Luke 3:15 – 22 The Coming of the Messiah/The Baptism of Jesus
Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. Now Herod the tetrarch, who had been censured by him because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the evil deeds Herod had committed, added still another to these by (also) putting John in prison. After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
In this part of the Gospel John speaks of the coming of the Messiah. It is the traditional message – the one John and the people are familiar with, a message of one who is mighty, a fierce enemy of the ones who have been persecuting Israel. This is called “the good news” by John. There is no mention of Jesus in this context, maybe John hasn’t put two and two together. It’s seems unlikely he would connect the mighty Messiah with his younger cousin. There is no actual mention in Luke’s gospel of John making the connection, at least yet. John must baptize Jesus, there is no mention of anyone else doing so, but neither is there an acknowledgement by John that Jesus is in fact the one they all are waiting for. The voice Jesus hears upon his baptism is God’s affirmation of him. YOU are my beloved son. On YOU my favor rests. It seems to be a private moment, not a public one. John appears to be making an exit and Jesus getting ready to make an entrance. The stage is set. God is ready to shake things up, break out of the old expectations of the past, to do something completely new, something completely unexpected.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Luke 3:1 – 15 John the Baptizer
Luke 3:1 – 15 John the Baptizer
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" He said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it that we should do?" He told them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages." Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.
Harkening back to the herald in Isaiah, John exhorts the people to “make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path.” How do we do that? Well, apparently it’s not enough to just be born and baptized into the faith, it requires action. Here John gets specific. Share what you have with others who are less fortunate. Your coat is symbolic of all your worldly goods. Also, those with power over others, in positions of authority, whether political or military, should not abuse it through violence and corruption. We have to show that by our faith we are called to be different. Living as our Father would want us to, signs of his mercy and love and justice and truth in our world.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" He said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it that we should do?" He told them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages." Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.
Harkening back to the herald in Isaiah, John exhorts the people to “make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path.” How do we do that? Well, apparently it’s not enough to just be born and baptized into the faith, it requires action. Here John gets specific. Share what you have with others who are less fortunate. Your coat is symbolic of all your worldly goods. Also, those with power over others, in positions of authority, whether political or military, should not abuse it through violence and corruption. We have to show that by our faith we are called to be different. Living as our Father would want us to, signs of his mercy and love and justice and truth in our world.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Luke 2:39 – 52 . . . and the Child grew in wisdom and grace . . .
Luke 2:39 – 52 . . . and the Child grew in wisdom and grace . . .
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
This passage begins and ends with bookend passages relating how “Jesus grew in age and wisdom and grace before God”, until he reached the age of 12. How many 12 year olds do I know who are children of grace and wisdom? By wisdom, do they mean maturity? I think it is more – judgment and patience and tolerance and more. It comes from being taught by the adults around him, Mary, Joseph, other adults, neighbors, teachers, priests, etc. By them being invested in him and in his growing up. How much more can our 12 year olds be if raised that same way, with love and time and conversation and instruction and debate and discussion? What about grace? Grace is God’s doing, his part. But Mary and Joseph had a role to play. Jesus thrived in that atmosphere and found his own way to a real, deep relationship with God. Of course, Jesus is unlike any other child. But what child could fail to thrive in an atmosphere where he or she is raised as though they have an important role to play, a bright future of potential for good, grounded in faith in and love for God and secure in his love. Both are needed – with human love and relationships, and divine love and relationship. Then we will have children filled with wisdom and grace before both God and man.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
This passage begins and ends with bookend passages relating how “Jesus grew in age and wisdom and grace before God”, until he reached the age of 12. How many 12 year olds do I know who are children of grace and wisdom? By wisdom, do they mean maturity? I think it is more – judgment and patience and tolerance and more. It comes from being taught by the adults around him, Mary, Joseph, other adults, neighbors, teachers, priests, etc. By them being invested in him and in his growing up. How much more can our 12 year olds be if raised that same way, with love and time and conversation and instruction and debate and discussion? What about grace? Grace is God’s doing, his part. But Mary and Joseph had a role to play. Jesus thrived in that atmosphere and found his own way to a real, deep relationship with God. Of course, Jesus is unlike any other child. But what child could fail to thrive in an atmosphere where he or she is raised as though they have an important role to play, a bright future of potential for good, grounded in faith in and love for God and secure in his love. Both are needed – with human love and relationships, and divine love and relationship. Then we will have children filled with wisdom and grace before both God and man.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Luke 2:36 – 38 The Prophetess
Luke 2:36 – 38 The Prophetess
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
In my bible this passage is called the Prophetess and it describes Anna a widow of many years, worshipping in the temple. She has been there day and night, in fasting and in prayer, and then she comes upon Simeon with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. She praised God and then “went out and told others who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. So the coming of Jesus is announced again, not to the politically or religiously powerful, but to the holy and the steadfast, the ones who trusted in God’s promise regardless of what is happening in the world around them. I admire that fidelity, that focus on God’s promises.
