Barefooted and curious - March 28

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 107:33-43, PM Psalm 108, 33. Exod. 2:23-3:15; 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Mark 9:14-29

Moses’ words from Exodus struck me anew today. As the bush ahead of him was enveloped in flames, Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sign and see why the bush is not burned up.” He was curious in the face of something miraculous and peculiar. Surely, he must have felt some awe and fear, particularly when he heard the voice of God demanding that he take off his sandals, as he was standing on holy ground. And yet, before the fear set in, there was curiosity. He wanted to appreciate and understand the mystery in front of him.

What an invitation that is for us today! Like Moses, we can face something new and unexpected with curiosity and hopefulness. Sometimes the “great sign” is an indicator that life will markedly change: a job termination, senior prom or graduation ceremony cancellation, a scary diagnosis. Those are vast shifts from what had been planned. The example Moses provides for us is that we have agency in our response. When faced with new territory, perhaps we can choose to be curious and creative in the ways we face that which can become a holy experience, where God is fully present with us.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• In Mark’s gospel today, the father of a sick child cries out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” What aspects of your faith feel strong today? Where can you go deeper?

• Paul talks about the transformative power of love. How has God’s love and the love of others enriched your life?

Daily Challenge

• Reread 1 Cor. 13:1-13. Write down the word or phrase that resonates with you. Take two minutes to sit in silence. When your mind wanders, get centered with that word or phrase you selected.  

Mercy and compassion, on purpose - March 27

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 95, 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32 , Exod. 2:1-22; 1 Cor. 12:27-13:3; Mark 9:2-13

What radiance glows from today’s reading of the Transfiguration of Jesus! In the light of God’s love, we see who Jesus truly is: the Son, God’s beloved, who has many important things to teach. Jesus teaches through his actions and words the wisdom of the past, as we see Elijah and Moses upon the high mountain. He also teaches of compassion and mercy. We hear in Psalm 102: “You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to have mercy upon her”.

This is a time for mercy and compassion. Not because it is the nice thing to do, or because people will be calmer if we are understanding. We get to exhibit mercy and compassion on those around us – both familiar and unknown – because God shows the same to us all the time. That is God’s unabashed, overflowing grace. And so, we act from the love of God. Jesus showed us “the Way”, shining the light of promise and hope into spaces of hopelessness and fear. It is time to practice mercy and compassion more intentionally than ever.

In this holy, hard experiment, take with you the encouragement of the apostle Paul: “Strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31)

— Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• Upon the mountain where Jesus’ clothes were changed to glowing white and Moses and Elijah appeared, Peter didn’t know what to say. He was terrified. What do you do when you are in absolute awe?

• Moses’ birth story is quite magnificent. What do you know of your own birth story? What are the birth stories passed down in your family?

Daily Challenge

• Like Moses, our sins drive us to run away in various ways. Pray for forgiveness about a sin you hide deep within. Ask that God’s grace shine the light of reconciliation into that dark corner. Feel God’s mercy and compassion, and give thanks.

Solidarity in suffering - March 26

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 69:1-38; PM Psalm 73; Exod. 1:6-22; 1 Cor. 12:12-26; Mark 8:27-9:1

We continue to read through the first letter the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. Today we hear that the body of the Church has many members who are joined into one body. We need each one of us. Those of us that seem weaker are indispensable. Those who are less respectable receive more respect. Those who are inferior are treated with more honor. We have the same care for one another, and if one member suffers, all suffer together with them.

Some of our community may be awaiting test results, wondering if a paycheck will come through, or feeling very isolated. On a normal Sunday, these experiences are just a few of many concerns that you carry with you when you’ve come to worship at Saint Stephen’s. During the liturgy, we cast these cares upon God through sharing music, prayers, passing the Peace, gathering at the Table for Eucharist, and sharing coffee before Christian Formation – and by the time we depart the doors of the church, we usually feel a greater sense of connectedness and peace.

