Thorns

Rembrandt captured in his paintings the sense of burden Paul carried. 

Gift inventories are important. At least it is common practice for churches to encourage their congregants to engage in "gift discernment" so that everyone knows what you bring to the table, how you can contribute to the mission of the church and, honestly, how you might support it financially. And as far as that goes, that is all well and good. But I believe it doesn't go far enough.

I think we miss out on the fullness of God's vision of faithfulness when we think that the focus should be on gifts. What I mean here by gifts are the strengths, talents, and abilities that we identify in ourselves and one another. In an ever-so-familiar churchy kind of way we emphasize "gifts" to the near exclusion of all else.

What about different abilities?  What about dis-abilities?  What about our weaknesses and what Paul would call the thorns in our flesh? What good are they? Might God have a vision that includes them as well?

Here is how Paul speaks of it in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

. . .  [A] thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. ⁸Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, ⁹but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ¹⁰Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Take a few moments in the days ahead to consider what your thorns might be. How can they be viewed as a blessing?  Are they a reason for strength? How might God use you in all your authentic, complete self (thorns and all!) to be a willing habitation of the power of the Holy Spirit?

A New Creation

For the next four Sundays the church hears readings from the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians is crammed with great stuff!  Ok, I am a little excited about this. I can't help it. All I ask is that you give it a chance. I think maybe its contagious. At least I hope and pray it is.

I've outlined below the readings for each week. As I mentioned in last Sunday's sermon, I would like to ask you to do a bit of preparation for the sermon this coming Sunday by reading the appointed text. I've also included a brief excerpt of the verse on which I will likely focus. Although, please be advised that the Holy Spirit sometimes has other plans!

If you are not in the practice of sharing these posts with friends, now would be a good time to give it a try.  It is an easy way to engage in a bit of evangelism. Help share the light of Christ with others.

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, June 14, 2015

2 Corinthians 5:6–17

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: 

everything old has passed away; 

see, everything has become new.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, June 21, 2015

2 Corinthians 6:1–13

See, now is the acceptable time; 

see, now is the day of salvation! 

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, June 28, 2015

2 Corinthians 8:7–15

For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, 

yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, July 5, 2015

2 Corinthians 12:2–10

Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, . . . So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

I don't care which came first, this little peep is just so cute!

A New Creation

Take a Deep Breath

The moments following death, at a funeral for instance, normally provide the occasion to listen to these words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4.

¹⁶So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, ¹⁸because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:16-8)

But it is time now, as we are living, that we are wise to dwell in these words. Spending time, allowing ourselves to be seasoned by their counsel can provide needed perspective and an environment for healing when we know ourselves to be experiencing affliction, tribulation, or distress. Certainly these words of Paul preach themselves when introduced in the context of ultimate concerns. But what about more everyday moments of rut running? How can our mundane maladies be treated with the balm of these promises?

Most often it is our sense of sight that provides the evidence we require to make up our mind about most things. But what about the things we cannot see? What then? Are we to postpone conviction and hold faith at a distance?  Paul contends that we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. Maybe he means that when we are functioning faithfully we are able to see more with and through the gift of faith then with the concrete certainty of material evidence.  I believe that’s it.

What need would there be for faith if we could simply confirm a hypothesis with irrefutable evidence?

Today I’m at home trying my best to rest and recover from a nasty case of bronchitis that has developed into somethings exhibiting pneumonia-like symptoms. My doctor originally thought I had pneumonia, but after reviewing the results of my chest x-ray determined that there was no visual evidence for such a diagnosis. In the meantime, I am to continue the treatments and medications that she prescribed when she thought it was pneumonia. I guess it is better to err on the side of caution than not.

Being reminded and mindful of the crucial role that breath plays in living, I can’t help but think of the gift of the power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to us as Church. This Holy Inspiration, this Breath of God that is given to us really is the gift of life and the power we need to remain vital and faithful to our calling. We can’t see it, but we know what happens when we become restricted and block the flow. Breathing deeply of this mysterious unseen gift of God is blessing and occasion to give thanks and praise.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

June 7, 2015

PRAYER OF THE DAY

All-powerful God, 

in Jesus Christ you turned death into life and defeat into victory. 

Increase our faith and trust in him, 

that we may triumph over all evil 

in the strength of the same Jesus Christ, 

our Savior and Lord.

Readings

Genesis 3:8-15

Psalm 130

2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1

Mark 3:20-35

Ascension Thursday

The Ascension of Our Lord

detail from window at First Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

⁴⁴Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, ⁴⁶and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things.  

⁴⁹And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." ⁵⁰Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. ⁵¹While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵²And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; ⁵³and they were continually in the temple blessing God.  Luke 24:44–53

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, 

your only Son was taken into the heavens 

and in your presence intercedes for us. 

Receive us and our prayers for all the world, 

and in the end bring everything into your glory, 

through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, 

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and forever
.

Minding and Abiding

Sometimes a change in perspective is necessary.  Often, though, it can be make us feel disoriented or at least a bit uncomfortable. Our experience has taught us that we eventually adjust and adapt. For example, the view of the baptismal font is different, yet it is still the baptismal font. The only thing that has changed is the perspective from which we are viewing the familiar font.

