Jordan and Andrew, you and me ... met by Jesus

Morning: Psalm 34; Isaiah 49:1-6; I Corinthians 4:1-16

Evening: Psalms 96, 100; Isaiah 55:1-5; John 1:35 – 42

Today, St. Andrew’s Day, the Church recalls Andrew’s bringing his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus. Tonight, in London, Bishop Todd will ordain Jordan Murray as a deacon in the Church, to serve in Owen Sound. This is a huge day in Jordan’s life, a new life-transforming encounter with Jesus, just as Andrew and Peter’s lives were forever changed by meeting him. Please pray for Jordan today, and ask for your own transformative encounter with this Jesus, who changes lives and is changing the world, through simple folk like Andrew, Jordan, you and me.

 

Wisdom or Folly? It is ours to choose!

Morning: Psalms 146, 147; Isaiah 1.1–9; 2 Peter 3:1-10

Evening: Psalms 111, 112, 113; Amos 1:1-5, 13-2:8; Matthew 25:1-13

The Attorney General of Ontario has taken flak this week for saying that Ontario was unprepared for the pandemic. I will not debate this issue. It is an example, though, of what Jesus is talking about in the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Wisdom is being ready; folly is being unprepared. On a much larger scale, Jesus calls us into the wisdom of being prepared for the imminent sea-change in human affairs. When will wisdom dawn upon us? Will ours be wisdom or folly? Whether we are ready or not, whether wise or foolish, change is coming.

 

God comes to us humbly ... let this sink in

Morning: Psalms 140, 142; Zechariah 14:1-11; Romans 15:7-13

Evening: Psalms 141, 143; Isaiah 24:14-23; Luke 19:28-40

Who or what will rule our hearts? Zechariah prophesies Israel’s king will come like this ... Jesus ensures there is no doubt that he is Israel’s king - he rides a donkey’s foal. What a different kind of king! They shout the Passover Psalm, 118: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Here on the night before Passover, Jesus himself becomes the Passover sacrifice - to deliver his people from slavery. This is no ordinary story, no ordinary king. The idea! ... that God comes to us so humbly; it is astounding. Let it sink in.

 

Are we ready to be held accountable?

Morning: Psalms 131, 132, 133; Zechariah 13:1-9; Ephesians 1:15-23

Evening: Psalms 134, 135; Zephaniah 3:1-13; Luke 19:11-27

Jesus speaks in a parable about a judgment that is coming. His story of a harsh king sounds the alarm for those who have failed to notice God’s fierce desire for justice. Human affairs must be set to rights. There is no escaping that Jesus intended this stark message to fall hard on a nation and a world gone awry. Our 21^st century society is also seriously adrift ... Jesus’s warning of judgment applies to us, too. Are we ready, as a society, to be held accountable for how we use earth’s gifts, entrusted to us? A reckoning is coming.

 

A welcoming embrace is two-sided

Morning: Psalm 119:145-176; Zechariah 12:1-10; Ephesians 1:3-14

Evening: Psalms 128, 129, 130; Obadiah 15-21; Luke 19:1-10

The garden of my childhood home had a sycamore tree, with enormous leaves, smooth bark and easy-to-climb branches. I loved the view from up there. When I learned the Zacchaeus song (‘he climbed up into a sycamore tree’), I could relate. Then, when Jesus called Zacchaeus down and invited himself for tea, I felt good. Jesus welcomed and embraced everyone, whatever their life was like. Jesus’s welcome changed Zacchaeus’s life. It changed my life too ... every time I chose to welcome Jesus in return. When someone loves you, you usually love them back. And love changes everything.

 

Hear and see the whole story: costly Grace

 

Morning: Psalms 121, 122, 123; Zechariah 11:4-17; I Cor 3:10-23

Evening: Psalms 124, 125, 126; Nahum 1:1-13; Luke 18:31-43

Jesus predicts he will be flogged and crucified. His followers are deaf to his predictions. Then, Jesus heals a blind beggar. The implicit message is: Hear and see the whole story: It is by suffering, with Grace, that Jesus defeats death’s power. As a military hero, he would only have glorified it. Those who seek freedom non-violently may suffer (Gandhi and King are modern examples), because they understand that Grace is costly, yet it is more telling than hollow victories won by force. The story of Jesus is victory over death’s power, not by might but by Grace.

Does any thing keep you from being yourself? 

Morning: Psalm 106:1-18; Zechariah 10:1-12; Galatians 6:1-10

Evening: Psalm 106:19-48; Joel 3:1-2, 9-17; Luke 18:15-30

Everyone’s needs are different. Jesus thinks we all have one common need: to see the world as a child does ... open, full of wonder, absorbing and embracing new experiences, welcoming each moment. You know the qualities of a child. But what about your particular needs? ... Jesus told the ruler that if he wanted to become himself, he must sell everything and give the money to the poor. This ruler was so attached to his possessions that his possessions owned him. I think Jesus is asking us: Does anything (any thing) keep you from being yourself?

