tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6306838697714947372024-03-13T10:16:10.712-04:00Wading Through GraceWading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-21361755841519369542021-07-27T18:01:00.002-04:002021-07-27T18:01:15.671-04:00Hebrews 1:1-12 Christmas in July Sermon "Jesus Is"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas in July 2021 Gospel Luke 2:1-20</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sermon on Hebrews 1:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
may seem a bit strange celebrating Jesus’ birth at a time other than December
25th. But, what better way to remember that Jesus came to earth not just in a
sweet sentimental Christmas-card holiday sense, but in a real, flesh-and-blood
reality that lives and has significance on the whole of our lives, than to
celebrate Christmas in July – or any other time of the year? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Because the Good News of
the Gospel is this: Jesus is here, now. He is our Lord today, tomorrow, and
forever. Jesus redeems us from the grave. He is God’s bonafide self, in human
form, yet still divine. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Who
is Jesus to you? How do you describe him? How do you share his goodness with
others? How do you tell his story? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
just heard the beloved gospel from Luke which does a great job of telling the
story of the coming of Jesus among us; the long trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem
of the very pregnant Mary and her spouse, Joseph; the “no room at the inn”
aspect of their lackluster welcome; the moment of truth as Jesus is born and
the angels announce his arrival to the shepherds, and so on. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We just <i>retold</i> the
story ourselves, all together, great practice for taking the story and sharing
it with others. The witness we give or sharing we engage in gives others the
chance to know this Love Incarnate, Jesus Christ, our Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We know this holy
nativity story and we love it as we have received it, a precious gift we cannot
wait to unwrap, time and again. And yet, how do we move from the telling of
that story to each other, to talking about Jesus, our God and King to the world?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is Jesus the babe? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is Jesus the crucified Savior?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What does either version
mean for our day to day experience of him?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is Jesus Lord of All –
and what does that mean in an age when those titles are not part of our daily
lexicon? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do we understand the
scope of his power and what does the “divinity of Jesus” mean for us? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unless we have some sense
of the answers to these questions, it is difficult if not impossible to share
Jesus with our neighbors, and that is what the disciples of Jesus are supposed
to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_Vg1Qpkru4/YQCAqxiNG_I/AAAAAAAA28A/cKJZyuCHLqEfLRblcuCoDPPGaK0VyqV8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s225/Hebrews1.1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_Vg1Qpkru4/YQCAqxiNG_I/AAAAAAAA28A/cKJZyuCHLqEfLRblcuCoDPPGaK0VyqV8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Hebrews1.1-3.jpg" /></a></div>In today’s reading from
Hebrews, we see what is possibly the clearest, strongest description of who
Jesus’ is, and of his power and kingship. Through this letter, known for what
we call its high Christology – that is, the strong, clear description of who
Jesus is as Lord of All, we receive the language and testimony we need to tell
the world about Jesus. It gives us a better understanding of God’s gift to the
world. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The letter establishes
from the beginning that Jesus has always been present – the worlds were created
through him, and God has used the prophets throughout history to describe and
give the promise of his sending. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus is the heir of all
– the firstborn Son – the “reflection of God’s glory and exact imprint of God’s
very being.” The significance of this statement is to highlight the power and
majesty of Jesus, his godly status, his might, the divine revelation of the
character, love, and mercy of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the Scriptures, we find
three classes of angels appearing at different times. One class of angels, the
cherubim, are the ones we most often recognize, engaging with humans – they have
been honored and glorified as messengers and heavenly beings from and in
service to God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another class of angels,
the seraphim, worship and glorify God. This is the heavenly chorus that gives
us the words we sing at Communion, “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and
might, heaven and earth are full of your glory…”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A third class of angels,
the “living creatures,” sing praises to God around God’s throne, and they serve
and worship him continually. They appeared in the Scriptures as creatures like
a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, representing various parts of God’s
creation (wild beasts, domesticated animals, human beings, and birds).
(Revelation 4:8)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Paul tells us that Jesus
is above all these. In fact, he makes it clear that the angels serve Jesus just
as they serve God, that Jesus is more powerful than and superior to them, and
that in every way – inheritance, name, relationship to God, and the
righteousness of his powerful scepter, <i>Jesus is far greater that these</i>,
and anointed by God for great things. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLfBWUm9nvk/YQCAynimwcI/AAAAAAAA28M/I8-yY435LCES2YiIy32lZo4RPowGmWjSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/radiance%2Bof%2BGods%2BGlory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLfBWUm9nvk/YQCAynimwcI/AAAAAAAA28M/I8-yY435LCES2YiIy32lZo4RPowGmWjSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/radiance%2Bof%2BGods%2BGlory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All of these details may
seem mundane, but they were important to the community then as they are now. In
fact, while Hebrews appears in the bible with Paul’s letters, it appears that it
was more likely a sermon – written by an anonymous source to a community of
Gentile and Jewish followers of the Christian movement. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unlike many of the
letters of Paul, the community seems to be experiencing a crisis not from the
outside, like Christian persecution, but from the inside, a crisis of
commitment among some in the church community. While formerly bold when facing
rejection and scorn and other hardships, the passing of time has eroded the
faithfulness and commitment of some who have begun to disassociate from the
group, finding themselves “drifting away” for one reason or another. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The author’s agenda
appears to be to both reign in the members of the community and to remind them
the reason and purpose for their existence. He lifts up the real identity of
the one they worship, the one they are called together to praise and serve. It
is his aim to remind them of the importance of their ongoing response to God’s
faithfulness and mercy in Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Further on in the letter,
the author leads the community to remember the importance of gratitude. And why
should they be grateful? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">Because God is great and
in his wisdom, God has sent Jesus, his very own Word-made-flesh, who is divine
as he is divine, powerful as he is powerful, who has cast upon them the
benefits and blessing of his very own inheritance. Jesus reflects the presence
and power of God in every way.</span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is no secret that in recent
decades, the community of Christian churches has suffered from the complacency
of its members and confusion of its mission. The church has experienced the
drifting off of many who now eschew the Christian identity, practice, and
worship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not telling you
anything when I say that the experiences of peoples in a pandemic world has
also caused some to <i>turn to</i> the church, and <i>many to further question
the wisdom and even the existence of God</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Certainly, we have
experienced the <i>loss of commitment</i> and the <i>drifting away</i> of those
who have grown in their dissatisfaction with the church, or simply become
comfortable with living lives of greater commitment to things other than God,
or those whose commitment to Jesus Christ has shifted to a lower shelf in the
closet than more popular causes because it is more convenient and more
immediately gratuitous to follow other objects, persons, or movements than it
is to follow Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is why it is vital
that we revive our own sense of faith, love, commitment, and gratitude to the <i>God
who has created all</i> and our <i>Savior, who has redeemed all.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is vital that we
remember the God who sent his Son to take on flesh, to take on sin, and to save
us from the Evil One. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is vital that we
recall the beauty of Jesus’ story and the graciousness with which God has
changed the course of history through the birth of the Christ Child.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas is not just for
the month of December. Even then, we find the Christian culture more impacted
by the secular world and celebration and calendar, than the reality that in Jesus,
God comes among us: how many of us spend more time shopping, cooking and
cleaning for “our holiday”, than we do preparing, praying, worshipping, and
acknowledging the significance of the Jesus who comes among us? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In less time than it
takes to wrap the gifts we purchase, we accomplish our worship of the “newborn
king” and move on. The day after Christmas, the stores are full of shoppers
making exchanges and seeking the post-Christmas specials. The Christ Child is
relegated again to the shelf in the attic or basement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is thrilling,
therefore, to remember and celebrate the Christ who comes among us today, as
God’s magnificent love and mercy for a fallen world now, in July, apart from
the secular sentimentality that skews our observance of his power and glory.
God comes among us in Jesus to save us, and claim us, forever. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vD1OAio4YBk/YQCAv2K587I/AAAAAAAA28I/7qRhDCerpS0dJXew3B4MhwP2H_A89EcUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s512/radiance%2Bof%2Bgods%2Bglory2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vD1OAio4YBk/YQCAv2K587I/AAAAAAAA28I/7qRhDCerpS0dJXew3B4MhwP2H_A89EcUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/radiance%2Bof%2Bgods%2Bglory2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The author of Hebrews
writes, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the
work of your hands’. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out
like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will
be changed. <i>But you are the same, and your years will never end.</i>”
(emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Together, let us ever
proclaim, “All glory be to God, as it was in the beginning, is now, and forever
shall be. Amen.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-76358371139957306072021-07-15T22:42:00.001-04:002021-07-15T22:42:12.016-04:00God, in Jesus, Loves You This Much<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 </span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">God,
in Jesus, Loves You This Much</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Years ago, I watched the Robert Duvall movie, <i>The
Apostle, </i>about a Texas preacher who finds himself in Louisiana – taking on
a new identity, but unable to escape his true self (sinner) and his calling
(servant of the Lord). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3UjAVkrdIw/YPDxS9VZT2I/AAAAAAAA2t8/rFY2Zw8eUeMjLe0ziNcV4ZTdY98y6Dv1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s382/Apostleposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3UjAVkrdIw/YPDxS9VZT2I/AAAAAAAA2t8/rFY2Zw8eUeMjLe0ziNcV4ZTdY98y6Dv1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Apostleposter.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As events unfold in the movie, Duv</span>all’s character begins preaching on
the radio in his new home-town, and ultimately finds people flocking to him for
healing of all sorts in large revival-style prayer meetings. Large outdoor tents
are filled with the masses of people desperate to be healed of all manner of
disease and disability. Watching the movie, I found it amazing to see how many
people came out to see him, seeking satisfaction of their hope for healing.<p></p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Other movies about healing include <i>The Secret Garden, Patch
Adams, and Dead Man Walking, </i>but really, there are so many you can probably
name scores more. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you’ve seen one or more of these movies or read the books
associated with them, or you have know other stories that illustrate for you
the overwhelming need for healing that exists in our world. But you don’t need
these stories to know the truth: in a world that is broken and struggling, in
lives that are vulnerable to so many dangers, we know the truth. We are
desperate. We seek to be healed and “fixed” from all that is broken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In many of these stories, you will see people going to great lengths to be
healed. The lure of possibly receiving healing of some sort attracts large
numbers and varieties of people to someone who just might hold the power to
change their lives for the better – or to give them their life back from the
circumstances that threaten or diminish them. Advertising for everything from
real estate to personal health and wellness to cosmetic assistance to
relationship building banks on the vulnerability we experience to be healed
from that which we perceive or experience as lacking or broken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Often, when we watch these movies or see the stories unfold on the pages
of a book, we identify in some way with people who need all sorts of healing –
from illness, from grief, broken relationships, or from sin itself – individuals
like us, who will go to great lengths to receive it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we read through Mark’s gospel about the large crowds
Jesus attracts, and the lengths they’ll go through to seek healing from Jesus,
we can therefore identify with them. We might even wish that we could, with our
own eyes and touch, see the Jesus in this story for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are gratified by the many examples of healing that
Jesus performs, because these stories and these examples <i>give us the basis
for hope</i> – hope for our own healing; hope for our nation and for the world;
hope for our children; hope for our friends. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So great are the needs for healing in the world in Jesus’ time, that
what we see again and again in the scriptures are situations where Jesus and
his disciples <i>must</i> steal away – literally “stealing” time – in order to obtain
the all-important rest they need from all the demands on them from the desperate,
hungry people who surround them – so that they can better serve them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Equally hungry, desperate, hurting, ill, and isolated people continue to
fill the world – and we can characterize the people in today’s gospel as “such
as these”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What we see in many of the movies I mentioned earlier and
from the stories about Jesus’ healing miracles, as well as the healing
performed by the disciples sent far and wide by Jesus, is that the desperation
people feel brings them flocking in vast numbers, from great distances, and
from disparate backgrounds – for among the crowds are Jews, Gentiles, believers
and the curious, rich and poor, powerful and powerless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And Jesus heals them all – if they are willing – and sometimes,
even when they are not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And when Jesus heals, he takes advantage of the wonder and gratitude elicited
by the miracle or the healing, to point to the power of God. He points to the <i>real
</i>healing, which is often not of the body, but the spirit; Jesus redefines
the status of broken or marginalized people, and their relationship with God
the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #555555;">Today’s
gospel shows just how large Jesus’ following had become. Not only was the
mission of Jesus and his disciples expanding—as the work of the disciples had
shown—but many people regularly attempted to track down Jesus. In this
passage, Mark describes them as running faster on foot than those traveling by
boat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">These hungry, desperate people were intent on locating
Jesus. And when Jesus saw them, he viewed them as “sheep without a
shepherd.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, Jesus describes them
in their vulnerability. Next, Jesus responds – as he always does – with
compassion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Throughout the gospels, and this is
especially true of the gospel of Mark, we see large gatherings of people
following Jesus, seeking him out, keeping him from moving freely, and placing
demands on his time, energy, and powers to heal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">The repetition in so many places of the large gatherings
of people, of people seeking Jesus out, and of Jesus’ compassionate and responsive
acknowledgement of them, are key features throughout the gospel. Like the
stories of healing that come from literature, movies, and simple storytelling,
we see that people have always needed to be saved from a myriad of ailments –
physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual. In our gospels we see that
healing comes from one common source – Jesus, the embodiment of God’s love and
mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today we read the beautiful psalm
that, for so many of us, gives us the primary picture of Jesus the Good
Shepherd, the one who cares for and about us. In our gospel, Jesus’ care and compassion
are piqued by the image of so many vulnerable, needful sheep – the people who
are equally vulnerable, whether we know it or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3mC4DEHsBQ/YPDu-YNLVGI/AAAAAAAA2tw/o1X9R2l_ZL8Sz2Xv_LxGJGyBsaCRQvH6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Mark06v30to34%252653to56_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3mC4DEHsBQ/YPDu-YNLVGI/AAAAAAAA2tw/o1X9R2l_ZL8Sz2Xv_LxGJGyBsaCRQvH6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Mark06v30to34%252653to56_2006.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #555555;">This shepherding Jesus is the Jesus we adore. This is the
Jesus depicted in so much Christian artwork – the who comes to heal us again
and again, and through whose ultimate healing, we are saved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the final verse of our gospel
this morning, the desire to have close, personal contact with Jesus, even if only
through the act of touching his garments, is lifted up. For those of us who are
believers, isn’t this the shepherd the way we often view Jesus? Staff in hand,
a savior who is ready in a moment’s time to reach out and pluck us from mortal
and spiritual danger and death?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are gathered here today to
worship, praise, and glorify this shepherd, this savior, this God who loves us
so much that he will lay down his life for us. The God we worship and adore is
the God who, through raising Jesus from the dead, assures us that nothing will
ever strip us of the love and adoption that we have through Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we celebrate another
“Thanksgiving at Zion” Sunday, and as we look forward to celebrating the coming
of God with and among us in Jesus Christ our Savior, I invite you to think for
a few moments about this Savior and what he has already done and is doing in
your life and in our world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">Where do you see, feel, know his presence? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">How has he saved, changed, restored, or graced your life?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">Where have you seen his mercy pouring out on you or
someone you know?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">God is ever present, ever powerful, ever loving, ever
caring, ever reaching, ever revealing, ever touching, ever strengthening, ever
healing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our hearts are full of gratitude and
thanksgiving for all that Jesus has done for us, much of which, truth be told,
we cannot see nor appreciate. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">The healing we experience and witness we give testify to
yet small bits of what God through Jesus is doing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I invite you on this Thanksgiving
Sunday at Zion, to think about Jesus. Think about what you know of him. Think
about what you have seen. How has Jesus revealed God’s love for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVxWtd0xEc0/YPDu1Q8rYHI/AAAAAAAA2ts/IdyWLe80s8ofQUQQo4nlCaBsb656yQRBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s938/grateful%2Bheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="938" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVxWtd0xEc0/YPDu1Q8rYHI/AAAAAAAA2ts/IdyWLe80s8ofQUQQo4nlCaBsb656yQRBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/grateful%2Bheart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">Think about where you have been amazed. What have you
seen or experienced that has made you think, “Wow! Our God is great!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #555555;">Think about how Jesus has humbled you with his grace and
mercy poured out for and experienced by you. When my kids were young, I would
tell them that I love them “this much” and I would hold my hands as far from
one another as I could, indicating the “vast” space between them. Can you even
comprehend a smidgen of how much you are loved by the Holy One?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally, let’s thank him. In your
bulletin this morning, you should have found a thank you card that you can fill
out to thank God for the love and mercy that has amazed, touched, and changed
you. If you filled out a thank you card last week, I challenge you to write a
different blessing this week and return it. Take a moment to explore your heart
and ponder the words you will offer up to God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And may God, the giver of every good
gift and healer of the aching soul, keep your heart and your mind focused on
Jesus this day and forever, in deep awareness and unending gratitude for his
love and blessing. Amen.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-12028859518674401502021-07-15T22:22:00.003-04:002021-07-15T22:22:40.080-04:00Thank You God, for Everything<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ephesians 1:3-14</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank You, God, for Everything</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I don’t have to chase extraordinary
moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention
and practicing gratitude.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> – Brené Brown<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As part of our holiday
celebrations at Zion this July, we are focusing this week and next on our
response to the awesome workings and gifts of God. Therefore, today and next
Sunday are “Thanksgiving at Zion” Sundays. In a little while we will
participate in an activity designed to help us tap into our sense of gratitude and
focus on the goodness of God experienced throughout our lives - in the past
year or more, in the past few weeks – or whatever comes into focus for you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We each hold in
our hands the keys to naming which treasures we wish to name before God in
thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you notes
are important tools for both their author and their receiver. Those who
commonly write thank you notes find that the act itself raises in your deep awareness
your giftedness and warm, affirming and even affectionate feelings evoked by
the generosity behind them – especially those unexpected gifts you receive, or
the ones you know you really didn’t “deserve.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the other hand,
when you receive thanks for a gift, an act, or even the emotional support you
have given someone, other warm, positive feelings rise within you. If you’ve
ever received a thank you note from someone, especially a note not at all
expected, then you know how <i>gratifying</i> and even <i>humbling</i> reading
the words of heartfelt thanks on paper may be. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you notes
are important to both the giver and the receiver; though, they are arguably
more important to the writer of the note thanks, as the simple task of writing
a thank you note, of articulating the meaning of having received the gift in
the first place can raise the intensity of your appreciation for it. In fact,
that physical act of putting thoughtful, thankful words on paper is so
powerful, that journaling your thanks is also a powerful and popular activity
to raise one’s sense of joy, gratitude, and wonder in life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40s5FXf_x_A/YPDtGQnE0pI/AAAAAAAA2tk/Wj59GJMrhXESjglAF7JRzMK4ZCI25fgLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s275/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40s5FXf_x_A/YPDtGQnE0pI/AAAAAAAA2tk/Wj59GJMrhXESjglAF7JRzMK4ZCI25fgLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/gratitude.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. Brené Brown is
a licensed social worker, research professor, lecturer, author and podcast
host, whose areas of expertise include the human experiences of vulnerability,
courage, gratitude, shame, empathy, and what she terms, ‘wholeheartedness.’
Here is what she has to say about the connection between gratitude and joy:
(This is a YouTube link) <a href="https://youtu.be/2IjSHUc7TXM">https://youtu.be/2IjSHUc7TXM</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ephesians
3:3-14, which forms our second reading today, is a letter from Paul to the
church at Ephesus in which he invites our celebration and thanksgiving that in
Jesus Christ, all God’s plans and purposes are made known and come to fruition
through him. Thank you, God, that in Jesus, heaven and earth are united. Thank
you, God, that in Jesus, we have been chosen as God’s children. Thank you, God,
that in Jesus, we are promised eternal salvation. Thank you, God, that in
Jesus, God’s glorious grace and forgiveness are known, and in him, our glorious
destiny stands assured. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
Jesus, the truth of God’s love and promise become known; in him, we receive the
gospel of salvation. Thanksgiving, praise, and unending gratitude are due the
God who loves all created beings so much, that he demonstrates his will for
their good life through the sending of the Son and delivery of the eternal
promise for all who believe in him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
live in an us-versus-them world. Nowhere, perhaps, is this more evident than in
our history of cycles of enslavement and war, the ongoing scourge of poverty
and starvation which co-exist with obscene excesses in our world of plenty. We
have seen and continue, in many places, to see the effects of the in-dwelling
nature of sin in a pandemic world, in a world suffering the devastating effects
of global warming, in nations and religions in conflict with each other even to
the point of death. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amid
that reality, Paul’s writing comes to us as a celebration of God’s love which
rises above the chaos in which we dwell and reveals God’s ultimate plan of
adoption and salvation for a world mired in sin. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through the words
of this letter, written a couple of millennium ago, Paul invites us to offer up
our thanksgiving in a song that centers our focus on the God of all creation
and mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCY6fb4CsUw/YPDqym8vyWI/AAAAAAAA2tQ/b8hmQYlQwYADbLm8HsDsfOMNrJnQWMYdACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/All-Saints%2Bimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCY6fb4CsUw/YPDqym8vyWI/AAAAAAAA2tQ/b8hmQYlQwYADbLm8HsDsfOMNrJnQWMYdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/All-Saints%2Bimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To
drive his point home, Paul emphasizes the words “chosen, redeemed, and sealed,”
indicating that our existence is not the result of some cosmic accident or
behavior, as some would suggest. Rather, God, in God’s great wisdom, creativity
and love, brought all that is, into being; in and through Jesus the Christ,
this same God brings us all to a world of salvation, for all eternity. In his
divine will and agency, <i>God claims us</i> for his purposes and <i>loves us
unconditionally</i>, together with all of humanity. Rather than singling out
some and rejecting others as some creeds would profess, <i>God’s love and mercy
are inclusive.</i> God does not exclude any but embraces all creation,
including this imperfect, struggling human family in his eternal plans. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Through
Jesus Christ himself, God has made it possible for all created beings to
experience God’s love and mercy. This very same love makes it possible for us
to know the grace and faithful relationship of God, Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. This is love which inspires our sense of gratitude; and that gratitude
leads us to joy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
that being said, what more could we desire but to praise, honor, love, and
worship God in abundant gratitude and unending thanksgiving? What joy do we
receive as we focus on the good gifts of God? How do we prepare ourselves to be
the vessels of God’s love and grace for those who don’t yet know him? Don’t yet
accept him as Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
week and next, we have placed in your hands a tool – a thank you card to God.
It is up to you to use it, to offer God thanks for a way that you have seen God
present in your life or in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB9y4t_62Cw/YPDqk86g6CI/AAAAAAAA2tM/Kh7iKb0wvacqDBneE4G1qcAhN928ddZBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Thank%2Byou%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB9y4t_62Cw/YPDqk86g6CI/AAAAAAAA2tM/Kh7iKb0wvacqDBneE4G1qcAhN928ddZBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Thank%2Byou%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You might wish to
offer thanks for an opportunity, a person, or a particular situation in which
you saw God’s activity or appreciated God’s holy touch, providential care, or
guiding light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please write one
specific thing for which you are grateful to God. We will post these on our
Thanksgiving tree and will add to the tree another set of gratitude statements
for our tree next week. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During
the pandemic year and longer, there have been many things that have arisen that
have been disturbing, alarming, or grieving. But God has been so good to us
throughout this time and has never let us go. Nor will God ever let us go. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are God’s children. We are the sheep of
his pasture. We are his beloved, for whom he sent his Son and gave his life. For
all these things, we give God all our thanks and praise! Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrTH1eqS3Ic/YPDsd-eaXaI/AAAAAAAA2tc/PfQpOyysMKch901HWZPcs7Z2mfBfy_AMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s240/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrTH1eqS3Ic/YPDsd-eaXaI/AAAAAAAA2tc/PfQpOyysMKch901HWZPcs7Z2mfBfy_AMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/light.jpg" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <br /><br /><br /></span></span></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-73546281253191133332021-07-15T22:03:00.001-04:002021-07-15T22:03:17.218-04:00Changing Lanes With Jesus<p> <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 6:1-13</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Changing Lanes With Jesus</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mind
your own business! Those words: they carry weight. They carry judgement. If you
have ever had those words hurled at you, you know their power. These words are
applied to situations where your behavior – or words – challenge preconceived
notions or situations in which there is little or no room for flexibility,
redirection, or correction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
attended an all-girl Catholic high school. In the mornings, prayers were led
over the intercom by one of the Sisters, or by a class president. At the end of
the day, closing prayers were led by members of the Student Council and other
leaders of the student body. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
a Student Council member it was not unusual for me to lead those day-ending
prayers in which we included particular prayer needs, much as we do in our
Intercessory Prayers here each week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
Friday, I included in those day-ending prayer concerns two names; one was
Robin, the sister of one of our students who was battling cancer. The other was
Donna, Whose last day at the school it was.. After finishing up the
announcements and prayers, I left the school office only to be called back
again, through the PA system.. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
wasn’t sure why I was needed back there – perhaps I had left something behind
–since I was not the kind of student to get in trouble, I wasn’t worried –
until I entered the office to see the very red face of our principal, Sister Mary
Felicitas. For the first time, there in my junior year, I could see, I was in
trouble. Whatever could my offense be?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well,
the problem was the nature of the difficulties of the people for whom I had
prayed. Donna was leaving because at the age of 15, she was pregnant. And
although I had not mentioned her situation, the fact that I had dared pray for
a sinner and a victim in the same prayer, in such a public venue brought great
offense and shame to the community in the view of this very proper nun. I had
not minded my own business. I had stepped out of my lane. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
couple of years ago, doctors who face the traumatic, heart-breaking and
horrifying human carnage created by the epidemic of intentional and accidental
shootings in this country every single day, made public service announcements
seeking common-sense gun legislation. They were attempting to save lives before
these bloodied, senselessly broken bodies entered their emergency and operating
rooms. These hard-working front-line healers were seeking to put an end to the bloody
carnage, seeking to save one family after another the heartache of burying a
child of any age and whatever circumstance. These medical professions were
trying to stem the flow of blood across our nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The response
was rapid and strong. In no uncertain terms, the National Rifle Association and
other groups fought back. They coined the phrase, “stay in your lane.” In other
words, “mind your own business”. Naming the human costs of the shooting
epidemic, and frankly describing the heart-rending reality of the bloodied
bodies pouring into hospitals, the doctors had brought great offense and shame
to those seeking to control the narrative regarding America’s relationship with
gun ownership. “Stay in your lane.” “Mind your own business.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My prayer
and the doctors’ statements offended those who identified as part of a
particular community. They received reactions not unlike what Jesus’ words and
actions brought in the synagogue of his hometown on the day described in the
Gospel today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As he taught
about God’s love, Jesus unpacked the Scriptures; but he emphasized this love
not for select people, rather, <i>for all people</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
offended those in his beloved community by seeking an expansion of their hearts.
