Dear people of God, There is a phrase in scripture, “He turned his face toward Jerusalem,” that for me has always been the summation of Lent. Jesus, while open to the surprising leadings of the Holy Spirit, was also a very intentional person. He could have let the winds of the moment or even political exigency or personal security influence him not to go to Jerusalem. Jerusalem, in his day was both the seat of religious and political power and oppression, and it was the poetic and prophetic vision of the fulfillment of the reign of God among us. Jesus chose to move toward both. For centuries, the Church has asked its people to be intentional during the season of Lent. It has encouraged us to deepen our study, stretch in works of compassion, focus with more devotion in worship, and identify the joys as well as sorrows of the life we share with Christ. This Lent we invite you to share by way of this devotional guide. It is offered by your fellow members as a companion in study, prayer and reflection. You will see that it moves us through some of the major stories and themes of scripture. We begin on Ash Wednesday with the story of creation and conclude just before Easter in the book of Revelation. We intentionally omitted Sundays. Having dipped your spiritual toe in one day’s reading, you might want to take the plunge and read the entire story or biblical book. You might want to immerse yourself in prayer as a result of its leading. Our prayer is that God’s Spirit will guide and bless you as you use this devotional. Thank you to the many authors who contributed to this work of love. May we arrive at Easter a people strengthened in faith, renewed in hope, and grateful for God’s continuing love.

Yours in Christ,

Timothy J. Mulder, Rector

Ash Wednesday, February 13 Genesis 1:2-4

CREATION

The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2-4

One of the saddest things I am sometimes asked to do is to stand with a family at the grave of one they have loved. A funeral director has called saying someone has died. The family was not affiliated with any church but would like a minister to “say a few words.” When I meet with them, I ask if anyone would like to say something at the graveside? “No.” “Are there any passages of scripture you would like read? “You choose. We wouldn’t know what to say. You just say a few words.” I do, because I do not want anyone to stand alone, either in life or in death. My heart breaks. I have met countless similar families now, who have had no need for God during their life, but do not want to stand at an empty grave and have nothing to say. Something in them has asked for someone to re-present, make present, God for them. They have a longing for more than a void. The book of Genesis begins with an image of a world without form or definition, a great emptiness. There are no emotions or relationships; no beauty or even sorrow, no discoveries or challenges, no anything. It is as though a world with nothing to say once said to God, “You just say a few words.” And God did. With God’s breath (Spirit in Hebrew), God blew life into creation. Creativity, imagination, intellect, emotion, definition, borders, shades, colors, smells, sounds, tastes, all that make life and makes it full result from our realization that a formless void is no way to live. God gives our lives purpose and meaning. Life is a blessed trust, a holy adventure, a sacred stewardship. How we spend our days means that we do not stand silent at an empty grave. Instead we can rejoice at the empty grave, “Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed.” And because of that, so are we. Not just “a few words,” but words that give life. Magnificent Creator, who have poured into us the gift of life. Help us treasure and share it, for in so doing we praise you. Amen.

Tim Mulder

Thursday, February 14 Genesis 3

THE GARDEN

The Lord God drove out the man; and at the east of the Garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24

What a horrific ending! After having made and placed them to tend and care for a beautiful lush fertile garden of delight, God forcibly drove man and woman, the crowning act of God’s creation, out of the garden and set up guards to block their return. And what was the misguided misdeed? The term sin is not used, nor is an apple ever mentioned. Was it disobedience, rebellion, sex, failure to make the right choice, pride, overstepping boundaries, trying to become like the gods, failure to accept one’s humanity, becoming attached to objects, substances, and relationships other than God? Theologians have wrestled over these and other possibilities, which prevent us from loving and serving God. But, oh, the consequences! There is estrangement between God, man, woman and earth. Even the sexual relationship, the embodiment of the intimate connection God made between man and woman, becomes fraught with shame and cover up. Enmity develops between humankind, the snake, and other animals. Women are destined to experience pain in childbirth and be subject to their husbands rather than equal partners. Men are condemned to endless toil and frustration in their efforts to produce food and support themselves. There is no hope of immortality. Life is difficult and then we die. God’s commission and charge to care for the earth and its creatures becomes license to exercise power wantonly, abuse one another, rape nature, and pollute the earth. Fortunately the story does not end here. In Jewish eschatology history will complete itself and culminate in humankind’s return to the Garden of Eden. Indeed, God so loved the world he became incarnate in Christ Jesus to reminds us that life eternal does not necessarily refer to never-ending life but to a quality of life present here and now as we follow God’s commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” I continue to experience God when I am loved and cared for by others. This is how we work together to create God’s kingdom here on earth. Lord God, full of forgiveness and grace. Help us to love you and one another and to bring about your kingdom here on earth. Amen

