Life and death. Death and Life. Scenes of death and destruction are infused in our consciousness from the array of media communications: the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombings; the fire at the fertilizer plant in West, TX with flames and smoke billowing into the air carrying the dangers of anhydrous ammonia; innocent looking letters with ricin within; and of course the daily deaths throughout the world where violence prevails. These scenes are burned into our consciousness in a non-ending stream.
So where does the resurrection of our shepherd, Jesus the Christ speak to us of the possibilities of new life conquering the pervasiveness of death? Three weeks after our Easter celebration, we hear another story of resurrection. The apostle, Peter is called to Joppa where the widow, Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek, which means gazelle) has died. Tabitha was a disciple (the first known feminine use of the word "disciple" in the New Testament) who was devoted to good works and acts of charity, providing robes and other clothing for the poorest of the poor - the widows. In Acts 9: 36 - 43, Peter responds to the community surrounding Tabitha who have placed their hope in his healing power by washing Tabitha and laying her in an upstairs room. Notably Tabitha's beloved friends have NOT anointed her for burial. Peter raised Tabitha from death and showed her to be alive.
AND MANY BELIEVED - PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE MASTER.
This miracle points us to the mighty power of God working in the world. God's story does not end with the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The hope that accompanies healing is a powerful demonstration that God was at work through the disciples in Peter's time - and is still at work in our time today as we shepherd one another.
Alongside the images of bloody bodies and lost limbs in Boston were the first responders who rushed toward the wounded: doctors who had just finished the race; medical volunteers; firefighters and police; and innumerable citizens who pulled off their belts to use for tourniquets as ambulances surged into the melee. Like Tabitha who was surrounded by friends and community who took action in the adrenaline of hope, we see miracles upon miracles of people pulling together to respond - the power of a shepherding community pulling together. Death is all too real. But the life-giving power of the hope of resurrection reminds us that God enters into the shadows of the valley of death alongside us. When we're able to "see and be" communities of people operating in this hope, our faith shines in the darkness. We walk in faith and trust, and many continue to believe. And many more will put their trust in our Master Shepherd. And the visions of the kingdom coming slowly to realization is alive as we respond. Revelation 7: 9-17 is a cacophany of praise to God as we stand before the throne of the Lamb singing: "Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!"
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
We Are Guests at the Table. We Are the Meal
Easter is two weeks gone. Our dresses hang in the closet as we wonder how many Sundays before we can wear them again. The lamb and deviled egg leftovers are long eaten. The candy has been eaten or stashed away or put out on our desks for others' indulgence. Even with the bright blooming of our yellow forsythia and redbuds, we're back to our daily routines. We might distantly wonder about the "so-what?" of Easter if we find ourselves daydreaming.
So, it's appropriate to read John's Gospel epilogue: John 21: 1-19. The resurrection is over and done and seven of the disciples, wondering what's next, and having no clue, return to their livelihoods of fishing - to no avail. Slow to recognize Jesus, their post resurrection encounter with their Lord is full of symbolism: an abundance of fish when they follow Jesus' direction; Peter's impulse to be with his Lord by jumping right into the sea; and the communion of fish and bread awaiting them on the open fire on the beach with Jesus as host at the Table. The climax of their encounter with the risen Lord is Jesus' command to the forgiven Peter (and to us) to: "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep."
Having been fed (literally and spiritually) by Jesus, the disciples are commissioned to go forth and care for others. Having come to the Table as guests, they are commanded to go out to the four corners of the world and offer themselves as the meal that will open others' eyes to Jesus - as the meal that will change the world.