He spoke truth to those who were not yet ready or willing to hear it. He
stepped out of the lane where they wanted him to stay, the lane where his words
only comforted and did not challenge, where his actions brought healing but not
correction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They did not
care for the rabbi who spoke hard truths with challenging words that perhaps
required them to look a little too closely at their hearts where they might
find the hardness against which he spoke, and their behaviors that failed to
line up with God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the one
hand, Jesus brought reassurance, good news, and healing to many. In his
divinity he demonstrated his power and grace. In his attention to the
marginalized, he assured every person a welcome at the table. But that was too
much for some because, on the other hand, Jesus failed to “stay in his own lane.”
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In raising
the question regarding Jesus’ birth (ah, we know who his mother is, but can we
ever be sure of paternity?) some who were angered at Jesus insistence on
inclusion and compassion for the marginalized struck out, aiming to discredit
him. In angry tones they sent the message for Jesus to “stay in his own lane.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The thing
is, Jesus made them uncomfortable when he pointed out injustice. He perplexed
them when he insisted on mercy for <i>all</i> God’s children, and pointed out
the inequalities they perpetuated; he challenged their sense of entitlement
when he raised awareness of God’s judgment on those who do not love as God
desires; his insistence on meeting the need of each person without<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>exception, and his acceptance and
relationship with sinners.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hb46-q_IMLM/YPDmwpAu8cI/AAAAAAAA2sw/yWc-MfE5NQY9OPiAC4hWQimy11UKvTpPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Jesus-Carry-Cross%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hb46-q_IMLM/YPDmwpAu8cI/AAAAAAAA2sw/yWc-MfE5NQY9OPiAC4hWQimy11UKvTpPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jesus-Carry-Cross%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
uncomfortable fact is, the love, mercy, compassion and inclusivity within which
Jesus operates and teaches <i>is offensive to many.</i> If all you desire is a
gospel that comforts and affirms, then you will find Jesus to be offensive and
his words and actions appalling. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then, i</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">f
the Jesus we worship <i>never</i> offends us, then perhaps it’s not really
Jesus we’re worshipping. Many a pastor has been silenced into preaching a
diluted, weak, or even misguided version of the gospel in order to keep the
peace, avoid offense, and keep the sheep from turning against him or her. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cVAcOTyXz4/YPDmqQV2DBI/AAAAAAAA2ss/T2XdU1JDRlgWb5ooVfbXv1juO4nj_RPUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/jesustakewheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cVAcOTyXz4/YPDmqQV2DBI/AAAAAAAA2ss/T2XdU1JDRlgWb5ooVfbXv1juO4nj_RPUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/jesustakewheel.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
challenges us all to hear the gospel as both blessing and challenge and <i>to
step out of the lane</i>, <i>to mind the business of all who are in need</i> of
hearing the life-altering good news of God in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For God’s gospel
truth to permeate our lives, it needs to challenge, disrupt, and cause us to
question our actions and motivations. As disciples in Christ, we are called to measure
our words and actions against the Jesus presented to us in his fullness in the
gospels. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastors who honestly
and faithfully preach <i>gospel</i> are often accused of being <i>too
political.</i></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In most cases, it’s
not because they are campaigning for individuals or ideologies that are
culturally influenced or support particular secular power structures – that
would be ‘political’. The simple truth is that preaching the gospel of Jesus
Christ will create accusation of politicization in much the same way as Jesus’
teaching and demonstrating his divine power created accusations that sought to
undermine his authority by discrediting him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ouch. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus’s words are designed to challenge and to change
lives. When was the last time Jesus made you angry? When was the last time he
touched whatever it is you call holy — and asked you to look beyond it to
find <i>him?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQqQXIYGYz8/YPDnMTm69AI/AAAAAAAA2s8/xf-ZqYEuxbQLQ5kcyGvvU22oPlrUa03-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s257/Jesus%2BDriving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQqQXIYGYz8/YPDnMTm69AI/AAAAAAAA2s8/xf-ZqYEuxbQLQ5kcyGvvU22oPlrUa03-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Jesus%2BDriving.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The thing is, that it is for our benefit and for the
good of God’s kingdom that Jesus </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">changes
us when he challenges our certitude, and calls us into a new kind of
relationship with one another and with the world around us. The call of the
Gospel is not a call to stand still, but to choose movement and change and
growth. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we
celebrate Independence Day today, we seek God’s guidance in our interpretation
of what independence means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is independence
interpreted as permission to “do whatever I like, in my own best interest?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Challenging such
an interpretation of independence is daunting, but such an interpretation is
utterly damaging to community. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Galatians
5:13, Paul writes, <i>It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. </i>This
verse is sometimes used to support an ideology that is entirely
individualistic. However, Paul continues, <i>But do not use your freedom to indulge
the sinful nature.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">True
independence for the Christian may be described as “faithful interdependence”
as we acknowledge that, as American poet Emma Lazarus once wrote, “until we are
all free, we are none of us, free.” What does freedom mean to the Christian?
What does it mean to you? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The scandal
of Jesus’ birth isn’t in his parentage, but in the fact that in his divinity,
Jesus doesn’t stay in his lane. He doesn’t mind his own business. Instead,
through Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God loves
unapologetically, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
embraces without placing limitations based on a person’s background, history,
or demographic; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
exceeds in generosity, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
abounds in mercy, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
abundantly reaches out with blessing, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 2.0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
transgresses human wisdom, and <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 2.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">transcends
worldly imagination. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the
Gospel tells us, the lowly carpenter reveals himself as Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The guy with
the tainted birth story offers us salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The hometown
prophet tells us truths we’d rather not hear. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We might be
scandalized by his lane-crossing, but he’s not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We might put
limits on his deeds of power, but those limits won’t confine him for long. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus is on
the loose in the world, loving unconditionally, unendingly moving out of his
lane, and driving us to do the same. This is the beautiful truth of freedom in
Christ – changing lanes is not only accepted, it is expected and embraced, all
to the glory of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70v4SF6n1JA/YPDoLIMzMSI/AAAAAAAA2tE/qT9Qnxxj4mAegFm-EmU4pXV1-45QnAhzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Jesus%2BBread%2Bof%2BLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1681" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70v4SF6n1JA/YPDoLIMzMSI/AAAAAAAA2tE/qT9Qnxxj4mAegFm-EmU4pXV1-45QnAhzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jesus%2BBread%2Bof%2BLife.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-31830329382968079672021-07-15T21:49:00.000-04:002021-07-15T21:49:10.665-04:00Healing Beyond Touch<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 5:21-43</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Healing
Beyond Touch<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
is the <i>most desperate</i> you have ever felt? I am not talking about the
kind of desperation or anxiety driven by the need to pass a test, be approved
for a loan, or realize a personal dream.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m thinking about the
feelings you might experience in a life and death situation, your own or even
more strongly - a situation involving a loved one – particularly a child. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today we have such a
story of desperation – two stories really, that are intertwined in the telling.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of them is the story a
young girl, the daughter of Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. While we don’t
know the nature of her illness, we do know that she is near death - and her
father is desperate in that breathless, heart-stopping way that verges on
hysteria and hopelessness and feels like a death in and of itself. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
the banks of the Sea of Galilee, as Jesus and the disciples struggle to move
about freely for the crowds hemming them in, eager to receive some of that Good
News Jesus has been talking about, Jairus runs up to him, throws himself at
Jesus’ feet, and begs Jesus over and over again to come, to touch his young
daughter, who is desperately ill to the point of death, and to heal her; to
keep her from leaving him; to keep her from dying. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
imagine that most of us can empathize with the man’s desperate pleas. We can
all probably appreciate the fear, the absolute terror, and the need that drive
him. And so, he begs, he pleads, he falls to his knees <i>– he will do anything</i>
for his daughter to live. Won’t Jesus come and save her?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, as Jesus turns to go
with Jairus, in the midst of a hundred desperate, grabbing, reaching, open
hands, there is one hand that touches the hem – just the hem of his robe,
extracting the power she needs to become whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She is a woman perhaps in
middle age. Unlike the younger girl, she seems to be alone, with no one to
plead for her or help her. She will do anything to be healed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The illness that afflicts
her has taken its toll in more than a decade of suffering; she has endured long
years of seeking the help of physicians, magicians, or anyone else who might be
able to restore her to health. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Her chronic hemorrhage
has rendered her ritually unclean, an outcast by her synagogue and her
community even as she becomes sicker and sicker. This illness has drained her
life from her; seeking a cure has drained everything else, leaving her alone,
destitute, and nearly hopeless. She would have been valued by no one, accepted
by no one, befriended by no one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Standing between this
desperate, fear-driven father of a daughter whose life seems to be over after just
twelve years of living, growing, twelve years of developing into this girl who
is now on the cusp of promise and plenty, and the impoverished, ailing, isolated
twelve-years bleeding woman, stands Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He is a healer. He is the
one who denies death its power; he is the one who restores life. Jesus is the
one who goes beyond what is sensible or ‘acceptable’ to deliver God’s love,
mercy, compassion, and healing on those who stand in the margins. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A leader in the
synagogue, Jairus has power and wealth. His daughter, of course, benefits from
these, and while Jairus fears losing her, he has every expectation that Jesus
will come, along with whatever power he possesses, to heal his daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rzKnXooYJU/YPDlZwRybWI/AAAAAAAA2sk/85YrWcIlg-MqOuj2BW86VKkAzrQesFlsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Jesus%2BHeals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rzKnXooYJU/YPDlZwRybWI/AAAAAAAA2sk/85YrWcIlg-MqOuj2BW86VKkAzrQesFlsACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jesus%2BHeals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The woman in our story
engages in an act of civil disobedience just by being present in the crowd where
Jesus is passing; (her condition makes her “unclean” and unable to mix with
people, to touch or be touched by anyone). <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The woman, by rights, can
have no expectation of anything – kindness, compassion, or healing. Shamed into
silence by the prejudice, judgment, and bad religion of the day, she should
make her request and hold her hope in private.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, as she reaches out
to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe… his power turns her expectations into a prize
larger than life itself – larger than the life she was reaching for when she
dared to try to touch his robe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just then, a messenger
comes with the worst nightmare one can imagine – announcing the death of the
young girl. Yet, as we read on, we see the power of Jesus manifest in life
restored to her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A twelve-year marginalized
woman, and a twelve-year old girl: Each one of them is precious in God’s sight:
each of them with a beautiful story of healing to be told. Each receives the
gift of healing – it is the power of Jesus alone to heal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The two daughters and
their mutual twelve years bring each to a place where physical barriers and
religious taboos must be broken in order to reach Jesus – and Jesus shows that
he is not bound by any laws to keep him away. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The number 12 is common
to both stories; <span style="background: white; color: #111111;">It stands as a
sign that there is <strong>abundant life in Jesus</strong>. This
interwoven story clues us in that Jesus is on the loose in the world with
divine power to restore life — abundant life for everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At the end, those who doubted and those who laughed are left in
speechless amazement. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For those who suffer, wait,
are isolated in their suffering, are stripped of life through disease or
disaster, or sit with the intense longing that only those who have suffered
deep loss can know, this text brings hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus is and always will
be present, available, compassionate, and death-defying. Jesus reorders who is
“in” and who is “out” in the economy of God that insists on abundance, and
denies the powers that choose sides or diminish God’s beloved children as
anything less than deserving of grace by God’s own judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This story seems
particularly timely right now, as we are coming away from a time of pandemic
and the restrictions it placed – and still places – upon us. One of the conditions
this pandemic imposed upon us is one of isolation. Like the woman with the
hemorrhage, many of us have endured a time of intense isolation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What happens when such isolation
becomes the norm, as it did throughout most of the past year? What happens when
social alienation takes shape and becomes commonplace, even expected? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Given our experience of
this year, we might have a better understanding and compassion on those who,
like the woman in our text, suffer from the isolation of judgment or not being
able to “measure up” to being worthy of God’s healing grace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The key to understanding
this text is located in this word, “abundance.” God grants us his mercy, grace,
forgiveness and love unconditionally and extravagantly. In God’s presence we
receive an abundance of his healing, miraculous love. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope that when Jairus embraces his
resurrected daughter, he also embraces a new vision of who God is, and what God
values. In Jairus’s story, Jesus demands that we not see death where he
sees life. In the bleeding woman’s story, he demands that legalism and
judgment give way to love every single time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In each story, Jesus restores a lost child of
God to community and intimacy. In each story, Jesus embraces what is
"impure" (the menstruating woman, the dead body) in order to practice
mercy. ach story, a previously hopeless daughter “goes in peace” because
Jesus isn’t a pronouncer of death; he is a giver of new life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is wonderful Good News to share today, on
a day when we welcome a new member into the life of community at each service.
At the early service we will welcome one who may have difficulty being
physically present and we will pray for her healing. At the late service, we
will welcome one through the Sacrament of Baptism. In both cases, God’s
abundant love and compassion will be prayed for them and for this congregation
as we are made more full through their welcome and presence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Mark awakens us to the
abundant healing grace of God in Jesus. In Jesus, there is hope, life and
community for all. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we experience the
abundance of God’s grace, we can’t help but take Jesus seriously. In Jesus, God
has a way of transforming our doubt and dismissive laugher into tears of joy,
our skepticism into speechless amazement and wonder. May it be so, each and
every day. Amen.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-11383479487895089082021-07-15T21:34:00.002-04:002021-07-15T21:34:31.368-04:00 Calming Cosmic Chaos and Existential Fear<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /><br />Mark 4:35-41<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus’ calming of the storm on the sea reveals his power
over evil, since the sea represents evil and chaos. The boat on the sea is a
symbol of the church and invites us to trust God amid life’s turbulence.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">35</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When evening had
come, [Jesus said to the disciples,] “Let us go across to the other side.” <sup>36</sup>And
leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was.
Other boats were with him. <sup>37</sup>A great windstorm arose, and the waves
beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. <sup>38</sup>But
he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to
him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” <sup>39</sup>He woke up
and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind
ceased, and there was a dead calm. <sup>40</sup>He said to them, “Why are you
afraid? Have you still no faith?” <sup>41</sup>And they were filled with great
awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea
obey him?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We all have things we fear, and there
are surveys and studies that identify some of the greatest fears humans hold
and what they mean. So, let me ask you: Of what are <i>you most afraid</i>? <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
most of the time, our fears don’t have an impact on our daily lives, phobias
are something else: in fact, in psychological terms, a phobia is defined as an <i>extreme
or irrational fear of or aversion to something</i>. The top ten phobias include
things like: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxPW3hx4uU4/YPDhR8G7ZFI/AAAAAAAA2sM/ki1ArWHMkMcflP1qC9c1MkrofWMd8XzyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1520/joan%2Bcrawford%2Bfear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxPW3hx4uU4/YPDhR8G7ZFI/AAAAAAAA2sM/ki1ArWHMkMcflP1qC9c1MkrofWMd8XzyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/joan%2Bcrawford%2Bfear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Arachnophobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of spiders. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ophidiophobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of snakes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Acrophobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of heights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Agoraphobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of situations in which escape
is difficult. This may include crowded areas, open spaces, or situations that
are likely to trigger a panic attack. People will begin avoiding these trigger
events, sometimes to the point that they cease leaving their home. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Cynophobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of dogs. This phobia is often
associated with specific personal experiences, such as being bitten by a dog
during childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Astraphobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of thunder and lightning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Trypanophobia</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">: The fear of injections. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Social
Phobias:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear
of social situations. In many cases, these phobias can become so severe that
people avoid events, places, and people that are likely to trigger an anxiety
attack.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Pteromerhanophobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of flying. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Mysophobia:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The fear of germs or dirt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Most of us dislike the various things in this list, but our
“fear” doesn’t rise to the level of being an actual phobia. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But,
of the second and less-paralyzing categories of fears, many of us would add these,
which may or may not have much impact on our decision-making or activity on any
given day: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Loneliness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Failure <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Rejection <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Uncertainty<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Something Bad Happening <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Getting Hurt<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Being Judged<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Inadequacy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Loss of Freedom<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Additionally,
many people self-report that <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">public
speaking, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">ghosts,
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">darkness,
and, especially in recent years, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">zombies,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">and
clowns, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>round out these lists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Many
times, our fear comes from things that we have experienced before, whether they
have actually hurt us or not. When we look at <i>why </i>we fear something, can
we articulate what that fear means to us? Oftentimes, we cannot. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Whether
our fear rises to the level of phobia (paralyzing us, fundamentally changing
how we function) or not, we recognize that fear does have a way of altering our
view of the world or of certain experiences in life, and oftentimes, they
control us, rather than the other way around.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
past year and a half we have seen fear driving the polarization of humankind,
driving our action and inaction, driving our view of “the other” in exaggerated
and devastating ways, and controlling many of our choices, for good or ill. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
is unfortunately too often the case, we have also seen bad actors manipulating
us by using our fear to control large segments of the population, or to create
chaos and uncertainty, often through devious and exploitative means, like
spreading misinformation and outright lies connected to areas in which our
fears reside. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
our text, Jesus says, “Peace! Be still!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
can certainly understand the fear of the disciples. But Jesus invites them –
and us – to trust in his power to overcome the storm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
disciples are out in the middle of the Sea of Galilee when a huge and
unexpected storm descends upon them. That would be scary for any of them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZNHSmnJfKs/YPDhh6XogYI/AAAAAAAA2sY/wo0sLC1tHCQrh-W88XU8oJRr9K2VbDOfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s899/Jesus_Calming_the_Stormy_Sea_by_hurleygirl89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="899" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZNHSmnJfKs/YPDhh6XogYI/AAAAAAAA2sY/wo0sLC1tHCQrh-W88XU8oJRr9K2VbDOfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jesus_Calming_the_Stormy_Sea_by_hurleygirl89.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
former fishermen among them have run into their share of disastrous and deadly
storms before and have likely known people who have lost their lives in such
storms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Even
those who had formerly lived and worked in non-nautical areas of life have
probably heard about those lost at sea, and as I indicated before, darkness and
storm make the lists of both phobias and peoples’ most common non-crippling
fears. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
we read this story, it may be confusing to us that Jesus was so stern with
these disciples over their fear of the storm around them. He even questioned <i>why
</i>they were afraid! Really, Jesus? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But
then, Jesus simply scans the chaotic winds and waters around him, rebukes them,
“Peace! Be still!” And they quiet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But
here is the thing: it is <i>after <u>Jesus stills the storm</u></i> that the
text tells us the disciples were filled with great fear. (The word used in the
Greek is usually translated as “fear,” and not “awe.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
quieting of the storm reveals the power of God; it is a power that is greater
than any storm. Throughout the Scriptures, storms and sea both represent chaos
in the world and the very nature of evil – both powerful, each uncontrollable;
they are chaotic and disruptive of the natural order of things. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">By
his stilling of the storm, Jesus exhibits the fact that his power is greater
than any evil and more powerful than any storm or chaotic element in the
universe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
Jesus, whom the disciples call “teacher,” whom they have seen heal an
assortment of diseases and maladies and who has driven out evil spirits from
possessed individuals in their presence, rebukes the storm and stills the
chaos. He controls the elements – they obey his word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">While
the storm had unsettled them and had sent them to their knees and to the
sleeping cushion of Jesus, it is <i>this</i> action – <i>this</i> stilling - that
actually produces the greater fear; after Jesus’ stilled the storm, the Greek
says literally, that they “feared a great fear,” causing them to question, “Who
is this?” “Who has such power that even the wind and the sea obey him?” It is
witnessing Jesus’ power over the chaos and storm that undoes them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">These
poor disciples were as slow as we ourselves can be. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Despite
the teachings they have received from Jesus, which have revealed great
knowledge, wisdom and insight, and the miracles they have witnessed, they are
still shocked and amazed at the level of power he possesses – it is absolute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What
is God doing here? What is God revealing to the disciples? And why should they
feel such great fear at the revelation of Jesus and his power?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Let’s
fast-forward and say it’s 2021 – or something like that. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
live in an era more than 2000 years after the death of Jesus. We are
Christians, which means we believe in Jesus. He is the Son of God, the Messiah.
We believe in his power. We trust in him with our whole hearts and minds—don’t
we?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Jesus
says to the storm and the sea, “Peace! Be still!” and they obey. Yet there are
times when we question or doubt, and there are certainly times when we are
lured into trusting earthly powers or our own strongly, only to find that they
are not enough. How can we not believe in the power of <i>his</i> name?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As
Christians, we believe that the trinitarian God has come into the world to save
the world not only in a single snapshot of time, but remains in the world to
strengthen, sanctify, and restore God’s good creation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Yet,
we draw lines, we struggle to understand or believe, and as the disciples did,
we ask too often of God, “don’t you care?” And we allow our fear to change us,
to change our view of God and our commitment to follow Jesus. Our fear keeps us
from living, from loving, and from fully believing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Yet
still, God comes to us again and again to still the storms and redirect our
trust and faith in him. And God calls on us to share the truth of his power and
the revelation of Jesus’ divinity with the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
disciples were traumatized by this frightful storm, and they forgot – or never
understood – the eternal and divine power of the person they called Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPwNwHB0bOQ/YPDhWnNTnYI/AAAAAAAA2sQ/1ykmmKekyoI4JcGeUA-TeJLCpL2z7o5OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/hand%2Breaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPwNwHB0bOQ/YPDhWnNTnYI/AAAAAAAA2sQ/1ykmmKekyoI4JcGeUA-TeJLCpL2z7o5OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/hand%2Breaching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When
we are buffeted in cosmic storms as they were, storms that scare us, that
eclipse our faith, and send us doubting and wondering if indeed, let us be
reminded of Jesus’ rebuke to the stormy and angry seas, “Peace! Be still!”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
am reminded of Psalm 46:10, one of my favorite bible verses which reads, “Be
still and know that I am God.” God is active and working in our world, holding
back the chaos, healing the broken-hearted, calling us to trust him and to
reveal our faith and trust with others. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">God
is the great keeper of the cosmos, healer of the broken-hearted,
broken-spirited, and broken-bodied. God’s power is made perfect in weakness and
made most evident in the calming of the storms, the chaos, and the pain of the
world. Contemplating his great power, let us not be fearful, but joyful. Embracing
his mercy and peace, let us, like the winds and sea, be calm. Let us, as the
psalmist writes and Jesus quotes, “Be still and know that I am God.” Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-82534285549495889032021-07-09T14:17:00.002-04:002021-07-09T14:17:14.112-04:00Gratitude and Joy - the relationship<p> Sunday's sermon includes a clip of this wonderful video with Brene Brown on the relationship between gratitude and joy.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/2IjSHUc7TXM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click link here</a><br /></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-19393353111369141562021-06-19T20:08:00.000-04:002021-06-19T20:08:18.455-04:00The Power and Danger of Hope (Mark 4:26-34)<p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
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<![endif]-->Mark 4:26-34 – The Power and Danger of Hope</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEah_0nFw20/YM6F1aHl8vI/AAAAAAAA2OI/9ocgLP6Ck0I5e1PzC0tyMLzhTrqm4OORgCLcBGAsYHQ/s324/Wizard%2Bof%2Boz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEah_0nFw20/YM6F1aHl8vI/AAAAAAAA2OI/9ocgLP6Ck0I5e1PzC0tyMLzhTrqm4OORgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Wizard%2Bof%2Boz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Follow the Yellow Brick Road!
Follow the Yellow Brick Road! One of my favorite movies when I was growing up
was the <i>Wizard of Oz</i>. Lying on the floor of our darkened living room,
mesmerized by the sights and sounds of this story about a girl from Kansas, her
little dog, Toto, and the ruby slippers that sparkled and shined, it was easy
to be transported to the land of Oz. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">One of the first times I can
remember watching The Wizard of Oz was soon after my parents purchased our
first color television set. I was able to witness the transition from black and
white to color and back again, and the story seemed to take on a whole new depth
and meaning. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Technicolor added visual depth to
an already remarkable story. I especially remember the visit to Emerald City,
and the “horse of a different color.” But most of all, I remember that making
the story come alive in this new way also increased the very real fear I felt
at various times during the movie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDYu8hWNFWE/YM6FvXkH-JI/AAAAAAAA2OA/8oMfCyuw0N8SaU0q5lmj3ICsnHo9PyZ4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/oz%2Bemerald%2Bcity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDYu8hWNFWE/YM6FvXkH-JI/AAAAAAAA2OA/8oMfCyuw0N8SaU0q5lmj3ICsnHo9PyZ4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/oz%2Bemerald%2Bcity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Every time they turned around,
Dorothy, Toto, and their new friends were faced with one terrifying situation
or another. Despite their fear, however, somehow, some way, they hung on to a
semblance of hope, and this hope kept them going; it kept them moving onward
even when things seemed<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>hopeless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">If they had been standing alone,
any one of these characters may have given up and given in to hopelessness and
despair. But together, they felt stronger; together, hope kept them moving
forward, facing the next challenge; together, they gave it their all, because
they trusted that if they faced their fears and persevered in following the
Yellow Brick Road, their hope would be realized. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">A few decades after our friends successfully
made it out of Oz and Dorothy discovered that she had never truly been alone, another
blockbuster film hit the screens: the Hunger Games. Like Dorothy searching for
the wizard, the main characters in this film were up against seemingly
impossible odds. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">At one point, the mastermind of the
horrifying games of survival of the fittest and the strongest after which the
movie is named declared, “Hope is the only thing more powerful than fear… But
for that very reason it is as perilous for a dictator as it is useful: A little
hope, is effective; a lot of hope is dangerous." The dictator, you see,
counted on the individual bit of little hope inspired by personal strength
resulting in a dog-eat-dog sense of survivalism inspired by desperation. Yet,
those who ultimately persevered and won the day were those who bonded to work
together to defeat the evil around them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Looking at today’s scripture texts,
we find that it is hope that Jesus points us to. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Jesus has been speaking in parables
to explain the kingdom of God is like; a kingdom where hope wins out over fear.