Bobbi Engler

Friday, February 15 Genesis 4: 1-16

CAIN & ABEL

The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Genesis 4:4-5

Cain and Abel choose different vocations, Abel decided to herd livestock and Cain decided to tend a garden. When it came time to give an offering to the Lord they each offered their personal treasure. What happened next is not very well motivated by the text. Perhaps to the ancient Hebrew reader there was a clear reason why Abel’s livestock was more favorable to the Lord then Cain’s cornucopia. Cain’s reaction is a little easier to understand than God’s choice of favor, at least his initial reaction. Life is not fair. At least that is how Cain must have felt. How much time do we spend thinking the same thing? Of course we want life to be fair. Maybe that means that life should be a perfect meritocracy, judiciously giving rewards and favor to the most deserving at each turn. But on what terms is that to be defined. Do we really want a perfect meritocracy? Do we want to give up our advantages, reset our place? No, we want to maintain our accumulation of awards, keep our advantages. It would be easier for Abel to speak about the inherent fairness of the offering system than poor Cain and his unfortunate offering choice. How then do we react when we feel that life is not being fair? We probably can’t help getting a little bit mad at times but we can avoid acting on the anger in the way Cain did. Did Jesus have much to say about life being fair? Maybe, but he did so in terms on a scale which is hard for us to really grasp. If we are worried about the fairness of the corner office allocation, we are probably not factoring in the plight of the meek in our assessment. Maybe what we need to know is that we could give away much more than is comfortable, give up much more, and offer up much more and still have spiritual riches which defy our concept of fairness. Dear Lord, who provides all things, help us to have a generous spirit which avoids all jealousy and envy. Amen.

Scott Chastain

Saturday, February 16 Genesis 6-7:5

THE FLOOD

Lord Jesus, think on me, and purge away my sin; from harmful passions set me free, and make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me, with care and woe oppressed; let me thy loving servant be, and taste thy promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me, nor let me go astray; through darkness and perplexity point thou the heavenly way.

Lord Jesus, think on me, that, when the flood is passed, I may the eternal brightness see, and share thy joy at last.

Words: Synesius of Cyrene, ~375-414

Music: Southwell, from Daman’s Psalter, 1579 HYMN 641

Monday, February 18 Genesis 8:20-9:17

AFTER THE FLOOD

God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all and future generations. I have set my bow in the clouds,

and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 8:20-9:17 I’ve always loved rainbows, and because in Maine in summer our front yard is the sea, we get quite a few of them. They frequently follow heavy thunderstorms and are a lovely aperçu to the strum und drang. They usually arch from Our Lady Queen of Peace, the Catholic church across the harbor from us, south towards one of the outer islands. In front of that church is a set of plaques dedicated to all those from the area whom the sea has claimed. Most are fishermen or women who, out of economic necessity and love of the ocean, choose the most dangerous occupation in the world. God has promised Noah, his sons, and us, that HE (and in this case the male pronoun seems appropriate) will never seek to destroy His creation and our world again. After the violence of a thunderstorm, that seems slightly reassuring – but only slightly. First, it assumes our God is omniscient and omnipotent and can control the future. But the God we meet in the Bible is neither. His creation surprises and disobeys Him again and again. “Of tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat.” Looks yummy, let’s try a bite. Secondly, our God does not promise WE won’t destroy Her creation, a power which we now possess, and, if we believe scripture, a power God bestowed upon us when She made us in His image. Thirdly, there’s always an asteroid out there with our names on it. We now know they have extinguished or rearranged life on earth numerous times in the past. So I cast my lot with those who go to the sea to fish. Extinction is inevitable. Jesus calls us not to worry about that but to live life fully. And what could be better after a day on the water than good company for a lobster dinner and a nice Chardonnay? And if we’re lucky, a rainbow!

