All Saints, All Children of God
See what love God has given us, that we should be called children of God' and that is what we are.
- Ephesians 3:1
Today, on All Saints, November 1, it is good to remember who we are. We are God's children, given new birth through the Holy Spirit and given new life in community with all others who share faith in Christ.
In the Hector Peterson Museum in Soweto, South Africa, there is a life-size photograph of a youth carrying the lifeless body of Hector Peterson. Hector Peterson was the first child killed in the violent response to the peaceful demonstration of school children in Soweto. Hector's sister is running along side the bearer of her brother's body.
Beside the photograph is the response of the family of the youth who risked his life to carry Hector away. "Our brother is not a hero. This is what we do."
Saints are not heroes. To be a hero is to be a champion, standing taller and stronger than those around. To be a saint is to be one of God's children, doing what God's children do, standing no taller or stronger than others but moving faithfully together, doing what God's children do.
On this day of All Saints, I am grateful for the life we share. What a great gift - to be a child of God! We proclaim not ourselves, nor one another, but the strong work of God in us for good. To God be the glory on this day as we celebrate the family of all God's saints.
With gratitude for sharing with you in Christ's ministry,
Hope
Friday, October 31, 2008
Acts of Worship for All Saints Day
According to the United Methodist Book of Worship,
Revelation, written to Christians in dire circumstances, still speaks to us when we are in our own troubles. "How long will it be before you fix these problems on earth?" The Lamb reveals what the earth will look like after the apocalypse.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 34:4
All Saints (November 1 or the first Sunday in November) is a day of remembrance for the saints, with the New Testament meaning of all Christian people of every time and place. We celebrate the communion of saints as we remember the dead, both of the Church universal and of our local congregations.
Revelation, written to Christians in dire circumstances, still speaks to us when we are in our own troubles. "How long will it be before you fix these problems on earth?" The Lamb reveals what the earth will look like after the apocalypse.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 34:4
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Deserts and Fields, Reflection on Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Psalm 107 is a call to praise God who leads us, instructs us, redeems us, and gives to us generous gifts. Those people in this week's reading from Joshua knew this God. The words of this psalm would have fit their situation as they prepared to cross the Jordan and enter into Canaan, the land that would be known as Israel.
And the words continue to fit the situation of God's people through the ages. We can remind ourselves and witness to others that God's steadfast love does endure, that we have felt God's presence lead us through and out of troubles.
As I read verses 33-37, I am struck that although they can be read quite literally, they don't have to be. That is, God is the creator of our earth, the source of the rain necessary for life to continue. But, God is the source of what Jesus called living water. God works through us turning our parched lives into fruitful ones.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 107:33-37
And the words continue to fit the situation of God's people through the ages. We can remind ourselves and witness to others that God's steadfast love does endure, that we have felt God's presence lead us through and out of troubles.
As I read verses 33-37, I am struck that although they can be read quite literally, they don't have to be. That is, God is the creator of our earth, the source of the rain necessary for life to continue. But, God is the source of what Jesus called living water. God works through us turning our parched lives into fruitful ones.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 107:33-37
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A River Crossing, Reflection on Joshua 3:7-17
They are poised to cross over the Jordan into the land promised by them. Compare this crossing with the one that took them from captivity in Egypt into their long testing in the wilderness (Exodus 14).
As Pharaoh's army had drawn near, the people had been afraid. The Lord instructed Moses what to do. The Lord sent a strong wind to make a path through the sea so the Israelites could cross over on dry ground.
Now, forty years later, Moses has died, and Joshua is their appointed leader. He also receives instructions from the Lord. Once again the waters are divided, and the people can cross.
What is different is that on this crossing, the priests and the ark of the covenant are part of the story. Also different is that this time is that they are not just one group; they are twelve tribes.
The priests go first with the ark. As their feet enter the river, the waters begin to separate.
Imagine being one of the priests and stepping into the rushing water. When the people saw the water piling up, they then stepped into the path. Imagine being able to trust that the danger would wait for you to make your way across.
In Mississippi this year, we have been remembering what it was like 40 years ago. We remember how important our leaders were during those crises. Today we continue to face hardships, demands, animosities. Today, we need to continue to consider how the Lord is sending help and helpers to us.