When we are unable to meet face to face, we are still one body. The clergy and staff of Saint Stephen’s are working to stay connected with all of our community – through written word, daily scripture reflections, Bible studies by phone and internet, live-streamed worship and music, phone calls, and letters. Each member of our Saint Stephen’s community is valued and beloved. You still can cast your cares upon our Lord, and find comfort through our Christian fellowship. Let your clergy know what is weighing upon you; for you are not alone. As Paul reminds us, “if one member suffers, all suffer together with them”.  

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is, and then asks his friends the same question. Who do you say Jesus is in your life? How do you tell others about Jesus?

• Peter is disturbed to hear Jesus’ bad news about suffering, and Jesus rebukes him, as his thoughts are on human things, rather than divine ones. In times of suffering, where do you set your thoughts?

Daily Challenge

• As we are one body in Christ Jesus, take one action to stay connected with another member of Saint Stephen’s.

We don't have enough bread - March 25

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 101, 109:1-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144
Gen. 50:15-26; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Mark 8:11-26

We are facing limits around us: of travel, of employment, of worship space and communal gatherings, of pastoral services like weddings and funerals, and even of the gallons of milk we can buy at one time. We, too, get swept up into the mindset of the disciples in today’s gospel from Mark -- things are going poorly because we don’t have enough bread.

Jesus responds to the disciples something like this (with a bit of interpretation): Friends, don’t you get it? Times are changing. It isn’t all about the bread. Can you see that these miracles of feeding and restoration are symbols of God’s abundance? We are entering into a new age, where life isn’t just about living by all of the laws. Rather, we are invited into compassion and connection. We are invited into the life of being servants of our Lord God.

The Pharisees, scholars of Hebrew scripture, couldn’t see or believe Jesus’ message and ministry, so they tested him relentlessly. The disciples had front-row seats to his ministry, and they did not get it either. Yet, Jesus remained faithful to his friends and continued teaching them. Jesus is faithful to us, too. He has walked through times of uncertainty, and he is still our companion along the way.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• The Pharisees demand a sign from heaven as they question Jesus. Have you ever flipped through the Bible just hoping to find a sign -- God’s word meant just for you? What did you find? How was your spirit affected by this experience?

• The apostle Paul speaks to different spiritual gifts, each grounded in God. As you look down the list (1 Cor 12:4-11), what is a gift you have that is God-given?

Daily Challenge

• Jesus references two separate feeding miracles today, pointing to the nourishment and abundance that comes from God’s love. Take a photograph or find an image that represents abundance that emanates from God’s love. Share it with someone you care about.

Waiting is the hardest part - March 24

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 97, 99, [100]; PM Psalm 94, [95]
Gen. 49:29-50:14; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Mark 8:1-10

The apostle Paul gives guidance to the Corinthians’ newly formed community of Christians. He has heard of divisions among them; when they gather as the Church, they are not sensitive to those with fewer resources. Therefore, Paul observes that when they convene, it is not to share the Lord’s supper as it was meant by Jesus. If the Christians in Corinth are truly to share that holy meal, all would feast and no one would be left hungry; they must “wait for one another” so that all receive at the same time.

At Saint Stephen’s, we will not be celebrating or live-streaming services of Holy Eucharist during this time. Instead we will share music, prayers, and preaching in Morning Prayer. One of the reasons for this is that we are not able to share the consecrated bread and wine with everyone. Some of our community have weaker immune systems or are at risk due to other factors; others of us could be asymptomatic carriers of contagious COVID-19 germs. For now, we must wait for this illness to diminish, as we wait for one another before sharing the Lord’s supper.