Having worshiped with Jesus, they are to sing the praises that epitomize a world filled with the power of God's grace as described in Revelation 5: 11-14: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
When we come to the Table and are fed, we are blessed when we become the meal for those in need. This is discipleship. This is mission. This is the kingdom coming to fuller and fuller realization.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
So, it's appropriate to read John's Gospel epilogue: John 21: 1-19. The resurrection is over and done and seven of the disciples, wondering what's next, and having no clue, return to their livelihoods of fishing - to no avail. Slow to recognize Jesus, their post resurrection encounter with their Lord is full of symbolism: an abundance of fish when they follow Jesus' direction; Peter's impulse to be with his Lord by jumping right into the sea; and the communion of fish and bread awaiting them on the open fire on the beach with Jesus as host at the Table. The climax of their encounter with the risen Lord is Jesus' command to the forgiven Peter (and to us) to: "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep."
Having been fed (literally and spiritually) by Jesus, the disciples are commissioned to go forth and care for others. Having come to the Table as guests, they are commanded to go out to the four corners of the world and offer themselves as the meal that will open others' eyes to Jesus - as the meal that will change the world.
Having worshiped with Jesus, they are to sing the praises that epitomize a world filled with the power of God's grace as described in Revelation 5: 11-14: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
When we come to the Table and are fed, we are blessed when we become the meal for those in need. This is discipleship. This is mission. This is the kingdom coming to fuller and fuller realization.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
Friday, March 29, 2013
Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Although we could proclaim this every Sunday in worship, usually when we hear these words we assume it must be Easter. Gospel writer John's story of resurrection is John 20: 1-18, when various disciples come to the tomb where Jesus has been buried, only to discover he is gone - he is risen (maybe?) as predicted. My invitation to you: Will you come to the tomb with Mary, Simon Peter and John? Where do you find yourself in this story that we re-tell year after year as we claim this story for our own?
Are you a "Mary" approaching the tomb against all cultural expectations in the dark of the morning - in the dark of your soul? Like Mary, do you live into the ordinariness of life, not expecting the extraordinary to come your way? Do you wonder whether you'll ever be able to talk the God talk or see God at work in your life?
Or, are you a "Peter," outrunning the beloved disciple in the footrace to the tomb? Competitive? Jealous? Impulsive? Guilty for your denials of Jesus - even those subtle ones - that make you anxious for Jesus' forgiveness and mercy? Or are you just curious to see what in the world Mary is blathering about?
Maybe you're a "beloved disciple" - who we know as John. Have you been raised in a family of faith in which Christian beliefs are talked about and/or lived out? Because you've always known Jesus, are you able to deepen your faith without any solid proof? Are you the one who sees possibilities of God's work everywhere? Are you the bringer of hope even in the faces and places of despair or anger or sadness?
Through our voices - through our words - through our every action, we too can hear and see our Rabboni in our own way. When we do, isn't there a call to us as Jesus said to Mary: "Go forth and tell what you have seen here." Through us this story of resurrection continues wherever we share our testimony and our experiences of the living Lord in our midst.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
Are you a "Mary" approaching the tomb against all cultural expectations in the dark of the morning - in the dark of your soul? Like Mary, do you live into the ordinariness of life, not expecting the extraordinary to come your way? Do you wonder whether you'll ever be able to talk the God talk or see God at work in your life?
Or, are you a "Peter," outrunning the beloved disciple in the footrace to the tomb? Competitive? Jealous? Impulsive? Guilty for your denials of Jesus - even those subtle ones - that make you anxious for Jesus' forgiveness and mercy? Or are you just curious to see what in the world Mary is blathering about?
Maybe you're a "beloved disciple" - who we know as John. Have you been raised in a family of faith in which Christian beliefs are talked about and/or lived out? Because you've always known Jesus, are you able to deepen your faith without any solid proof? Are you the one who sees possibilities of God's work everywhere? Are you the bringer of hope even in the faces and places of despair or anger or sadness?
Through our voices - through our words - through our every action, we too can hear and see our Rabboni in our own way. When we do, isn't there a call to us as Jesus said to Mary: "Go forth and tell what you have seen here." Through us this story of resurrection continues wherever we share our testimony and our experiences of the living Lord in our midst.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Even the Stones Would Shout Out
When we envision the triumphal procession of Jesus parading into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey or colt with cloaks or clothes or palm branches spread out before him (depending on the gospel writer), we're happy to cry out our hosannas, wave our palm branches, and shout out "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" Especially in the safety of our sanctuaries this scripture (Luke 19: 28-40) seems full of praise and fulfillment: The King we've been waiting for has arrived!