R. John Cooper

Tuesday, February 19 Genesis 12:1-9

CALL OF ABRAHAM

What if WE were called? While the Bible may be rife with passages that are hard to interpret, the Lord speaks to Abram loud and clear in Genesis 12; v.1-9. “Pack your bags and go where I tell you. Leave all that is familiar to you, and all whom you love behind, for I will create for you a great nation. If anyone gets in my way (or yours), I will make trouble for them.” (My quotes) Strong stuff, indeed. And Abram was a mere seventy-five years old! Nonetheless, Abram and his nephew Lot pressed on as the Lord directed, building an altar at Shechem (where the Lord appeared to Abram) and later at Bethel, before proceeding to Negrev. In this passage, the Lord appeared to Abram, who did his bidding without question or complaint. How can we emulate Abram’s faith and obedience in today’s world? The answer is not a simple one, but if we truly love the Lord and do his bidding, he will appear to us and manifest his love for us in countless ways. And we will be all the richer for it. Lord, let me be a tool of your love, to sow the seeds of your grace in all that I do, as I know I am being called by you to do your will.

Bob Arnold

Wednesday, February 20 Genesis 18:1-21

PROMISE OF ISAAC’S BIRTH

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as

she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I

am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Genesis 18:10-14

There is such domesticity of the first part of this passage, which I have not included in the above. We are brought into the home of Abraham and Sarah, into their tent. We see her bake bread. We watch him prepare a calf. We stand under the tree near their fire while, with ritual and graciousness, they feed their ‘guests.’ Sarah and Abraham must sense these visitors are anything but ordinary, but tending to their immediate needs seems to keep them busy and distracted. And then there it comes, out of the blue, like a lightening bolt: the extraordinary and very personal surprise of a promise of a son. God tells us in the next verses that this Abraham and this son, and those who come after, will build a nation that will become great and powerful. But I have always loved the contrast of this pronouncement of nationhood with what the initial announcement must have meant to this elderly, devoted couple. And Sarah’s doubting and somewhat nervous laughter has always made me smile; it is so very, very human. Lord, help us to keep our hearts, our doors, always open – so that those who cross our paths each and every day, those who ‘arrive’ in our lives without fanfare, warning, or expectation – we may truly welcome and embrace. For in opening our hearts to see, to listen, and to appreciate the unexpected gifts found in others, we strengthen our compassion and tolerance, and deepen our connection with one another. Create in our hearts a faith that is unshakable, a faith that readies us for life’s challenges, and a faith that knows that your ultimate design for us reflects your love of us. Amen.

Jean Funk

Thursday, February 21 Genesis 22:1-19

THE BINDING OF ISAAC

“Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:12

How many of us could imagine a faith so strong that we would be willing to sacrifice our child? I certainly could not. ������On its face, I don't like this passage for a number of reasons. I don't like how God is portrayed as a cruel tyrant willing to inflict incredible pain for the sake of his ego. I don't like that Abraham just goes along as God's humble servant willing to kill his own child - no questions asked. I don't like that Isaac is an expendable pawn caught in God's power play. The whole idea is absurd. Then it occurs to me that the only way I can make sense of this is in its absurdity. Our faith is "tested" throughout our lives in many ways. The tests can be pretty dramatic (though not likely as dramatic as killing one's child) but more often they can be pretty ordinary. How do we respond? ������ I think the lesson here is to aspire to be like Abraham. When presented with an unthinkable request by God he doesn't waiver because he believes in his heart of hearts that ���God will take care of him - and he does. This example of blinding faith is extreme on purpose. I think God is saying that if Abraham can do it in this instance, can't we have faith in the trials that we face in our daily lives? ������We pray that we are mindful of God's love for us and secure in our belief in Him.