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
In my bible this passage is called the Prophetess and it describes Anna a widow of many years, worshipping in the temple. She has been there day and night, in fasting and in prayer, and then she comes upon Simeon with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. She praised God and then “went out and told others who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. So the coming of Jesus is announced again, not to the politically or religiously powerful, but to the holy and the steadfast, the ones who trusted in God’s promise regardless of what is happening in the world around them. I admire that fidelity, that focus on God’s promises.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday 2010
Ash Wednesday 2010
A digression from my ruminations on Luke in honor of the occasion.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I have spent a little time this morning thinking and reading about Lent. What do I know about it? Not much actually. I know it begins with a solemn ritual – Ash Wednesday – reminding us of our mortality. I wonder how that tradition got started? I know it is 40 days long and ends at the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday), not at Easter. I know the church tells us we should “Fast, Pray and Give Alms” during Lent. Why that, why now I wonder?
The 40 days of Lent represent the days running up to Christ’s crucifixion. I think he used those days to prepare himself for his ordeal. Perhaps he wanted to pare down, to focus on what was important – his relationship with his father. From reading the bible I know that Christ fasted and prayed often. As far as giving alms, I don’t believe Christ had many material possessions – he traveled light, trusting that God would provide and indeed he did. I do know Jesus cared deeply for the people who came to him.
The other thing I think I know about Lent is that it is supposed to be a journey. A journey that begins with a somber reminder that “Ashes we are and to ashes we will return”. A journey of paring down, simplifying, going within, doing with less, sharing what I have with others. A journey that is long enough that I want it to be over, that I want it to end. And it does, during Holy Week, in the depths of the Triduum. After that solemn three day event there is the rejoicing of Easter and hopefully, spring!
As usual I plan to give up reading fiction for Lent. This is my way of “fasting” and is a true sacrifice for me as reading is something I do a lot, to relax, escape, to fill my free time in the evening. I hope this will help wean me off something on which I waste many hours a week, and give my reading habit a healthier balance. (As I reread this I can clearly see the irony that I am giving up reading fiction AGAIN this year. Somehow, I never get beyond this. Somehow after Lent, I backslide. Maybe I should think of Lent as giving me an annual opportunity to rebalance my life! Or maybe that’s just me rationalizing. Praise God for his patience.) I read another thing about fasting that resonated with me this morning. I looked fasting up in a book I have by Richard Foster called “Celebration of Disciple”. The author said, “fasting reveals what controls us. We cover up what is inside us with food (or in my case reading), but in fasting (there is time and space for) things (to) surface - anger, bitterness, pride, jealousy, strife, fear – if I choose to let them. Maybe ultimately Lent is a time of facing up to the real me, even the parts I don’t want to recognize, the parts that need changing.
So I will head out to the library today to browse through the new non-fiction section and the spiritual section to look for something interesting, perhaps improving. But I know myself – I cannot devote all the time I normally read to non-fiction or even spiritual reading. I don’t have the will to do it. That’s where the time and space and facing up part comes in. I’m a little anxious about that. Forty days beginning today, but not on my own . . .
A digression from my ruminations on Luke in honor of the occasion.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I have spent a little time this morning thinking and reading about Lent. What do I know about it? Not much actually. I know it begins with a solemn ritual – Ash Wednesday – reminding us of our mortality. I wonder how that tradition got started? I know it is 40 days long and ends at the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday), not at Easter. I know the church tells us we should “Fast, Pray and Give Alms” during Lent. Why that, why now I wonder?
The 40 days of Lent represent the days running up to Christ’s crucifixion. I think he used those days to prepare himself for his ordeal. Perhaps he wanted to pare down, to focus on what was important – his relationship with his father. From reading the bible I know that Christ fasted and prayed often. As far as giving alms, I don’t believe Christ had many material possessions – he traveled light, trusting that God would provide and indeed he did. I do know Jesus cared deeply for the people who came to him.
The other thing I think I know about Lent is that it is supposed to be a journey. A journey that begins with a somber reminder that “Ashes we are and to ashes we will return”. A journey of paring down, simplifying, going within, doing with less, sharing what I have with others. A journey that is long enough that I want it to be over, that I want it to end. And it does, during Holy Week, in the depths of the Triduum. After that solemn three day event there is the rejoicing of Easter and hopefully, spring!
