Provoke one another to love

Morning: Psalms 40, 54; Genesis 17:15-27; Hebrews 10:11-25

Evening: Psalm 51; John 6:1-15

Often the word ‘provoke’ is used by parents to reprimand their children for ‘provoking’ one another, whatever that is exactly … it’s mainly about goading, pestering, and otherwise annoying behaviours. So, to provoke someone doesn’t sound like a commendable thing to do. But the Letter to the Hebrews gives provocation a whole new lease on life … ‘provoke one another to love and good deeds’. How would you do that, do you think? The only way I can think of to provoke someone to love and goodness is to love them. Simple and provocative idea, eh!?

It’s essential to have good references

Morning: Psalm 50; Genesis 16:15-17:14; Hebrews 10:1-10

Evening: Psalm 118; John 5:30-47

Once, I was coordinator of spiritual care in a hospital. A community pastor came in - as many did - seeking hospital ID and parking privileges. This would give him free access to patient areas. I asked him, “To whom are you accountable?” He said, “To myself and God.” That wasn’t enough accountability to give him access to vulnerable patients. He needed other human witnesses to vouch for his trustworthiness. Even Jesus said, “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.” When you’re sharing important news, to be believable, it’s essential to have good references.

What God is doing is made plain in Jesus

Morning: Psalm 119:49-72; Genesis 16:1-14; Hebrews 9:15-28

Evening: Psalm 49; John 5:19-29

If you wonder what God is like, look at Jesus. If you wonder what God is doing in the world, look at Jesus. For wherever you catch a glimpse of work that you think Jesus would do, you are probably actually witnessing what God is doing in the world … bringing new life, shaping the new creation, healing, forming life-giving communities, overcoming the power of death (greed, hatred, self-centredness, abuse, violence …). Do not be astonished that what God is doing is made plain in Jesus.

Equal to God

Morning: Psalm 45; Genesis 15:1-11, 17-21; Hebrews 9:1-14

Evening: Psalms 47, 48; John 5:1-18

Those who oppose Jesus’s healings and teachings are angry because of what they see as his blasphemy - “making himself equal to God.” But Jesus does not count equality with God as something to be exploited (see Philippians 2). Why would he if, as the New Testament affirms, Jesus is already God in human flesh? There is no need to make yourself what you already are. Someone has said: If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. Even if you don’t believe in God, looking at Jesus won’t do you any harm.

The journey from belief to belief

Morning: Psalms 41, 52; Genesis 14:1-24; Hebrews 8:1-13

Evening: Psalm 44; John 4:43-54

Is faith a moment of decision or a journey? A royal official comes to Jesus about his son who is deathly ill. Jesus says: “Go; your son will live.” A small measure of belief brings the official to Jesus. But the next day, he discovers his son was healed at the moment Jesus said, “Your son will live.” Because of this, he believes, along with his whole household. His first small measure of belief deepens with the healing of his son. This is the journey of faith. Go! See where your own inklings of faith will lead you.

Listen well before you speak

Morning: Psalms 63, 98; Genesis 13:2-18; Galatians 2:1-10

Evening: Psalm 103; Mark 7:31-37

Jesus heals a deaf man who cannot speak. Does Mark tell this story simply to raise Jesus’s profile as a healer, or is there another reason? Jesus also tells people to keep the healing secret. Yet the more he asks for secrecy, the more people spread the news! Perhaps he wants to be sure people hear his message well before they speak about it to others? Think about it … the accuracy and quality of your speech depends on how well you are able to hear. So, this story might be saying: In whatever circumstance, listen well before you speak.

Pay attention to moments when you’re not hungry

Morning: Psalm 19; Isaiah 45:18-25; Philippians 3:4b-11

Evening: Psalms 42, 43; John 4:27-42

Were you ever so involved in a task that you did not think to eat? The task itself nourished you. Of course, eventually you need food, but such moments point to the deep satisfaction of finding yourself in something just right for you … Perhaps, finally, your true calling beckons, more satisfying than food. People who met Jesus found themselves in new ways - Paul on the road to Damascus, the woman at the well. Their lives opened up and they knew their deepest hunger was satisfied. Pay attention to those moments when you’re so satisfied that you’re not hungry.

Worship … Enhancing God’s reputation in the world

Morning: Psalm 31; Genesis 11:27-12:8; Hebrews 7:1-17

Evening: Psalm 35; John 4:16-26

The Gospel begs questions … For instance: The idea of worshipping God is troublesome for me, since I am disinclined to grovel. Is that what ‘worship’ is, though? I don’t think so, but I need to make sense of it. In Old English, worship is worthiness, dignity, honour or renown. So … worshipping God is saying the Creator is worthy of honour, even love. Or, put another way … worshipping God is enhancing God’s reputation in the world instead of bringing dishonour to God. Sounds right to me … just please be gentle with me when I slip up!