Take heart: we will gather again in person as Church. As Jesus felt compassion for the crowd in today’s gospel, we continue to be the Church by showing compassion and care for those who are vulnerable. Thank you for honoring those who are compromised by limiting your excursions and in-person interactions. It is not easy for some of us (though others may welcome it!). These adjustments cannot shake the way we love God and one another. My prayer is that, with God’s help, we will grow in deeper ways and emerge renewed when we get to gather at the Lord’s table for a joyous feast in the light of the risen Christ.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• Jesus tells the crowd to sit down before he blesses the loaves of bread and breaks it for distribution. What are the ways you “sit down” to still yourself before you are fed through acts of prayer and study of holy scripture?

• Jesus had his friends help distribute the bread and fish. Who do you ask to help you on your Christian journey?

Daily Challenge

• Psalm 99 mentions the ancient leaders Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who interceded to people for God. Think of someone who has been a guide, drawing you closer to God. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for that person, or write them a note of appreciation.

Return to God for stability, stillness, and love - March 23

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52
Gen. 49:1-28; 1 Cor. 10:14-11:1; Mark 7:24-37

Reflecting on the readings appointed for today, Jesus’ words about the greatest commandment bubble up for me: we are to love God wholly and to love one another (Matthew 22:37-40). Across time, we have been inclined to put other idols and priorities ahead of God. In ancient times, the Israelites strayed from God as they were often wooed by the culture and religions espoused by invaders and foreign alliances (e.g., Assyria, Egypt, and others). Today, perhaps it is the fluctuation of the stock market, vying for influence and power, pursuit of perfection, or substances and technological devices, that distract us from ourselves and from loving God with our entire selves.

And yet, we are called to return to God for stability, love, and a stillness that can come from no other source. In Psalm 89, we hear of this steadfast love of God seven times…not solely for our comfort, but so that we might tell others of it. Said differently, we are reminded of God’s love, not for our own sake, but for the benefit of others to hear this message of faithfulness. In Mark’s gospel, the broken and outcast sought healing from Jesus, because they had heard of the stories of people being made whole – and they, too, went on to proclaim God’s goodness.

Today’s scriptures call us to return to God for stability, upon the rock of God’s steadfast love. In doing so, may we be healed and share the Good News with others across our community who are broken and in need of healing.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

·    What are the ways you experience God’s faithfulness? How do you tell others of how your life is changed through God’s love?

·    If you had a chance to ask Jesus for healing, what would you ask him?

Daily Challenge

·    Brainstorm ideas of how you (and perhaps your family or friends) can provide support to those in our community who are in need during this difficult time. Talk with someone else about your list and then work together to show God’s steadfast love!

Why do your disciples eat with hands unwashed? - March 21

Today’s Scripture: Gen. 47:27–48:7; 1 Cor. 10:1–13; Mark 7:1–23

In the Gospel for today (I promise, you can’t make this up!) the Pharisees are criticizing Jesus because he lets his disciples eat without unwashed hands. The tradition was that all Jews including the Pharisees only ate if they washed their hands, but the younger generation, i.e. those who were following Jesus, weren’t following this practice. They obviously weren’t aware of the COVID-19 pandemic that would take place 2000 years later!

But Jesus’s point strikes home. And I paraphrase: “Why are you so worried about the outside when I am worried about the serious stuff, like the character of who you are, the nature of your soul, the person you are becoming?” It is interesting to me that we take so seriously a virus. We have quarantined ourselves in isolation, bought three years’ worth of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and there isn’t a webcam to be found across America (if you have one we can use for Sunday’s service I would love to know). Why don’t we take with the same seriousness the spiritual issues of the world? Greed is destroying our earth, and arguably our souls, and yet we are worried about washing our hands? Maybe if we are to care about what is most important, the gift of human life, the real work is to change or clean ourselves. But please do wash your hands too.

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• What part of our own selves needs a little work? How can we work on becoming better in this time of isolation?

Daily Challenge

• List a few things that you would like to work on and during Morning Prayer on Sunday, name those during the Confession of Sin.