In today’s text, Jesus likens the kingdom of God, the kingdom in fact inaugurated
with the coming of Jesus himself, to the tiny mustard seed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I would hazard a guess that mustard
is not a seed or plant common to most of us here today. Living in the
Mid-Atlantic when I think about mustard, I think about all the wonderful
varieties of mustard found in grocery and gourmet cooking stores and websites. We
don’t really think about the nature of the plant this condiment comes from. But
this was a plant people of Jesus’ time would know about.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Jesus says that the kingdom of God
is like a mustard seed, sown upon the ground, the smallest of seeds, yet when
it grows up it becomes so large <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
it is able to shelter birds as they nest in its shade. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We might think this would be a good
thing, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the original listeners
to this parable probably think Jesus is joking. Mustard was a pesky, even
somewhat dangerous plant. Because it was invasive, it was even outlawed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGckt62_Qy0/YM6Fhbfr4VI/AAAAAAAA2N8/clTIpjwt9RgYjEpoDbmj690mwn5ukhQcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/mustard-grass-field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGckt62_Qy0/YM6Fhbfr4VI/AAAAAAAA2N8/clTIpjwt9RgYjEpoDbmj690mwn5ukhQcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mustard-grass-field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you’ve ever been in Southern
California during the late spring, you will see hillsides positively covered
with the shining yellow heads of millions of wild mustard plants bobbing in the
wind. Residents of the area can tell you it is, hardy and extremely prolific.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">It’s this kind of mustardly
behavior that threated crops and vineyards of Jesus’ time and made the plant
undesirable; for these are plants quickly take over and choke out other,
preferred, plants. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">It makes you wonder what on earth
Jesus was saying when he compared the kingdom of God to a plant that takes over
where it is not wanted, gets out of control, and attracts those who are not
necessarily welcome! (birds)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">And Holy Flying Monkeys, what is
Jesus thinking when he says this plant is what the kingdom of God is like? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Here is the good news that doesn’t
look at first glance like good news: Like the mustard plant, the kingdom of God
can’t be controlled. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom of God comes about at
God’s will and like the “invasive” mustard plant, God will not be contained or defeated
by any other powers, no power on earth is stronger than God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom of God will draw in and
shelter those who might be considered undesirable – </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">the outsider, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
powerless, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>the
addicted, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>the
HIV infected, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>the
abused, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>the
convict, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>the
uneducated, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>the
starving,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>the poor and
needy, and most of all -<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>the sinner – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in other words, all of us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom of God has come to take
over,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">to overturn the
status quo,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">and to transform
the kingdoms of the earth. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Now, as you can imagine - for those
who benefit from the status quo, this is not good news. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">But for those who were outsiders in
their own communities, ostracized by society, or otherwise disenfranchised,
this is very good news. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">For the early church, struggling
through fear, this gospel was <i>great</i> news.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For us, today, who sometimes feel beat up, like outsiders,
like pretenders, this is likewise very good news. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is
news that gives hope. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>These
are words that we can trust, sent by Jesus to invade the </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">scariest, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>darkest, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>most
isolated, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>loneliest,
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>most
shameful,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>most
fearsome corners of the world </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>and
of our very lives. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The kingdom of God conveys hope; <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i>the only thing more powerful than fear</i>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A
little hope is effective; </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>a
lot of hope is dangerous. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><i>Jesus
gives us is maximum hope.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Yet we might ask, how is it that
this hope is as perilous as it is useful? Who might find it dangerous? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">How about the powers that subjugate
the marginalized; those that benefit from exploitation of the powerless; those
who enslave the weak and overpower the poor. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The hope Jesus offers is dangerous
to those who deal in fear-mongering: like unscrupulous leaders, drug lords,
terrorists, both domestic and foreign; like those who promote fear and hatred
toward targeted groups of people; corrupt officials in public and private
arenas who prey on those who live without hope. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpFgzVPDjhE/YM6GAujkrII/AAAAAAAA2OQ/BYCP8l27kIgZWqj-ctQ7ioB3XtqOKOclACLcBGAsYHQ/s277/Jesus%2Bgives%2Ba%2Bhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpFgzVPDjhE/YM6GAujkrII/AAAAAAAA2OQ/BYCP8l27kIgZWqj-ctQ7ioB3XtqOKOclACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Jesus%2Bgives%2Ba%2Bhand.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The good news of this gospel, my
friends, is that even more than the mustard plant is hard to control, the
kingdom of God cannot be controlled. It cannot be restrained. It cannot be
contained. And Jesus makes us part of that kingdom</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Therefore, we shall not fear. If
there is nothing else the past couple of Sundays have reminded us, God’s own
Spirit comes to give us great strength and the gifts to bless this kingdom in
Jesus’ name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">If our friends from Oz had given in
to hopeless despair, they would never have kept going, overcoming obstacles in
their way, defeating the darkness in their world. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">They never would have discovered
the gifts they had already been given.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The good news in this gospel is
that God is here, giving each of us the gifts we need to anticipate,
participate in, and to offer hope in this kingdom of God. God is here like the
mustard plants, growing, spreading, and blessing those in most need of love and
mercy, of protection and shelter, of compassion and generosity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom is at work here in the
thousands of meals prepared, given out and delivered to the lonely and to those
in need not just of food but of the love and prayer that goes out with it. The
kingdom is at work here in VBS packets being assembled for the children who
will learn more about Jesus in a couple of weeks despite our need to do so
online. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom work at Zion includes
utility, rent, shelter, and other assistance given to our Helping Hand fund, as
well as donations given through your generosity to abused women and children,
men and women rebuilding lives after prison, the homeless now being sheltered,
at-risk children being provided safe activity for the summer through the
Lutheran Camping Corporation, the Wittel Farm Food Growing Project, and more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">As disciples of Christ, when we
share the love that God first showed us in Christ, we are like mustard plants, participating
in the kingdom work, providing Christ’s hope in the world.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom of God is spread
through soup kitchens, blood that is donated, and prayers said for loved ones
and strangers alike each week here in worship and daily in our homes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The kingdom of God is at work with
every smile shared, every kind word spoken, and every card sent to the lonely,
the sick, and the homebound. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">God’s Spirit fills us with hope,
and when we live in hope, we get things done. When we live in hope, joy
follows, as we help those who need to experience the blessing of this kingdom
work. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">When we remember the
indiscriminately shared, sheltering love of God demonstrated in the example of
a simple, small seed, we learn what it is to live in hope, trusting that God’s
full, technicolor love will grow the kingdom as God has always done.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">God will continue to scatter seed,
continue to invade the dark and stormy places of the world. As part of that
work, we share hope that is stronger than fear, driven by the grace of God, who
frees us to turn the black and white of the status quo into the brilliant,
life-giving, life-sustaining colors of the kingdom of God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May God grant us each hope stronger than fear, more powerful
than any power on earth, and more dangerous than we can dare to imagine. Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-25818908590239175632021-06-19T19:55:00.000-04:002021-06-19T19:55:09.502-04:00Pentecost and Confirmation 2021 (Acts 2:1-21 & Joihn 15:26-27, 16:4b-15<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pentecost Sunday 2021 – Acts 2:1-21 and
John </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15:26-27; 16:4b-15</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Years
ago, I heard an interview with then-rising movie star, Julia Roberts. The
interviewer was talking with the actress about her beginnings, and it was
revealed that Roberts’ father had died when the actress was only 10 years old,
fundamentally changing her life. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But the thing that
stood out to me is how Roberts spoke about having a relationship with her
father that was changed, but resilient and everlasting. When alive, she and her
father were separated by distance following her parents’ divorce. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But now, her
father is present with her in spirit wherever she is, no longer confined by
physical space and the limitations of mortality. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I found that
thinking about my own loved ones who have died in this way, was liberating and
comforting. And that helps me to understand and speak to the mystery of the
Holy Spirit whom we celebrate today, and our ongoing relationship with our
Lord, whom we can neither see nor touch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The pervasive
presence of Spirit Jesus gives as both inspiration and accompaniment is part of
the promise of which we read of in today’s Gospel text. Jesus will no longer be
in literal bodily presence of his disciples as they have known him until now
(except for the 3 days between his crucifixion and resurrection); but he will
be with them in a new, powerful, and ongoing way through his Spirit. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This Spirit whom
Jesus had promised comes upon them not simply as a presence, but as the power
that enables, guides, empowers, instructs, and intercedes for the disciples. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was fifty days
after Easter; the disciples were gathered together. Jesus had ascended into
heaven just ten days before, right in front of their eyes. so, they know there
will be no more of the post-resurrection visits with their master, no more
meals eaten together, no more learning from him as they had been doing from the
day each one had met him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But then,
something amazing happens as a great wind enters the room and the promised
Advocate, the Holy Spirit, pours herself out on them in divided tongues of fire,
visibly resting on each of them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On that day. the
Holy Spirit crosses boundaries that had previously confined them and defined
them. The Holy Spirit will glorify Jesus and will enable the actions of his
beloved disciples, begun and ended in him, to glorify Jesus as well, through the
one, true faith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On this Pentecost
Sunday we celebrate that Spirit. For centuries and still in many places, this
Sunday is considered to be a wonderful birthday celebration of the Church. The
reading from Acts that is always read on Pentecost, which tells what happened
in Jerusalem that day is part of the reason for equating the day to a birthday
celebration. It’s like each of the disciples there was a candle standing in the
room and lit by the candle-lighter God with flame given oxygen by the Holy
Spirit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was fifty days
after Easter that the Holy Spirit crossed all boundaries. In the reading from
Acts, the boundary indicated of cour<br />se is that of language, but we know that
there are many boundaries which separate people today, especially in matters of
religion, belief, and practice. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8m7RrFRkQz0/YM6DtfZaZpI/AAAAAAAA2N0/ZlwDIl33LDcmg59slI8KlrawHDnqPnGbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Pentecost%2Bimage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8m7RrFRkQz0/YM6DtfZaZpI/AAAAAAAA2N0/ZlwDIl33LDcmg59slI8KlrawHDnqPnGbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Pentecost%2Bimage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Spirit brings
the wideness of God’s mercy to places where disciples gather and
work—biblically, to a crowd of strangers gathered from the corners of the earth;
and, experientially, to hearts that are divided or weak in faith. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus promises
that this Advocate, the Spirit with whom he will gift his followers, will accompany
his followers and enable them to do things they never before thought possible,
revealing the truth about the identity, power, character, and peace of Jesus
the Christ, through whom God loves the world. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thus, as Jesus was
physically lifted up into the sky and now sits at the right hand of the Father,
so it is that the Spirit serves as his presence, power, mercy, and peace in
every place and land where the good news of Jesus is shared, and his love is
embodied. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is where
Julia Roberts’s observation and our own understanding may run parallel. Through
his Spirit, Jesus is no longer limited by a human body or the nature of
physics. Instead, Jesus is at once everywhere with everyone who believes in
him, and he empowers them by his Spirit as they serve him by sharing his story. Through
his Spirit, Jesus is always with us, and never apart from us. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A manifestation of
the Spirit’s work and Spirit’s power is seen in the two young people in our
congregation today. Sophia and Brett, who have completed at
least two years of study and will Affirm their Baptisms during the Rite of
Confirmation, this week and next.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baptism is the
mark of the Christian, and it is during baptism that we pray for the Spirit’s
blessing of gifts of faith on a person. Sophia and Brett were both baptized as
babies. Now they take responsibility for opening themselves up to the Scriptures,
the Sacraments, and Community formed by the Spirit, and to being disciples
blessed for sharing the Good News of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, in their
lives. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We included their
Faith Papers with the bulletins you received today, but I wanted to share some
of the wisdom, derived of the Spirit, that they shared in their writing:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brett shared the
challenge of living a Christian life in this day and age - </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The most difficult thing about following Jesus is that I’m not
physically able to see him. I am a hands on learner and I like to be able to
see and touch things. This explains the reason I am so successful in science. I
am able to touch things and see the reactions that they make. As it may be hard
to follow Jesus and understand what is written in the Bible, when I break it
all down little by little it is a little easier to follow him.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I feel that the Bible verse Ephesians 4:32 is
needed to be heard by all. It states, “Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This means
that you don’t always know someone’s background…..You should be kind and nice
to them even if they aren’t doing it back. God will forgive them and will
praise you for the great act of kindness you have committed. </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God died on the cross for you, and he didn’t
intend for everyone to be mad at each other. He wants everyone to be kind, but
that doesn’t always happen. When someone isn’t nice to you, you could throw a
fit and start a fight, but instead he wants you to be the bigger person and
forgive them. That one time you forgive them could be the one thing that
changes their life forever. </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sophia addressed her favorite verse when she wrote:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“ Be anxious for nothing, but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God”- Philippians 4:6</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I choose this verse because it has an
important message that we should remember in our daily lives. To me, this quote
means to worry about nothing, and instead pray about everything. This is true
and can apply to many situations that we face during our lives.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Trust in God, and everything will be okay.
In my own words, the Gospel message is both the beginning of our world and
Creation, as well as a “guide” to living a successful life through Jesus, our
Creator. Right now, in my life, the Gospel means the pathway to living a
Christian life dedicated to Jesus and for him.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Gospel is
proof of our Creator and that He has a plan for all of us. I want to affirm my
faith in Jesus right now so I can live a successful life through him. Through
Jesus, I will be able to overcome any situation given, push through all my
struggles, and know how to handle any ball thrown at me. I was able to grow my
faith in Jesus through each Confirmation class. The best part of Confirmation
was being able to grow my relationship with God and having great members to
help me in this process. Although Confirmation is coming to an end, I intend to
continue growing in my faith.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today as we celebrate
the power and work of the Holy Spirit in drawing the church together and
blessing it, we remember that it is in Baptism that we are each marked with the
cross of Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit forever. Due to the
restrictions we are still under it seemed inadvisable to “sprinkle” you all
with water from the Baptismal font, but we have a gift for each of you on this
celebration day. On your way out of worship today, you will receive a little
container of water from the baptismal font and a card, reminding you of the
power of Christ in you through the power of the Holy Spirit you received in
your Baptism. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You will also
receive a card with a prayer on it. Take it home and sprinkle or pour that
water over your head as you pray the prayer on the card, and remember on this
Pentecost Sunday that you, too, are a Child of God, intended for great works
and blessed through your Baptism for the same. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you are not
able to be in church, Recite this prayer as you make the sign of the cross upon
your body. Know that in Jesus you are loved beyond belief and that through the
Holy Spirit, you are blessed in the power of his name. Thanks be to God!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
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Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-59340220781687367002021-06-19T19:47:00.001-04:002021-06-19T19:47:02.611-04:00Hands and Feet - Dynamite for the Gospel (Acts 1:1-11 & Luke 24:44-53) Ascension Sunday 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hands and Feet – Dynamite for the Gospel</span>
</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While Jim and I were visiting
the Holy Land back in 2018, we visited an octagonally-shaped chapel devoted to
remembering and honoring the event we mark today - the Ascension of Jesus. This
event is monumental to our faith as Jesus does exactly what he said he was
going to do: dies, rises, and finally, he ascends into heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the chapel marking this important event –
the ascension of Jesus – is tiny. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdLYojYtczI/YM6BIN9odJI/AAAAAAAA2Nk/z3MFh0ozK_0QROyfBNb1PH2FKUoFe7nuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Chapel%2Bof%2BAscension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdLYojYtczI/YM6BIN9odJI/AAAAAAAA2Nk/z3MFh0ozK_0QROyfBNb1PH2FKUoFe7nuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Chapel%2Bof%2BAscension.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Located at the highest
point on the Mount of Olives, portions of the chapel date back to the twelfth
century after Christ, and it includes in it a rock bearing a footprint – a
right footprint, to be precise, said to be the last place where the foot of
Jesus touched the earth before he ascended into heaven. (The left footprint was
supposedly taken to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Middle Ages).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So important is this
event, the Ascension of Jesus, that this chapel is widely regarded as the
second holiest site in all of Christendom. And yet, Ascension Day is so often
missed – passed over – and ignored in our lives of faith. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The truth is, unless
you went to an Amish farm or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>place of
business on Thursday and found signs posted on the doors reading, “Closed for
Ascension Day”, most of us would never even be aware of the passage of this day
that marks the last earthly view the disciples had of our Lord, as he blessed
them and was carried away on a cloud. And yet, in both our 1<sup>st</sup>
reading and Gospel this event is reported by Luke.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkLCnXiIdfc/YM6A8VbU0FI/AAAAAAAA2Nc/RTZ0A64DT84A8WMGtkwpc7prZMpM4ekEACLcBGAsYHQ/s997/Ascension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="997" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkLCnXiIdfc/YM6A8VbU0FI/AAAAAAAA2Nc/RTZ0A64DT84A8WMGtkwpc7prZMpM4ekEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Ascension.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bewildered, perplexed,
perhaps, and utterly amazed, the disciples stood rooted to the spot, staring up
into heaven. Jesus has just given them a command and a commission: it was now
up to them to proclaim forgiveness of sin in his name to all nations, beginning
from Jerusalem. As formidable as that sounds, the gospel reports that following
the ascension they returned to Jerusalem rejoicing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While Jesus tells them that they are to carry
on and share the good news of the gospel in all the world, he also tells them that
<i>at this moment</i> they need to sit tight – that he’s sending them some
help. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ten days later, on the day we celebrate as
Pentecost, indeed that help arrived as the Holy Spirit appeared and baptized
them with fire, and gave them all they needed to pursue their call to serve. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They would be sent out to teach, heal, preach
and give witness that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that out of love for all
people, he gave his life on the cross for the forgiveness of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being sent for those disciples
meant serving a fledgling church in places where at times, they would be
persecuted; where they would meet resistance; where their missionary work would
begin the spread of what would later come to be called “Christianity” for sake
of the kingdom of God, as they traveled far and wide for the rest of their
lives. Some of them would literally <i>give </i>their lives for this cause.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today, multitudes of
Christians like Jim and I and the group we were with, travel to Jerusalem and
the Holy Land to visit places like the tiny chapel of the Ascension of Our
Lord, and many other places connected to the Scriptures. We had a plan to do
the same with a group from Zion this year, but plans were changed by the
pandemic. We are hoping to make the trip in 2023. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But the thing is, faithfulness doesn’t
require such a pilgrimage or focus upon that far-away land. While it was moving
and fascinating for us to be in the place where Jesus walked, and to see the
holy sites, the reality is that our deepest experience of Jesus happens as we
traverse the mainstream of life. Jesus calls us to live out our faith <i>in our
everyday lives</i>; to live out the gospel in whatever communities we find
ourselves. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NO3RGPXJ1Vc/YM6A4g_MDwI/AAAAAAAA2NY/3q8vB6KWEpIzknRy6tjLrimm8GBQzLwSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/hands%2Bavila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NO3RGPXJ1Vc/YM6A4g_MDwI/AAAAAAAA2NY/3q8vB6KWEpIzknRy6tjLrimm8GBQzLwSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/hands%2Bavila.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus of course,
taught that holiness lies not in stones or in the structures that are built of
them, using human hands – structures which can crumble or be torn down;
holiness is not found in buildings or even in footprints where perhaps Jesus
himself physically touched the earth. Holiness lies in the gospel message of
God’s love shared in community gathered as we are today; shared as the offering
of forgiveness to others; shared as we feed the hungry, visit the sick and
imprisoned, speak up for the persecuted, and care for the poor. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Holiness is found in
befriending the lonely or the outcast – like those who are bullied, or
ostracized or isolated; when sharing acceptance and God’s warmth with those
rejected because of the color of their skin or their ethnicity; when praying
for or sheltering the ones denied freedom or safety or the ones terrorized by hatred,
violence, racism, and ignorance. Holiness is found in the suffering servanthood
that <i>risks rejection and reprisal when the status quo is challenged.</i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we celebrate Jesus
ascending into heaven today, we join witnesses across the millennia <i>who have
not seen Jesus in person</i>, but have found him to be <i>very present</i> in
their lives and in the world, through the Scriptures and in the bodies and
actions of his followers. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>St. Teresa of Avila, a
sixteenth century Carmelite nun and mystic wrote, <i>“Christ has no body now
but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.”</i> We are all Jesus’ hands
and feet, from the youngest of us to the oldest and everywhere in between. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We here at Zion are called and commissioned
to become as vital to the mission of God as any chapel or holy site in
Jerusalem. What if we took a close look at ourselves and saw what Christ sees –
beloved sisters and brothers called and sent to bring comfort and healing and
forgiveness to those who are hurting?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The mission is not
always easy; the original Greek words in this passage include those that form
the basis for English words such as “martyr” and “dynamite.” God’s love is
explosive. God’s inclusivity blasts apart the human tendencies to hoard power,
wealth, and status and to enslave the poor in the poverty and the weak in their
helplessness. It is not always welcomed. It is often rejected, sometimes
violently so. Jesus’ awesome message is dynamite to worldly greed, corruption,
and sin that are tenacious and will strongly resist God’s Good Word.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yet, the message of
Jesus Christ is for people of every time and place. While we celebrate this day
as the time when our Lord and Savior “ascended into heaven where he sits at the
right hand of God,” as we recite in our creeds, Ascension Day and these texts
are even more about our <i>being sent out,</i> as disciples of Christ, into all
the ends of the earth. That translates easily as ‘everywhere we go.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everywhere? </i>Yes, everywhere: home, work,
school, playground, the beach, the mountains, the store, gym or soccer field. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Next week we will
celebrate Pentecost Sunday and the empowerment given to the church by the Holy
Spirit. On that day we will confer the Rite of Confirmation on two of our young
people as they Affirm their Baptism, and we will remember that at our Baptism
we each, too, received the Holy Spirit, and <i>it is that Spirit who enlivens
our church and sends us out in mission with the power of dynamite to share the
gospel truth of forgiveness, love and peace known through Jesus Christ.</i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are Christ’s body. We
are empowered, inspired, strengthened, and sent into the world by the Holy
Spirit, the power of Christ among us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We are blessed by God to carry this gift into
every place we travel, to share the message of God’s grace, and to give it to all
with whom we interact, to bless others through the healing love of Christ, the restorative
compassion and vibrant embrace of the Holy Spirit, whether this takes place in
acts of worship and praise inviting others to join in, through meals
distributed to the hungry, or assistance extended to those needing shelter, or acts
of authentic caring, prayer, and engagement with our neighbor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAZRN3QdODw/YM6BBqipYSI/AAAAAAAA2Ng/YQGTt65ltpkSGg20neka5UDHgw65NEwHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ascension%2Bof%2Bjesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAZRN3QdODw/YM6BBqipYSI/AAAAAAAA2Ng/YQGTt65ltpkSGg20neka5UDHgw65NEwHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ascension%2Bof%2Bjesus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The two men dressed in white robes urged
those who stood speechless, gazing up toward heaven, to get moving, to get to
work, to believe and know that Christ would be with them through a different
kind of power they had never before experienced. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The message is the same for us. <i>The living
Jesus comes to us in the same way</i> – it is present wherever the church pours
itself out for others. This is our call to follow the Lord of all. May we each
be empowered through open minds and enlightened hearts to follow our Lord Jesus
with hands and feet, hearts and minds, all devoted to embodying his love for
the world. Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-vXnklikFY/YM6ApLNN5UI/AAAAAAAA2NM/5_aQl7-XGV0EJhyDcBnAeetL3Og8kbO0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Christ%2Bhas%2Bno%2Bbody%2Bon%2Bearth%2Bnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-vXnklikFY/YM6ApLNN5UI/AAAAAAAA2NM/5_aQl7-XGV0EJhyDcBnAeetL3Og8kbO0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Christ%2Bhas%2Bno%2Bbody%2Bon%2Bearth%2Bnow.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-19588878574229748422021-06-19T19:31:00.000-04:002021-06-19T19:31:03.604-04:00A Different Kind of Love (John 15:9-17, Easter 6 2021)
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">A Different Kind of Love</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">There
are so many sayings and platitudes about love circulating in the atmosphere,
and we have been hearing them our entire lives. So, for better or worse, what
are some of the best – and worst – clichés about love that you have heard? Here
are some I came up with:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">It’s better to have loved and lost than never to
have loved at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">All you need is love!</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love makes the world go round.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Absence makes the heart grow fonder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love comes when you least expect it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love is blind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love means never having to say you’re sorry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love is tender love is true.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love is kind. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">All is fair in love and war. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love conquers all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Love is not love till you give it away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Most
of these clichés come to us straight from our cultural library – movies, books,
poetry, songs, and the like. Some make us roll our eyes, and others make us
want to scream. Still others, or perhaps the collection of them together, have
integrated themselves deeply into our psyche, no matter how hard we have tried
to resist. After all, “love hurts”, right?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Some
of us in fact resist relational “love” because of the potential pain of loving
and losing, or because of the way previous experiences of “love” that was not
love at all has nearly undone us. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Our
experiences of “love” can be wonderful, and they can be incredibly,
insidiously, painful – because we are imperfect creatures who oftentimes give
and receive love imperfectly. Perhaps you have been hurt by love that was selfish,
abusive, manipulative, marked by infidelity and betrayal, or unlasting. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Perhaps
you have been blessed with love that is enduring, all-encompassing, mutually
supportive and mature. Maybe you have experienced enough of both, to know the
difference. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">There
is perhaps no concept, topic or word we talk about here in the church more than
“love.” It has certainly been a strong theme in the Scriptures we have read in
the past several weeks. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7bu8SlPp20/YM59dstH4_I/AAAAAAAA2M8/1A2_udIQb0A3A7p6dw_5AUIdOZqEwblgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/love_one_another_.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7bu8SlPp20/YM59dstH4_I/AAAAAAAA2M8/1A2_udIQb0A3A7p6dw_5AUIdOZqEwblgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/love_one_another_.webp" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">All
<i>this </i>talk about love is appropriate because, as John tells us, <i>God is
love</i>, and as Jesus commands us, <i>we are to love one another as he has
loved us. </i>Further, in today’s Gospel we hear again that word that describes
something that is deeply steeped within us, that defines us, that dwells within
us to the core when Jesus says, “abide in my love.”</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Jesus
ties the Old Testament law with the New Testament truth and light when he says,
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my
Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aldhabi;">Jesus
makes it clear that this commandment and this love are not optional for his
followers. Love is the <i>fundamental characteristic, behavior, and commitment
that defines his disciples</i>, and Jesus has set the tone for this kind of
self-giving love throughout his life, and certainly, in his death. In fact, he
states, “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s
friends.” Jesus is our greatest love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus doesn’t give his disciples (or us) the easy “out” of
doing nice things with clenched teeth and resentful hearts. God
doesn’t intend for us to perform actions as hollow as a “loving” act performed
lovelessly. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rather, when Jesus says, “Love as I have loved you,” – he
means it – and the grammatical construction of the Greek is indicative not of
an action that is once and done, or in the past, but action that, begun in the
past, is ongoing now, and infinitely into the future.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Jesus says, “Love as I have love you,” Jesus is
speaking of real, authentic, honest, beautiful, generous love-in-action. And as
we learned last week, this is possible only when we remain integrally connected
to God the Father and to Jesus Christ our Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus speaks of true compassion, concern, and care for
another that is soul-deep and ongoing, is made evident in behaviors and actions,
thoughts and prayers, commitment and service, all enlivened and shaped by his love.