Listening and understanding is water for the soul

Morning: Psalm 37”1-18; Genesis 11:1-9; Hebrews 6:13-20

Evening: Psalms 37:19-42; John 4:1-15

Do you have someone who listens to you deeply? How does that feel? John Fox writes: <<When someone deeply listens to you it is like holding out a dented cup you’ve had since childhood and watching it fill up with cold, fresh water. When it balances on top of the brim, you are understood. When it overflows and touches your skin, You are loved.>> This is the ‘living water’ Jesus offers to the Samaritan woman. He hears and understands her. We too have this living water - listening, understanding and acceptance - for those whose souls are thirsty.

‘I’ must decrease

Morning: Psalm 38; Genesis 9:18-29; Hebrews 6:1-12

Evening: Psalm 119:25-48; John 3:22-36

John the Baptist’s famous statement about Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” is about us, too. The New Testament carries the news that Jesus is the sign, in human flesh, of the Love that created, and is at work in, the Cosmos. The New Testament also teaches that if you ‘lose’ yourself (read … let go of your ego) you will find yourself. So, if our dreams of a better world, and a better ‘me’, are to come to fruition … My ego - which often opposes the Way of Love - must shrink, and Love expand.

The first step when you can’t see the whole staircase

Morning: Psalms 26, 28; Genesis 9:1-17; Hebrews 5:7-14

Evening: Psalms 36, 39; John 3:16-21

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Day. He once said: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Faith is not principles or propositions. You don’t ‘have’ faith. Faith is an attitude towards life. Faith trusts that Love will ultimately rule in every heart. I cannot ‘see the whole staircase’ to that day, but I believe with my heart, as MLK did, that only Love – sometimes costly Love – can drive out hate and bring justice to the earth. Perhaps Faith is taking a first step in Love without waiting for someone else to go first?

Life is more than the physical, and we know it

Morning: Psalm 25; Genesis 8:6-22; Hebrews 4:14 – 5:6

Evening: Psalms 9, 15; John 2:23-3:15

If you want a full life, it is not enough, says Jesus to Nicodemus, simply to be born. Life is more than our physical being. I know you already know this. Life is Love, Wisdom, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility and Truth. These are the ancient Grandfather / Grandmother teachings – the spiritual teachings – of the Anishnaabek, original inhabitants of the part of Canada I call home. They are about our experience of spiritual ‘birth’ as well as physical birth. This second ‘birth’ comes later in life if we allow it, which is exactly what Jesus is saying to Nicodemus.

Living with integrity in a broken world is hard

Morning: Psalms 148, 149, 150;  Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23; Ephesians 4:1-16

Evening: Psalms 114, 115; Mark 3:7-19

It seems contradictory that Jesus tells people not to make him known, yet he wants them to proclaim his ‘message’ of reconciliation and healing. Jesus already has considerable informal power. Maybe he is saying, “It’s not about me.” Or perhaps, for now, he is cautious about what people say about him … When you teach healing and reconciliation, it may be good news for some, but it may disturb others who don’t want to admit that anything is broken. Living with integrity in a broken world is hard. Living with integrity if you also wield power is harder still.

Challenging the ‘temples’ of our culture

Morning: Psalms 66, 67; Ezekiel 3:4-11; Acts 10:34-44

Evening: Psalms 110, 116, 117; John 2:13-22

It is hard to overstate the magnitude of Jesus’s action in overturning the tables of the traders in the temple. It would be like disabling all the stockbrokers’ computers at the Toronto or New York Stock Exchanges – the modern ‘temples’ of our culture. Jesus challenged the temple’s corrupt and destructive practices. Peter saw him do this and was himself emboldened and en-courage-d to point to Jesus as the one who brings healing, peace and justice to the earth. The courage of Jesus may help us to challenge our own society’s self-destructive behaviour when it threatens to destroy everyone’s well-being.

Do whatever he tells you

Morning: Psalms 16, 17; Genesis 6:1-8; Hebrews 3:12-19

Evening: Psalm 22: John 2:1-12

It is a mistake to spiritualize Jesus’s miracle at Cana, implying we should not expect remarkable things from him. On the contrary, the miracle is a signpost for the whole of John’s Gospel – somehow, in Jesus, heaven is wedded to earth. Water into wine is ‘the first sign’ of the transformation Jesus brings. The key to experiencing this transformation is to listen to what Mary says to the stewards … “Do whatever he tells you.” Now, there are things Jesus tells us to do that I may not want to do, but nothing that I do not think I should.

You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!