They had the ark to hold. What are we holding to remind us of God's commands and help?
Lectio Divina: Psalm 107:1-2, 6
As Pharaoh's army had drawn near, the people had been afraid. The Lord instructed Moses what to do. The Lord sent a strong wind to make a path through the sea so the Israelites could cross over on dry ground.
Now, forty years later, Moses has died, and Joshua is their appointed leader. He also receives instructions from the Lord. Once again the waters are divided, and the people can cross.
What is different is that on this crossing, the priests and the ark of the covenant are part of the story. Also different is that this time is that they are not just one group; they are twelve tribes.
The priests go first with the ark. As their feet enter the river, the waters begin to separate.
Imagine being one of the priests and stepping into the rushing water. When the people saw the water piling up, they then stepped into the path. Imagine being able to trust that the danger would wait for you to make your way across.
In Mississippi this year, we have been remembering what it was like 40 years ago. We remember how important our leaders were during those crises. Today we continue to face hardships, demands, animosities. Today, we need to continue to consider how the Lord is sending help and helpers to us.
They had the ark to hold. What are we holding to remind us of God's commands and help?
Lectio Divina: Psalm 107:1-2, 6
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
God on Trial
Masterpiece Contemporary, on PBS, will be showing God on Trial this month. It's showing November 9 in Mississippi. Check your schedules.
Here's a description:
Here's a description:
Who is to blame for the worst of all crimes? Facing extermination at Auschwitz, prisoners weigh the case against God in God on Trial. Anthony Sher (Primo), Rupert Graves (The Forsyte Saga), Dominic Cooper (Sense and Sensibility, Mamma Mia!) and Stellan Skårsgard (The Pirates of the Caribbean, Mamma Mia!) headline the cast of believers and non believers coming to terms with faith and suffering.
Leaders Who Stray, Reflection on Micah 3:5-18
"Whom can you trust?" Micah asks. "Are they telling you the truth, or are they saying what they think you want to hear? Well, not you, necessarily. They're saying what they think that the ones in charge want to hear."
He's talking about the religious leaders of his time, as was Jesus in Matthew's gospel.
Similar complaints continue to be made about prophets and priests of every generation. We see compromises to what congregations want to hear. We see failures in their behavior.
It's impossible for me not to apply this criticism of ancient prophets to our current situation with its current prophets. Candidates for political office, their supporters, and the voters trying to choose among them need to remember Micah's words.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 45:3
He's talking about the religious leaders of his time, as was Jesus in Matthew's gospel.
Similar complaints continue to be made about prophets and priests of every generation. We see compromises to what congregations want to hear. We see failures in their behavior.
It's impossible for me not to apply this criticism of ancient prophets to our current situation with its current prophets. Candidates for political office, their supporters, and the voters trying to choose among them need to remember Micah's words.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 45:3
Monday, October 27, 2008
Do as They Say, Not as They Do, Reflection on Matthew 23:1-12
Matthew was writing to followers of Christ sometime after the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem (Scholars suggest sometime between 80-100 CE). Without the temple as a visible symbol, and more than symbol, of Jewish identity, some leaders were concerned that the Jews would be secularized, assimilated into Roman identity.
In this passage, Jesus has two audiences: the crowds and his disciples. The crowds are potential converts; the disciples are those who have been following him. He is warning them against the Pharisees,who are the religious leaders, insiders.
We too often read this passage and others as conflicts between Christians and Jews. Jesus is not saying that Jews are wrong because they are Jews. He is saying that these particular Jews are wrong because they are not good Jews. Jesus is not rejecting the Torah, but is insisting that these insiders should not only preach the law, they should practice it, as well. (Look back at Psalm 119 for a view of the law as a joy and delight).
"Get over yourself," Jesus tells the leaders. Start carrying your share of the burdens."
Lectio Divina: Matthew 23:11-12
In this passage, Jesus has two audiences: the crowds and his disciples. The crowds are potential converts; the disciples are those who have been following him. He is warning them against the Pharisees,who are the religious leaders, insiders.