It may sometimes feel too hard, perhaps even impossible to carry out that kind
of love at times. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_7tIJicZKI/YM58Z0u82qI/AAAAAAAA2Mo/ok12lhJAuukl1YfV_4iC7Vc1gNd9Dl5IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s254/john15.9-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_7tIJicZKI/YM58Z0u82qI/AAAAAAAA2Mo/ok12lhJAuukl1YfV_4iC7Vc1gNd9Dl5IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/john15.9-17.jpg" /></a></div>But just imagine what the world – what our community – what
our church, our families, our schools or workplaces ,and neighborhoods would
look like, if we took this commandment seriously and were obedient to Jesus’
intention for us. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How would we have to change? What could Christendom look
like if we obeyed orders and cultivated this “impossible” love?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are places and spaces where these questions might be
easy to answer – or so we might think. But there are definitely places in our
lives and in our world, where the answers seem few and difficult to conjure,
and even more difficult to live out. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just coming out of such a long period of pandemic, many of
us are exhausted and unsure of best practices. Some of us are still extremely
cautious and not entirely confident we can trust the experts who have
frequently changed course in recommendations while dealing with the new,
unknown, and insidious thread of COVID 19. Patience, compassion, honest
engagement and love are needed. Let Jesus guide us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Manipulation of information and the scourge of intentional
misinformation has underscored the vast divide in values and ideology present
in our society. They have succeeded in their malevolent intent of further
dividing us. Let Jesus bind us together. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In this era of heightened anxiety, the reality that the
effects of racism, which have abated and been mitigated in some places, are
hardly conquered, and in fact still shape the everyday lives of our black and
brown and Asian and Native Indian and Latinx siblings in heinous ways and
heartbreaking acts. Love calls us to truly invest ourselves in the loving acts
of understanding, and changing behaviors we have, for centuries, denied as real.
May Jesus heal us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are shaped by Jesus’ command, “abide in my love.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the face of so much pain, isolation,
and death as we have seen this year, God’s love and Jesus’ abiding presence and
insistence on defining love dwelling within us, authentically defining us, and
shaping our lives is pure gift and grace. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is that love and that presence, that
find their home in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus the Christ. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus has loved us with a power that is
so strong, it seeps into our very being and makes “abiding in his love”
possible. Through the Holy Spirit, we are given everything we need to truly,
authentically, fully love because we know love, real, life-changing love that
the cultural clichés cannot and do not define. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are again reminded that the love God
has for us is so strong that indeed he sent Jesus into the world to conquer sin
and death and lead us to life everlasting – life that is shaped and defined by
holy love. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Christians and disciples of Christ, we cannot simply
treat Jesus as a role model. We don’t just emulating his love. In
the vine-and-branches metaphor of last week, Jesus’s love is not our example;
it’s our <i>source. </i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is where our love originates and deepens. It is
where our love is replenished. To love as Jesus commands us to love, is
different from the culturally-defined, worldly love of culture – rather, it is
to abide in him, and to welcome his divine presence and love within our own
hearts; then and only then can the fruit of our love mirror of his most
abundant and inexhaustible love there is. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL12lTLR9dc/YM58fS4kL-I/AAAAAAAA2Ms/6NNtf7NcpjcZbqPY1Y-iezN4CBf3iEjXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/john15_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL12lTLR9dc/YM58fS4kL-I/AAAAAAAA2Ms/6NNtf7NcpjcZbqPY1Y-iezN4CBf3iEjXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/john15_13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John tells us in our earlier reading
today that the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments which are not
burdensome, but life-giving. Jesus calls us friends, because he has made known
to us the true quality of this godly love, choosing us to bear fruit in that
love. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Candara",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Therefore, Siblings in Christ, may we
love with Christ-like love, and live in love that changes the world with
fruitful goodness and peace. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
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Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-80036548429739315862021-06-01T09:57:00.002-04:002021-06-01T09:57:27.359-04:00Vines, Vineyards, and Love<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Easter 5 2021 – 1 John 4:7-21 & John 15:1-8</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdInTsttm08/YLY7yVdsidI/AAAAAAAA1rU/wMJkcpS8N_szZJnn7isrpJIj4DBYn2hVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s612/jesus%2Bthe%2Bvine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="612" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdInTsttm08/YLY7yVdsidI/AAAAAAAA1rU/wMJkcpS8N_szZJnn7isrpJIj4DBYn2hVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/jesus%2Bthe%2Bvine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Gospel of John is
incredibly beautiful, and its Christology is clear; John himself reports that
the reason for his writing this gospel and using the stories within it, are so
that by hearing them you may come to believe, to know, without a doubt, that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Messiah, the one sent in love by God to save
the world through that self-same love and abiding presence. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still, John’s gospel
is sometimes a lot. It’s a lot to take in, a lot to understand, it contains a
lot of theological weaving and knitting together of thoughts and ideas all
intended to lead us to, and to guide our faith in, the true identity of Jesus
Christ. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The reason we hear so much from John in this
Easter season, is the same - so that we may fully believe in the Christ as we
prepare for the Spirit’s coming and <i>sending us out</i> to proclaim the Good
News on Pentecost. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today we heard twice
from John – certainly in this beloved gospel, with imagery offered to the
believers and lovers of Jesus, emphasizing their need always to be fully
connected to the vine. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But this morning, we
also heard in the first reading, from the letter entitled 1 John, the necessity
for love to shape and define our actions and interactions. The connection
between these two concepts – abiding and loving are deep – they instruct us as
Christians, in how to live and move and be in the world as his branches, his beloved
followers and lovers, and that is what I want us to focus on today. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We hear in this gospel
talk of fruit and branches and pruning and abiding. Finally, at the end of the
passage today, we read,<i> <sup>7</sup>If you abide in me, and my words abide
in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. <sup>8</sup>My
Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, in our childlike rendering of this
passage, what we hold on to is, “ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done
for you.” This leads us to models of prayer that are not actually what Jesus
intends when he stresses the importance of prayer or models prayer in his own
life. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God is not the genie-in-the bottle which we
rub, and he suddenly appears and grants us our wishes. Our relationship with
God through Jesus Christ is the essential connection that this passage points
to and that we often miss. The prayers we pray are on behalf of the world; on
behalf of God’s creation; in support of God’s agenda and our part in it. The
prayers we pray create pathways of connectivity to God through which we are fed
and nourished and transformed so that we might continue in the world, living
lives that are increasingly reflective of branches that are integrally
connected to and dependent on the vine. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Note that in this text, what we see is a
conditional clause – the bible uses those a lot – statements that offer
concepts or instructions which cannot be understood apart from what comes
before them. This conditional clause offers a fuller, more mature understanding
to the promise of answered prayer. So, we might – and should – ask, what does
Jesus mean here? What is the condition and what is the promise?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“If you abide in me and my words abide in you…”
</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7gUW3vegyg/YLY8C47QPhI/AAAAAAAA1rg/ZqJ1CykYM50NrCYarD_IamL2cTz615uOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s299/Christ_the_True_Vine_icon_%2528Athens%252C_16th_century%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7gUW3vegyg/YLY8C47QPhI/AAAAAAAA1rg/ZqJ1CykYM50NrCYarD_IamL2cTz615uOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Christ_the_True_Vine_icon_%2528Athens%252C_16th_century%2529.jpg" /></a></div>Here we have the condition, I<u>f</u><i> you
abide in me, </i>of course, <u>then the promise:</u><i> ask for whatever you
wish, and it will be done for you. </i>In other words, abiding is essential,
but since we don’t commonly use this word, we might ask what does this mean? What
does it look like? What does it mean for our everyday lives as we traverse our
world today? <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The answer to these questions is connected to
what comes before this text in the gospel of John, and it is connected as well
to the first reading today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the thirteenth chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus
shares the Last Supper with the disciples. He washes their feet, instructing
them live in humble service to others, in his name. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Following that, Jesus gives what he refers to
as “a new commandment.” <i>Just as I have loved you,</i> he says, <i>you also
should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”</i>.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A little further on, at the beginning of
chapter 14, Jesus promises an eternal place in his Father’s house, where he
will take all those who believe in him when he comes again, declaring that he
is the way, the truth and the life who leads the way to the Father. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In John 13:15 he says,<u> <i>If</i></u><i>
you love me, <u>you will keep</u> my commandments. And I will ask my Father and
he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. </i>A promise is
made: <i><u>those who love me will keep my word</u>, and my Father will love
them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is then that Jesus uses the metaphor of
vine, vinekeeper, and branches. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As Jesus continually draws the undeniable,
inviolable connection between abiding in his love, keeping his commandments,
and remaining integrally connected in and to him, he helped those who were
intimately aware of the world of vineyards and vine-keeping to understand the
reliance of those he would soon be leaving in the world to abide in him, in his
teachings, in his word. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus states that the <i>ruler of the world </i>–
the evil one, that is – <i>is coming. He has no power over me; </i>Jesus
declares,<i> but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may
know that I love the Father. </i>It is only through abiding in Jesus, being
connected to him firmly and completely as branches are connected to the vine that
we too can resist and defeat the evil one, that we too can show others the way
to the Father. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The letter from John from which our first
reading was taken is further support and reminder of these teachings; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So essential are they not only in the life of
the believer but in the community formed to live for Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">7</span></sup><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Beloved,</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> the
Evangelist writes, <i>let us love one another, because love is from God;
everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. <sup>8</sup>Whoever does not
love does not know God, for God is love. <sup>9</sup>God’s love was revealed
among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might
live through him. <sup>10</sup>In this is love, not that we loved God but that
he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. <sup>11</sup>Beloved,
since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.</i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We know that when words, topics, and concepts
are repeated in the Bible it is because they are essential. What theme is more
revisited than the love of God? Yet, the Evangelist points out,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>No one has ever seen God; </i>rather,<i>
if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then we are told, <sup>15</sup><i>God abides
in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. <sup>16</sup>So
we have known and believe the love that God has for us. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus reminds us that this love comes first
from God. We are able to share it only because we have received it – and we
pass it on so that others can know the joy of knowing, loving, and living in
Christ. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We know that the love described, illustrated,
and commanded in the Scriptures is not simply describing a particular type of
emotional attachment – in fact this love has little to do with emotional or
physical attachment or intimacy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rather, the love that is named and appears
throughout the Bible is lived in and through Jesus, is a verb – it is an action
word, which cannot be known – anywhere or by anyone – without generous, caring,
compassionate, grace-filled, powerful action. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Abiding in Jesus is living out the love he
gives us and the life he prepares us for through behaviors, attitudes, words, actions
and the like – behaviors that support life and ensure good lives for every
person, remembering that each is created in God’s image and therefore whatever
is done to one of God’s creatures is done to and for Godself. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In John 15:12 Jesus states, <i>This is my
commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater
love thank this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends
if you do what I command you. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6WyoiKgcgo/YLY7lGIUDpI/AAAAAAAA1rI/2e57veGpoKci--vKca9rzGOwGrtUWj65ACLcBGAsYHQ/s221/vine2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6WyoiKgcgo/YLY7lGIUDpI/AAAAAAAA1rI/2e57veGpoKci--vKca9rzGOwGrtUWj65ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/vine2.gif" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus leaves no doubt – to love is to be a
life-giving force in the world. To be a life-giving force in the world is to care
for the least, the last, the lost, the little, and the lifeless.<br /><br /> <span> </span><span> </span>To abide in
love is to remain connected to the vine, living as Jesus lived, loving as Jesus
loved, never checking a person’s credentials to determine their worthiness, but
relying on God’s never-ending love to determine it.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As Jesus has saved us through his love, he
equips us for loving as well. As Jesus showed us, loving isn’t always easy, it
is not “safe” and it is sometimes complex. But it is also so wonderful, so
awesome and awe-inspiring, and is a precious gift, meant to be shared. God help
us to love, as you love; to abide in you always, and to give ourselves away in
your grace. Amen.</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><p></p>Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-19933024089543342842021-04-25T16:13:00.006-04:002021-04-25T16:13:36.649-04:00What Kind of Sheep are You? Sermon for April 25, 2021 - Good Shepherd Sunday<p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<![endif]--><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JerYVqGf3DM/YIXLa2MCj0I/AAAAAAAA0-8/xqgSWN3bJBw0hOkzALU7s1iR7w_lKMCNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s820/Sheep%2BDolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="615" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JerYVqGf3DM/YIXLa2MCj0I/AAAAAAAA0-8/xqgSWN3bJBw0hOkzALU7s1iR7w_lKMCNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Sheep%2BDolly.jpg" /></a>John 10:11-18 Easter 4, 2021</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Christ is risen, Alleluia! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With our
rallying cry at the beginning of worship we remind ourselves and each other
that we are still, indeed, in the midst of the Easter season, and that this is
cause for jubilation. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i>Jesus is risen from the dead!
Easter joy and Easter life abound. </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">While Easter tells of the miracle
we can neither fully explain nor fully appreciate, celebrate it we do, not only
this season but throughout the year in worship, as we celebrate each Sunday as
a little Easter, celebrating in the Eucharist the resurrection hope and the new
life that come to us through Jesus.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Imagine it is first century
Palestine in that first “Easter season,” however. The women have seen the empty
tomb, and some have heard the report of angels. A few of the disciples have
also gone to check out the burial-site and found it to be as the women
reported; not only the body of their friend and master gone, but his grave clothes
neatly folded on the place where the battered, bruised, dead body of our Lord had
been lain following the crucifixion. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, there
are the post-resurrection visits by Jesus. In the first, (not counting the
“gardener” who appears to Mary Magdalene in John’s tomb-side report), on the
very night of the discovery of Jesus’ missing body, the comforting words of
Jesus, “Peace be with you.” Again later, a week later in fact, when the
confounded Thomas <i>sees and believes</i> in the risen Lord, he blurts out the
greatest refrain of faith in Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back in the
21<sup>st</sup> century now, here we are. We have just about another month to
dwell in this liturgical Easter season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
song and prayers of the church continue to reflect our Easter wonderment and
Easter joy, and we continue to dwell in the immediacy of resurrection hope.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Yet, our church life was never meant
to separate us from our lives as citizens of the world, neighbors who absorb
the uncertainty, pain, and upheaval of our creation and society. Rather, the
faith we have received, and which is fed through worship, with the reading and
proclamation of the Good News week after week, prepares us to live in the
world, sharing the mercy and love of God with our neighbors and witnessing to
the new life that comes through Jesus. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxQ2a08-gPM/YIXJ-VEYomI/AAAAAAAA0-w/7zqLZ8s-jy0ohUc928QhyfMvIHD0BWA4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/good-shepherd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxQ2a08-gPM/YIXJ-VEYomI/AAAAAAAA0-w/7zqLZ8s-jy0ohUc928QhyfMvIHD0BWA4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w229-h320/good-shepherd.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The Good Shepherd whom we celebrate
today in our Scripture experienced and acknowledged the brokenness of the world
and strove to both point out that brokenness and to charge his followers to be
leaders in the world, working to ease suffering, being intentional in our care
for the poor and outcast, and witnessing to the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>peace and hope that only Jesus can give. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus the
Good Shepherd is one of our favorite images for Christ. But I wonder if the <i>reality
</i>of Jesus as shepherd isn’t subsumed by artwork and imagery that imagines
the <i>iconic </i>Jesus rather than the <i>real flesh-and-bones Jesus</i>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First of
all, look at the images we have for Jesus the good shepherd – a scrubbed-clean,
handsome young man with trimmed hair and beard, holding in one arm a pure-white
placid little lamb and in the other a shepherd’s staff; in this image Jesus
himself is dressed in a clean white tunic and robe. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Really?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let’s get
real for a moment. We live in Lancaster county, after all; have you ever <i>seen</i>
sheep that look as scrubbed and clean as the sheep in our images related to
this text? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibRIGAQ2lxk/YIXMBPTZlII/AAAAAAAA0_M/6RoN7ZsI2Ew6IDENgQGtp4UBDJ5ZY5-yACLcBGAsYHQ/s630/sheep.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="630" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibRIGAQ2lxk/YIXMBPTZlII/AAAAAAAA0_M/6RoN7ZsI2Ew6IDENgQGtp4UBDJ5ZY5-yACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sheep.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Have you ever been close to any
sheep or lambs around here or anyplace else? The annual Farm Show doesn’t count
– you know <i>those </i>animals have been washed and prepped for show. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you have
gotten close, then I suspect you know what I am referring to: sheep are smelly.
Lambs are cute and all, but they are messy. Touch them and you will find their
fleece oily – part of the reason for the stink that emanates from them. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Shepherds in Jesus’ time slept out
in the field with their flock. There was no outdoor plumbing. It was a rough
life. It was dirty work. You didn’t get to go home at the end of the day and
take a long hot shower. So, the images that we carry and that we cling to may
not be realistic and may in fact <i>keep us from understanding</i> the
Jesus-as-Good Shepherd texts as Jesus intended them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">So, let’s look at the context. In
the Gospel of John, what precedes this text is a story of healing that Jesus
performs on the Sabbath, enraging the religious elite. Jesus gave sight to a
man blind from birth and rather than rejoice in the man’s healing and new life,
the religious authorities condemn Jesus for his actions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The Good Shepherd passage that we
have today is part of a longer passage that is divided up and rotated in its annual
sharing on the 4<sup>th</sup> Sunday of Easter, or Good Shepherd Sunday each
year. In the previous section, heard last year, Jesus contrasted the shepherd
with thieves and bandits; then in the section we just read Jesus compares the
good shepherd and the hired hand. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The emphasis is in the level of
commitment and the motivation between the two; A hired hand isn’t committed
enough to risk his or her life for the flock – many will disappear at the first
sign of personal danger. They don’t work out of love for the sheep, but for pay.
They are in it for themselves, for their own survival, for their own gain you
might say. They have little genuine concern for the lives of those entrusted to
their care. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We have all probably encountered
people like them before; people in it for the paycheck – people who demonstrate
little true dedication or concern for their work, or for those in their care,
or for the welfare of the organization, group, or institution for which they
work. You may have encountered people who demonstrated little work ethic or
integrity, because it just didn’t matter much to them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">There are those who have meaningful
and worthwhile work to do, but they do it for their own glory, sense of self-importance
or gain; they care little for those entrusted to their care other than as means
to an end. The world is filled with this kind of “hired hand.” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">They are motivated by self-interest.
In our world today – both people and institutions with legitimate and important
roles may seem to have little to no regard for those they are called to serve. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K1AvffX8X0/YIXLY1rRzUI/AAAAAAAA0-4/6bb763NlsEg368ZAhsX9w_sU8i8fkQCYACLcBGAsYHQ/s254/shepherd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K1AvffX8X0/YIXLY1rRzUI/AAAAAAAA0-4/6bb763NlsEg368ZAhsX9w_sU8i8fkQCYACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/shepherd.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Then, there is Jesus. And make no
mistake about it, Jesus is the <i>Good</i> Shepherd. He will give his life for
the sake of his sheep.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The point is, this metaphor goes
deeper and means more than we have ever given it credit for. We have made
Jesus’ clothes milky white and his image picture-perfect. We are often offended
at artwork that depicts a Jesus that is dark, dirty, scarred, and
gruff-looking. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">It is hard for us to face and
embrace the bold, gritty, tenacious Jesus who aligns more closely to the more
realistic picture of shepherd. This Savior of ours is self-sacrificing, and
tends to hang out more in the wild, untamed, impolite, dirty, and difficult
places in the world. He continually seeks out the sinner, the hurting, self-destructive
ones.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I saw a video this week that
depicted the kind of sheep Jesus looks out for: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The video shows a sheep that has
apparently fallen head-first into a narrow crevasse. Its plump body has become
lodged and for the first minute or minutes and a half of filming all you see
are it’s back legs and hind end as its savior pulls and yanks and tries with
all his might to loosen the wiggling, objecting animal. Finally, after a great
deal of pulling and twisting and working at the stuck sheep, he manages to loosen
it and then free it from the crevasse. All is well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Syk_0ysKoLY/YIXLmLQq_8I/AAAAAAAA0_A/jOhG2Sav_v0lQxUZsrjzFd3mgp1jRH9PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s982/Sheep%2BTrench.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="982" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Syk_0ysKoLY/YIXLmLQq_8I/AAAAAAAA0_A/jOhG2Sav_v0lQxUZsrjzFd3mgp1jRH9PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Sheep%2BTrench.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Except that the moment he lets go
of the sheep, it flees, runs up a short incline, and then leaping, ends up right
back in the crevasse, stuck once again. The caption reads, “When Jesus left the
99 to rescue the 1 and the 1 was me.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">As we celebrate Easter we consider
the story of the Good Shepherd. The one who did not self-serve, stay clean and
safe, abiding always in peace, carrying docile sheep cradled in his arms. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Rather, in Easter we celebrate the
sacrificial love embodied by God who became muddied and bloodied to save the
foolish, obstinate sheep who cannot keep themselves out of trouble, but leap
back into the fray as soon as we are freed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJGe5GegLik/YIXMbBIswUI/AAAAAAAA0_U/RiXUQ3Eo9vEontNqyU4eOJiSryg4Qk2wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s314/shepherd%2Bsavior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJGe5GegLik/YIXMbBIswUI/AAAAAAAA0_U/RiXUQ3Eo9vEontNqyU4eOJiSryg4Qk2wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/shepherd%2Bsavior.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">This is the Good Shepherd loved and
sent by the Father to claim, rescue, revive, and restore life to the cosmos and
all who live within it. This Shepherd continues to work in the world because
Easter is ongoing – it is not a once-and-done. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The Good Shepherd promises peace
and presence and protection to those in his care, and he never ever gives up on
them. He never runs away. He never truly gets those garments gleaming white,
because he <i>does</i> carry us, even when we are stinking, and struggling, and
wiggling, and fiercely fighting to jump back into the crevasse.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">This is the real shepherd. This is
the Son of God sent to be the savior of the world. This is the Shepherd that for
my life and your life did die and rise again. This is the savior and Lord of
Life that will remove any barrier, heal every wound, and overcome any obstacle
to keep you and claim you, all for the sake of love that is so deep and so wide
and so high we cannot even imagine it. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">This is Jesus.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Our savior.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Our shepherd. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Our king. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> </p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-69463086416712856892021-04-18T22:14:00.001-04:002021-04-18T22:14:38.790-04:00What is the Truth We Can('t) Handle? Easter 3 April 18, 2021<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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<p>Christ is risen, Alleluia! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! Amen.</p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even if you never saw the
movie, “A Few Good Men” you may be familiar with the contents of one, pivotal
scene. It is a courtroom scene between a military lawyer played by Tom Cruise,
and a tough military officer played by Jack Nicholson. If you know anything
about those two actors, you can imagine the intensity of the scene. </p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6U482hNfmw/YHzj7MP6LDI/AAAAAAAA0zo/778lY7r59-Mh61bT9pYLVkIBZpE-wlcxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s642/Cruise%2Band%2BNicholson%2BA%2BFew%2BGood%2BMen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="642" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6U482hNfmw/YHzj7MP6LDI/AAAAAAAA0zo/778lY7r59-Mh61bT9pYLVkIBZpE-wlcxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cruise%2Band%2BNicholson%2BA%2BFew%2BGood%2BMen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the climax of a
difficult and dramatic cross-examination scene and of the movie, Cruise’s
character shouts at the Nicholson the witness, “I WANT THE TRUTH!” to which
tough-guy Nicholson shouts in response, “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”<p></p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Without all the shouting
but with equal intensity, the gospel today reflects Luke’s report of the events
of the <i>evening of t<br /><br />he resurrection and the disciples’ experiences of that
day</i>. Early that day the women among them had visited the tomb and reported
back to the rest what they had found – an empty tomb but for the presence of
angels who reminded them that these events were just what Jesus had predicted;
then the other disciples went to see for themselves, and saw only the empty
tomb; then two of the disciples met Jesus on the road to Emmaus, recognizing
him only when we sat and broke bread with them. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As they sat together
sharing the details of all these events and discussing what they might mean, Jesus
came and stood among them. As the evangelist John reported in his writing of
the events of Easter night, the first words Jesus speaks are, “Peace be with
you.” </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In their conversations, the
disciples were after the truth, yet it was a truth they, too, could not yet
handle. “While in their joy they were still disbelieving and still wondering”
what all this could possibly mean, Luke reports. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rather than shout at them, THIS
IS THE TRUTH YOU CANNOT YET HANDLE” Jesus shows them what they need to see in order
to believe their very eyes and the reality that Jesus is indeed risen and he is
right here with them. </p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSVlsQ7m0l0/YHzm1s3RzkI/AAAAAAAA0z0/OrrV5dCJ5x0qxwvWKbb6O3f6D5R4Llq6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s306/tissot-the-communion-of-the-apostles-751x523.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSVlsQ7m0l0/YHzm1s3RzkI/AAAAAAAA0z0/OrrV5dCJ5x0qxwvWKbb6O3f6D5R4Llq6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tissot-the-communion-of-the-apostles-751x523.webp" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In order to dispel the
thoughts that might be circling in their minds or later charges that might be
tossed their way, Jesus acts to prove that it is truly a resurrected body and
not a ghost or a vision that they are experiencing – he invites them to touch
him, to see that what stands before them is flesh and bone – not something a
ghost can conjure up. Then he eats real physical food, the same kind of meal he
has shared with them countless times before – again, physical evidence of a
presence that is not simply ghost or spirit, but real.<p></p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once the disciples can
accept who is in their presence and can absorb what he is telling them, Jesus
opens their minds to understand what they could not understand before. They
want the truth. They want understanding. Previously, they could not handle the
truth. They could not accept the reality of what Jesus being Messiah truly
meant and what God had done among them to produce faith. “You are witnesses of
these things,” Jesus tells the disciples. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Through the power of Jesus’
revelation to them, the disciples could finally see who Jesus was and
appreciate what his presence among them meant. Jesus was equipping them to be
witnesses to people in far-flung places and from diverse backgrounds, people
who would be filled with fear and longing and doubt. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The disciples would be able
to connect with the people they were being sent to because they themselves had
experienced fear and doubt and longing. But because they had seen the Lord,
because Jesus had revealed all these truths to them, because Jesus had opened
their minds and equipped them for the testimony and teaching, they would be
able to testify to the power of God among them, the healing God sends through
Jesus, and the divine power present in our Lord and Savior. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today we live in a world
filled with skepticism. We are people of faith. We know who Jesus is. We
believe that God has saved us from the power of sin and death through the
incarnation of Jesus and his death on a cross and his resurrection. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yet, despite our faith, our
trust, and our “knowing,” don’t we sometimes fear and doubt and wonder at the
workings of God? If this were not true, there is not a scene we could behold or
an experience we would encounter in life in which we would fail to be able to <i>see
and witness</i> to the presence and activity of God in our world. Yet, so often
the question, “Where have you seen God’s presence this week – month – whenever”
is met with the silence of fear, uncertainty, unknowing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpg08EjL_VI/YHzm-t074NI/AAAAAAAA0z4/hhbaK9cr8Kwjs1KlRw8yVvMT0Wcrn8KNACLcBGAsYHQ/s312/luke%2B24.36b-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpg08EjL_VI/YHzm-t074NI/AAAAAAAA0z4/hhbaK9cr8Kwjs1KlRw8yVvMT0Wcrn8KNACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/luke%2B24.36b-48.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Doubt is what happens when
the brokenness of the world and the finitude of our lives takes hold and
challenges us in ways that seem beyond our ability to hold them in tension with
God’s presence. When we can’t understand God’s actions, or understand the
vulnerability we contend with in life, it is only natural to doubt. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are part of a world in
which skepticism regard<br /><br /><br />ing religion, politics, medicine, how to apply
biomedical advances, vaccine science, climate science, moral values, ethics,
the biology of sexuality and identity, economic equality, basic human rights
and more is rampant. As a result, we seek community that <i>helps us believe in
something more</i> – something sacred – something meaningful, and lasting, and
ultimately truthful. </p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In our minds, we too might
shout, ”WE WANT THE TRUTH!” The question is, can we handle the truth? Can we
hold the tension of uncertainty co-existing with faith deep inside and absorb
what Jesus has revealed to be true?</p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Easter season is all
about celebrating God’s “something more” – the truth to the ultimate grace and
mercy that God has made available to us through Jesus. That truth is—</p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God’s love for us is displayed for the world
through Jesus’ victorious resurrection from the dead.</p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Jesus is the glorious first-fruits of God’s
promised redemptive acts for the good of the world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNuOK07DYuQ/YHzjlv6wauI/AAAAAAAA0zc/aTdrwdBR1oYg7yrHANjVm7AVOq_GFoPyACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/Jesus%2BFirst%2BFruits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="850" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNuOK07DYuQ/YHzjlv6wauI/AAAAAAAA0zc/aTdrwdBR1oYg7yrHANjVm7AVOq_GFoPyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jesus%2BFirst%2BFruits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The resurrection of Jesus and all the events
that followed hold deep relevancy for us, for our lives of faith, and for our
salvation.</p>
<p style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .25in;">As vulnerable, mortal human
beings, what happened on Easter is the triumph of love in the midst of
suffering, and is the reason for hope. </p>
<p style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .25in;">We need the good news that comes
to us from the Easter story that is more than story, but is, rather, our Easter
truth. This is the truth we struggle to understand, the truth we cling to
nonetheless. It is this story that illustrates to us how - </p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God’s love is stronger than death;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God’s love has triumphed over sin and the grave;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God triumphed in Jesus’ death and resurrection, giving
us hope that is real and hope that will not be disappointed;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We can believe that God will triumph as well
over <i>our</i> sin, <i>our</i> pain, <i>our</i> suffering, <i>our</i> failures,
and <i>our </i>death.</p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in;">God can and will <i>triumph in us.</i></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in;">Christ is risen, alleluia! He is risen indeed,
alleluia!</p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">The same God who raised Jesus from
the dead will give life to our mortal bodies and sin-broken souls, will equip
us for witnessing to his love, his presence, and his activity in the world. </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><i>God can and will triumph in us.</i></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">This truth – the truth for which
we may not have been prepared, the truth that <i>without the advocate working
within us we cannot </i>handle – is transformative. It carries us as it carried
the disciples from fear and doubt and wonder to realization, faith, and trust. </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">This transformation moves us from
hesitation and reservation to acceptance and embrace; it makes us no longer simply
frightened human beings, but rather, joyful witnesses to the love of God in
Jesus Christ, and his mercy and grace for which we give thanks today.</p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">The TRUTH is that the resurrection
promise comes to us as Jesus himself comes, giving us hope for healing, hope
for ultimate peace and joy, hope in the presence of the risen Lord who bears
bodily scars and brokenness but transcends the mortality and death we so fear. </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">Because Jesus lives, because he
indeed is present with us as we gather today, because he has breathed on us in
baptism and blessed us in communion with one another and with him, we who
suffer from pain, disease, struggling minds, diseased bodies, endless grief,
and broken spirits immeasurable and deep, we are the glad recipients of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hope the truth gives us, which is life-giving
and equally transformative. </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">It changes everything. Because now
there is more to our story and that “more” conquers the mortal reality with the
divine.</p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">Perhaps it is understandable that
we question the physical resurrection. Even Christians who believe in Jesus as
the Son of God wrestle with the reality of the resurrection and prefer to
reduce it to a spiritual or psychological experience they can better understand.