This Sunday we will consider the way that we are connected to Jesus. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism remains the central initiation into the Body of Christ. In baptism we are joined to Christ's death and resurrection -- we are given a new life, the only life that matters.

The way we view baptism sometimes becomes so familiar that we don't see the connections that have been made. A change in our perspective is often very helpful is rediscovering things we have forgotten or never noticed before.

Take some time between now and Sunday to discover more about your baptism.  Have you been baptized?  If so, when and where were you baptized? How were you baptized? Did you have sponsors or Godparents? Do you have any pictures?

On Holy Trinity Sunday, May 31, we will be receiving new members into the congregation. While we do so, everyone will be invited to participate in Affirmation of Baptism. Perhaps we can see things from a new perspective and be reminded of the connections not only between ourselves and Christ, but among one another.

In baptism our gracious heavenly Father frees us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are born children of a fallen humanity; by water and the Holy Spirit we are reborn children of God and made members of the church, the body of Christ. Living with Christ and in the communion of saints, we grow in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God.  (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Order of Baptism)

Mosaic of Jesus the Vine. San Clemente Church, Rome. 1100 a.d.

I realize that I used a version of the above illustration for the mid-week Lenten devotions. However, I found a better picture of this mosaic to share with you.  It may be difficult to discern in this image, but the central figure of Christ on the cross is surrounded by a series of branches that is to be an image of the church. Jesus is the True Vine and we are the branches. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

The Gospel reading this Sunday is from St. John: 15: 1-8.  Take a few minutes to read it, then sit back and listen to this meditative work by contemporary Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt. It's one of my favorites. (You can skip over the add after a few seconds.)

Afflicted?

I called in my affliction, and the LORD heard me and saved me from all my troubles.  (Psalm 34:6)

The daily devotional guide that I use contained some select verses of Psalm 34 today. Always curious about context, I read all of Psalm 34 in the translation from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship. This sixth verse of the psalm stood out as I read it. I noticed it, I suppose, because it resonates with my own experience. Generally speaking, I suspect that many of our best-loved scripture passages are best-loved because they speak to us in ways that are either profound or prophetic.

When I have called out to God for strength, hope, and healing, I have experienced God's presence and known saving release. Yet there are times when I have been unable to call out, or simply have not called out maybe because I never saw a need, did not believe it would make a difference, or was incapable of opening my mouth. What then?  Does God just stand back and watch us writhe in our own quick sand?

I am reminded that God is a relentless lover. Again and again God takes the initiative to seek and save. So when we are unable to call out from our affliction, or when we don't even know how to recognize that we are afflicted, God is mindful of what we need.  Our troubles and afflictions don't necessarily disappear or even dissipate. Yet we know that God, in Christ, is present and endures with us. God's decision to love creation is an unmerited gift of grace open to all people.

What do you think?
When have you called out?
Did the LORD hear you?
Is being saved from trouble the same as being moved out of trouble?

I called in my affliction, and the LORD heard me and saved me from all my troubles.  (Psalm 34:6)

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Fourth Wednesdays

Because the Lenten "Soup & Scripture" evenings were such a success, it has been suggested that it should be continued in some similar but limited fashion.  How about "Potluck & Scripture" on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM?  We'll give it a try on Wednesday, April 22nd. A Sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin Board. Bring your favorite dish and enjoy an evening of sharing God's word!  Following the meal and study, there will be Evening Prayer (Vespers) at 7:30. 

Third Wednesdays

As a follow up to the recent Lenten Retreat presented by Sisters Joanne and Thelma that was so moving and thought provoking, some members of our congregation have proposed a "Study Group" to examine the writings of Franciscan priest, Richard Rohr, whose emphasis on contemplative prayer is so appealing to Christians of all faiths.  Fr. Richard's book, "Falling Upward" would be a good place to start.  Anyone interested in this initiative is encouraged to join the study group by using the sign up sheet posted on the door to Pastor Frye's study. This group will gather on the 3rd Monday of each month, from 10:00 AM to Noon, and begin on May 18th.  For more information, call the church office or Mary Ellen Fairbairn at 352-9403.

Maundy Thursday

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet, Ford Madox Brown, 1855

This evening at 7:00 the Maundy Thursday Liturgy will be held in the nave. Everyone is welcome. But first, we need to de-code this first sentence. There is much insider language being used here to describe one of the central worship activities of Christian communities of faith.

The word Maundy originates from the Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandatum  It refers to a command, order; from the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper, “a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another” (John 13:34).

The Thursday of Holy Week, the first day of the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days) is Maundy Thursday. On this day we commemorate the institution of the Lord's Supper, the rite of footwashing, and the betrayal of Jesus. At the conclusion of the liturgy this evening, the altar is stripped in preparation for Good Friday.

In the midst of all this activity, we also have an opportunity to hear clear proclamation of the forgiveness of sins. Corporately we will engage in an examination of conscience and confession of sin. Then everyone is welcome to come forward and receive individual absolution.

Tonight's worship is a time of activity, sensing, seeing, tasting, hearing, and doing. This is not a show or a spectacle. It is a liturgy, literally, a work of the people.

Don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself. All are welcome! Participants are necessary.

Maundy Thursday

April 2, 2015

Prayer of the Day

Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power if your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Readings

Exodos 12:1-14 [5-10] 11-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35