Morning: Psalm 18:1-20; Genesis 4:17-26; Hebrews 3:1-11

Evening: Psalm 18:21-50; John 1:43-51

Some people’s response to Jesus’s invitation to “Follow me” is skepticism, like: “I haven’t seen the results I expected for all your promise, so no thanks.” In the face of skepticism, Jesus persists. “Come and see”, he says to Nathanael. Jesus actually applauds Nathanael’s honesty. Nathanael is amazed that Jesus perceives what kind of man he is; then he trusts Jesus. Jesus goes on … If that impressed you, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! When someone invites you (again) into the Way of Jesus, think about it … there may be more to it than you realize. Come and see.

What are you looking for? Come and see.

Morning: Psalm 119:1-24; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 2:11-18

Evening: Psalms 12, 13, 14; John 1:29-42

A Facebook message from a non-church friend is entitled: “The Climate Crisis as Spiritual Crisis.” He longs for a way out of the egotism, consumerism, self-centredness and obsession with limitless growth that is destroying the earth. Jesus asks those who follow him, “What are you looking for?” They ask where he is staying. He says, “Come and see.” You know this is not just an invitation for coffee. It is a call to a new Way of Life. My friend is searching like those who followed Jesus. I need to invite him in the same way: “Come and see”.

Jesus: healer of broken relationships

Morning: Psalms 5, 6; Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 2:1-10

Evening: Psalms 10, 11; John 1:19-28

Many people see Jesus and the Christian faith through a narrow – maybe TV evangelist – filter. This skews the common view of faith. One example is our understanding of “sin”. People talk about “sin” as what we do wrong and how God is angry with us about it. “Sin” actually refers to the experience of brokenness in relationships, which we all know about. So, when Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” he is the healer of broken relationships. Big difference, eh!? It’s worth digging deeper to explore what Jesus is really all about.

Full of the Creator’s grace and truth

Morning: Psalms 1, 2, 3; Genesis 2:4-9; Hebrews 1:1-14

Evening: Psalms 4, 7; John 1:1-18

A remarkable thing, says John’s Gospel, is that in Jesus you experience the essence of the energy or force that created the Cosmos. That energy is grace and truth, found especially in Jesus. John speaks beautifully about this. Yes, you may say, but do you trust it? Well, I find much that is true and grace-filled in the Cosmos. The best of our humanity is one example. So far, too, after studying Jesus for quite a while now, I have found nothing that contradicts grace or truth in him. Do I trust this? Yes. And I trust him.

Sunday Jan12th – ‘God’s Plan’: a plan for the fullness of time

Morning: Psalms 146, 147; Genesis 1:1 – 2:3; Ephesians 1:3-14

Evening: Psalms 111, 112, 113; John 1:29-34

“OK, this is the plan …” is a familiar line in movies. It’s directive. Someone is leading with an outcome in mind. One recent popular song is Toronto singer Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’. The lyrics are hard to catch, but one line stands out: “You know how I like it when you lovin' on me.” Paul says God’s plan (the outcome God has in mind for the world) is “to gather up all things in Christ.” For me, that means all things being drawn into the Way of Love. Sounds good. You know how we all like it when Love rules.

The beginning of the new creation

Morning: Psalms 148, 150; Isaiah 55:3-9; Colossians 3:1-17

Evening: Psalm 104; Galatians 3:23-29, 4:4-7

Children need boundaries and rules while learning about life. For Paul, the law of Moses is a ‘babysitter’ until Israel grows up. Grown-ups do not then want to be children again. Free people do not want to be slaves again. Free people themselves choose their own path. The Jesus movement (some call it Christianity) is a particular community that is directed towards the renewal of creation. For Christians, baptism is the free, conscious, adult decision to belong to that intentional community of those who serve this new creation. Jesus’ baptism signifies that this renewal of creation begins somehow in him.

‘Saved’ from or ‘saved’ for? There’s a big difference

Morning: Psalms 138, 139:1-17; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Colossians 2:8-23

Evening: Psalm 147; John 10:7-17

Some Christians talk about ‘being saved’ as the event of gaining good standing with God, automatically implying that the ‘unsaved’ are still beyond the pale. This is misleading and misunderstands the Gospel, which says Jesus is the ‘gate’ through which people may pass on the way to wholeness – ‘being saved’ is the process of becoming whole. We are not saved from God’s wrath, rather we are being saved for God’s purposes that are realized in us as we are becoming our fullest selves, becoming whole … This is not an instantaneous event but the journey of a lifetime.

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge

Morning: Psalms 121, 122, 123; Isaiah 45:14-19; Colossians 1:24-2:7

Evening: Psalms 131, 132; John 8:12-19

St. Paul writes to the Colossians, in ancient Turkey: “In Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus himself says that if you follow him you will never walk in darkness but will have ‘the light of life’. It is true for me that when I ignore Jesus, I wander ‘in the dark’, bumping into things and people along the way. When I listen to him and to his life, I am still far from perfect, but I journey through my life with clearer vision, with meaning, direction and purpose.