 

Christ, our true king

Morning: Psalm 118; Zechariah 9:9-16; I Peter 3:13-22

Evening: Psalm 145; Isaiah 19:19-25; Matthew 21:1-13

There are bad kings in the Bible. Israel had insisted on having a king; they were warned! ‘The Crown’, now on Netflix, explores what makes for a good monarch. The Queen knows that the real king is God in Christ, that she serves him. This is probably what makes her a good queen. However, there is still an enormous gap between the Queen, in all her finery, and the real king, Jesus, who rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and confronts those who abuse the people’s trust. He, in all his simplicity, is, and always will be, our true King.

 

O Lord, it’s hard to be humble

Morning: Psalms 107:33-43, 108; Malachi 3:13-4:6; James 5:13-20

Evening: Psalm 33; Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 18:9-14

Yesterday, Bishop Todd Townshend issued a pastoral statement (at the link below) on the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The Pharisee in Jesus’s story is one of those who want others to be made in their image rather than celebrating that all of us, diverse as we are, are made in the image of God. Humility - like that of the tax-collector in Jesus’s story - as +Todd says, “supports each person as they claim who they are ... the one God loves so much.” Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re ‘perfect’ in every way!

 https://mailchi.mp/huron.anglican.ca/pastoral-statement-on-the-transgender-day-of-remembrance?e=b80467d071

 

In prayer, expect that you will be changed

Morning: Psalm 102; Malachi 3:1-12; James 5:7-12

Evening: Psalm 107:1-32; Luke 18:1-8

Seasonal booklets of readings and prayers (e.g. for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Lent) are one way I encourage myself and others - as Jesus did - ‘to pray always and not to lose heart.’ Jesus suggests that, in prayer, we find justice. Prayer asks not so much for things as for the world to be set right. The answer to prayer is justice, at least in the long run ... In prayer, you open yourself up to be set on the path to justice. In prayer, expect to be changed; do not expect to change God, who is already just.

 

We live always in uncertain times

Morning: Psalm 105:1-22; Malachi 2:1-16; James 4:13-5:6

Evening: Psalm 105:23-45; Luke 17:20-37

Jesus says challenging things, like: “Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it.” Have you ever heard someone you know say something like: “Just when I thought I had all I needed, I discovered I needed more”? Jesus is teaching this ... If you are satisfied with who you are, you will discover you do not need more. External comforts do not bring inner peace or security in uncertain times; and, we live always in uncertain times, or so it seems. Jesus’ teaching is for such times.

 

Credit where credit is due, responsibility too

Morning: Psalms 101, 109; Malachi 1:1, 6-14; James 3:13 – 4:12

Evening: Psalms 119:121-144; Luke 17:11-19

When only one of 10 lepers Jesus healed comes back to thank him, the nine are like those who believe their successes come from their own efforts. But Jesus teaches us to own that all good things come from God. In some cases, we help. Also, not all our failures come from forces beyond our control. We must take responsibility for failure in at least equal measure to the credit we take for success. Of course, you may think you never fail!? If so, you have even further to go than you think, if you are to find Peace.

 

Calling a spade a spade

Morning: Psalms 97, 99, 100; Habakkuk 3:1-18; James 3:1-12

Evening: Psalm 94; Luke 17:1-10

As a kid, I once thought idly that it would be interesting to stick my foot out as someone ran past! I did! He grazed hands and knees. Someone saw it and called me out publicly - I will never forget my stupidity and shame about that, although my victim has probably long forgotten it. Jesus teaches that causing someone to stumble and do the wrong thing is woeful. If we see that happen, we must name it publicly. They may always remember. They may even change! This is a call to courageous public life, calling a spade a spade.

 

More hope for fools

Morning: Psalm 89:1-18; Habakkuk 2:1-4, 9-20; James 2:14-26

Evening: Psalm 89:19-52; Luke 16:19-31

Some are so certain of their views that they are closed to other possibilities. Jesus says that someone who fails to listen to the wisdom of great teachers will also resist the mysteries of God. In my childhood home closed-minded people were said to be “wise in their own conceits.” I discovered later that this phrase comes from the Book of Proverbs’ (26:12): “Do you see persons wise in their own conceit? There is more hope for fools than for them.” Even if someone actually rises from the dead you may not succeed in convincing some people of it.