After all, the resurrection is not logical; it doesn’t make “sense” as the
world sees it. </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">But as W. H. Auden writes in his
poem <em>For the Time Being</em>, as the shepherds making their way to
Bethlehem declare, “Nothing can save us that is possible. We who are about to
die demand a miracle.” </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvkOHQvwsyU/YHzjuQALl2I/AAAAAAAA0zg/pSIGOP4iV3MruzNRjPrGX6DLTCEF_KgyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/resurrection%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvkOHQvwsyU/YHzjuQALl2I/AAAAAAAA0zg/pSIGOP4iV3MruzNRjPrGX6DLTCEF_KgyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/resurrection%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>Jesus really is resurrected
because God truly intends to redeem, save, and bless us as we are: physical,
mortal, limited, and vulnerable. Truly - because God love us, desires us, and
has mercy on us just as we are. Truly.<p></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">Thanks be to God. Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-41454045648774349042021-04-18T21:32:00.002-04:002021-04-18T21:32:30.422-04:00Thomas' Awesome Faith - John 20:19-31 - Easter 2 2021<p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">John
20:19-31</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxPIyS3BqNE/YHzbxqrcbyI/AAAAAAAA0y8/18f1Afo_8k4JeGgUxVJCXWJQccsFXsQ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/courtroom%2Bjury%2Bbox.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxPIyS3BqNE/YHzbxqrcbyI/AAAAAAAA0y8/18f1Afo_8k4JeGgUxVJCXWJQccsFXsQ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/courtroom%2Bjury%2Bbox.webp" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Several years ago, I was summoned for
jury duty. It wasn’t the first time I was summoned; it had happened two or
three times before, but always just after I’d made a big move – away from the
jurisdiction of the summoning county or state. Therefore, this was the first
time I actually served. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Despite myself, I became intrigued by
the case itself, and by my duty to try to discern which side of the case would
be able to prove its argument. Who is right, and who is wrong? Who should win,
and who should lose? Within our legal system, of course, one is considered
“innocent until proven guilty,” so in our discernment of any facts, we need to
come to the table like Switzerland – neutral in our opinions of the case. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">In essence, we need to doubt the claims
made by both sides in their opening arguments – until we can see with our own
eyes, hear with our own ears, decide with our own minds through a preponderance
of the evidence, what to believe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today, we have a case like that with
the disciples. The risen Lord Jesus visits them as they sit, huddled in fear,
behind locked doors. Jesus comes through that locked door and stands before his
disciples; he speaks to them; “Peace,” he says; he shows them his hands, his
side, and as they look upon his crucifixion wounds they begin to get excited. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here is Jesus, the one they mourn,
standing before them! He speaks again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has
sent me, so I send you.” And with that, Jesus empowers the disciples by
breathing the Spirit into the them, and then offering up words to commission
them for mission in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Of course, we all know that there is
one discip<br /><br /><br /><br />le, Thomas, who is missing. You can imagine the scene when he
returns. “Thomas, you’ll never believe it!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Our Lord was here! He came and stood
right here, right in this very room! Right in this very spot!” “He spoke! We
saw his wounds! It was truly he!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Of course, this is where “Doubting
Thomas” earns that moniker. For he says in effect, “Sorry guys, you’re right, I
don’t believe you. I <i>can’t</i> believe you. It’s just too fantastical. You
were all just overcome with the heat, with your fear and your worry.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But they insist all the more, “No, no,
it’s true! We swear it, it is true! Truly, we have seen the Lord!” So poor
Thomas tells them that unless he sees Jesus with his own eyes, and unless he
can see the wounds for himself, he just won’t – he just <i>can’t</i> believe.
What Thomas needs is evidence - cold, hard evidence. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For him, without such evidence, the
jury is still out. Without proof beyond a reasonable doubt, Thomas will not
believe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Poor Thomas. I’ve always felt that he
gets the bum rap in the story that is presented in our gospel lesson for today.
Doubting Thomas – whom we often judge as the perfect example of faithlessness –
simply operates the way we all do in life. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">When Jesus first appears before them,
the other disciples are confused and fearful because they doubt the vision
before their very eyes. When we suffer pain and see unnecessary suffering,
doubt often seeps into our minds as well. Isn’t it simply wise to doubt what we
don’t <i>know is true, </i>especially when it <i>seems</i> impossible?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhO0yTzLspE/YHzdHrgd4_I/AAAAAAAA0zQ/wdrzr7SbLPM4BTMafOEZEHUO3tndNmHpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s778/Doubting%2BThomas%2Bicon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="778" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhO0yTzLspE/YHzdHrgd4_I/AAAAAAAA0zQ/wdrzr7SbLPM4BTMafOEZEHUO3tndNmHpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Doubting%2BThomas%2Bicon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">While Thomas gets singled out as the
doubter in the group, it occurs to me that Thomas is not the only one who had
difficulty in these days following the crucifixion. Mary lacked understanding
in her encounter with the risen Christ until he spoke to her, until he called
her by name. When she reported to the disciples that she had seen the risen
Lord Jesus, didn’t they doubt her? <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
in this very account, <u>before</u> they could react at his first appearance,
the one Thomas was absent for, Jesus showed the disciples his hands, his side.
He showed them the evidence; the proof of his identity. Because Jesus knows, he
understands, how hard it is for most of us to believe what we cannot see, what
we cannot experience, what we cannot know for ourselves.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">He knows that the human mind searches
for order: to make sense of things, to understand the world around us, and what
is encountered in these stories is contrary to natural law! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Doubt and wonder are natural responses
to what we cannot understand; it is in our nature to then pick confusing things
apart and assess what we find. It’s the way we are hardwired. After all, our
judgments are important for our survival. We need to discern what is true and
what is false, what things to believe and what things may lead us down the
garden path to the compost heap! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">We love to tangle with a mystery, and to
figure out the answer to most things. Even in our entertainment, we often
gravitate to the books, movies and TV programs that present a mystery to solve,
a puzzle to put together, a story that makes us think and try to find the
answer to some driving question or problem. Faith itself is a mystery of the
heart that the mind wants to resolve. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Last week I quoted St. Anselm, who spoke
of our journey to belief being one of “faith seeking understanding.” Perhaps nothing
describes our faith – our belief – better. We seek the truth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It seems to me, my friends, that while
we traditionally focus on Thomas in this story, <i>it is Jesus,</i> and what <i>Jesus</i>
says and does that the gospel writer John is truly revealing to us here. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">This story centers on <i>Jesus</i> – not
Thomas, <i>because it is Jesus who lives again</i>. It is <i>Jesus who comes
into their midst</i> and blesses the disciples with peace, and it is Jesus who
commissions them for the work they will do. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It is <i>Jesus, our crucified, risen
Lord</i>, who demonstrates in this appearance his abiding presence with those
who believe, and even with those who doubt. And in abiding with them, he
blesses them with peace – peace that the world cannot give. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus blesses them with life. For the
gospel tells us that here, when Jesus visits the disciples in the upper room,
he breathes new life into them and equips them for mission. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Back a couple of chapters in John’
gospel, in the farewell discourses Jesus promised his followers a life shaped
by joy, grounded in his gift of peace, and guided by the work of the Spirit.
And here in this gospel, we see Jesus’ abiding love that even death on the
cross could not destroy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The peace that Jesus offers the
disciples comes from the knowledge that, in spite of all the hurt and harm the
world can and does inflict, God’s compassion and care embodied in Jesus, stands
again in their midst. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">At the heart of this story is that God
makes available just what is needed for faith. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus doesn’t rebuke Thomas, he shows
him the truth. He doesn’t become angry, he invites Thomas to satisfy his need.
He doesn’t limit the grace and mercy he offers to those in that room, he
promises to reveal God’s presence to those in the future who come to belief and
who love him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">This is the way that God works. Knowing
how fragile our comprehension and faith can be, God provides a way for us to
remain and abide in him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">For this reason, Jesus came to live,
die, and to rise again; Jesus came into the world to bring light, to share God’s
revelatory Word, and to bring us to everlasting life. No longer will sin and
doubt define us. Not only is God present in the world, but God meets us in our
need. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Through Jesus God meets us in our doubt
and provides the means of grace – the means of living and believing, even in
the midst of our unbelief. Through the Baptism for which we give thanks today,
and through the holy meal that we share, that grace comes to us to strengthen
our faith, and to nurture us in the way of believing. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">God grants us faith itself in the person
of the Holy Spirit, the breath of life, the advocate who works in us and with
us and for us. And God places us in the midst of community, where we are
nurtured and supported, and can grow into the people God desires us to be. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Throughout the Gospel according to John,
we are met with stories. Here at the end of the text for today, John reveals
why – there is a grand purpose behind these writings, and it is this – “so that
you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that
through believing you may have life in his name.” </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC1GbCD9g-4/YHzdBo7ILaI/AAAAAAAA0zM/rMkxGbFko903r05-nQ210l4KGCkcYP1dACLcBGAsYHQ/s799/Christ%2BShows%2BHimself%2Bto%2BThomas%25E2%2580%259D%2Bby%2BRowan%2BLeCompte%2Band%2BIrene%2BLeCompte%2Bin%2Bthe%2BWashington%2BCathedral%2Bin%2BWashington%252C%2BD.C..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="799" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC1GbCD9g-4/YHzdBo7ILaI/AAAAAAAA0zM/rMkxGbFko903r05-nQ210l4KGCkcYP1dACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Christ%2BShows%2BHimself%2Bto%2BThomas%25E2%2580%259D%2Bby%2BRowan%2BLeCompte%2Band%2BIrene%2BLeCompte%2Bin%2Bthe%2BWashington%2BCathedral%2Bin%2BWashington%252C%2BD.C..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">John is providing us evidence, so that
we might believe in Christ Jesus. No longer should we live in doubt. Instead, may
we live in trust and faith that because Jesus lives, we shall share in the
abundant life he came to bring.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">We don’t know if Thomas actually touched
Jesus’ wounds, or whether he put his hand in Jesus’ side. It seems doubtful
that John would have left such detail out. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">But what follows from Thomas is one of
the strongest claims of faith found in the New Testament, “My Lord and my
God!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With these words, Thomas leaves no
doubt of his judgment of the “evidence.” With these words, Thomas invites us to
believe with him. He invites us to believe and to have faith, so that we may live
always in relationship with God through Christ Jesus. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-69366897713523894922021-04-18T21:12:00.001-04:002021-04-18T21:13:37.743-04:00Mystery in the Dark; Brought to Light - Easter Sunday Sermon 2021 Mark 16<p><br /> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">Easter Sunday 2021 April 4</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">Mark
16:1-8</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christ is
risen, Alleluia! <b>He is risen indeed, Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What a joy
it is to stand and preach before you in person today, after the long drought of
the past months. A year ago, we faced an Easter that did not feel much like
Easter at all. We were still in shock, uncertain how long our pandemic-forced
lock-down would last, but SURE that it couldn’t be all <i>that </i>long. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yet today
we gather for the first time in person since the fall. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And together, we cry out, Christ is
risen, Alleluia! <b>He is risen indeed, Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">For safety, we meet outdoors, with
a plan still forming of how to ease into some semblance of in-person worship
that honors both the safety of our people and our deepest need and desire to
worship in person. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">With many still missing in our
numbers, “normal”, that thing we are craving, is still far away. We may forever
be redefined by the adjective “new,” for our “normal” may look quite different
from what we remember. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last April I
wrote a pastoral letter in which I laid out a plan that, since the liturgical
season of Easter lasts for 50 days, guaranteed that when we again met in
person, we would simply pick up and carry on, celebrating “Easter” on whatever Sunday
during the season that might be. Who knew that we would be <i>where we are</i>
a year later? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Who knew
that over the course of the year, 2.7 million beloveds across the world would be
lost to COVID, more than half a million of those in our own country, and that
the number would still be climbing? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">How could we have pictured the ways
in which communities around the world would experience life as a see-saw as
wave after wave of infections vastly changed families and communities forever? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">How could we have known that right
here in Pennsylvania, while the number of deaths would be falling, which is a
good thing, those infected and those with long-term affects and losses caused
by the virus would still be growing? Who could ever have foreseen it?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Yet here we are, and none of that
can take from us our Easter joy. None of those realities can dampen the thrill
with which we sing to the glory of God, gathered together crying out in joy,
Christ is risen, Alleluia! <b>He is risen indeed! Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The gospel
story we just read from Mark is not the flashiest, nor the “most popular”
telling of the glorious resurrection of Jesus. John’s telling, with its women
excitedly sharing their findings at the tomb, and angels, and ecstatic
disciples racing toward the tomb, and Jesus-as gardener, is usually the favored
version of the first Easter morning, certainly more than the one Mark presents.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And yet, Mark’s telling of the
events of that morning seem perfect for us this year. Mark gives off a stronger
vibe of mystery and even uncertainty, as the women leave the scene silent and
afraid. There must be joy for the women at the news that Jesus is risen, but
what we are told is that as they leave, they are feeling much more fear and
amazement. And who wouldn’t feel that way, given the circumstances?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As we gather today, we pray for the
world that has endured so much fear, terror, and loss – more than we can even
comprehend. We hear the terms COVID-brain and pandemic-distress, and reports on
the mental and emotional-health ramifications of our COVID-reality on
school-children, on isolated seniors, on newly stay-at-home parents, the
workforce, small business owners, medical personnel, first-responders – on most
of us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And yet, nothing can stop our
celebratory shout for an Easter morning when we are reminded that as Christ is
risen from the grave, defeating the powers of death and hell, we have Easter
joy to share because <i>despite the realities I just named, </i>Christ is
risen! <b>He is risen indeed! Alleluia!</b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Some of us may be weary; some of us
may be numb from the events of the past year. Some of us are bewildered – how
can a pandemic go so long uncontrolled when we have the kind of medical
research, technological wizardry and biomedical capabilities as we have today? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Some of us are just sad or
overwhelmed. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But here we are, observing another
Easter, and acknowledging that despite the suffering of the world, despite the
changes in our lives, and the uncertainty of the future, Christ is alive! No
longer dead, no longer laying in the bonds of mortality.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Rather, Christ is risen! <b>He is
risen indeed! Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">For all of the reasons I’ve named
and so many more, perhaps the truth is that Mark’s version of the Gospel, <i>his</i>
telling of the resurrection story is <i>exactly</i> the one that we need to
hear this year, as we gather to celebrate God’s mysterious, wonderful,
incomprehensible, passionate, loving work of redemption. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Up until now, I’ve been urging you
to shout, to claim the truth of Easter Sunday with the acclamation that Christ
is risen! <b>He is risen indeed! Alleluia! </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But rather than shout the refrain
as we always do, perhaps this year, of all years, you would much rather whisper
the words. Perhaps <i>your</i> truth is<u> </u><i>you don’t want to shout, cry
out, without a doubt </i>the resurrection refrain. If you are in a place where
you would much rather tap out the rhythm of the words with your fingers, or
whisper them, or speak them quietly in the silence of your heart, not only is
it okay, it is in perfect keeping with the resurrection story as we have
received it via Mark, today. I can shout enough for you, and me, and all of us.
And I’m sure I have friends here who are more than happy to make a messy,
noisy, joyful noise to the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">For Christ <i>is </i>risen! <b>He
is risen indeed! Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Nothing pleases me more than the
emergence of the blossoms and leaves of countless shrubs and trees each Spring.
Seeds and tiny buds and perennial tubers have lain dormant for a season, many
of them entirely unseen, but late in winter or early in spring, unseen beneath
the frosted lawns and flowerbeds, unbidden along the branches and twigs, life
begins to emerge from seemingly dead places. The beginning of the
transformation is unseen to the naked eye but happens in God’s timing and is
God’s creative work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The stirring, the emerging
awakening, the transition from hibernation to life happens in mystery, hidden
from our eyes. But it happens all around us. In the past couple of weeks, I
have been noticing that hidden life suddenly emerging, and transforming the
world around us day by day as it always does this time of year. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">God works inside us in the same
way. There is life inside us that we cannot see. There is mystery to this life.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">There are times when we are dried
up. When we are lifeless, fragile, unseeing, unable to imagine a future.
Certain of nothing, filled with fear, trembling, and darkness. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But remember that every single
gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus tells us that it happened in total
darkness. It happened in mystery. It happened outside of the comprehension of
anyone, even the disciples – those closest to Jesus in life. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Sometime before dawn on a Sunday
over two thousand hears ago, the great mystery of all time happened <i>in the
dark.</i> In secret. No cameras, no social media accounts, no human eye, no
light, witnessed the event. No human narrative can contain it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_tCfKERW9g/YHzZFpex5OI/AAAAAAAA0y0/djGKDlhQteU-8gikFtbUwxqbbfdeu6ISQCLcBGAsYHQ/s284/Easter%2Bblessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_tCfKERW9g/YHzZFpex5OI/AAAAAAAA0y0/djGKDlhQteU-8gikFtbUwxqbbfdeu6ISQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Easter%2Bblessings.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Despite all that, on this morning
of all mornings, on this day of all days, we <i>declare with confidence</i>,
Christ is risen! <b>He is risen indeed! Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Saint Anselm of Canterbury
described Christian life as “Faith seeking understanding” and on Easter Sunday,
in a year such as the one we are living, perhaps more than at any other time,
this motto of Anselm’s seems to me to make sense and to describe perfectly why
this year perhaps more than any in my lifetime, it is with joy and as much
confidence as I have ever had in my life, that yes, oh yes, Christ is risen! <b>He
is risen indeed! Alleluia!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">While this year has been hard in
many ways, I cannot help but be astonished at the places, the ways, and the
people in whom I have seen God working and moving this year. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The women traveled on foot to the
tomb and along the way, they pondered, “who will roll away the stone, from the
opening to the tomb?” And lo and behold, when they arrived, it had already been
done for them by the power of God. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Throughout this year, one barrier after
another has been overcome – how would be worship? How would we meet our fiscal
responsibilities? How would Zion continue to do mission? How would we feed
people – continue our community meals? What would happen to the renewal process
at Zion, which was really just gaining steam? What would we do about Steps to
Success, since we couldn’t meet? What would happen with worship? How could we
keep people safe? How could we, as a community, maintain connection? Care for
people in their times of loss, illness, or need? There seemed to be so much
darkness surrounding these questions and more, and no light to shine on any of
them. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But I stand here to tell you that
time and time again I saw God answer our questions, pave the way, water the
seeds until they popped through the topsoil, pile up the graveclothes, roll the
stone away from the entrance to the tomb. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Over and over again we have seen
new life emerge where we have least expected it. Mystery has surrounded us. God
has called us. Jesus has redeemed us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Today we shout with joy that Jesus
Christ is risen! <b>He is risen indeed! Alleluia! </b>Because, while we are
still afflicted by the brokenness in the world, by our shortcomings and sin, by
our self-centeredness and blindness, Christ lives. Jesus saves. With his love
and by his resurrection, he transforms us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Today, we have Easter joy. Today,
we are filled with faith. Today, Christ’s peace resides within us. Love
surrounds and fills us – all because of Jesus. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The women left in silence. There
was fear and amazement. They told no one what had happened. Yet. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But the story didn’t depend on what
happened through them in that moment. Because the glorious truth of the
conquered grave and mysterious, victorious, risen Lord ultimately made its way
from their lips to every single corner of the world; to every continent, every
country, and it is still being heard and shared and spread. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Let us too, therefore, honor the
story and share it. The tomb is empty. Death is vanquished. Jesus lives,
because Christ is risen!<b> He is risen indeed! Alleluia! </b>Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-49222112853253980872021-04-17T01:01:00.001-04:002021-04-17T01:01:19.494-04:00Dissonance - Sermon for Palm Sunday, Reflection on Philippians 2:5-11<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNwmxOkChY4/YHpq3huosCI/AAAAAAAA0ug/G-90nseOC9gEbrtVD-NumphrazG7arNmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/palm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNwmxOkChY4/YHpq3huosCI/AAAAAAAA0ug/G-90nseOC9gEbrtVD-NumphrazG7arNmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/palm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Palm Sunday 2021 – Year B –
Reflection on Philippians 2:5-11<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The assigned Epistle for today is
contained in a letter by Paul to the church at Philippi:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let the same mind be in you that was
in Christ Jesus,<br />
<sup>6</sup>who, though he was in the form of God,<br />
did not regard equality with God<br />
as something to be exploited,<br />
<sup>7</sup>but emptied himself,<br />
taking the form of a slave,<br />
being born in human likeness.<br />
And being found in human form,<br />
<sup>8</sup>he humbled himself<br />
and became obedient to the point of death—<br />
even death on a cross.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The cross and humility of which Paul
writes is what we contend with today – a day when, in our worship, we begin
with jubilation and end with sorrow. A day in which we begin with acclamations
and honor due the King of kings, Our Lord, and end with Jesus, our teacher,
friend and savior, dead – his body removed from a symbol of torture and
criminality – and laid in a borrowed tomb. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKvcTk3kD_o/YHprH6iW68I/AAAAAAAA0uo/GcA5U_8z_tYR6iFd-QIxK8JE_fx0Y4I4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s749/triumphal-entry-zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="749" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKvcTk3kD_o/YHprH6iW68I/AAAAAAAA0uo/GcA5U_8z_tYR6iFd-QIxK8JE_fx0Y4I4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/triumphal-entry-zoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Historians tell us that Jesus knew
exactly what he was doing that day, as he rode down the mountain road and
entered the city of Jerusalem through the east gate – at the same time the
Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate entered the city in his own grand
procession through the west gate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pilate symbolized worldly power –
greed for status, wealth, control, and anarchy, surrounded by legions carrying
weapons to maim and kill any who stand in their path. He still does, as these
things are alive and well in the structures of society and culture even today. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus came as the defenseless,
weaponless king, riding on a donkey, whose rule would have nothing to recommend
it but love, humility, long-suffering, and sacrifice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today is full of dissonance, which
represents not only this day but our very lives, as we worship not the gods of
power, wealth, military strength and hatred, but rather, God on a donkey, the
one who died to live, a suffering servant king. We enter Holy Week as Jesus
entered Jerusalem, on a trajectory leading us to Good Friday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In these paradoxes Jesus calls us at
every moment to hold together the truth of God’s love that is experienced in
this counterintuitive reality of ours. We live in a world full of pain,
mystery, and contradiction, but we are claimed by God and given faith that
empowers us, as Fr. Richard Rohr says, “to live in exquisite, terrible humility
before reality.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each
of us has a question before us: will we choose the humble and the real?