The Pharisees, responsible for their Judaic heritage, are all too aware of the parade full of pomp on the other side of town, through another gate comes Pilate with chariots, war horses, and the Roman soldier squadrons in their fullest military regalia - come to ensure that Roman rule (Pax Romana) is not threatened by this upstart prophet, Jesus. The Pharisees are all too aware of the threat to their peace and order - a tension they maintain with the Roman government.
So, it's not surprising that the Pharisees would tell Jesus to rebuke his followers - quiet the crowd - keep the peace - be less passionate and more orderly. After all, when we take our children to the recent St Patrick's Day parade or travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we want to be assured we're safe. Policemen along the parade route are reasuring.
But Jesus' response is powerful: "If these [disciples] were silent, the stones would shout out."
I wonder what Jesus means? Stones are inert - gray, brown, black, speckled - often dirty - heavy. How do we envision stones even shouting? Would they shout out about the sinfulness of disciples who dare to keep silent? Or do stones cry out about those who reject and turn away from Jesus? Or is it possible that stones will proclaim the mighty acts of God in the face of disciples who maintain the safety of silence? Or is it that it's no more possible for stones to keep silent than it is for faith filled disciples to keep silent as Jesus rides by?
Any of these interpretations is valid, depending on your perspective. Where do you find yourself in this parade? Do we follow Jesus all the way and stand at the foot of the cross of crucifixion or do we betray our Lord with our silence on the sidelines? One thing is sure: No matter how paralyzed we are with our fears and temptations, Jesus will enter Jerusalem on his way to the cross and God will prevail over death.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
The Pharisees, responsible for their Judaic heritage, are all too aware of the parade full of pomp on the other side of town, through another gate comes Pilate with chariots, war horses, and the Roman soldier squadrons in their fullest military regalia - come to ensure that Roman rule (Pax Romana) is not threatened by this upstart prophet, Jesus. The Pharisees are all too aware of the threat to their peace and order - a tension they maintain with the Roman government.
So, it's not surprising that the Pharisees would tell Jesus to rebuke his followers - quiet the crowd - keep the peace - be less passionate and more orderly. After all, when we take our children to the recent St Patrick's Day parade or travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we want to be assured we're safe. Policemen along the parade route are reasuring.
But Jesus' response is powerful: "If these [disciples] were silent, the stones would shout out."
I wonder what Jesus means? Stones are inert - gray, brown, black, speckled - often dirty - heavy. How do we envision stones even shouting? Would they shout out about the sinfulness of disciples who dare to keep silent? Or do stones cry out about those who reject and turn away from Jesus? Or is it possible that stones will proclaim the mighty acts of God in the face of disciples who maintain the safety of silence? Or is it that it's no more possible for stones to keep silent than it is for faith filled disciples to keep silent as Jesus rides by?
Any of these interpretations is valid, depending on your perspective. Where do you find yourself in this parade? Do we follow Jesus all the way and stand at the foot of the cross of crucifixion or do we betray our Lord with our silence on the sidelines? One thing is sure: No matter how paralyzed we are with our fears and temptations, Jesus will enter Jerusalem on his way to the cross and God will prevail over death.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Temptations in the Desert: Scarcity or Abundance
When describing your worldview and your sense of available resources, where would you put yourself on a continuum that stretches from: Scarcity - to - Not enough - to - Just barely enough - to - Enough - to - Plenty - to - Abundance - to - Extravagance?