Linda Walker

Friday, February 22 Genesis 27

JACOB STEALS THE BLESSING

As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of his father Isaac, his brother Esau came in from his hunting. Genesis 27:30

Most of us are willing to forgive an honest mistake. But what about intentional deception? Rebekah, the wife of Isaac plotted with Jacob, to steal from his father. You may say the rules weren’t fair or the system didn’t work. People can come up with all kinds of reasons as to why they do whatever they do. They knew better. Jacob had to leave his father, mother, brother, friends, home, leave it all – thinking he was the winner, when he really wasn’t. He was haunted by it because he knew and God knew, and he knew that God knew. It went on that way for decades until finally he and his brother reconciled – more or less. So why is this story in the Bible? To show you can get away with something and still have a good life? To show you can get as rich as Jacob, even if you’re a liar and a cheat and not much of a son, brother or friend? To show that everything turns out fine in the end: after all, Jacob gets a new name, Israel, and is remembered forever as a special person to God? Why is this in the Bible? Because life isn’t all pretty. It is the human story … and a whole lot of it gets rolled into one character named Jacob. Jacob is a mess, a sinner, even a terrible sinner. He is also used by God in special, wonderful and important ways. “Israel” means “struggle.” Israel struggled with God. Life is a struggle between our own ego attempts to put ourselves at the center of the universe or to let God be the center. Our Baptism Covenant asks, “Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?” Those dear, naïve framers of the Book of Common Prayer – do they think we all come to sin by mistakenly falling in? Some of us like Jacob scheme and work hard to mess up in such grand style. Either way, the call is to return to God and know without a doubt, that you are already forgiven, always loved, always given another and another and another chance. We keep repeating the cycle. So does God. That’s why it’s called the Gospel.

Anonymous

Saturday, February 23 Genesis 29:1-20

JACOB’S LOVE FOR RACHEL

“So  Jacob  served  seven  years  for  Rachel,  and  they  seemed  to  him  but  a  few  days  because  of  the  love  he  had  for  her.”    Genesis  29:4       Almost  everything  about  the  story  of  Jacob  and  Rachel’s  initial  infatuation  sounds  wrong  to  our  modern  Western  ears  and  ways.     They  were  cousins.    Jacob  decided  he  wanted  Rachel  simply  upon  seeing  her.  Then  Jacob  negotiated  for  the  procurement  of  Rachel,  not  even  striking  the  deal  with  her,  but  with  her  father.    It  was  an  economic  transaction  born  in  lust  and  desire.    Finally,  God  is  not  even  mentioned  in  this  story,  so  what’s  the  spiritual  point?     There  may  be  several,  but  when  something  really  matters  to  us,  no  price  is  too  high.     Consider  all  we  do  for  our  children.    Most  of  us  dedicate  most  of  our  time,  labor  and  love  not  only  to  raising  our  children,  but  continue  to  support  them  on  many  levels  throughout  their  lives.    We  may  grumble  once  in  a  while,  but  they  are  our  deepest  joy  and  commitment.     Part  of  the  irony  of  this  story  is  that  after  Jacob  had  fulfilled  his  seven  year  side  of  the  bargain,  he  was  tricked  (just  as  he  had  previously  deceived  his  own  father  to  get  what  he  wanted),  and  needs  to  serve  another  seven  years  before  he  is  able  to  finally  wed  Rachel.    In  the  Jewish  culture,  the  number  seven  was  not  only  a  number  for  perfection,  but  also  often  had  the  connotation  of  eternity  or  infinity.    Jacob  would  do  whatever  it  took  to  be  in  relationship  with  Rachel.    So  would  God  with  us.    And  sometimes  God  gets  led  along,  sometimes  cheated,  deceived.    But  God  never  gives  up  on  doing  whatever  it  takes  to  be  in  a  relationship  that  has  the  potential,  as  eventually  happened  with  Jacob  and  Rachel,  to  evolve  into  a  lifetime  partnership  of  deepening  love  and  respect  –  not  without  its  real  challenges  –  but  a  love  that  was  worth  it  all  never-­‐the-­‐less.    For  our  sake,  God  labors  through  eternity,  but  it  seems  to  God  as  only  a  few  days  because  of  the  love  God  has  for  us.    Generous  God  for  whom  nothing  is  too  much  for  the  sake  of  love,  help  us  to  learn  how  to  give  to  others  without  counting  the  cost.    Amen.  

