Not yet the steward God calls me to be - April 8

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 55; PM Psalm 74; Lam. 2:1-9; 2 Cor. 1:23-2:11; Mark 12:1-11

The imagery of Jesus’ parable hits me hard today: a substantial investment in the vineyard yielded continued loss and disappointment in those who were the stewards. The landowner did more than simply hand over a raw plot of land to the tenants. He planted the young vines, fortified it with a wall, dug deep into the rocky ground to create the space to make wine, and built a tower for the tenants to observe the work and the fruits of their labors.

The landowner provided everything the tenants would need to succeed. And succeed, they did…but they were unwilling to share the proceeds. They did not hold up their end of the bargain as stewards. They repelled each attempt to collect the landowner’s share of the profits, and it all ended in abuse and murder. They were blind to the limitless source of gifts, and instead felt threatened that there was not enough.  

As we revisit the path Jesus took from glory to humility, we see our own frailty in the destructive choices we make. We act out of fear and insecurity when under duress. With God’s help, the Holy Week readings guide us away from actions of greed and avarice, so that we may understand our role as stewards in the fullness of God’s vineyard.

— Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• What barriers is God tearing down in you? Where are you being fortified for God’s glory?

• The vineyard owner gives his wayward tenants many chances. Where is your limit?

Daily Challenge

• Paul’s letter to the Corinthians talks about the contagious nature of God’s grace and love, and that forgiveness spreads. Find a way to “spread” forgiveness today.

“By what authority are you doing these things?” - April 7

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalms 6, 12; PM Psalm 94, Lam. 1:17-22; 2 Cor. 1:8-22; Mark 11:27-33 

“By what authority are you doing these things?” That is the question posed by the chief priests, scribes, and elders to Jesus in Mark’s gospel reading today. Jesus doesn’t give them the satisfaction of a direct answer, for their motivation was to trap and convict the rabbi who threatened the hierarchy in the Temple.

Perhaps you are feeling like one of those elders, struggling with your faith today. Maybe you are doubting God’s care for you in this time of upheaval. Know this - God is big enough for all our questions. Jesus’ death and resurrection redeemed all people, even those on the fence, or feeling threatened by the revolutionary message of love and healing for everyone.

As such, what would it be like to reframe the question of the skeptics in Jerusalem? Perhaps it could look like this: “Are you doing this action because it is pleasing to God? How will this choice bear witness to God’s love moving through your life?” May God’s grace encourage us each day for the pursuit of greater understanding, rather than leveraging power.

— Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• How do the words of Lamentations strike you today, expressing sadness beyond the point of consolation?

• How will the choices you make today bear witness to God’s love moving through your life?

Daily Challenge

Psalm 6 is a call for help from God through sickness and conflict. Find a verse of that psalm that resonates with you, and recite those words in prayer to God.

Lament for the Emptiness - April 6

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 51:1-18(19-20); PM Psalm 69:1-23, Lam. 1:1-2,6-12; 2 Cor. 1:1-7; Mark 11:12-25

Our Old Testament reading today comes from Lamentations. We hear of a lonely city that sits empty, once filled with people. There is weeping and no source of comfort. Those who once were trusted companions are now kept distant and are not to be trusted. Material wealth is meaningless. There is lament and longing for what came before the devastation and isolation. This ancient poem paints a very dark picture, as it hearkens back to the destruction of Jerusalem by foreign enemies.

I sit in a very different posture today, in modern-day America, when comparing my existence to those of the ancient Near East. This lament reminds me of the importance of mourning. It is healthy to put into words, images, or other expressions of what brings pain or sorrow. For me, yesterday was a beautiful Palm Sunday; the sermon was honest and spot-on; and, the music was stirring. As I heard the song “Give Me Jesus”, I was aware how much I miss Eucharist and the physical presence of YOU, the people of Saint Stephen’s. I felt sad to be away, so I played some mournful tunes on the drive home.

Lamentations provides an opportunity to hold up the people we long for, the things we miss, and the places that lay empty that we long to fill. Though this exercise is not easy, it can be a helpful process in emptying ourselves during Holy Week. By expressing the pain, we dump out some of the vestiges of our sin and regret, so that when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Sunday, we will feel the joy of the risen Christ more deeply.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

• What is it that you lament?

• Psalm 51 calls us to confess and be vulnerable. What about this is hard for you?

Daily Challenge

The apostle Paul calls us to go to God for consolation in the midst of suffering. Pray that God will bring you consolation today, and then reach out to someone who is struggling to offer consolation to them.