If Jesus came to reveal what God looks like, then the story of Mary of Bethany anointing him in preparation for his death and burial with the most extravagant perfume is a story of Jesus praising her for her extravagant devotion. John 12: 1-8. To emphasize this extravagant love that Mary pours out upon his feet, Jesus chastizes Judas Iscariot (who is about to betray Jesus) when Judas demands that the perfume should be sold to provide for the poor. Jesus realizes that Judas doesn't care so much for the poor, as he cares about keeping the common purse for his own purposes of stealing from it. Jesus rebukes Judas: "Leave her alone." (v 7). In light of Jesus' impending death, Mary "wastes" perfume on her beloved Master and Jesus receives it with gratitude.
How often do we "count" the value of various resources (especially money), giving into the temptation that there won't be enough - that our resources are finite and must be carefully controlled? Whether we're hoarders or cheapscapes or just reasonable folk who give of ourselves according to the time/energy/means that make practical sense in a world overwhelmed with "not-enough-ness," we operate out of the worldview that tempts us to value our efforts and our things by their usefulness or practicality or cost effectiveness.
Is the cross a symbol of our temptation or do we trust in the God of resurrection? Father Richard Rohr writes: "The cross is a statement of what we do to one another and to ourselves. The resurrection is a standing statement of what God does to us in return." (Richard Rohr, Easter 2012)
Both in the extravagance and love poured out by Mary and in the promises God makes in Isaiah 43: 16-21, we are drawn toward a God of extravagant abundance, whose love and providence have no end. Isaiah, using powerful water imagery, reminds us that God will make a way through the waters (Red Sea) just as he did for the Israelites fleeing the Egyptians. And when we wander in the desert of our temptations, we can trust that God will provide rivers in the desert & water in the wilderness - drink for God's chosen people.
Our challenge is to move through, around, past the barriers of temptations that there will not be enough. Our challenge is to trust God's promises of abundant healing, enough water for all, and an abundant love that sustain us through droughts. If we remember what God has done in the past, we are able to trust in the new things God is about to do in our future. We can trust in the love that shapes whatever new thing lies ahead.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
If Jesus came to reveal what God looks like, then the story of Mary of Bethany anointing him in preparation for his death and burial with the most extravagant perfume is a story of Jesus praising her for her extravagant devotion. John 12: 1-8. To emphasize this extravagant love that Mary pours out upon his feet, Jesus chastizes Judas Iscariot (who is about to betray Jesus) when Judas demands that the perfume should be sold to provide for the poor. Jesus realizes that Judas doesn't care so much for the poor, as he cares about keeping the common purse for his own purposes of stealing from it. Jesus rebukes Judas: "Leave her alone." (v 7). In light of Jesus' impending death, Mary "wastes" perfume on her beloved Master and Jesus receives it with gratitude.
How often do we "count" the value of various resources (especially money), giving into the temptation that there won't be enough - that our resources are finite and must be carefully controlled? Whether we're hoarders or cheapscapes or just reasonable folk who give of ourselves according to the time/energy/means that make practical sense in a world overwhelmed with "not-enough-ness," we operate out of the worldview that tempts us to value our efforts and our things by their usefulness or practicality or cost effectiveness.
Is the cross a symbol of our temptation or do we trust in the God of resurrection? Father Richard Rohr writes: "The cross is a statement of what we do to one another and to ourselves. The resurrection is a standing statement of what God does to us in return." (Richard Rohr, Easter 2012)
Both in the extravagance and love poured out by Mary and in the promises God makes in Isaiah 43: 16-21, we are drawn toward a God of extravagant abundance, whose love and providence have no end. Isaiah, using powerful water imagery, reminds us that God will make a way through the waters (Red Sea) just as he did for the Israelites fleeing the Egyptians. And when we wander in the desert of our temptations, we can trust that God will provide rivers in the desert & water in the wilderness - drink for God's chosen people.
Our challenge is to move through, around, past the barriers of temptations that there will not be enough. Our challenge is to trust God's promises of abundant healing, enough water for all, and an abundant love that sustain us through droughts. If we remember what God has done in the past, we are able to trust in the new things God is about to do in our future. We can trust in the love that shapes whatever new thing lies ahead.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
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