Monday, February 25 Genesis 37:1-28

JOSEPH’S COAT & BETRAYAL

But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. Genesis 37:4

Anyone who has grown up with one or more siblings has undoubtedly experienced some of the jealousy that Joseph’s brothers feel in this passage. Those whose fathers have remarried and produced half-siblings, as occurred with Jacob and Rachel, or whose father’s re-marriage brought step-siblings into the household, may know this emotion particularly acutely. Both at work and at home I have seen the damage that this division into ‘us versus them” can bring. Luckily, it doesn’t usually end up with the offending new sibling being sold into slavery (though, oh so tempting), but as I’ve spoken with many people about this subject over the twenty-five years since my mother’s death and my father’s remarriage, I never cease to be amazed at how the story is usually the same. I imagine Rachel whispering to Jacob, “Look at how Joseph is honoring you and protecting your property, unlike his brothers. You should do something really nice for him. Maybe a wonderful new coat”

Clearly, there is something in human nature that causes us to jealously guard the affections of our fathers, as if it were a scarce commodity that cannot be shared. Perhaps it has to do with many fathers not being particularly good at displaying affection, so any hint of added affection for a sibling is painful. Perhaps it is fear that one’s father is being manipulated. Perhaps it is simply greed. But rarely is it ever the fault of the new sibling to whom the hatred seems to be misdirected in this and so many other stories. The new entrant is merely the scapegoat against whom revenge is extracted for the slights of the father.

One could reach the conclusion from this tale that everything will work out just fine if you follow your base instincts and make your sibling’s life a living hell, but that only works in the Old Testament. Instead, we need to find sufficient contentment in our own lives such that the perceived slights and unfairness of our fathers doesn’t cause jealousy, hatred and an inability to speak peaceably with our siblings. And yes, ‘father” could be a metaphor for God, and “siblings” for all his children.

Sam Reckford

Tuesday, February 26 Genesis 42:1-17; 44

JOSEPH’S RECONCILIATION

“For how can I go back to my father without the boy?

I could not bear to see the grief that would overwhelm my father.” Genesis 44:34 The story of Joseph and his brothers is such a vivid one. It has a plot rich with twists and turns, tests and heart-wrenching emotion. Joseph’s journey from being his father’s favorite son to being sold into slavery, to his rise to leadership in Egypt, has all the elements of an award-winning movie script. And when Joseph’s brothers arrive in Egypt during the famine to find food, the plot becomes even more suspenseful: Don’t they recognize Joseph, their own brother? Why doesn’t he identify himself? Is he plotting revenge against them? When I watch a movie with an exciting plot like this, my body tenses, I grip the armrests, I talk silently to the characters, warning them to watch out. My involvement goes from thinking to being physical. While Joseph is testing his brothers, we can see hints that he is having trouble keeping up his stern demeanor. He has to step away to release his emotions and regain his composure. And when Judah makes his final plea to say that he will not be able face his father if he leaves his youngest brother behind as a slave, Jacob crumbles and reveals his identity I find that one of the most powerful aspects of being an Episcopalian is confession and forgiveness. “With penitence, we confess our sins and make restitution where possible, with the intention to amend our lives.” During confession, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders, knowing that God has forgiven me whatever I have done or not done. Judah’s plea above is so raw with emotion and guilt, fraught with all the wrongs he and his brothers have committed. Asking for forgiveness and granting it are complicated. Like Judah and his brothers, we know we do wrong; we are not perfect. But we have the blessing of another shot at getting it right. And as Joseph reconciles with his brothers, we are forgiven. During confession, we can choose to stand or kneel. In Lent, I like to kneel, to feel my whole body in prayer: knees on the kneeler, arms on the pew and head in my hands. Like in the movie theatre, I want my request for forgiveness to be both mental and physical.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Louis B. Smedes