As usual I plan to give up reading fiction for Lent. This is my way of “fasting” and is a true sacrifice for me as reading is something I do a lot, to relax, escape, to fill my free time in the evening. I hope this will help wean me off something on which I waste many hours a week, and give my reading habit a healthier balance. (As I reread this I can clearly see the irony that I am giving up reading fiction AGAIN this year. Somehow, I never get beyond this. Somehow after Lent, I backslide. Maybe I should think of Lent as giving me an annual opportunity to rebalance my life! Or maybe that’s just me rationalizing. Praise God for his patience.) I read another thing about fasting that resonated with me this morning. I looked fasting up in a book I have by Richard Foster called “Celebration of Disciple”. The author said, “fasting reveals what controls us. We cover up what is inside us with food (or in my case reading), but in fasting (there is time and space for) things (to) surface - anger, bitterness, pride, jealousy, strife, fear – if I choose to let them. Maybe ultimately Lent is a time of facing up to the real me, even the parts I don’t want to recognize, the parts that need changing.
So I will head out to the library today to browse through the new non-fiction section and the spiritual section to look for something interesting, perhaps improving. But I know myself – I cannot devote all the time I normally read to non-fiction or even spiritual reading. I don’t have the will to do it. That’s where the time and space and facing up part comes in. I’m a little anxious about that. Forty days beginning today, but not on my own . . .
Monday, February 15, 2010
Luke 2:21- 35 Presentation in the Temple
Luke 2:21- 35 Presentation in the Temple
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
As was the custom under the law, Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple to be presented to the Lord. In the Temple was a holy man, Simeon, who had been faithfully waiting for God to fulfill his promises to Israel. Simeon is described as just and pious. What does that mean? Living his life righteous in God’s eyes, humble and devoted to God. This reminds me of one of my favorite Old Testament passages – Micah 6:8 “You have been told, Oh man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Like Simeon, the passage in Micah promotes the pursuit of justice and goodness, and humility. Old Testament or New Testament - it is amazing how consistent God’s word is, how patiently he calls to us down through the ages.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
As was the custom under the law, Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple to be presented to the Lord. In the Temple was a holy man, Simeon, who had been faithfully waiting for God to fulfill his promises to Israel. Simeon is described as just and pious. What does that mean? Living his life righteous in God’s eyes, humble and devoted to God. This reminds me of one of my favorite Old Testament passages – Micah 6:8 “You have been told, Oh man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Like Simeon, the passage in Micah promotes the pursuit of justice and goodness, and humility. Old Testament or New Testament - it is amazing how consistent God’s word is, how patiently he calls to us down through the ages.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Luke 2: 8 – 20 The Shepherds
Luke 2: 8 – 20 The Shepherds
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
God sent his first bearers of the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth to humble, working folk, shepherds. They were simple men, not religious so far as we can tell. But they were used to being quiet, to watching and waiting with few distractions. This is who God chose to reveal his Son to, to bear witness to his birth and be the first to announce it to the world. Not the powerful, not the so-called experts. Just people who had enough stillness in their lives to take his message in and act upon it. How important was that stillness? Perhaps very important. I would like to cultivate some of that stillness, that space and quiet in my life so I can take in and bear witness to God’s intention for my life.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
God sent his first bearers of the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth to humble, working folk, shepherds. They were simple men, not religious so far as we can tell. But they were used to being quiet, to watching and waiting with few distractions. This is who God chose to reveal his Son to, to bear witness to his birth and be the first to announce it to the world. Not the powerful, not the so-called experts. Just people who had enough stillness in their lives to take his message in and act upon it. How important was that stillness? Perhaps very important. I would like to cultivate some of that stillness, that space and quiet in my life so I can take in and bear witness to God’s intention for my life.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Luke 2:1 – 7 The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1 – 7 The Birth of Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
When I first looked at this passage I mistakenly read the heading as the birth of Christ, not the Birth of Jesus. What is the difference? Christ of course is the word for Messiah. Jesus is our Lord’s given name, the name he will be called by his parents, his friends. This scripture describes what appears to be ordinary people – citizens, a married couple, parents in waiting, and then parents in reality – reacting to an ordinary human experience, the birth of a child. Today I want to let them remain as such, regular folks like me and my family, welcoming a new member. Exhausted, yet filled with awe and gratitude and hope for their child and for the world.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
When I first looked at this passage I mistakenly read the heading as the birth of Christ, not the Birth of Jesus. What is the difference? Christ of course is the word for Messiah. Jesus is our Lord’s given name, the name he will be called by his parents, his friends. This scripture describes what appears to be ordinary people – citizens, a married couple, parents in waiting, and then parents in reality – reacting to an ordinary human experience, the birth of a child. Today I want to let them remain as such, regular folks like me and my family, welcoming a new member. Exhausted, yet filled with awe and gratitude and hope for their child and for the world.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Luke 1:67 – 80 Zechariah’s Canticle
Luke 1:67 – 80 Zechariah’s Canticle
Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,
to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace." The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
This is less a father’s prayer for an individual child than a prayer of intense gratitude for God’s intervention on his people’s behalf. Through this child’s birth, God has begun to take concrete action into the world. Why? Zechariah says it is to "give His people a knowledge of salvation in freedom from their sins” “a work of kindness and mercy by our God." “to guide our feet into the way of peace”. Lucky Zechariah. He has apparently gotten over his prior doubt – of course he had nine quiet months to meditate upon it – and come to a place by God’s grace of strong , strong faith in God, of realization what God wants for his people and how He is willing to take action. All he has learned, all he now knows he pours out in this prayer. How would it be to have a faith that strong, a faith that sees God’s actions, God’s purpose in the world and responds to it with gratitude? Lucky Zechariah.
Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,
to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace." The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
This is less a father’s prayer for an individual child than a prayer of intense gratitude for God’s intervention on his people’s behalf. Through this child’s birth, God has begun to take concrete action into the world. Why? Zechariah says it is to "give His people a knowledge of salvation in freedom from their sins” “a work of kindness and mercy by our God." “to guide our feet into the way of peace”. Lucky Zechariah. He has apparently gotten over his prior doubt – of course he had nine quiet months to meditate upon it – and come to a place by God’s grace of strong , strong faith in God, of realization what God wants for his people and how He is willing to take action. All he has learned, all he now knows he pours out in this prayer. How would it be to have a faith that strong, a faith that sees God’s actions, God’s purpose in the world and responds to it with gratitude? Lucky Zechariah.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John
Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
I am thinking about this child John – a true miracle child. Born to parents too old for a child, parents who had given up even hoping for one. Then, out of the blue they find they will have a child. First, the promise to Zechariah, then the reality to Elizabeth. The wonder and anticipation and joy surrounding this child’s conception and birth are something to behold. Even and especially the community reacts to this birth, regarding it with fear (awe) and intense curiosity, speaking of the circumstances surrounding it “throughout the hill country of Judea”, “recounted to the last detail” “What will this child be?” “Was not the hand of God upon him?” Of course we know what John (called the Baptist) went on to accomplish in preparing the way for Jesus, and bringing about God’s Kingdom. What if all children were anticipated with such joyous wonder, regarded as a pure gift from God, expected to a have an important future and a role in His Kingdom and raised and treated accordingly? What kind of world would we be living in today?
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
I am thinking about this child John – a true miracle child. Born to parents too old for a child, parents who had given up even hoping for one. Then, out of the blue they find they will have a child. First, the promise to Zechariah, then the reality to Elizabeth. The wonder and anticipation and joy surrounding this child’s conception and birth are something to behold. Even and especially the community reacts to this birth, regarding it with fear (awe) and intense curiosity, speaking of the circumstances surrounding it “throughout the hill country of Judea”, “recounted to the last detail” “What will this child be?” “Was not the hand of God upon him?” Of course we know what John (called the Baptist) went on to accomplish in preparing the way for Jesus, and bringing about God’s Kingdom. What if all children were anticipated with such joyous wonder, regarded as a pure gift from God, expected to a have an important future and a role in His Kingdom and raised and treated accordingly? What kind of world would we be living in today?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Luke 1:46 – 56 Mary’s Canticle
Luke 1:46 – 56 Mary’s Canticle
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
“My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit finds joy in God my Savior.” My being, my spirit. The two are connected through God. But which comes first? I think it is spirit. If my spirit finds joy in my God, then that joy will shine through in my being, and my actions will be that of a person who is trying to live in and bring about the Kingdom.
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
“My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit finds joy in God my Savior.” My being, my spirit. The two are connected through God. But which comes first? I think it is spirit. If my spirit finds joy in my God, then that joy will shine through in my being, and my actions will be that of a person who is trying to live in and bring about the Kingdom.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Luke 1: 39 -45 The Visit
Luke 1: 39 -45 The Visit
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
Two miraculous conceptions – two women, Mary and Elizabeth seeking comfort and support from each other. Both asked to trust in amazing circumstances, probably feeling overwhelmed, excited, hopeful. But also apprehensive, concerned, worried. Mary’s circumstance is more problematic, not being married, etc. I am so glad they had each other. How powerful and important is experience of God that is shared. How necessary and affirming is human experience that is shared. We are not meant to be alone as we go through this life. I am conscious right now of the many people in my life that I have to share my experiences of my God and of my humanity.
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
Two miraculous conceptions – two women, Mary and Elizabeth seeking comfort and support from each other. Both asked to trust in amazing circumstances, probably feeling overwhelmed, excited, hopeful. But also apprehensive, concerned, worried. Mary’s circumstance is more problematic, not being married, etc. I am so glad they had each other. How powerful and important is experience of God that is shared. How necessary and affirming is human experience that is shared. We are not meant to be alone as we go through this life. I am conscious right now of the many people in my life that I have to share my experiences of my God and of my humanity.
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