Or will we insist on the delusions of empire? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Will
we accompany this Jesus, who rides in on his ridiculous donkey; will we honor
the precarious path he has chosen? Or will our impatience and pessimism
undermine our journey?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul
continues in his letter to the Philippians:<br />
<i><sup>9</sup>Therefore God also highly exalted him<br />
and gave him the name<br />
that is above every name,<br />
<sup>10</sup>so that at the name of Jesus<br />
every knee should bend,<br />
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,<br />
<sup>11</sup>and every tongue should confess<br />
that Jesus Christ is Lord,<br />
to the glory of God the Father.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today
is, as Frederick Buechner reminds us, a day of despair and hope, traveling the
road to Jerusalem together. At the end of the week, it will seem as if it is
the despair that wins out. But stay tuned. Because a week from now, something
will happen that will blow the powers that seem to be drowning all hope, out of
the water. Wait and see. Watch and pray. Welcome to Holy Week. </span></p>
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Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-25529718987218298562021-04-17T00:52:00.001-04:002021-04-17T00:52:13.948-04:00God the Scribbler Jeremiah 31:31-34<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Jeremiah 31:31-34 Lent 5 year B</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCmEhT1Age4/YHpn8jB4W3I/AAAAAAAA0t4/HrqGEnyUHtwCN48eJlTXOkJ82NnAQ8JmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/scribbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCmEhT1Age4/YHpn8jB4W3I/AAAAAAAA0t4/HrqGEnyUHtwCN48eJlTXOkJ82NnAQ8JmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/scribbles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have
you ever had a scribbler in your life? You know the one. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Crayon at the
ready, bright blue lines cross-cross the lovely flocked, cream-colored wall-paper
it took you days to put up after first prepping the walls, carefully measuring
and cutting the paper and then, wetting and applying to the wall, endlessly
brushing it to smooth and remove all wrinkles and bubbles of air. Your pride
and masterpiece. Ruined by lines and curlicues of Mediterranean Blue wax.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
remember the day I found a stack of old family photographs – you know the kind,
treasured even though you couldn’t name half the people in them, but sacred
because in some way they tell the story of generations gone by, irrevocable
stained by permanent marker through the artistic endeavors of a visiting
friend’s child. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did that pen come
from, anyway?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
then of course, the pages of books scribbled through by errant hands, or the
one and only photo we have of my husband at that remarkably adorable age,
marked decades ago, likely by the hand of a big brother. The cherubic image
will forever bear an ink-lined mustache and goatee. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
each case, a hand irrevocably marked and forever changed the object in
question. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once
again through the Scriptures we focus on the covenants of God and how they
shape us, and how they shape God. The prophet Jeremiah delivers this beautiful
promise of God. I simply love the language in the prophecy that reads<i>, <sup>31</sup>The
days are surely coming, says the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,
when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of
Judah. </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">It’s not going
to be like the other covenants I made with my people, God proclaims – the ones
they broke again and again. Remember the Ten Commandments? Remember the
rainbow? Remember Abraham and Sarah and the promise I made to them? Well, <i>this</i>
covenant isn’t going to be like all those that were sullied and ruined by
continued and outrageous sin, says God. This covenant doesn’t remove those
previous promises, but….</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">You all failed
at all those covenants, failed at following me, failed at keeping alive the
promise, failed to cherish the gift, failed the holy relationship we had and failed
at honoring those other relationships that I gave you. So I will inscribe a
promise in a place where it will remain, indelible, inviolable. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">It is common for
us to get caught up in the beauty of God’s promise and the lovely language we
receive in Jeremiah’s words. In so doing we can forget that in the book of
Jeremiah, the prophet laments and mourns over the mess the people of Israel
have created for themselves and the punishments they have endured as a result –
fallen kingdoms, separated people, broken relationships, society, and even
religious practices, lost; Exile from their home, ruin of their city,
destruction of the Temple. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gv72CErp0RM/YHpoNmngqqI/AAAAAAAA0uI/SwJeOP9VwLU_FyGnpisLqET7VFZp1xvZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Jeremiah-17-1-WEB-The-sin-of-Judah-is-written-with-a-pen-of-iron--I24017001-L02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gv72CErp0RM/YHpoNmngqqI/AAAAAAAA0uI/SwJeOP9VwLU_FyGnpisLqET7VFZp1xvZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Jeremiah-17-1-WEB-The-sin-of-Judah-is-written-with-a-pen-of-iron--I24017001-L02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In chapter 17
Jeremiah writes that <i>the sin of Judah is written with an iron pen; with a
diamond point it is engraved on the tablet of their hearts, and on the horns of
their altars. </i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Noted Old
Testament scholar and author Walter Brueggemann writes, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i>Like other
prophets before him, Jeremiah has spent ample shrill time and energy on the
claim that Israel has systematically and long-term violated the covenant
agreement of Mt. Sinai. They have violated the Ten Commandments of Sinai by
economic policies that abused the poor, by foreign policy that depended on
arms, by theological practice that offended God, and by illusions of privilege
before God. Such violation brings with it, so say these poets, severe
sanctions, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of
its leading residents.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></b></span></span></span></a></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">That’s
Jeremiah’s reality. Like the other prophets he has given warning, he has
advised repentance, and he has reminded the people that God has previously
placed God’s promise, God’s covenant, in symbols like a rainbow, and stone
tablets and even our DNA as descendants of Abraham and yet we have scribbled
all over the heart that God has claimed. Like graffiti the iron pen indelibly
marks our hearts with our offenses. They will never be the same as the new
hearts God created and loved. But God is not done. </p>
<p style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Brueggemann
writes, “now in the book of Jeremiah, in the wake of brokenness and its
resultant shame, defeat, and anxiety, Jeremiah asserts God's resolve to renew
the covenant that has been broken by ancient Israel. </span></i></p>
<p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">There
will be mutual accountability – God will provide instruction and guidance for
obedience, and Israel will remain under obligation to God. <i>The difference is
that this time Israel will have a ready inclination to obey as it did not have
in its ancient recalcitrance; the covenant now will be a glad practice of
mutual fidelity. This will be for Israel a genuine starting over!</i></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
is God’s love that does this. It is God’s determination to continue in
relationship with Israel, despite her infidelity, despite her cruelty toward
God, despite her inability to live in gratitude and mercy as God has been
merciful. </span></p>
<p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">God’s
over-the-top generosity and resolve leads God to begin anew. This is grace.
This is God’s readiness to forgive and forget. This is the astonishing mercy,
love, and beneficence of our indescribable God. And now it is God’s turn to
graffiti our hearts. Jeremiah writes:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilvieeYLVw0/YHpobZWs0cI/AAAAAAAA0uU/ErwBUB3aVb8skEPLyaSR8dMhCYlTUgOcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/I%2Bwill%2Bbe%2Byour%2Bgod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilvieeYLVw0/YHpobZWs0cI/AAAAAAAA0uU/ErwBUB3aVb8skEPLyaSR8dMhCYlTUgOcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/I%2Bwill%2Bbe%2Byour%2Bgod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i><sup>33</sup>But
this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those
days, says the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>: I will put my
law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Wow. Just, Wow!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Because of God’s
generosity and forgiveness, when the people return to Jerusalem, they will
return as God’s people who will form a Judaism that is an outgrowth of the
faith of ancient Israel and they will begin again, begin anew, with the ugly
iron lines removed and replaced by God’s own writing on their newly created
hearts. God becomes the scribbler. God is the great graffiti-artist.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>34</sup>No longer shall they teach one
another, or say to each other, “Know the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,”
</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>continues Jeremiah, “<i>for they
shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>; for I will forgive their iniquity,
and remember their sin no more.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">These new hearts
will be directed by their desire to be faithful to God and to live out the
commandments in obligation to the God who has truly given them life. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">In our own day,
we suffer from hearts that are marked by our systemic turning away from God and
falling away from lives lived in the mercy and generosity of God, lives shaped
by the commandments with the same obligation to God that returned life to the
Israelites. Brueggemann writes, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i>A while ago
the great sociologist, Robert Bellah, penned a book entitled, </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Covenant-American-Civil-Religion/dp/0226041999/"><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The Broken Covenant</span></em></a><a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></b></span></span></i></span></a><i> in
which he contended that US society had violated its own resolve about being a
democratic society committed to justice and to the general welfare. Thus
Bellah's theme of broken covenant pertained to US society that echoed that of
the ancient prophets. </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">In our world we
see the vivid and unmistakable pattern of a broken social covenant whereby too
many are shut out of the economic covenant intended by God that makes society
possible and workable. As a result, in what has historically been the most
prosperous nation in the world, a staggering poverty and homelessness rate
exists.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">We again see as
in Jesus’ time, a disappearing middle class and a broadening disparity between
those with obscene wealth and those caught in an unending cycle of poverty. We
see “freedom” used as a weapon of this side against that side, playing a wicked
game of Chance, with the lives of the helpless and hapless dangling at the
margins. We see people ostracized, vilified, judged, rejected and targeted for
violence because of the color of their skin, the slant of their eyes, the
clothing they wear, the religion they embrace, their genealogy, ethnicity, and
sexuality.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">The news broke
on Wednesday of a horrific series of shootings targeting women of Asian
descent. Whether these crimes turn out to be racially motivated or not there
was good reason for that question to be raised – in the past year violent
crimes and the persecution of Asian-Americans have sky-rocketed as they have
become scapegoats for the existence of a pandemic. Several Asian-Americans have
died as a result of the attacks on them, and others live in fear. Reports of
this kind have come not only from cities far away but also right here in
Lancaster County. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">God’s
compassionate love and committed covenants illustrate a “forgive and forget”
attitude assumed by God. Yet, writes Brueggemann, “When we think about
"forgive and forget" in our society, such an option contradicts the
seething rage that is everywhere voiced and acted out among us, in which
nothing is ever forgiven and nothing is ever forgotten. One sometimes even
wonders if there is an unresolved "gene" of violence and revenge
among us that precludes "beginning again." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">God's generosity
pushes beneath and beyond our committed thirst for retaliation. One could
imagine that God could forgive, as Jeremiah says, so that forgiveness of
social-national proportion might be thinkable.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHbkvvWZTgY/YHpoVhF9u7I/AAAAAAAA0uQ/fF_38VJkj10hrJgBxvtJRjeXuRIeYSQjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s284/god%2Bof%2Bpromises%2Band%2Bcovenants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHbkvvWZTgY/YHpoVhF9u7I/AAAAAAAA0uQ/fF_38VJkj10hrJgBxvtJRjeXuRIeYSQjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/god%2Bof%2Bpromises%2Band%2Bcovenants.jpg" /></a></div> God’s steadfast
love and forgiveness demonstrates the tendency of God to hold God’s people in
sacred relationship with Godself. It was and always has been God’s expressed
desire to keep the covenant intact for future generations. God’s generous establishment
of covenant relationship, covenant generosity, covenant guidance is a gift to
us that indeed renews our hearts and guides us through the worst that the world
can bring. Through the hearts on which God has inscribed God’s own righteousness.
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Finally, in
Jesus Christ, God’s everlasting covenant with us is established. There will be
no more. When we fall short, God renews the tender planting of seed that God
has planted through his steadfast, sure love for us. In Jesus and through the
cross, the graffiti-artist God writes clearly and concisely, “you are mine”.
May we embrace God’s love, live in God’s covenants, and cherish God’s generosity
and forgiveness, and in so doing, shine God’s light and life-giving Spirit in
the world. Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z61jT_hH7Y/YHpoAt1--WI/AAAAAAAA0t8/YoL5KDlUQPk9HPsoSnv4RT8QHoyGFrgPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/uncondition%2Bunending%2Blove.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z61jT_hH7Y/YHpoAt1--WI/AAAAAAAA0t8/YoL5KDlUQPk9HPsoSnv4RT8QHoyGFrgPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/uncondition%2Bunending%2Blove.webp" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
Day One “On Scripture” <i>Dr. Walter Brueggemann on Jeremiah 31:31-34</i></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a>
<i>(Seabury Press, 1975),</i></p>
</div>
</div>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-85039955773410411322021-04-17T00:32:00.001-04:002021-04-17T00:32:11.474-04:00Snakes Alive! And the Things That Scare Us - Sermon on Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-21 Lent 4 2021, Year B</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s been
almost eleven years now, but I still remember the day we were preparing the
gardens and back yard of our home for our oldest son’s wedding. In the middle
of mulching the flowerbeds from the supply of fresh mulch Jim had loaded into
his pickup truck from the local gardening center the night before, we uncovered
a big surprise: a large, black rat snake right in the center of the load of
mulch. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSO-NfhSidw/YHpjcqHDF4I/AAAAAAAA0tQ/cCGMoEby-OcRVhe3K4LfEhEUMyMAxlcDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/black%2Brat%2Bsnake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSO-NfhSidw/YHpjcqHDF4I/AAAAAAAA0tQ/cCGMoEby-OcRVhe3K4LfEhEUMyMAxlcDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/black%2Brat%2Bsnake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The snake had made her nest in the
middle of the mulch while it sat in the garden center’s lot awaiting purchase.
She was apparently laying her eggs when somehow, they managed to move the mulch
from the lot to my husband’s truck without disturbing her. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">She had remained buried in the
mulch sitting in Jim’s truck, presumably laying more eggs, overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow even my husband’s shovel failed to
disturb her as he emptied half the truck-bed of its load without revealing her
presence. Then one more thrust of the shovel, and he took away the last bit of
mulch concealing her - and the dozen or so eggs surrounding her.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While I
love God’s creatures great and small, I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i>
so crazy about snakes. I don’t remember seeing many while growing up in a small
city in Connecticut; what we did have in fields around town were of the
harmless garden variety. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">But, when I moved to Oklahoma I
became aware that not only were there (what I considered) a lot of snakes out
there, several types native to the region were poisonous. Since I didn’t know
one kind of snake from another (except rattlers, of course – they kind of give
their identity away) I simply feared and loathed any snake I came across. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">While I was pretty sure that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our mulch-pile</i> snake wasn’t poisonous, I
wanted nothing to do with her. Our younger son picked her up and moved her to a
safe place <u>away</u> from the house, while I ran the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">other</i> way, and then, truth be told, continued to keep an eye out
for her whenever I ventured into the backyard – for the rest of the summer!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My reaction
isn’t all that unusual. Although there may be some of you out there who are
rather fond of the slithering creatures, the fear and loathing of serpents is
both instinctual for many of us, and, you could say, scriptural. All we have to
do, is look to the story of the Garden of Eden and the serpent’s role in the
“fall of humankind” to see where some of our attitudes about snakes come from. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Yet from antiquity, and still
today, snakes are both valued and loathed, depending on your outlook and
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aside from their scary
qualities, snake oils, skins and the venoms are all used for healing and
rejuvenation. The symbol of a snake entwined around a staff is used as a symbol
for physicians and of the medical profession itself. So, our experience and
attitudes about snakes are both good – and bad.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Still, when we read this story of
snakes in the wilderness, of poisonous bites and death, and then read the
loving Lord comparing himself and his cross to the slithering serpent and its
staff, we have to wonder what this all means.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">In the pairing of Old and New
Testament stories today, we see the serpent as a symbol of both death and life
– and Jesus himself referring to his coming cross as the same. These might be
perplexing stories for us. But they are also indicative of the gift that God
gives us in the wilderness – and at Calvary. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNH4S6jDfSk/YHpjYgT6f1I/AAAAAAAA0tM/dV_6eNMollUjQ4XJtEtC-mVcgSz4zQGtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s768/snake%2Band%2Bthe%2Bcross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="768" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNH4S6jDfSk/YHpjYgT6f1I/AAAAAAAA0tM/dV_6eNMollUjQ4XJtEtC-mVcgSz4zQGtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/snake%2Band%2Bthe%2Bcross.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The Israelites endure forty years
wandering in the wilderness, and even as God claims them for special
inheritance by him, it is their grumbling that stands out by way of response. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">They have certainly faced their
share of challenges and struggles, but God has promised to care for them, and
has always answered their need. Rather than responding with gratitude, however,
what we read in the stories are accounts that they certainly did not suffer in
silence, grateful, as it were, to finally be free. Rather, they fretted. Such
fretting does is not exactly indicative of faith in God’s providential care.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Yet over and over again God
patiently responded to their complaints and their whining. They were hungry –
so God sent them manna from the sky. They were thirsty – and God brought forth
water –water from a rock no less! God’s provisions were miraculous –
illustrating his power and capability to do as he promised – to save and care
for them, which he did, again and again. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Still, they complained they were
tired of the manna; God sent quail. They were tired of walking; they were tired
of setting up camp only to strike it the next morning and move on. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">“What have you brought us up out of
Egypt to die in the wilderness?” they ask. “For there is no food and no water,
and we detest this miserable food.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The story
of Israel is really the story of our lives, too. For all these years they traveled
on a journey between redemption out of slavery in Egypt and entrance to the
Promised Land – the Old Testament “place of rest.” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We have been traveling between our
redemption by the cross of Christ and our entrance into the eternal Kingdom of
God, our “place of rest”. Like the people of Israel, we have sinned, and
sometimes lost faith. We whine and complain. We pursue other gods – the riches,
and power, and satisfaction the world promises but can never truly deliver. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We hunger and thirst constantly
seeking the worldly things that might satisfy us, when the truth is that
nothing will truly satisfy us the way the love of Jesus can. Sometimes, we
simply lose interest in God’s way and God’s will for our lives. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The past year shows us how the
world responds to challenge and hardship. Some remain faithful, caring for
themselves and their neighbor to the best of their ability, following best the
most reliable information they can out of concern for the most vulnerable,
workers and others at risk, and the world. Others, not so much. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">From you I have heard gratitude for
what you have – for your safety, shelter, food, and now, as hard as it has been
for some to schedule their vaccinations – the hope that the shots represent. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">But we all know that is not the case
with large segments of society, and sometimes, we too get pulled into the mumbling,
the grumbling, and the complaining. We waver toward doubt, at times. Does God
really care about all this,? we wonder.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Meanwhile there are still so many
in the world who need our attention and generosity, yet the evil one works to
distract us from attending to the needs of many. The temptation is to focus
inward. God consistently calls us to look outward, and, in thanksgiving for all
that we are given, to respond generously with kind words, thoughtful gestures,
material assistance and more, to those who are struggling. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96vDjOj_Chs/YHpjONIi1VI/AAAAAAAA0tI/mtX9jTzfbw8oWmVJadBCZVvqG2sWljtagCLcBGAsYHQ/s512/Number%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96vDjOj_Chs/YHpjONIi1VI/AAAAAAAA0tI/mtX9jTzfbw8oWmVJadBCZVvqG2sWljtagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Number%2B21.jpg" /></a></div>The image of the bronze serpent had
the power to heal only because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i>
gave it, and only if the Israelites <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believed</i>
that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God </i>would heal them if they
looked at it. They had to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">trust</i> in
God’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">word</i> that if they obeyed the
command, they would be healed. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus lifts
up this very passage from the Scriptures, and he draws this parallel: “Just as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” he says, “so must the Son of
Man be lifted up, that <i>whoever believes in him</i> may have eternal life.”
Whoever believes in him will live. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">“For God so loved the world,” he
says, “that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believes</i> in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John
3:16) </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Those who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believe</i> in him would be given life, says Jesus; those who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believe</i> will not die from their sin. What
God accomplishes on the cross will save those who believe. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The thing is, on our own, we cannot
even believe; we cannot trust; we cannot place our lives in God’s providential
care. By ourselves, we are blind to the truth of God’s wonderful, fantastic,
indescribable, love and mercy. Because of the lure of sin, on our own we see and
judge only through the lens of human weakness, as the Israelites showed us so
well. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The good news for us is that in
God’s abundant love and mercy, God has the remedy for our blindness and our
disbelief. Blessed by the lens of faith given to us through God’s Holy Spirit
in our Baptism, we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">begin</i> to see, if
only dimly, if only for a little while, the grace and mercy that God has freely
given and called us to.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The bronze
serpent fashioned by Moses by God’s command, is known to have resided in the
Jerusalem Temple for 500 years, where it bore witness to the grace that God
bestowed on the Israelites in the wilderness; the Cross of Christ is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> symbol, our reminder of God’s saving
grace and mercy through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i>Because of the cross</i>, we can
believe and trust, that despite the dangers, the hardship and forbidding
landscape of life, God cares for our every need and guides us safely, securely
to the promised kingdom. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just as I
instinctually ran from the snake that day in my garden, we instinctually turn
away from the horror of the cross. Yet God calls us, grants us the mercy and
grace of faith, that believing in God’s grace and trusting in God’s mercy – all
gifts given to us and fed by the Holy Spirit – we can come to see that the
crucifixion story is not so much about how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">much</i>
God loved the world, but the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">way</i> God
loved and still loves the world. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oQMZsPzHLI/YHpjtg-mq-I/AAAAAAAA0tk/G1HYJt5jMPgC8qNswMuK9FjqWR8DySeHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s441/holy%2Btextures.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="441" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oQMZsPzHLI/YHpjtg-mq-I/AAAAAAAA0tk/G1HYJt5jMPgC8qNswMuK9FjqWR8DySeHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/holy%2Btextures.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Trust the
faith that God provides; know the faithfulness of the God who does not abandon
us to find our own way. Experience with gratitude the way of God that is mercy,
bought by God’s love, which comes to us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because</i>
God so loved the world. May we be filled by the God who desires to be in
relationship with us, and being so filled, may we open ourselves to
relationship not only with God, but with one another. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">God uses the most unlikely means
for accomplishing God’s purpose – a bronzed serpent on a pole, a cross and
risen body. God uses the most unlikely means to show others that in faith and
trust all that we need is provided by the living and true God. Amen.
</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-836899615634062972021-04-17T00:07:00.000-04:002021-04-17T00:07:06.579-04:00The Liberating Guideposts and Guardrails of God - A Sermon for Lent 3 Exodus 20:1-17<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Exodus 20:1-17 ~ Lent 3<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49TdLsErOSY/YHpd55eV_zI/AAAAAAAA0sw/34f_z13XBxEohPTBn4A3D6K2A7Hm3wIMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s710/Rembrandt_Moses_710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="710" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49TdLsErOSY/YHpd55eV_zI/AAAAAAAA0sw/34f_z13XBxEohPTBn4A3D6K2A7Hm3wIMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Rembrandt_Moses_710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>No!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">How many of you
have ever had a toddler, a child whose very first word was that two-letter
complete sentence, stand defiantly and tell you, “No!”?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Perhaps your
parents told you that “no” was your very first word, or perhaps you remember
the same from your own experiences of parenthood. If not the very first word,
then “no” is often one of the first five words both in order of learning and in
the familiarity of regular use for wee ones, applied as it is to everything
from following the prescribed bedtime routine and timing, to what will be eaten
off the dinner plate to the request to share your toys. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">As
over-functioning adults, we are often told that “no” is a <i>good</i> word to
“add” to our vocabulary – as if we weren’t already very familiar with it. The
thing is, we just become very selective in where and how we will use it, and
often, following the teachings of Jesus and the way of the Lord become for us
an easier place to assert the word, than applying it to more worldly pursuits
and demands. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">The use of the
word “no” supports the truth or belief, anyway, that we have the freedom to
make a choice – that we have (or have strong desire) for the control to choose
what actions we ourselves take, or like control over someone else’s action. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">“No” is a
peculiar word, really, this complete sentence in two-letter word form. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Its use can
solidify our agency in making choices for our lives or protecting us from the
actions of others, or it can be directed at someone else’s action or decision
that goes against our own desire, wisdom, or accountability.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">In the chapter
that precedes the one from our Old Testament reading, God tells Moses, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i>Thus, you
shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I
did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to
myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be
my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is
mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">There are two
things I want to point out in this message from God. First is the formulaic use
of “if” and “then” common to biblical writings. “If” you do this, “then” that
will be given to you, or will happen for you. In this case the promise is
conditional. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">But the final
sentence and the covenant of God is <i>not</i> conditional: God states that
while the whole earth belongs to him, out of it, the Israelites will be for God
a priestly and holy people. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">In other words, <i>God
has placed a claim on these people</i>. They will be his people. He will be
their God. Period.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">But let’s
remember the history of this people. Having immigrated to Egypt and settled on
its fertile plains, the Israelites fell under increasingly harsh rule and
oppression under a succession of Pharoahs, each one more concerned about the
possibility of uprising from these people than the last. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">The people were
enslaved, because that is what tyrants do to a people to break a people, to
weaken their resolve, and eliminate the possibility for revolt.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i>For four
hundred years</i> the people of Israel lived in this foreign land with its
foreign gods and foreign ways, forgetting their God, and turning to the
practices of the culture in which they lived. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">When God freed
the Israelites, the freedom they suddenly knew was foreign to them. This
liberation was heady – they didn’t know what to do with it, how to act within
it. They quickly forgot the one God to whom they owed everything. They sinned
against one another and they sinned against God. Their sustained “no” was
directed toward anyone and anything that got in the way of their present
desires.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Then, God gives
them the Ten Commandments which we read this morning. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0GxY49aKaA/YHpeI7uQaVI/AAAAAAAA0s8/yKEpkxY9Lg84dITENyDf-dgUZWY6JvFYACLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Ten-Words-of-Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0GxY49aKaA/YHpeI7uQaVI/AAAAAAAA0s8/yKEpkxY9Lg84dITENyDf-dgUZWY6JvFYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Ten-Words-of-Grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I grew up
thinking of the Ten Commandments as a set of prohibitions on behavior and life.