Debbie Barker

Wednesday, February 27 Exodus 1-2:10

BIRTH OF MOSES

But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Exodus 2:3 As much as we try to control our lives, sometimes we feel powerless against the situations we face. Do we have hope even when the cards are stacked against us? Could our decisions change an outcome that seems inevitable? Does God expect us to play an active role and if so could our potential actions influence an outcome in the context of God’s plan? In the passage, the prospects for Moses do not look promising. The Pharaoh has ordered all Hebrew newborn boys to be drowned in the Nile and Moses' mother cannot hide him any longer. In a last ditch effort to avoid his seemingly inevitable death, she assembles a floating basket for Moses and takes him to the bank of the river with his older sister. As a mother of young children, I can only imagine the anguish that the young Hebrew mother must have felt as she released the basket and watched her infant son float down the river. It was a desperate act in a hopeless situation. Yet with the help of his sister, Moses was picked up by the Pharaoh's daughter and not only did he survive but he grew up to be one of the most important figures in Jewish and Christian history. Was it coincidence that the Hebrew mother decided to release the basket at that exact moment which led Moses to be found and saved? How would history have changed if she had followed the Pharaoh's orders to drown her child? Was it her decision and actions that influenced the course of history or was it God’s plan that the events happened exactly as they did? Even when we find ourselves in a situation that feels hopeless, if we retain hope and persevere, perhaps our actions and decisions can make a difference within God's greater plan

Gracious God, thank you for blessing us with a world that allows for hope in times of despair. We pray for your guidance as we face challenging situations and difficult decisions, so that we might

make wise choices to lead us down a path congruent with your plan for our role in this world. Amen. Wendy T. Berg

Thursday, February 28 Exodus 2:11-23

MOSES KILLS OVERSEER

The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” Exodus 2:14

A few months ago a friend sent me a video with the message: “This is a video that will change your life. I have no words left.” The video was produced by Liberty Mutual, as one in their powerful series illustrating the effects of “random acts of kindness.” The song playing in the background has the refrain: “if you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own...”Each seemingly unrelated character in the video is propelled to help a complete stranger after witnessing an act of cruelty, injustice, or just bad luck. The movement of kindness spreads: each person who is helped or aided by a stranger then shows a similar act of kindness to another, and so on and so on... It is powerful and moving and effective. It gave me pause.

This is not a unique theme. The movie, “Pay it Forward,” starring Helen Hunt (2010), is based on the same premise. Why then, do the images of complete strangers helping one another continue to captivate audiences and compel the viewers to reexamine our own lives and to muse upon how we might also become better, kinder people who can make a difference?

In this passage from Exodus, Moses is shown in an all-too-human light. When Moses witnesses the inhuman beating of the Hebrew laborer by the Egyptian, he is enraged by the cruelty. In a very “un-Moses like fashion,” he kills the Egyptian who has killed the Hebrew. Moses realizes that his crime has been witnessed by others and he flees in fear and desperation. It is only when Moses finally arrives in Midian that he shows an unprovoked, unselfish act of kindness to a group of strangers. Moses’ actions are rewarded and his life is changed forever. He is taken in and welcomed by the father of one of the women he helps and he eventually marries her. Moses begins a new life and he embraces his position as “a foreigner in a foreign land” (Exodus 2:22).

Moses, like the people in the video, is a flawed person. Moses, as well as the characters in the video, understand the “going viral” effect that both acts of kindness and acts of cruelty possess. When seemingly insignificant acts of kindness become known, even if only to one person, these acts have life changing potential. Sallie Bunn

Friday, March 1 Exodus 5

LET MY PEOPLE GO

“Let my people go.” The first time it stumbled out of Moses’ mouth, but with each turn it became more forceful – until it became both the cry and definition of faith in God.

Pharaoh had no intention of losing his cheap work source. (How often do we realize that “cheap labor” is an insult to God who honors not only all people, but their labor as well?) Pharaoh responded by making the labor even more punitive. That got Moses in trouble with his own people. How often people resist even things that are in their best interest if it means a change from their ways in the present. They wanted freedom, but not the price they would have to pay for it. I had the honor once of speaking with an elderly lady who was thrown in jail for weeks for marching for women’s right to vote. Often doing the right thing costs a lot. This is far from a pretty story on either side. However, this story is the core story of Judaism. It is the story of salvation. Once enslaved, by the action of God breaking into human history to do what humanity was unwilling to do itself, God brought God’s people to freedom. It was both salvation and resurrection because it was the gift of new life for a people who had all but given up hope in any other possibility than slavery. This is the Old Testament’s mirror story to Jesus and his trial, execution and resurrection. There is the confrontation with power, the fickleness of the people, the injustice and cruelty of humanity, but through it all God breaks in to liberate and resurrect.