A darkness to be felt - April 4

Today’s Readings: Exod. 10:21–11:8; 2 Cor. 4:13–18; Mark 10:46–52

So Moses stretches out his hand and darkness over the land of Egypt falls. The author of Exodus says, “a darkness to be felt.” And then we hear that for three days people did not see one another nor did any rise from their place. I am probably drawn to these words because it seems to be the same experience that we are now living only much longer than three days! I suspect, we are all yearning to see in the flesh other human beings, and we are eager to rise from our place and leave our homes. I am struck that what we are experiencing, really isn’t new. It might be the same reason or experience, but there is something reassuring in knowing that life has cycles and patterns, even what we are experiencing today is a part of that.

When we read Exodus in dialogue with Paul’s writing to the Corinthians in this chapter, we find remarkable hope. “So. We do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Is Paul writing to us this very moment!

If you are reading this, you are doing some small part to nurture your faith and soul. Maybe you have been drawn to participate in Morning Prayer daily on Facebook, or spending more time with your children or step-children, or parents, or talking to old friends on Skype or Zoom. If we have faith and nurture that faith, then our inner nature is being renewed! What a hopeful image in this cycle of isolation and darkness. May the darkness be necessary for our growth.

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• In what way am I being renewed in the midst of the chaos of our present day?

• How does my faith play a part in this renewal?

Challenge

• Find an activity that helps in your renewal and let go of something that is distracting.

Jesus’s $2.2 trillion relief package - April 3

Today’s Readings: Exod. 9:13–35; 2 Cor. 4:1–12; Mark 10:32–45

In today’s Gospel, the disciples are on the road, going up to Jerusalem and Jesus predicts his death. It’s not a very pretty depiction. And the disciples are arguing about who is going to sit at his right hand and who at his left. As I read this reading and write a reflection (the day before you are reading this) I have just signed a loan application for payroll assistance for our church community and preschool as a part of the $2.2 trillion relief package passed by our government of which $387 billion is aimed at small businesses which include nonprofits.

And while I am confident that this is a good and faithful gesture on our part, I am also aware of the little voice in my head, how will this bill benefit me, or my community. I think this is a natural and honest answer, but there seems to be a dangerous and fine line that we ought to pay attention to whenever we are seeking anything. The disciples are wondering how their relationship with Jesus is going to benefit them. And we hear the crux of Mark’s Gospel “For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I hope our answer deep down will always be, how do the gifts that we receive enable us to serve God. And maybe I needed to hear this passage as much as anyone and be reminded of what is ultimately asked of all of us.

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• What benefits do I receive from following Jesus?

• What have I received lately that enables me to more fully serve God?

Challenge

• Explore the line within your own life of when you seek what benefits you vs. what enables you to serve God.

The rich man is still in quarantine - April 2

Today’s Readings: Exod. 7:25–8:19; 2 Cor. 3:7–18; Mark 10:17–31

In today’s Gospel passage, a rich man has been following the laws of God exceptionally well. He asks Jesus what he needs to inherit eternal life. After walking through the litany of rules this man has followed, Jesus says, “you lack, one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” I keep wondering if all the things that the man had were keeping him from following Jesus. It sounds like he has stored up quite a bit of treasure.

One of the interesting aspects of COVID-19 and the impact on our culture and society is the lack of discrimination. It does not matter who you are or what you own; to make our society safer, we all have to isolate ourselves. There is no purchasing a cure or even a pass to be able to gather in the public arena. Where I have found the most comfort in quarantine, it has been through my practicing of praying for others, and my time in worship on Facebook and the daily digging into Scriptures. It makes me wonder, what really is necessary for a fulfilled life and maybe even life eternal?

Regardless of where we find ourselves in the accumulation of wealth (or the loss in the market) what is helping you be grounded and well in the midst of this time? How much of that is tied to what you own or have accumulated? And how could that be a key to understanding this idea of life eternal?

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• What things have improved your life in quarantine that have surprised you?

• What did you think would improve your life but hasn’t?

Challenge

• Make a prayer list of people that are on your mind and say those names daily while you are isolated from others.

God’s Love smells better than Axe Body Shots - April 1

Today’s Readings: Exod. 7:8–24; 2 Cor. 2:14–3:6; Mark 10:1–16

I love this little passage, “thanks be to God, who in Christ…and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ!” Fifteen years later, I still can’t get the smell out of my mind of working a week at Kanuga Conference Center with middle school youth. It was the year that the body spray company, Axe, came out with those provocative videos which suggested that women everywhere were drawn to the smell of Axe. The videos were very suggestive and thirteen-year-old boys' minds where especially susceptible to advertising. And to top it off, the camp store just so happened to be selling “Axe Body Shots!” It was a sure revenue producer during Youth Week at Kanuga. Thirteen-year-old boys that had yet to learn the proper benefits of hygiene spent all of their summer money using Axe to cover up body odor and woo their newest friends. It is a summer that will live in my olfactory memory forever!