"Take heart, it is I; have no fear." - March 20

Today’s Readings: Gen. 47:1–26;1 Cor. 9:16–27; Mark 6:47–56

In Mark’s Gospel, it is evening, and the disciples are on the boat making headway painfully and with the wind against them. It almost sounds like they are taking the path of least resistance (sarcasm is intentional). Did they decide to sail at the least opportune time? I wonder why they are out there. Maybe it is to get from one place to another. Maybe they are bored and need to pass the time. They have already given up their careers as fishermen to be disciples and yet they find themselves out on the boat having difficulty. They are probably not fishing (although most times I am fishing I am having difficulty). At this point, Jesus walks on water right towards them. I wonder why Mark says, “he meant to pass them by.” They are scared, and Jesus speaks to them and says, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”

I think there is this idea that when we follow Jesus, everything is just going to fall into place. Life should be easier because we have our priorities in the right place. Well, this certainly wasn’t true for the disciples who find themselves pushing against the wind and scared out of their minds. Do you feel like you are pushing against the current, going uphill both ways, exhausted, maybe scared of where this will all end up? Maybe we are to take comfort that the disciples, even after meeting and following Jesus found themselves in the same predicament and it was in that place where Jesus said, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” It is faith that is the tool to navigate the storm.

- John+

Questions

• What are the things that keep you up at night? What are the things that cause you to be afraid?

• How might Jesus be calling out to you saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear?”

Challenge

• Make a list of the things that scare you. Then divide the list between what you have control over and what you don’t. Make a plan to tackle what you can control and consider that God is there for everything else.

Come Away to a Lonely Place - March 19

Today’s Scripture: Gen. 46:1–7,28–34; 1 Cor. 9:1–15; Mark 6:30–46

In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, the disciples turn to Jesus to share “all that they had done and taught.” The way Mark describes the event, it really sounds like the disciples are quite proud of what they have accomplished. It must have been a really busy season in their newfound ministry of following Jesus. Jesus’ response is “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” I don’t know about you, but the invitation to go somewhere lonely is not very appealing. If Jesus has used the words ‘quiet’ or ‘peaceful,’ it would have sounded much more appealing.

Later in the scripture passage, the disciples affirm Jesus’ assessment of where they are to go as they respond, “This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late.” And Jesus responds, “You give them something to eat.” There is a commandment to feed the multitudes when the disciples have finally arrived at the lonely place.

I am not at all excited about going to this lonely place of social distancing and isolation. I’m an extravert. Anne says I have two modes: sleep and go. I think I have spent too much of my life focusing on what I can achieve and accomplish. And accomplishment comes from connecting people and connecting with them. It has only been 5 days of social distancing, but it is already forcing me to refocus my life in many different ways. And now I am wondering if the disciples needed to go to that lonely place in order to be able to feed the multitudes.

The work we are called to do, the work of mission, the work of feeding, serving, breaking bread, and connecting to others will never change. It is our imperative as Christians. The question is how are being prepared and shaped to do that work.

- John+

Questions:

• Is loneliness intimidating to you? Why?

• What are ways that you can feed the multitudes in this phase of social distancing?

Challenge

• Do one thing today that will lead to helping to feed another person. Maybe order lunch at a local restaurant and tip big, buy a gift card to your hair salon or favorite local digs, or shop at a local business.

Knowledge Isn't Everything - March 18

Today’s Scripture: Gen. 45:16–28; 1 Cor. 8:1–13; Mark 6:13–29

In the last several days, as I grapple with the role of the Church during a pandemic, I have seen lots of good on social media. I have seen people reaching out to care for friends, words of encouragement for all, churches live streaming worship services and sermons, and friends sharing stories of all-out goodness and hope. This is a drastic shift from the previous days and even several years where people fight to illustrate how their truth is the ultimate truth. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of misinformation out there, but it also feels like the quest for knowledge and truth is tearing apart the fabric of society. Maybe that’s why people moving beyond that during this time of crisis is so hopeful. Knowledge is important, but is it everything?