 

The important things: justice, mercy and faith

Morning: Psalms 66, 67; Habakkuk 1:1-2:1; Philippians 3:13-4:1

Evening: Psalms 19, 46; Matthew 23:13-24

Jesus pulls no punches in denouncing Pharisees and scribes. These are religious legalists who lay burdens on people that are too heavy to bear. We do this to ourselves, too, thinking we are unworthy of respect or love, maybe because we broke rules we did not understand anyway ... Like: It’s wrong to think this, or that. Are you labouring under such burdens? Examine the life commandments you follow that make you feel unsure of yourself. You can probably let them go ... Any rule that prevents you from experiencing justice, mercy and faith is not worthy of you.

 

Whom or what shall I serve?

Morning: Psalms 87, 90; Joel 3:9-17; James 2:1-13

Evening: Psalm 136; Luke 16:10-17

Jesus is clear: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” Our society chooses to serve wealth when it is obsessed with economic growth and prosperity. What’s wrong with prosperity? Nothing at all if it serves people. Yet, when you become enslaved to achieving wealth and your life’s priorities are focused on that, you may end up serving wealth instead of serving God. To serve God is to ‘do justice, love kindness and walk humbly’. Those priorities may not fit with what happens when you make wealth your principal goal ... Justice, kindness and humility can so easily go out the window.

 

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger

Morning: Psalm 88; Joel 2:28 – 3:8; James 1:16-27

Evening: Psalms 91, 92; Luke 16:1-9

The Letter of James contains this compelling phrase: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” The letter also teaches about generosity, and about not only hearing the truth but acting on it. As they say, talk is cheap. Being slow to speak allows others’ words to sink in and produce action. Words alone do not care for orphans, widows and others in distress. I heard a wise physician say yesterday that we cannot afford to get into anger or arguments or blame about COVID-19. This present crisis calls for deep listening to one another and concerted action.

 

Offering our best to all, no questions asked

Morning: Psalms 23, 27; Joel 2:21-27; James 1:1-15

Evening: Psalms 85, 86; Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

When some person or community is generous or kind towards another less fortunate person, there is always one like the Prodigal Son’s older brother who says, “You shouldn’t do that; they brought it on themselves”. But the Love that moves the Cosmos extends welcome, kindness and generosity to all, no questions asked ... Only the very best for everyone - even ‘the fatted calf’. Treat them all as your long-lost son or brother now returned. Forget they wronged you. Love’s generosity is boundless. In joyful celebration of your own abundance, create spacious places of welcome for them all, without question.

 

Sin is a broken relationship not a broken rule

Morning: Psalms 119:97-120; Joel 2:12-19; Revelation 19:11-21

Evening: Psalms 81, 82; Luke 15:1-10

We trivialize sin if we think it is about “being naughty”, or if we believe God needs to be appeased because God is bothered by sin. Sin is a broken relationship not a broken rule. The impact that this broken relationship has on us is what matters. We suffer - though not at God’s hands - when our relationship with God is broken, by acting in ways that cause harm. God simply longs for relationship with us ... ‘Repentance’ is the deep sorrow that turns us around towards the other and opens up the possibility of healing and renewed relationship.

 

Disciples tackle the urgent matters of their times

Morning: Psalm 78:1-39; Joel 1:15-2:11; Revelation 19:1-10

Evening: Psalm 78:40-72; Luke 14:25-35 

“None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions,” says Jesus. Is this not madness? But Jesus is confronting the great religious and political challenges of his times and these may cost his disciples everything, even their lives. On Remembrance Day, we accept that it is not madness to give up everything to break the power of evil and death. COVID-19 is a comparable challenge for some medical people. Sometimes to give up everything is simply the right thing to do. For the urgent matters of our own times, Jesus still needs disciples.

 

Banquet! Now! ... Will you come?

Morning: Psalm 80; Joel 1:1-13; Revelation 18:15-24

Evening: Psalms 77, 79; Luke 14:12-24

Jesus’s invitations are urgent. Today’s parable invites us to a ‘banquet’, which is a metaphor for the Kingdom of God ... or life lived to the fullest. We may miss fullness of life while following what seem like more attractive options. Why the urgent invitation? Well, life is short. So, live well now. Will the invitation expire? No, but life will. Why waste a moment living in anything less than the fullest possible way? What will that be like? The banquet’s ‘menu’ is not all published. To find out what is on it, you must first say, ‘Yes! I’ll come!’

 

Praying for the new American president

Morning: Psalms 93, 96; I Corinthians 14:1-12

Evening: Psalm 34; Ezra 10:1-17; Matthew 20:1-16

Today, the world feels different because of the American election result ... understandable, given the immense power that rests in the hands of the American president. Jesus’s parable - labourers in a vineyard - demonstrates how different is our sense of justice from God’s. When we decide on a just course of action, we humans do much better when we share our deliberations with others. Today, pray that a spirit of collaboration and partnership may mark the new American presidency. Praying this may help us, also, to listen to other people’s wisdom as we ourselves try to live justly.

