought it to repent and turn towards God. In attempting to avoid scandal the church has made a bad situation exponentially worse. For whatever reason – pride, stubbornness - the church and individuals in it have resisted Jesus urging to repent, to seek God’s mercy, to seek the forgiveness of the individuals and the communities affected. I am not at all certain that even now the hierarchy of the Church “gets it”. Until it repents fully I think it will continue to struggle.
3

Luke 16:19 – 31 Lazarus – Uh Oh!

Luke 16:19 – 31 Lazarus – Uh Oh!

"There was a rich man 13 who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, 14 where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.' Abraham replied, 'My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.' He said, 'Then I beg you, father, send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.' But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.' He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

The first thing that I noticed in this story is Jesus’ description of “the netherworld”. He uses the word “torment” and “flames”. Is Jesus describing hell? This is not the only reference to hell in the gospels. In Matthew 25: 41-46, Jesus in describing the Last Judgment lays out two alternatives: eternal life for the just and eternal punishment for everyone else. Those who are condemned are “put out of my (Christ’s) sight and consigned “into that everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels”. How am I supposed to take this? Is it a euphemism? Is it literally true? How can a God who (I believe) is loving and merciful create such a place, never mind condemn people to it? Various religious traditions debate this. Some feel being banished from God’s presence (being put out of his sight) eternally is a kind of hell. Jesus describes something more graphic. I don’t know where I come out, but I can tell you unequivocally that I don’t want to find out the hard way.

Luke 16: 18 - By the Way - Divorce

Luke 16: 18 - By the Way - Divorce

"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."

Slipped right in after Luke’s comments about the Law is an emphatic statement about divorce. I seem to recollect from one of the gospels that Moses and the Jewish Law allow divorce. Here Luke (and Jesus) equates divorce with adultery, a prohibition against which is one of the Ten Commandments. Why so strong? There is no context given to help us. My theory is that Jewish society at that time is a very male-centric, paternalistic society. If men had all the property and the power on their side, a woman once divorced was effectively sentenced to poverty, losing her home, her support, even her children. She would be reduced to begging and perhaps even to prostitution to support herself. From a social justice perspective divorce was cruel and damaging for the female half of the population of that time. Taken this way – the statement seems firmly from the feminist point of view. How about that?

Luke 16:16 – 17 The Law

Luke 16:16 – 17 The Law

"The law and the prophets lasted until John; but from then on the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone who enters does so with violence. It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of a letter of the law to become invalid.”

Luke draws a bright line around the time of John the Baptist. Up until his arrival, the Law and the Prophets were in force. After his arrival the good news of the coming of the Kingdom seems to trump both the Law and the Prophets. What does this mean? Instead of looking to the future for the coming of the Messiah, John says his arrival is imminent and his Kingdom is at hand. Business as usual won’t do. Radical change is necessary. Repentance, Reform, Renewal. Not the same old same old. People have been lulled to sleep, almost numbed by the long wait. John baptizes with water, not only to cleanse but to wake up, to shock! Something big is about to change.

Luke 16: 10 – 15 The Right Use of Money

Luke 16: 10 – 15 The Right Use of Money

The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. 8 He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at him. And he said to them, "You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”

The eyebrow-raising previous scripture is followed by this: use your possessions to make friends in this world (presumably by doing good?) so that when your possessions fail you, you will still have your friends. Well that is certainly true on the level that at some point things fail to matter – if you don’t have love, if you don’t have your health. I also think Christ is saying that our goods are meant to be used and not hoarded, or just spent on ourselves. I believe we will be judged on how we use what is given to us. Perhaps that is part of the “trustworthiness” issue Jesus raised a couple of scripture ago. This scripture passage goes on to say famously that you cannot serve two masters - both God and Mammon by which I think is meant money or maybe this culture of consumerism. We must choose between them. Is what we are given by God – our talents, our resources, our possessions – a test in God’s eyes to see how we use them, to benefit ourselves or others? Or to hoard them? Perhaps.