They were the “shalt nots” passed down from an angry and jealous God. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">As they were
taught to me, they were conditional:<i> if </i>you follow these, <i>then</i>
all will go well for you and you will remain close to your loving God. If you do
not follow them, you will need to face the consequences and make reparation or face
the fires of hell. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Perhaps the
teachings you received were different, softer. However, I think many people
placed these commandments as the conditions upon which they could earn God’s
favor. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">But the Ten
Commandments are pure gift. As Adam Hamilton describes them in our current
Lenten study, the Ten Commandments are the “guideposts and guardrails”: of life
in and for the kingdom of God. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">They are guideposts
because they offer basic guidance in our relationship first and foremost with
God, and then, of course, with one another and with God’s creation. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">They help us
care for the people who are in the sphere of contact, relationship, and caring.
They guide is in healthy living with one another and in the world. They are
life-giving for the people of God and they are the basis for understanding that
we while we have freedom, we also bear responsibility for how we live in this
world. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BD4GKh5ZnE/YHpdz7TdjFI/AAAAAAAA0ss/U_9GArUXuF4QhXjc3T3u2vYihS3ETUqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s935/dangerous%2Bcurves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BD4GKh5ZnE/YHpdz7TdjFI/AAAAAAAA0ss/U_9GArUXuF4QhXjc3T3u2vYihS3ETUqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/dangerous%2Bcurves.jpg" /></a></div>Have you ever
seen a picture of a bus or a truck or even a car driving along on the very edge
of an exceedingly curvy, high mountain road? You swear the vehicle is about to
plummet off the edge of the roadway, and over the side of the mountain. It’s
terrifying. Those pictures give me vertigo. In the picture you often don’t see
guardrails, at least nothing substantial enough to avert true disaster. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">That is what
life lived without these commandments was and is like. We are ready to plummet
at any moment. God gives these commandments as a promise that freedom from sin
doesn’t mean freedom from God. Being released from bondage doesn’t mean we have
to be in a sudden ethical freefall. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">If the rainbow
promise shows us a God who is willing to curtail God’s own power for the sake
of relationship, the Ten Commandments show us how to live in right relationship
with God and with one another. To stay on the road. To make it around the
dangerous curves and up the steep incline to safety.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly, God is thinking “gift” not “burden”
when God gives these guidelines and guardrails for God’s people. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Martin Luther
believed that knowing the Ten Commandments was all we really needed to know to
be good citizens, good Christians, good teachers and followers of Jesus. He
believed that they made a wonderful source and basis for prayer as well. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">While the
Israelites struggled with this new and strange sense of freedom they had, we,
too, struggle the sense of freedom. Like the toddler who shouts “no!” to exert
some sense of autonomy, we use our freedom as a weaponized tool in a harsh and
divided world to express and exercise <i>our </i>power, <i>our </i>capability,
and <i>our </i>rights and privileges. And we see the result. A society where
something as simple as wearing a mask to protect yourself and others becomes a
flash point for dissention, disagreement, disturbance, and even violence. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">The beautiful
truth of the Gospel is that we are tied through bonds of love to this God who
chooses to give us some of God’s own power in order to be in relationship with
us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">Yet, having put
aside his chaos-taming, life-creating, water-producing power, God doesn’t leave
us alone, in a vacuum, to suffer at our own games. Rather, God asks us to
freely give up some of our self-centered, self-serving, seductive power to do
whatever the heck we want, and to follow God’s guidance and Word to true
freedom. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">We have looked at the stories of Noah and
Abraham and Sarah and God’s promises to them. We are reminded through those
stories, that God blesses God’s people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in
order that they might be a blessing for the world.</i> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GcMCaYwytw/YHpdun4cIkI/AAAAAAAA0so/Fk_61WrIx5k9QvyJ-3M28ZxkpdeFR5DAACLcBGAsYHQ/s710/Swanson%2BJohn%2BAugust%2BPsalm%2B23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="710" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GcMCaYwytw/YHpdun4cIkI/AAAAAAAA0so/Fk_61WrIx5k9QvyJ-3M28ZxkpdeFR5DAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Swanson%2BJohn%2BAugust%2BPsalm%2B23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Covenants
are gifts of a loving God. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">The covenants God made with Noah and
Abraham reveal a God who desires nothing but that God’s chosen people would
love him in return and walk in his ways.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">God gives these covenants because God is a God of love, a
God who wishes to abide in, through and around us. God gave these commandments
and all covenants as acts of grace in which God bestows God’s love and blessing
for life-giving relationships. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we look
with anticipation toward Holy Week and Easter, we will be reminded that God
gave us God’s greatest commandment through Jesus – that we love God with all
our hearts and minds, loving others as we love ourselves. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">The Ten Commandments guide us in what
following the commandment to love looks like - genuinely humble living, in a
spirit of generosity and kindness, forgiveness and meekness – in other words,
in lives patterned after Jesus. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No” is
still a useful word. As lovers of God and followers of Jesus Christ, we say
“no” to sin each day, and “yes” to the love of God known through our Savior
Jesus Christ. As we continue our journey through Lent, hungering and thirsting
for God. let our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>embrace of these guideposts
and guardrails set us on the holy ground we seek, all for the love of God.
Amen.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3nu9wNCb-U/YHpdr7_XO7I/AAAAAAAA0sk/lKTf2uFPLV0ekIS9_YbYRT1CTnkH7mSLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/10%2Bcommandments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3nu9wNCb-U/YHpdr7_XO7I/AAAAAAAA0sk/lKTf2uFPLV0ekIS9_YbYRT1CTnkH7mSLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/10%2Bcommandments.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-88297580114838764042021-04-12T15:45:00.006-04:002021-04-12T15:45:49.331-04:00Holy Laughter, Sacred Stone Sermon for 2-28-21 Genesis 17<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Genesis 17:1-7, 15-20 (Mark 8:31-38)</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Covenants of God, Part 2</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzbkmepTRhs/YHShxhinIyI/AAAAAAAA0ng/o50PWGQUrfc-tTEJV4rQydV8C7Z1xuIfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1944/Everlasting%2Bcovenant.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the gospel today Jesus begins teaching the
disciples that the upside-down nature of God’s mercy to a fallen world will
lead him to sacrificial suffering and death, which will ultimately result in
resurrection not only for himself, but for the world. While Peter’s reaction is
called out in this gospel, we can assume that all the disciples had the same
reaction – incredulity. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In our Old Testament reading, Abram’s first
response to what we know of as the Abrahamic Covenant, is met with the same
kind of incredulity. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s news that Abram will have innumerable descendants
from his wife is understandable. Abram is 99 years old! By any measure
understandably that boat has long since sailed – he is dried up, empty, and
incapable of such a thing. His wife Sarai is no spring chick either, about 90
years old, equally dried up, barren, tired.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8UqjWseCjs/YHSiirbGoKI/AAAAAAAA0ns/D-YS1GbExAsnmFZ95sZW_7CLm1VqzD14QCLcBGAsYHQ/s710/Abraham-Sarah-Moses%2BIcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="710" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8UqjWseCjs/YHSiirbGoKI/AAAAAAAA0ns/D-YS1GbExAsnmFZ95sZW_7CLm1VqzD14QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Abraham-Sarah-Moses%2BIcon.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
God promises is not, by anyone’s estimation or imagination, even possible</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> – that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
two of them</i> would become biological parents. And yet time and time again
throughout the biblical witness we see that <i>God dwells in the impossible,
the creative, the unimaginable</i>. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Abram immediately falls face down in shock
and disbelief at the news. His second reaction is to break forth into laughter.
I can easily get on board with both responses – shock and hysteria. Who
wouldn’t be shocked at this preposterous idea?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then, God goes on to rename the couple -
Abram and Sarah, and this is not just whimsy on God’s part. Names are
significant, especially as we see them used and bestowed in the holy scriptures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Christians, in our baptism, the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> names</i>
which are spoken are written down in the book of eternity, along with another
name which we all bear – “Child of God.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scriptural passages in which God is said to
know our names abound, and they tell us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that
God names us as creatures in whom God delights</i> (62:4), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as precious</i> (Isaiah 43:4), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and
as utterly known and loved</i> (Isaiah 49:1; John 10:14-15). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Under God’s command, Abram, whose name means,
“My father the God is exalted” is transformed into Abraham - “The father of a
multitude”. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sarai, whose name means “quarrelsome” becomes
Sarah, meaning “Princess” perhaps referring to her role as the progenitor of a
line of kings including, ultimately, the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet even those two who are known as the
father and mother of the faith were far from perfect, both before and after
this covenant was struck. Still, God uses them in remarkable ways, despite
their imperfections, shortcomings, brokenness, dryness, and sin, as God has
done with sinful, imperfect people throughout all time. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We, too, may see ourselves as sinful, broken,
dirty, old, empty, or otherwise incapable, but God, who knows us to the depth
of our souls, calls us beloved and casts his lot with us. God frees us and
calls us to live into the name God has given us – “Child of God”. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our theme this Lent lifts up the reality we
face as we acknowledge our imperfections, losses, confusion, and more; as we
confront our sinful natures. In our lives we hunger and thirst to see ourselves
as God sees us. We hunger and thirst to break the end the sin-fueled distance
we experience in life between ourselves and God, and in relationship with one
another and all of God’s holy creation. Engaged in this spiritual journey, we
indeed walk on holy ground, seeking God’s wisdom, acknowledging our failures
and hurts, and basking in the love of God that leads us to Good Friday, and
ultimately, to Easter. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As Sarah and Abraham must do, we seek to <i>reorient
ourselves according to the name God has given us</i>, and to know ourselves as
capable, by the grace of God, to live into that name. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The thing is, we are not always going to get
it right. The covenant God sets before Abraham and Sarah and before us, is to
“walk before God and be blameless.” Of course, we hear that word, “blameless,”
and we might just as well fall on our faces and join in Abraham’s laughter.
Because we perceive “blameless” to mean “perfect” and we know such perfection
to be impossible. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBEGXwvNtNY/YHSinnDKZwI/AAAAAAAA0nw/YXPUNgw9Y9wFJq3YgFdRm3TZc31DpsYMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1944/Everlasting%2Bcovenant.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1944" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBEGXwvNtNY/YHSinnDKZwI/AAAAAAAA0nw/YXPUNgw9Y9wFJq3YgFdRm3TZc31DpsYMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Everlasting%2Bcovenant.webp" width="320" /></a></div>But the text tells us that what sets Abraham
and Sarah apart is that they have faith, which is the reason God chooses them
in the first place, to be the parents of many nations. However, it doesn’t take
long to see that they are not perfect. They do some awful things to their own
family and tell big lies when it suits them. They are faithful, but also
selfish; at times they despair, just as we do. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We see the same tendencies in our lives; we
look self-centeredly to our own material wealth and comfort, power, reputation,
and status, and edge out anything that threatens those things, including the
people God has sent us to care for, to seek justice for, to seek relationship
with. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We marginalize those who make us
uncomfortable by their very “other-ness”. We fail to focus on God above all
things. We fail to love others in the way God, through Jesus Christ, has commanded
we should do. On our own, through sin, we are dried up, barren, tired, and
broken.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But when God is looking to do something new,
in this case to birth a people who will bear his mark and through whom all
nations will be blessed, perhaps, more than any of Abraham or Sarah’s other
characteristics, God is drawn to their barrenness; to their emptiness. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An empty pot is an opportunity for God to
fill and create vessels of hope and mercy for the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is an old folk
story called “Stone Soup,” about a wandering soldier in post-war Eastern
Europe, who came upon a village. There was a great famine following the war,
and food was so scarce, that people hoarded what they had, refusing to share
even with friend or neighbor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As the soldier approached, the villagers
shuttered their windows and closed their doors, telling him, “There’s not a
bite to eat in the whole province. Better move on.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The soldier, however, responded that as a
matter of fact, he had everything he needed and was just about to make some
stone soup, which he would be happy to share with them if they were hungry. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With great flourish, he produced a large iron
pot from his wagon, which he filled with water and placed over a fire he built
up, high and hot. With great ceremony he pulled a large but ordinary-looking
stone from a velvet bag and dropped it into the pot. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The villagers, curious now, watched from
their windows or the town square. As they watched, he sniffed the aroma rising
from the pot and licked his lips. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Taking a taste, the soldier declared the soup
nearly ready, just perhaps needing a bit of salt and pepper to bring it to
perfection. A couple of the villagers scrambled over to him, condiments in
hand, which he dramatically tossed into the soup pot, and stirred. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Ah,” he said to himself rather loudly, “I do
love a stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage – that’s hard to beat.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No sooner had the words left his mouth than
someone approached hesitantly, proffering a large head of cabbage. Thanking the
fellow, the soldier added it to the pot. Hunger overcame skepticism and the
villagers began to anticipate a delicious and filling bowl of soup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit
of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king!” the soldier mused aloud.
Before long, the town butcher found some salt beef and handed it over into the
pot. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-888Ew1y5-u4/YHSiqYin42I/AAAAAAAA0n0/ZVBNbnw8thQ2RB-9wgcv8qbe-0y0GyG9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s281/stone%2Bsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-888Ew1y5-u4/YHSiqYin42I/AAAAAAAA0n0/ZVBNbnw8thQ2RB-9wgcv8qbe-0y0GyG9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bsoup.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In like manner, potatoes, then onions, then
carrots, and finally some mushrooms and a few herbs were located and added into
an increasingly aromatic and delicious stone soup, which indeed, the soldier
shared with the entire village. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With the contributions of many who saw
themselves as poor and barren, the transition from empty pot to soup of stone
to delicious, nourishing meal became a feast so that all were fed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God speaks to and uses barren vessels and out
of them serves a feast of grace. God uses the most unlikely of people and
circumstances, to achieve God’s purposes. God uses imperfect, sometimes wayward
thinking people and with them does great things.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The long year we have just endured has left
many of us feeling we have nothing to offer, that our pots are bare and dry. It
is at such times that God sends the Holy Spirit among us and fills us up, to
make a fine, nutritious, aromatic soup out of our stone-hard hearts. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When the pain of our barrenness is so deeply
humbling that we feel we feel incapable of rising above it, <i>God raises us up
to new life and bring us to new places that we cannot imagine</i>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Good News of God’s almighty love and
mercy is that God is about creating change – and God often does this best when
with tired, old, and empty vessels. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Through our baptism and the gifts of the Holy
Spirit, God blesses us in the name of Jesus Christ – sent as God’s love
incarnate. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It may seem preposterous to the world that
God would die upon the cross to save us from our self-centered, sin-created
emptiness. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It may seem impossible that, once placed in a
sealed tomb, Jesus would rise again to lead us all to new life. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na2ZCHkNgk8/YHSi0HELExI/AAAAAAAA0n8/yHpEV7YY3rMPi4JHrpBAKPah7MXGGBzewCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/God-Knows-Your-Name.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na2ZCHkNgk8/YHSi0HELExI/AAAAAAAA0n8/yHpEV7YY3rMPi4JHrpBAKPah7MXGGBzewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/God-Knows-Your-Name.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But that is exactly what God has done, and it
is good news indeed for all of us who feel the depth of our sin, brokenness,
and emptiness.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The covenants of God transform us when in
faith and trust,</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> we work
together to follow God’s commands.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Like Abraham and Sarah and so many empty
vessels whom God turned into prophets and saints, when we trust that God will
bless our contributions despite our imperfections, in joy and faith we find
that what seem like meager individual gifts, when added to the pot, make a
wonderful, nourishing soup of holy love for the good of God’s kingdom. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May it be so for our lives, our community,
our church, and our world. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Amen. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-7198940786233374702021-04-12T11:25:00.005-04:002021-04-12T11:25:53.544-04:00God Promises What We Cannot - Sermon for 2-21-21, Lent I<p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Genesis 9:8-17 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have you ever tried to be creative,
to make something, only to have it fail, even disastrously so? When I first got
married, Suzi Homemaker that I saw myself to be, Ia decided to make my new
husband a pie. I would greet him when he came in that day, with a freshly
baked, still warm-from-the-oven apple pie. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">While
baking wasn’t something I had learned at my mother’s knee, how hard could it
be? One of my favorite wedding shower gifts was my Betty Crocker Cookbook, so I
whipped out my book, confidently following the recipe for pie crust. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But, something happened. My creation
just wasn’t right. The consistency was awful. I attempted to fix it by repeatedly
making adjustments to it. Which only made it worse. It would be too dry and
crumbly, so I would add a little water, then it was too gooey, so I sifted in a
bit more flour. But then it was too stiff, so I added just a few drops of
water, but of course it still wasn’t right and so I kept at it, correcting for
its dryness with water, and then for its stickiness, flour. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqfSPkRGRjs/YHRlwH2ynHI/AAAAAAAA0nI/hxfcZLIUGyIzC6EeFQ8PtP73HsI2fQuIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Making%2Bpie%2Bcrust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqfSPkRGRjs/YHRlwH2ynHI/AAAAAAAA0nI/hxfcZLIUGyIzC6EeFQ8PtP73HsI2fQuIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Making%2Bpie%2Bcrust.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">No
matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get it to a consistency where I could roll
it out. It either stuck like glue to the rolling pin or crumbled and fell apart
when I tried to roll it out smooth. In the end, disgusted, I threw the whole
messy, disgusting ball of dough in the trash, and started all over. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In our Scripture from Genesis today,
we read of a God who has continually tried to fix the dough,…to call a wayward
people back into relationship with him and with each other, time and again. God
tried many ways to fix things,… to bring the people back into the harmony God
intended for them, to no avail. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The
trouble started back in Chapter 3, with the serpent and the temptations of the
first humans leading to the first instance of sin. Outside of Eden as time went
on, people slipped further and further into disharmony – between male and
female; between humans and their earthly labors; between mankind and the
created world around them. There was murder, cheating, stealing, out-of-control
corruption and so forth, exceeding the boundaries of humanity and shattering the
peace between heaven and earth, destroying the order God created into the
world. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3m0oJWR4Mmk/YHRldioN0oI/AAAAAAAA0m0/BlrfuIjNuX0d-zM29B5ukYkIwWeNOBQzACLcBGAsYHQ/s900/ancient%2Bbattle%2Bbow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3m0oJWR4Mmk/YHRldioN0oI/AAAAAAAA0m0/BlrfuIjNuX0d-zM29B5ukYkIwWeNOBQzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ancient%2Bbattle%2Bbow.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />This is the
picture of a humanity so depraved and thirsty for power, so corrupted by evil
that God’s heart was broken. In Genesis 6:5-6 we read, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth,
and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil
continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth,
and it grieved him to his heart.”</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
breathtaking testimony to the deep sorrow of God, who grieves the betrayal of
human beings and the resulting brokenness of creation. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so, God sent the waters of the
flood, not as an act of revenge, but out of God’s deep pain and sorrow that the
corruption of humanity has in fact poisoned all the earth. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">God
notes the futility of trying to change what has been lost, of adding a little
flour here, a little water there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">God
notes the futility of trying to bring back into order that which sin has so
thoroughly corrupted and returned to chaos. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">What
God had called good in those first days of creation, God now calls evil. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The
careful separation and the gathering of the waters, during the ordering of
creation, is now undone. And yet, God preserves a remnant, one righteous man
who, it is written in Genesis 6:9 “Walked with God.” </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZcwutjFQEc/YHRlSa-ynXI/AAAAAAAA0ms/HqzHeDPwQichLPLq1mTrtlSANMp4veLcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Bow%2Bof%2Bwar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="717" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZcwutjFQEc/YHRlSa-ynXI/AAAAAAAA0ms/HqzHeDPwQichLPLq1mTrtlSANMp4veLcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bow%2Bof%2Bwar.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Noah
and his family were preserved along with all that God set apart for the sealing
of a new relationship, a restored relationship between God and God’s creatures.
And God established a new covenant, taking it upon Godself to build this new
relationship between God and God’s creatures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i>
covenant is all on God. It is entirely God’s doing, not requiring human culpability,
because God knows that the cleansing waters of the flood have not fully cured
the human heart from its inclination to sin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Yet,
God willingly establishes this covenant and gives this powerful sign – the sign
of the bow. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Noah
and his descendants understand the significance of the bow - this weapon of
warfare; this tool of battle. To hang up one’s bow is to retire from battle. As
God hangs his bow in the sky, God has taken destruction and the total
annihilation of the earth off the table as a consequence of sin. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">God,
who seeks us continually, will try everything else to win our hearts and souls.
God will not give up trying to love us back to restoration, even to the sending
of his own son, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his </i>death on the
cross for our salvation. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">We
are reminded of the waters of the flood and this promise of God each and every
time we celebrate a Baptism or affirm our own Baptism. We are reminded of the
waters of the flood each time we celebrate Holy Communion, in the prayer that
surrounds our actions with God’s Word. It is right that we should be reminded
often of the life-saving waters of the covenant God seals with us at our
Baptism. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">There
is good reason that water holds such powerful symbolism for us, both for its
destructive powers and its life-giving and life-saving properties.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Luther
Seminary Professor Emerita of Old Testament studies Diane Jacobson writes, “In
the ancient Near East world of Noah and our forefathers, there was belief in
and fear of a monster that lived in water – sometimes this monster was called
Leviathan, or Rahab, or Lothan, or simply the Deep. We know this monster as
Satan or the devil. We recognize this monster in floods and terrorism,
starvation and adultery, hatred and abuse. We name the monster as evil. And we
see it in ourselves and name it as sin. The monster so often appears to be
stronger than God and we wonder if even God can defeat such an insidious beast.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">But
God speaks to our fears. God has contained mighty waters since the beginning of
time. God meets the devil and will not be deceived. And God in Christ has taken
up our monstrous sins and tamed them through forgiveness.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-OI5LJ9Qhg/YHRlY8rr7II/AAAAAAAA0mw/BtgZy7s4kQ0MxZsS8UGT2liG-mCK3-gKACLcBGAsYHQ/s300/beloved%2Bof%2BGod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-OI5LJ9Qhg/YHRlY8rr7II/AAAAAAAA0mw/BtgZy7s4kQ0MxZsS8UGT2liG-mCK3-gKACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/beloved%2Bof%2BGod.jpg" /></a></div>Three
times in as many month, we have heard some portion of the story of the Baptism
of Jesus. At the beginning of Advent, it reminded us of God’s promise to issue
a new covenant, as we prepared for the Messiah, the one that God promised to
send to us and in whom God would establish a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">new</i> covenant; we prepared our hearts and minds for the coming of
the Christ, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anointed One” </i>of God.
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">At
the beginning of Epiphany, we were reminded of God’s anointing of Jesus as the
Son of God, the Son in whom the divine approval rested, the Son <i>to whom</i>
we should listen, <i>from whom</i> we should learn, and <i>in whom</i> we
should believe. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">And
now, at the beginning of our Lenten journey, we read this story one more time,
and we are reminded that <i>Lent is about God’s activity, not ours</i>. We are
reminded that it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s </i>agency, not
our own human traditions that form the centerpiece of our Lenten discipline,
that informs our action, and that calls us forth as daughters and sons of God
to witness to the powerful cleansing action of the holy water. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Each
Lent, we hear the debates –what form should our Lenten discipline take? Should
we give up chocolate or coffee? Should we take on new practices of prayer and
devotion? Should we immerse ourselves in some form of social ministry or
charitable activity? The answer …is yes! The Spirit of God is calling you, will
blow through you, over you and in you, opening you up to the presence and
activity of God in the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">But
remember this; </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i>
who builds us up, not we ourselves. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">It is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s</i>
promises that sustain us, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">and not our own practices. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">It is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i>
who recreates us anew </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">through our daily dying to sin </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">and rising to new life in Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">And it is through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s</i> Word, and through the waters of
Baptism, and the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior that we receive
forgiveness for our sins and are empowered to live as people of the covenant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Through
Jesus Christ, once and for all, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i>
forms a covenant with each and every one of us. Despite all signs to the
contrary: our stubbornness in the face of sin, our desire and aspirations of
power, the brokenness of the world, God has not and will never give up on us; instead
God joins in our suffering through the cross of Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">This
is good news for God’s beloved people, as we await God’s return in glory, in
the fulfillment of time. As we undertake our Lenten discipline, as we take this
time to contemplate, recognize and acknowledge our sinfulness, let us open and
prepare our hearts for the ongoing, transformational work of God’s Spirit in
our lives.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QREa23rrRg/YHRlheFLFnI/AAAAAAAA0m4/jTQXsm2aQyM2Qrq6HZlyOQrKcnTjeJWDACLcBGAsYHQ/s276/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QREa23rrRg/YHRlheFLFnI/AAAAAAAA0m4/jTQXsm2aQyM2Qrq6HZlyOQrKcnTjeJWDACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/rainbow.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">May
we feel God’s urging, God’s prodding, God’s <i>amazing grace and mercy </i>in
the face of our fragility.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">I
don’t remember how the new pie crust worked out that day, so long ago – I think
it was at least edible. But I do know that God is still at work in me, and in
all of us, adding a little flour here, sprinkling a little water there. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Regardless
of what shape my lumpy dough might cling to, our faithful God will never give
up on me or on any of us. God’s love will heal and shape us into bread for the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks be to God! Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-77723576444731106492021-04-12T11:11:00.000-04:002021-04-12T11:11:03.208-04:00What Does God's Presence Sound Like? Sermon for Ash Wednesday 2021 2-17-21<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><br />Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 and Psalm 51:1-17</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ash Wednesday</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blow
the <i>shofar</i>. While our translation, the NRSV renders the Hebrew word
written here as “trumpet”, with which we are all familiar, what is actually
being named here is the <i>shofar </i>(shofar) – a ram’s horn. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
this day, the shofar is blown by practicing Jews, primarily during Rosh
Hashanah, primarily in worship. Jewish law states that it should be blown 30
times <i>each day</i>, but in practice it is often blown 100 to 101 times each
of the 10 days of penitence cu</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">lminating
in Yom Kippur. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are patterns of sound to be made and methods followed which are too detailed to
go into here, but the Bible contains many explicit references to the shofar,
not just the Rosh Hashanah commandment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
the people receive the <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Shavuot/In_the_Community/Torah_Reading_and_Haftarah/The_Ten_Commandments.shtml"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ten
Commandments</span></a> from God on Mount Sinai, they hear a very loud blast of
the shofar. They’re commanded to blow the shofar not only on Rosh Hashanah, but
also at the beginning of the <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/beliefs/Issues/Nature_and_the_Environment/Traditional_Teachings/Sabbatical_and_Jubilee_Years.shtml"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jubilee year</span></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ro7AO9KnqqI/YHRiqpXQZ1I/AAAAAAAA0mc/xpOi2W44KVshOvZfbIlftX8uoRWzv64uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/blast%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bshofar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ro7AO9KnqqI/YHRiqpXQZ1I/AAAAAAAA0mc/xpOi2W44KVshOvZfbIlftX8uoRWzv64uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/blast%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bshofar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.