It is interesting that Paul acknowledges the power of love over knowledge when he says, “Knowledge puff up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.” It is a statement that reflects the wisdom of the wise person knowing what they don’t know. Or maybe, we never fully understand the whole story. We are limited in our human capacity. Later when we learn why a person believes what they believe, or why they acted the way they acted, the story becomes even more complex. When we abandon the drive to be right, or more correct, or more woke than the other, and rest in love and humility, something rather remarkable happens. What COVID-19 seems to be doing is reducing our power and agency in life by making us humble. While I wish more than anything that we weren’t experiencing these days, and I am concerned for how it will place incredible hardships on many of us, I am hopeful in the ways we are learning that love is more powerful than any knowledge we could learn. We are learning how to care for each other in new ways, and we are learning that we are all in this mess of life together.

- John+

Questions:

• What is something you thought you knew but no longer are sure of?

• How has love been more powerful than knowledge to you?

Challenge

• Recall one time when you had to be right. Consider apologizing to the person you debated.

Family is Tough - March 17

Today’s Scripture: Gen. 45:1–15; 1 Cor. 7:32–40; Mark 6:1–13

All three of the Scripture readings have a common theme: family. In Genesis, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and invites them to come and live with him in the land of Egypt. In Corinthians, Paul is talking about marriage and reminding us to be free from anxieties. And in Mark, Jesus returns to his hometown where people know him as the Son of Mary and brother of James, and they cannot fathom that he is able to heal and teach. That famous line comes from this passage of Mark, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country.

For those of us who live with members of our family, this period of isolation likely means more time than usual with the people who are closest to us. I suspect we will become frustrated with each other more than usual. Even for those who live alone, sometimes it is the people closest to us that we can be the hardest to get along with for prolonged times. The people in Jesus’ hometown failed to see the gift that he was to all. Joseph’s brothers did not recognize the true gift to the world of Joseph and his ability to help his family in a time of such need. Those people close to you that might be beginning to get on your nerves are a gift to this world. And so are you! May we remain connected to each other and know that we are all gifts to each other, even in the places we know best. And me we have a little grace with the people who might be overcrowding our personal space.

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• What is something you have to offer that other people do not know about?

• Is there a gift in someone else that you are beginning to see that needs to be encouraged and nurtured?

Daily Challenge

• Pay someone close to you a sincere and thoughtful compliment that would come as a surprise.

Physical Touch in a Time of Social Distancing - March 16

In this morning’s Gospel from Mark (5:21–43), Jairus falls at the feet of Jesus and asks him to lay his hands on his daughter so that she made be made well. And then we hear about a woman who snuck through a crowded gathering to reach out and touch the garments of Jesus so that she would be made well. Both of these stories are about physical proximity and physical touch. What are the implications of the readings in a time when social distancing will help save the lives of many and keep our hospital system from being overburdened? The woman who touched the garment is scared when Jesus asks her who touched him. When she comes forward, his response is, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Her fear is met with grace.

During this time, some people will need the care and physical touch of others, especially people in hospitals and those who rely on help or assistance. But maybe Jesus’s imperative to have faith and to go and find peace can be a reminder that this season of social distancing too shall pass. May we have faith that will lead to each of us in finding renewed peace, Good News that no distance can keep us from.

- John+

Have you Stolen my Cup? - March 15

In Sunday morning’s Daily Office reading (daily Scripture for Episcopalians), Joseph hides a silver chalice in his brother Benjamin’s sack and when the guard catches Joseph’s brothers, he says, “Why have you stolen my silver cup? Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he divines?” -

On this morning for many of us Christians, it feels like our silver cup has been stolen. But I am as confident as ever that this will make us more compassionate, open, flexible, gracious, sympathetic for people who are hurting and in need, and more faithful. May we all be renewed in the midst of this crazy time and look with anticipation for the moment when we sip from the common cup again.

-John+