Living water enough and to share

Morning: Psalms 117, 118; Exodus 17:1-7; Colossians 1:15-23

Evening: Psalms 112, 113; John 7:37-52

For the Gospel writers, Jesus is not just a good man or great teacher, but God in the flesh. If you believe this, Jesus says, your own heart will overflow with a river of refreshing water from which others will slake their thirst. The Way of Jesus is a path of life such that those who are on it cannot live for themselves alone … that would contradict who Jesus is. Whoever drinks of the ‘living water’ he gives will never imagine it is for anything other than sharing.

Bread of life: soul food

Morning: Psalm 103; Deuteronomy 8:1-3; Colossians 1:1-14

Evening: Psalms 114, 115; John 6:30-33

Soul food is anything that nourishes your inner life, but not necessarily your stomach! Like when you gather for a meal with people who are very dear to you. A simple meal, like the one you might normally eat, when shared with loved ones, becomes more than food. It becomes bread for your journey. When Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” that’s what he’s talking about … that is, if you invite him to nourish your day-to-day life (meals, work, play), your heart and soul will be full, your mind refreshed and your strength restored.

You can’t contain this story

Morning: Psalms 46, 47; Isaiah 49:1-7; Revelation 21:22-27

Evening: Psalms 96, 100; Matthew 12:14-21

Jesus told the crowds not to spread news about him. Maybe he had good reasons, but some stories cannot be contained. They burst out. Isaiah said the Messiah will be gentle and persistent until justice triumphs … all people will come to hope in what the Messiah stands for. So far, 33% of earth’s population identifies with the story of Jesus. It rings true for generation after generation of those who hear it. Trying to put a lid on it is like trying to hold back the tide. Ever wonder why? … You simply cannot contain this story.

Bear with one another

Morning: Psalms 66, 67; Wisdom 7:3-14; Colossians 3:12-17

Eve of Epiphany: Psalms 29, 98; Isaiah 66:18-23; Romans 15:7-13

Paul’s words are rich and full of wisdom … edited here somewhat, but timeless and universal: <<Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom. And whatever you do, in word or deed, serve the Way of Jesus, giving thanks to God.>>

None are perfect, but all are worthy of love

Morning: Psalms 85, 87; Joshua 3:14 – 4:7; Ephesians 5:1–20

Evening: Psalm 89:1-29; John 9:1–12, 35–38

People build walls – physical and figurative – to keep others out. Religious groups especially develop formal and informal rules about who may belong. Jesus healed a man born blind; some thought the man unworthy. People sometimes tell me they are unworthy of God’s love; they think they have to earn it. Love that you have to earn is not love. Search your heart … Do you trust that you are worthy of love? The Good News of Jesus admits no-one is perfect, but all are worthy of acceptance and love. Don’t believe anyone who says it isn’t so, including yourself!

Know what you need

Morning: Psalm 68; 1 Kings 19:9–18; Ephesians 4:17–32

Evening: Psalm 72; John 6:15–27

When Jesus feels stretched to his limit, he knows he needs quiet and so withdraws to be alone. The crowd wants more food, but Jesus seeks power from beyond himself to fuel his astounding mission. He steps aside from activity to restore his inner strength. Jesus invites us also to seek (from him) spiritual ‘food’ to sustain us for the long haul. Know your limits. Know your needs. Do not be fooled into thinking that a feast – even a fine feast – will satisfy your soul’s hunger. For it is futile to seek a cure for spiritual hunger in the fridge!

Where to find bread …

Morning: Psalm 34; 1 Kings 19:1–8; Ephesians 4:1–16

Evening: Psalm 33; John 6:1–14

Bill Bryson’s new book, “The Body”, describes how wonderfully intricate we are. Yet, how little we understand ourselves. Why are stories of Jesus feeding thousands repeated several times in the Gospels? Isn’t it because Jesus does not simply satisfy physical hunger, but because we find in him answers to the deeper hunger of spirit, the hunger for understanding about ourselves, about life? Even when your belly is full, you can feel empty. D.T. Niles said, “Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” Well, Jesus is ‘living bread’ for hungry souls … meaning, purpose, justice, reconciliation, life.

Heart Soul Mind Strength

Morning: Psalm 103; Isaiah 62:1–5, 10–12; Revelation 19:11–16

Evening: Psalm 148; Matthew 1:18–25

The Sisters of St. Joseph are Catholic nuns devoted to health and education. They have contributed much to my own wholeness and well-being. Joseph is their patron, especially because (as Matthew describes him) he treats Mary with such honour. Joseph lives true to the great commandment – loving with heart, soul, mind and strength. It’s about being whole, living fully and trustingly with what life brings. After reflecting for 3 years here about wakefulness and understanding, I have chosen to reflect in 2020 on the dimensions of wholeness – Heart Soul Mind Strength. Onward! Happy New Year!