We too often read this passage and others as conflicts between Christians and Jews. Jesus is not saying that Jews are wrong because they are Jews. He is saying that these particular Jews are wrong because they are not good Jews. Jesus is not rejecting the Torah, but is insisting that these insiders should not only preach the law, they should practice it, as well. (Look back at Psalm 119 for a view of the law as a joy and delight).
"Get over yourself," Jesus tells the leaders. Start carrying your share of the burdens."
Lectio Divina: Matthew 23:11-12
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Looking toward All Saints Day
On the United Methodist Church webpage, Safiyah Fosua writes:
For more go to Helps for All Saints Day, November 1, 2008
All Saints Day provides an opportunity for all of us to remember that all who are in Christ, both living and deceased, are part of the family of God. We have much to learn from the stories of the saints of old. May I encourage you to also remember the "everyday saints" who have crossed your path as well as those who have lived in your neighborhoods or served with you in churches?
For more go to Helps for All Saints Day, November 1, 2008
Joshua is Filled with the Spirit of Wisdom, Reflection on Deuteronomy 34:9-12
The books Exodus through Numbers center largely on the journey from Egypt through the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land. Deuteronomy is presented in the form of speeches in the mouth of Moses. He reviews their history, encourages them to uphold the teachings they have received.
Moses died. He was mourned for thirty days. His burial place is not known. His mourners could not make it a shrine or a place of pilgrimage. They had to move on.
Although his burial place has been forgotten, his leadership is not. The book of Deuteronomy ends with a eulogy, but these words of praise are not contemporaneous with his burial. Rather, they are written much after that time. These words reflect an assessment of Moses' place in the history of God's relationship with humans: No prophet after him was known to the Lord face to face. He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders he performed, all his mighty deeds, and terrifying displays of power.
They need a leader, and Joshua is chosen. We have two versions of his commissioning. In Numbers 27:18, God tells Moses to choose Joshua. In Deuteronomy 32:23, the Lord speaks directly to Joshua. Two versions, but not necessary contradictory ones.
How did the people themselves discern that Joshua was to be the appropriate successor to Moses? How is God's will ever discerned?
Lectio Divina: Psalm 90:13, 17
Moses died. He was mourned for thirty days. His burial place is not known. His mourners could not make it a shrine or a place of pilgrimage. They had to move on.
Although his burial place has been forgotten, his leadership is not. The book of Deuteronomy ends with a eulogy, but these words of praise are not contemporaneous with his burial. Rather, they are written much after that time. These words reflect an assessment of Moses' place in the history of God's relationship with humans: No prophet after him was known to the Lord face to face. He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders he performed, all his mighty deeds, and terrifying displays of power.
They need a leader, and Joshua is chosen. We have two versions of his commissioning. In Numbers 27:18, God tells Moses to choose Joshua. In Deuteronomy 32:23, the Lord speaks directly to Joshua. Two versions, but not necessary contradictory ones.
How did the people themselves discern that Joshua was to be the appropriate successor to Moses? How is God's will ever discerned?
Lectio Divina: Psalm 90:13, 17
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Death of Moses, Reflection on Deuteronomy 34:1-8
In last week's lectionary, Moses and the Lord were discussing travel arrangements. The people had once again misbehaved; Moses had once more interceded. God had once more made assurances to Moses.
This week's reading from Deuteronomy is a leap past the 40-year long journey through the wilderness. The Lord has told Moses that neither he nor Aaron will be able to enter the land promised to their people (Deuteronomy 32:48-52).
Moses was allowed to see the prize but not hold it. Moses had devoted his life to people who often did not appreciate him. After his death, they wept for him for thirty days, the mourning period for a parent.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 90:1-2
This week's reading from Deuteronomy is a leap past the 40-year long journey through the wilderness. The Lord has told Moses that neither he nor Aaron will be able to enter the land promised to their people (Deuteronomy 32:48-52).
Moses was allowed to see the prize but not hold it. Moses had devoted his life to people who often did not appreciate him. After his death, they wept for him for thirty days, the mourning period for a parent.
Lectio Divina: Psalm 90:1-2
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