Shofars were also blown by warriors in battle, and by musicians in the Temple.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The sound of the shofar is both earthly and
Divine. It comes from an animal but makes the same sound that was heard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on the top of Mount Sinai when God addressed
the people</i>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Music can be celebratory, but the sound of
the shofar is more than just a sound of jubilation<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. It is the sound of the presence of God</i>, and the sound we use to
cry out to God when we need God’s intervention.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On Ash Wednesday Christians don’t sound the
ram’s horn – unless for illustration purposes, especially when talking about
this passage! The shofar is not part of our tradition. But there is something
else we do. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Following ancient custom for those who were
mourning, or penitent, or suffering under a load of some kind, the Christian
practice of receiving ashes on the day that begins our Lenten penitential
season dates back to somewhere around the 6<sup>th</sup> century, under Pope
Gregory the Great. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The ashes that smear the shape of a cross on
the forehead of the observant come from the burning of last year’s Palms. As
the sounding of the shofar did for the Jews in ancient times, and as ashes do
for many Christians for the past 2000 years, times of penitence require some
practice marking their beginning and end. The end of Lent comes on Maundy
Thursday which is marked by Holy Communion, remembering how Jesus instituted
the meal the night before he died. Other practices at that time include the
washing of feet, stripping the altar, and in some places some sort of
reenactment of the Upper Room. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Joel relays a message from the Lord that the
Day of the Lord is coming and is now here; the implication is that all the runs
counter to God and to God’s commandments will be destroyed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While the people of Israel would have loved
this message to pertain to their enemies as it has in the past, in this
passage, the people of Judah themselves are the recipients of the warning. The
shofar will be blown not in enemy territory by the great and mighty army that
will carry the Lord’s favor into battle, but from the holy place that is God’s
holy mountain. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Unlike other prophetic books in the Old
Testament where it is clear by the prophecies of those God sends that social injustice,
idolatry, political affairs, and more, are the reasons for God’s judgment and
punishment, Joel doesn’t record a great deal about what is happening before
this Day of the Lord prophecy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But Judah’s repeated experiences of God’s
displeasure are typically associated with Judah’s own action, and it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">repentance</i> that Joel calls for. It is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">repentance</i> that the Lord demands. While
we may not be privy, therefore, to the exact nature of Judah’s rebellion and
sin, whether the offense lies more in the category of things “done” or things
“undone”, this uncertainty calls for us to examine and contemplate our own
tendency to turn away from God and therefore <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our own need for repentance</i>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yet even now,” begins verse 12 – even now,
there is hope that comes from the Lord. For the Lord does not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">desire</i> the destruction of God’s people.
God does not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">desire </i>distress or pain
or death for God’s beloved. Rather, God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">desires
</i>eternal blessing and relationship with God’s creation, including God’s
people – event he sinful, recalcitrant ones. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Therefore, God ensures that neither sin for divine wrath will have the
final word.</i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the text from Joel, it is made clear that
for these people what is necessary to experience a very different future from
the wrack and ruin they are clearly destined for, is to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">repent.</i> Turning away from their sin and returning to the Lord God
with true contrition signified by fasting, weeping, mourning, and hearts by the
knowledge of what they have done and not done, will mark a turning point in
their relationship with God. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because the thing is, as we read in verse 13,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God is gracious and merciful, slow to
anger and abounding in steadfast love.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While our Old Testament text continues on, it
is on these opening verses that I want to focus today. Joel wrote to a people
steeped in insecurity, and their anxieties and brokenness created a situation
in which God must intervene. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because God’s nature is not vengeful, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God desires life for all people</i>, it is
the light of Jesus Christ that is gives lights the life and path for us today. Joel
writes in a time centuries before the advent of Christ. But we are much blessed
to be living after. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The love of God is such that God’s devotion
is clear. God’s passion for God’s people is clear even in this passage written
from Judah so long ago. Yet we know that even while God’s desire was life,
while God offered restoration through repentance, we human beings have never
been good at upholding the promises we made, the oaths we take, and we are
usually not very good at self-regulating our behavior, especially our sinful
inclinations. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the truth we face as we begin our
Lenten journey today. The liturgical season of Lent for Christians is a period
of 40 days in remembrance and recognition that Jesus himself spent 40 days in
the desert wilderness in a time of preparation by fasting and prayer. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For centuries, practices of Christians,
including Lutherans, have included the imposition of ashes at the beginning of
Lent, followed by a season of focusing on particular acts of charity and
almsgiving; fasting, prayer and devotion, retreat and study; focus on
repentance – turning away from our similarly selfish and self-centered
inclinations, and returning to the Lord, turning back to live for Christ alone.
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puaTXGHw_TU/YHRizrsTDsI/AAAAAAAA0mg/7PiNHA6x4-MCyNf2ZXYZFvikeKK_8rcBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s259/ashes%2Band%2Bpalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puaTXGHw_TU/YHRizrsTDsI/AAAAAAAA0mg/7PiNHA6x4-MCyNf2ZXYZFvikeKK_8rcBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/ashes%2Band%2Bpalm.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s actually a pretty big ask, isn’t it?
Can we really turn away from our sinful paths, the brokenness in our embrace of
the world, our greed and self-centeredness, and all else that in fact draws us
away from God? We, who spend hours in front of the TV or shopping (even if it
is largely online), engaged in unhealthy behaviors, working too many hours at
the expense of our relationships, or running our kids from place to place in their
heavy load of activities and so forth, but can hardly find the time to
regularly engage in serious study of God’s word, in regular prayer and
devotion, and sometimes, even time to worship – how much do we struggle with
Joel’s prophecy and the instruction to turn? To turn away from all that
distracts us? To return to the Lord our God?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This Ash Wednesday looks vastly different for
many of us than any we have experienced before, although truth be told, Ash
Wednesday is one of those days, and receiving ashes is one of those activities,
that has been on the decline for some time. It’s hard for some to schedule
participation in. It’s hard to make room to worship on that day. It is often a
day that slips by, unnoticed by many.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Regardless of what your past practices are,
however, this year, despite our inability to gather together in the church, we
are able to gather together online; to remember that we are dust, and to dust
we shall return; to remember the gospel Good News that God, in all his wisdom,
love, and mercy, sent Jesus to be for us the final covenant of God’s love and
our redemption. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The words that Peter spoke on the top of the
mountain at the Transfiguration pertain to us today, as well. “It is good for
us to be here.” It is good for us to begin this Lent remembering, turning,
embracing God’s love and demand for justice, peace, devotion to the one God who
has ensured our salvation through the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ,
our Lord. It is good for us to hear that repentance, mercy, and redemption are
ours when we believe, and that in believing, when we follow God’s greatest and
most consistent commend to love God and to love our neighbor. May it be so.
Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-64976913131041887472021-04-12T11:02:00.002-04:002021-04-12T11:02:13.909-04:00Unexpected Encounters with Grief - Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday 2021, 2-14-21<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2 Kings 2:1-12 and Mark 9:2-9 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Transfiguration
Sunday 2021</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Essential to every good story is a
climax. This is the apex of the story; it is a threshold where all points come
together in an array of excitement or revelation or the beginning of resolution
to the main conflict of the story. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In a movie or novel, or even in song
or poetry, the climax is a point of high tension. There are resolutions of some
kind, but there are also questions that are generated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In both our Old Testament reading
today and the gospel, we see such a threshold. God is present in each one. God works
through and reveals something important and wonderful, and yet there is a loss
or a sense of dismay in each as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Earlier in the chronicle from Kings, we
learn that Elisha was the son of Shaphat, a wealthy land-owner of Abel-meholah
in northern Israel. While at cave on Mount Horeb, Elijah learns that Yahweh has
selected this young man to serve as his successor in the prophetic office.
Elijah sets out to find him and call him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRKmhwH69h4/YHRf-zERwKI/AAAAAAAA0mI/Om_IkjKIKDI6UnU9x-6-RStcUpQ8xe2CACLcBGAsYHQ/s500/Elisha%2Bfrom%2BChabad%252Corg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRKmhwH69h4/YHRf-zERwKI/AAAAAAAA0mI/Om_IkjKIKDI6UnU9x-6-RStcUpQ8xe2CACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Elisha%2Bfrom%2BChabad%252Corg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the ensuing years, Elisha is a
faithful disciple of the prophet Elijah, following his master everywhere from
the moment they meet, learning from him, loving him, and serving him. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then, Elisha sees his master disappear in
a fiery chariot, going up to heaven. So grieved is he, that he tears his
clothes. Yet, ultimately, he picks up the mantle which Elijah cast off for him.
Elisha knew that he was to carry on the great work of Elijah, to spread the
knowledge of God. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He would teach his people to be a
blessing to others, to be kind and charitable. It would not always be easy. As
a prophet, Elisha was a political activist and revolutionary, and we know how
well that often goes over! The thing is that is the work of prophets; to speak
the truth and name God’s judgment on the injustices and sin in the world, and
then to offer hope that God is still present and will bring about a resolution
in the future.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The gospel tells us the story that
gives Transfiguration Sunday its name. In the events on the top of the
mountain, Jesus is accompanied by his closest and most trusted disciples. Jesus
ascends the mountain and at its pinnacle his appearance takes on a decidedly
heavenly appearance; the light that emanates from his clothing does not come
from anything created by human hands. It is amazing, perhaps perplexing, and
certainly dazzling to the three disciples. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Suddenly, the ancient prophets Moses and
Elijah appear with Jesus. We don’t know how the disciples know who Moses and
Elijah are – but as they cross this threshold, the divinity of Jesus is
established once again to the disciples who have accompanied him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Living in a troubled time, having
just heard from Jesus the confusing predictive revelation of his coming passion
and death, we can understand what happens next. Though terrified by the
strangeness of what his eyes behold, Peter suggests that they erect three
dwelling places right there. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEsyB0JzDMk/YHRf49ekgsI/AAAAAAAA0mE/2yDjLyEFFi8X5brNpHQ-L70AzFCcLzG8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s261/Transfiguration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEsyB0JzDMk/YHRf49ekgsI/AAAAAAAA0mE/2yDjLyEFFi8X5brNpHQ-L70AzFCcLzG8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Transfiguration.jpg" /></a></div>The word for these dwelling places is the
word used for a temporary dwelling place. So, Peter isn’t suggesting they build
a temple on the spot, but something more like a tent, where they can all hang
out for awhile and hang on to this heavenly experience. Perhaps Peter even thinks
that if they hang out in the presence of these three they will better
understand what God is telling them. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, as a voice that comes from a
cloud, long understood in Hebrew biblical literature to be the presence and
voice of God, they are told, “This is my Son, the beloved; listen to him!” The
grammatical tense used here connotes is a command to continually listen to
Jesus. As we go through our days and the events that carry us into the world,
to keep on listening to Jesus; to never stop listening to what Jesus has to
say.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A little over a year ago, here at
Zion we engaged in a day of celebration. It certainly wasn’t as climactic as
the events in these Scriptures are. But in the life of our church, it certainly
could be seen as a high point, and a threshold, as we anticipated learning a
path forward through the R3 process and other work. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We worshiped together as one, praising God
and thanking him for his grace, mercy, and ongoing call to us through our
music, and prayers. We shared in the Eucharist. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After worship, we opened our annual
meeting which we began with photos of that year’s events and through recorded
video montage in which members described how God was present, was speaking to
them, or could be seen and heard through the worship and ministries of Zion. We
got a glimpse of the work being accomplished by God through our efforts. People
were asked why they come to Zion or what kept them here and their responses
were a celebration of God’s presence and activity in and through Zion. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Witness was given of the kind of
assistance had gone out from Zion into our community and the world and the
difference it was making in the lives of individuals. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We completed the business of the
church necessary at our annual meetings, and then shared a meal together over
in the fellowship hall. It was, in many ways, a glorious day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It served as a climax of the ministry and our
life together as we crossed the bridge from 2019 to 2020.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A little over a month later, the
pandemic hit. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Years ago, after surviving 5 moves
in the first 5 years of our marriage my husband and I found ourselves in a
place of finally being able to settle down for a relatively long period of time
– 7 years. During this time, we added the last 2 children to our family – our 1<sup>st</sup>
had been born during those first crazy years of moving around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having been active in churches wherever we
were, we were finally able to establish ourselves more securely. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was during this time, while raising
three little ones, that I first heard the call to public ministry. The time
wasn’t right for me with two under the age of 5 and an active 10 year old by
that time. But I became a Stephen’s Minister and im<br /><br /><br />mersed myself in the
ministries of the church, feeling a sense of belonging in that church for myself
and for all our family. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, we moved again. “No problem,”
I thought. I have a direction – and we’ll just pick up where we left off,
become established in a congregation where we will thrive once again, and
figure the rest out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But that isn’t what happened. There
were new challenges in our new home at the edge of southern Chester County.
There were no “close” Lutheran churches and living in that rural area meant
spending a lot more time on the roads getting from place to place. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We spent the next 2 years church
shopping, even looking outside the Lutheran Church, just looking for a church
to which we could belong. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ultimately, what I came to realize was
that aside from the distance to the churches we found through the Yellow Pages
– remember them? –the biggest obstacle wasn’t the strangeness of entering a new
community and feeling a sense of belonging – though that was real; nor was it
the distance to the churches – though that was real too, but not
insurmountable. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What made finding and transitioning
to a new church so hard, what had inspired two years of church shopping and
church hopping, was grief. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When we are in the midst of grief,
it is hard to move on. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When we are in the midst of grief, it is
hard to imagine anything new taking the place of the old or filling the hole in
our hearts. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We were grieving the loss of community,
the loss of a sense in belonging, especially belonging to a church family that
WAS our family, people we missed so much it hurt. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We grieved the loss of dependability and
the ease of relationships formed over the years, and the comfort born of
repetition and immersion in a community that was no longer available to us. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There were times, I confess, when I
wondered what God’s message to us/me was in all of this. Just when I thought I
had discovered what God wanted from me and was actively pursuing it, it had
been ripped away. Was this a test?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I share this story because I think
that it is a lot like our experience of the last year and where we find
ourselves now. There is a lot of grief that we have endured in the past year.
Even if you haven’t lost a family member or friend in the past year, in many
ways you have been ripped away from them, and from all that is familiar,
comfortable, and fulfilling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even if you still have your health
and your home and your job, your losses likely feel close to immeasurable and insurmountable.
We don’t know for certain when things will return to normal, but we are aware
that “normal” is relative, and what we return to will not feel like what we
experienced before. All these feelings and fears are real. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our grief is real. After
experiencing a climax in our story together as church, the grief you have
experienced this year may feel like a cruel joke or a bad dream – truly a
nightmare. Is God testing us? Again, the thing is, God meets us at the
threshold and accompanies us over.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Into this reality for all of us,
come these Transfiguration Stories – the recordings of events that illustrated
that God’s divine will is done in and through Jesus. While we view the Kingdom
of God through dull, dust-covered glass, it is the place where God meets us,
right where we are. It is the place into which God sends Jesus. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is no way to avoid the
thresholds that God appoints. The chariots come, the whirlwind descends,
and Elijah leaves his bereft student behind. The Lord is Transfigured on
the mountaintop but the cross becomes from another hill not far away. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Spiritual maturity requires crossing from
certainty to faith, from light to shadow, from power to vulnerability?
Elisha saw God’s glory. But he also saw a point of no return. He
tore his clothes and grieved.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swCYitWrTgo/YHRgmkDy_kI/AAAAAAAA0mU/7y1De4AoCKoOJjXzbRgZtFa5Joq_uQmhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/prayerhandsjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swCYitWrTgo/YHRgmkDy_kI/AAAAAAAA0mU/7y1De4AoCKoOJjXzbRgZtFa5Joq_uQmhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/prayerhandsjpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter, James, and John saw Jesus
transfigured and heard the voice of God. Yet they were sent back into the world
with Jesus, without lingering for even a little while. They would accompany
Jesus along his road to the cross. They would endure hard, heavy grief. But
then, they would witness resurrection. And nothing would ever be the same. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God will see us through this pandemic to
another threshold, where we will continue to listen to Jesus, continue to
follow our Lord. We will be forever changed by our grief, but we will also be
forever called by Jesus, whose visage will continue to shine as the light and
love of God revealed in glory. Our path may sometimes be painful and difficult
-but Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, will never abandon us or leave us at
the threshold. Rather, he will call us, invite us and bless us to take the next
step and follow him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May it be so. Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
Wading Through Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498130419020348662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630683869771494737.post-15617886634444851012021-04-12T10:52:00.000-04:002021-04-12T10:52:00.880-04:00The Trouble with Miracles - Sermon for 2-7-21, 5th Sunday after the Epiphany<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 1:29-39 & Isaiah 40:21-31</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5<sup>th</sup>
Sunday After Epiphany Year B <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The evangelist
Mark is known for his use of the word translated throughout his gospel as
“immediately.” In many ways this short Gospel suits us. The action tends to be
fast-moving; in this gospel we get the shortest version of various stories that
were later repeated – always with more detail and embellishment – by Luke and
Matthew in their gospels. Therefore, the movement feels faster, and we don’t
dwell very long anywhere before Mark moves us to the next scene. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We see this
movement in today’s gospel which begins “as soon as” and then we find ourselves
in Simon Peter’s house. There his mother-in-law lies ill with a fever, which is
healed and then, right away, the woman gets up to perform her duty of providing
hospitality to the guests of the house.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Suddenly it is
evening, when Jesus does a whole bunch of healing of those flocking to him with
every manner of physical, spiritual and emotional or mental affliction or demon
possession and then it is morning again, and before anyone else arises, Jesus
heads out into the darkness before dawn to pray. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We, who gladly pay
a membership fee so that Amazon Prime will get our stuff to us in two days or
less, who pay big bucks for high speed internet access and who immediately pull
out our phones to get the answer to any question our lives or our conversations
might conjure up, like this fast pace we find in Mark’s gospel, because waiting
is one of humanity’s least favorite activities. If you don’t have/do any of
those things, what does waiting look like to you?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All I know is that
it is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">miracle</i> we lived through the
dial-up internet years, that we survived to the end of each school year when we
were young, or that waiting for the arrival of a loved one, or for vacation
time to roll around, or for the end of this damnable pandemic has not done us in.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The prophet
Isaiah’s words in our first lesson assure us that we are not the first people
to feel this way, though our culture of instant gratification has certainly made
it worse. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Imagine waiting
for <i>70 years in exile in Babylon</i>, for instance, for that is the
experience of those for whom Isaiah writes. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">decades,</span> God’s chosen people had lived
in a foreign land, cut off from their families, homes, jobs, and comforts,
homesick, impatient for God to deliver them. Their long wait made them feel
betrayed and abandoned by God. It is into this reality that Isaiah speaks the
word of the Lord: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the
everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or
grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and
strengthens the powerless.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still
today, while we repeatedly punch the “close doors” button on our elevators,
frustrated by our wait, refugee communities know, perhaps better than any of
us, what it is like to wait like the Israelites waited. Suffering, longing
people know how hard it is to not lose hope that something will change. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But then, the word
of the Lord breaks through. <i>“Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their
strength, they shall mount up like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not be faint.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petty annoyances
aside, we each in our own way, know the despair, of waiting too, don’t we? Some
in our community are experiencing the wait of a diagnosis or an update on the
efficacy of the treatment they receive for various conditions. Some are waiting
to see improvement. Some are waiting to see progression. And then, of course, we
have become more familiar with waiting than we ever thought we would be in the
past year, when COVID has so drastically changed our world and our lives. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Out
of a plethora of experiences, we know what it is like to wonder “Where is God
in the midst of this mess?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When we read
powerful, miracle stories like the one recorded in Mark’s Gospel about Peter’s
mother-in-law who is sick with a fever, whom Jesus heals in an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">instant</i>, and we might well wonder, “What
about me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We hear that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whole city </i>gathers at Simon’s door, and
that Jesus heals and casts out demons for many of them, and we might well wonder,
“what about mine?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And we, who may
still be waiting for God to heal and restore, may still be waiting impatiently
for the vaccine, who are impatient for our lives – and our world – to return to
“normal,” or who have lost loved ones wonder: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But what about me?</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We know friends
and family members who are valiantly battling cancers of all kinds, we have
loved ones deep in addiction’s grip, we know families that are fighting or
estranged, children who are struggling, people desperately yearning, searching,
for meaningful, stable employment or relief from troubles that assail them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We ourselves may
be waiting for mental, physical or spiritual healing for things outside of our
control. We pray for peace yet find ourselves witness to a world consumed by
anything but peace. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We may ask, “what are we to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">make of</i>
Jesus’ healing stories today?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Barbara
Brown Taylor writes, “<i>The problem with miracles is that it is hard to
witness them without wanting one of your own. Every one of us knows someone who
is suffering. Every one of us knows someone who could use a miracle, but
miracles are hard to come by.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And, in their
absence, we theorize, theologize, and spiritualize, offering unhelpful and even
hurtful words and platitudes like:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“God
will use this (whatever) to build your character”, or, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“What
doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!” or,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“God’s
timing is different than ours—just be patient.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Or,
my least favorite, “Everything happens for a reason.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As well intentioned as these responses
are, they, too, represent a part of our inability to sit quietly, to wait, or
to <i>recognize the promises and presence of God in the midst of our suffering.
</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead, these
claims and admonitions assume that health, riches, and comfort are the norms we
should <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">expect</i> to experience in this
life, and when they fail us, if we have enough faith and if God is faithful
enough, then we should expect a miracle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet, the all the Gospels
together record only about three dozen miracle stories. All told, Jesus
actually <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">only healed a small number of
people</span> in one tiny part of the world before he died. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Though the crowds
continued to look for him the morning after he healed Simon’s mother-in-law, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus moved on. He needed to </span>proclaim
the Good News somewhere else. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">primary</span> mission</i> <i>was to proclaim
the Kingdom of God</i>, not to eliminate the world’s disease and despair. The
Jesus of scripture is actually much more elusive, subtle, and quiet than our
quick-fix culture wants to make him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
is a Savior who eludes the crowds,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Seeks
out deserted places,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Prays
in the dark.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The thing is while
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">yes, the kingdom of God has already
come,</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and</span> it’s inbreaking during Jesus’ time on earth was marked by all
kinds of signs and wonders, these signs and wonders are not our daily reality. They
aren’t meant to be. The kingdom is not yet complete. It has not come to its
fullness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus promises that someday, when the kingdom has fully come,
all will be well, but all is not well yet. Our great task, great sorrow, great
calling, and great journey as disciples of Christ is to live graciously and
compassionately in this vast and sometimes terrible time-in-between:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are called to offer the comfort of our steady presence to
those who suffer. To remember our baptism, and how God claimed us and
blessed us for life that is life-giving; that brings healing through
compassion, forgiveness and love; that walks beside the one who struggles; that
looks out and speaks up for the poor and marginalized, the objectified and
abused, the lonely and abandoned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As disciples of Christ, we are created and called to restore
community, family, and dignity to those who walk through this life sick, weak,
and wounded. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And God’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">promise</i> as we walk this pathway forward, i<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">s not for</i> abundant miracles that instantly take all pain away, but
for <i>everlasting strength that sustains us until that day when all is indeed
made well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As adamantly as the prophet Isaiah
acknowledges, how hard it is for God’s people to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wait</i> for the promised redemption, the prophet also insists that</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> our LORD is the everlasting God, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">the Creator of the ends of the earth, who
sits above the circle of the earth, and creates all its mountains and valleys.
It is God who will overcome evil and anguish, loss and despair, who will bring
new life out of suffering, and who, through Jesus Christ redeems and sustains,
who does not faint or grow weary.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the midst of
suffering and despair, and confusion and impatience, in this time of waiting
and wondering when things will get better, you don’t have to run on empty. Rely
on God’s strength. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We don’t like to wait.</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For anything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But this time-in-between, where we find
ourselves, is where God promises to come to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amid our mess, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sitting with us in
times of sickness and sorrow, isolation and fear,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God gives us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strength and power</i> to live, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">simply</i> because He loves us. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Have you not known? Have you not
heard? </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">God does not faint or grow weary; </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">God gives power to the faint, </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">and strengthens the powerless. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Waiting is hard. Living well in the
tension between the already-and-the-not-yet is hard. But hard is where our Savior
dwells. May we have the courage to dwell there in faith, too, until that day
when all is made well. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Amen. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
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