Smell has a way of bringing up memories and helping us to relive an experience. Think of the perfume of a loved one that is here no longer or the smell of someone special’s old home. I wonder what happens when we live out our lives in Christ? This image of conjuring up the sense of smell by Paul might suggest that God through us, through the way that we love each other, is not only a vessel for sharing God’s love, but actually helps people remember, relive, and be reawakened to that love that God has marked their life with.

It is a subtle difference, but as all of us look for ways to reach out in love during this time, it might be important to reflect that we are not only sharing God’s love but helping people awaken once again to the love that has transformed their lives. And as we yearn for connection, we all desire to know that same love as well. Let us go and share the Aroma of Christ so that our hearts may be at ease during such a stressful time?

- John+

Questions for Self-Reflection

• What are some memories of yours that are attached to a certain smell?

• In what ways can the love of God linger in the lives of others through the love that you share?

Daily Challenge

• Find one way of reaching out in love to someone in need. If you need a suggestion, try this.

A Forced Sabbath - March 31

Today’s Readings: Exod. 5:1–6:1; 1 Cor. 14:20–33a,39–40; Mark 9:42–50

In today’s Old Testament lesson, Moses and Aaron go to see Pharaoh to ask for permission for the Israelites to go into the wilderness for three days for a feast. Pharaoh not only refuses their request but then adds to their daily burden the task of gathering straw in order to make bricks. The Israelites were already responsible for making bricks, and because they have complained, they must have idle time which can be replaced with the task of gathering straw. From Pharaoh’s perspective, if the day can be completely filled with work, there will be no time to worry, no time to complain, no time to imagine anything else. I wonder if Pharaoh thought that if all time could be used for production, people would be satisfied with their lives?

Walter Brueggemann, the prolific Old Testament theologian, argues that Sabbath’s main focus is to break this cycle of production that tricks our egos into believing that we are capable of producing value and worth in our lives, and everything that we want, we should be able to produce immediately. Which then leads us to work harder and harder, and longer hours, and we put our own self-worth into what we can produce. Sabbath then becomes a way of resisting this culture.

Many of us have either had our model for work drastically challenged, altered, or we have altogether lost our jobs. In many ways it is frightening. Maybe in some ways, it is a forced Sabbath. One consideration would be to ask ourselves, have we worked too hard to cover up the imperfections in our lives, or to drown out our worry or concerns in life? What could a practice look like of breaking that cycle so that we can see our dependence more on God than our own agency for our worldview and our faith? What I am suggesting is not easy, but potentially could be a faithful approach to what many of us are experiencing.

- John+

Questions for Consideration

• What have you used to cover up your worry or concern?

• How does work impact your mental health?

Challenge

• Create a Sabbath practice that helps you intentionally set time for God once a week.

Could New Leadership be Required? - March 30

Today’s Scripture: Exod. 4:10–20(21–26)27–31; 1 Cor. 14:1–19; Mark 9:30–41

Moses says, ‘O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’ Moses is suspect of God that he probably shouldn’t be leading God’s people. What he doesn’t yet realize is that life for his people is about to change. They will go from living under the rule of Pharaoh, to standing up to Pharaoh, to wandering in the desert in a whole new way of life. It is a fundamental paradox change and they will have to live differently for 40 years before they can resettle in the Promise Land.

I am struck that one consideration might be that Moses is suspect because he doesn’t understand yet how his own capabilities might be assets in this new way of life. Maybe, what his people required in the form of leadership has been different up unto this point. And Moses doesn’t yet see how he might be used by God in this moment.

Today, I am wondering, how the voices of leadership might change, or be changing, in this current paradoxical shift. Maybe it the voice of young children teaching parents and grandparents about technology, or the voice of a teenager leading the charge on Twitter, or people who are shy finding ways of claiming their public voice online. Maybe God is calling you to lead in following the Way of Love with passions and gifts you have yet to realize in a new way! What could God be up to at this moment and speaking to all us through the story of Moses?

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• What are the parts of you that you have considered hindrances in leadership?

• Is it possible in our own cultural shift, that you might be able to offer your gifts in a new way?

Daily Challenge

• Write something reflective to share on social media or through a blogpost as a way of claiming your voice.

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.