 

When you find humility, you won’t know it

 

Morning: Psalms 75, 76; Revelation 18:1-14

Evening: Psalms 23, 27; Luke 14:1-11

In hospital chaplaincy work, I befriended leaders of many faith communities. One in particular was Imam Jamal, of London Muslim Mosque. He invited Mona and me one evening to dinner and a film at the mosque. We sat at the back, but as the room filled, Jamal came and invited us to sit up front at his table. We had not been trying to be humble, but what happened seemed to echo Jesus’s teaching. Trouble was, I began to feel proud at how humble I had been!! Oops! Start again, Graham! Remember, when you find humility, you won’t know it.

Our own soul’s echo of God’s holy longing

 Morning: Psalm 69:1-38; Revelation 17:1-18

Evening: Psalm 73; Luke 13:31-35

German writer, Johann Goethe, in his poem, Holy Longing, wrote: “Tell a wise person, or else keep silent, because the mass man will mock it right away ... So long as you haven't experienced this - to die and so to grow - you are only a troubled guest on the dark earth.” God’s holy longing is that we might no more be ruled by deathly powers. Our willingness to die to those powers (hatred, selfishness, greed ... the list is long), and so to grow, is our own soul’s echo of God’s holy longing. Thus to die is to live.

No better option

Morning: Psalms 70, 71; Revelation 16:12-21

Evening: Psalm 74; Luke 13:18-30

Many people want to come to Canada, as I did 44 years ago today. Canada has strict requirements, though. We want skilled immigrants, to help grow this nation. Jesus’s parables tell about God’s ‘nation’ or ‘kingdom’, growing worldwide from tiny beginnings. Everyone is welcome; the entrance requirements are not as selective as Canada’s. But you must give God’s ‘kingdom’ priority now and not wait. You know ... like folks who cannot commit to dinner on Friday because they ‘don’t know what they are doing that day’ - meaning, they were hoping for a better option! There is no better option.

 

Too pious for their own good

Morning: Psalm 72; Revelation 16:1-11

Evening: Psalm 119:73-96; Luke 13:10-17

I remember, during childhood, noticing a woman who was seriously bent over. She probably had a spinal ailment. Imagine not being able to stand up. A religious leader criticized Jesus for healing a bent-over woman on the Sabbath. Jesus said the leader was misguided ... There is never a wrong day to set someone free from affliction. And for the sufferer, today is always the right day to be set free, whether it is the Sabbath or not. Sometimes, religious people can be too pious for their own good, or anyone else’s.

 

Opportunity and extra help to bear fruit

Morning: Psalms 61, 62; Revelation 14:14 – 15:8

Evening: Psalm 68:1-20; Luke 13:1-9

Some of you know I want snow so I can test my new snowblower! As I read the operator’s manual, I learn there are things I must do to avoid damage to the machine or myself. The Gospel makes similar observations about life ... it’s like: “wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance, or you know what may happen” ... God points us toward fruitful living. Many assume the vineyard owner in the parable is God, but isn’t God the gardener giving the fig tree an opportunity and some extra help to bear fruit? Us too?

 

What on earth will happen tomorrow?

Morning: Psalms 56, 57, 58; Revelation 14:1-13

Evening: Psalms 64, 65; Luke 12:49-59

 Who is not concerned about the U.S. election tomorrow? This is a crisis moment, not only for America but, for everyone. Great upheavals demand more than neutrality from people of faith, too. Jesus said, “I come to bring fire upon the earth”. Following him means discerning deeply about what his Way demands. It will mean disagreements, even with other people of faith. Jesus’s Way is not likely to be cozy or comfortable in these times. Black Lives Matter and Climate Action protesters shout: “No Justice, No Peace!” The prophet Micah helps to clarify: “Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly ...”

 

Saints ... Those who hold onto the vision

Morning: Psalms 111, 112; Hebrews 11:32 – 12:2

Evening: Psalms 148, 150; Wisdom 5:1-5, 14-16; Revelation 21:1-4, 22 – 22:5

The wonder of the Bible is its vision that we are headed towards a new creation. Our present reality will give way to something brighter, something better, “new heavens and a new earth”. The vision gets articulated in many different ways. If you hold the vision, not only by watching it from afar, but by doing your best to live it, here and now, you are one of the ones called ‘Saints’. You keep your eyes on that vision, your feet moving towards it, and your hands busy working for it. Me? “Lord, I wanna be in that number ...”!