The Exodus goes to the heart of Lent with two questions. First, in what ways to we engage in not honoring other people as God honors them? One example is if we realize how many of our suburban landscapers are illegally indentured servants (modern slaves), but we employ them not really wanting to know their story. The human story is that we all need to put ourselves in the shoes of Pharaoh from time to time. Pharaoh, as well as his slaves, was in need of liberation. The second Lenten question is what do we do with the freedom God gives us? If God has given you another chance to live a generous, merciful, loving life, worshiping God and calling you as he did Moses to serve him, what are you and I doing with our God-given freedom?

Lord, save us from the presumption of always being on the right side. And help us respond

to your salvation with the offering of our free lives to the growth of your kingdom of love.

Saturday, March 2 Exodus 14

RED SEA PASSAGE

I have felt “stuck” several times in my life - stuck in a particular job or stuck in a relationship. The imagery in chapter 14 of Exodus is vivid. The Israelites have left Egypt, where, although enslaved, they had routines and some security. Moses has led them to the encampment by the Red Sea. And now they are stuck. In front of them is the sea; behind them is the Egyptian army. On both sides are mountains. They blame Moses saying, “What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?” We can hear their murmurs. Moses says to the trapped Israelites, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord which he will work for you today.” But God retorts “Go forward” or “move on.” When I was in high school I remember complaining to my dad one night about all the homework I had. When I came to the end of my exhaustive list of assignments, he responded, “Well, you better get on it!” Maybe in a lot of cases we have to be stuck, murmur and blame for a while before we move forward. Maybe this is another way of saying we have to “hit bottom” before we can recover. Do we change out of courage or desperation?! Moses’ response is understandable and in many situations has meaning. I hear him saying, “Trust God. Pray. Listen. Discern.” The phrase Christians often recite is “Be still, and know that I am God.” But in this story, to God’s people at this time, I hear God say, “Get on with it. Act!” Several years ago our family endured several sad events. Two deaths in our extended families. One job ending and one job unhealthy. Our housing situation was uncertain and our options were constrained by our desire to stay in the school district for our three children. For months we just survived a day at a time. Finally, we knew we could no longer stay still. The path ahead wasn’t clear, there was no parting of the seas, but we went forward! We had no idea whether we were moving in the right direction, but we knew we had to start making concrete changes. Immediately, we noticed that it felt good to be moving again. It felt good to be back on life’s journey. It felt good to be going forward.

Linda Engleby

Monday, March 4 Exodus 19

SINAI

Exodus is the second of the five books which form the Pentateuch. The term "Pentateuch" comes from the Greek term pent teuchos meaning "five-volume (book) after the Jewish designation, "the five-fifths of the law". Chapter 19 has 25 verses. In this chapter the people of Israel came into the wilderness of Sinai and encamped before the mountain. Verse 10: And the Lord said to Moses, “Go unto the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.” This command was given so they could prepare to hear Moses receive the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. You and I on a Sunday morning similarly perform our morning toilette; we go to the clothes closet and pull out our “Sunday best” when we get ready to attend Church services. My message to you is to be thoughtful on Saturday. Wash your clothes and lay them out in preparation. Make a ritual of getting ready. We are not putting on our best clothes to show off. We are consecrating ourselves in preparation for what we are about to hear. This is a simple enough law to follow. In Exodus, the people of Israel were getting ready to hear to giving of the Ten Commandments. You and I have not trekked out of Egypt into the Sinai. The sanctuary of Christ Church is not about to quake and tremble as Mt. Sinai did. Our rector and lay readers are not Moses and Aaron even though they may be elevated on the chancel steps. There is only so much we can accomplish in a one-hour service. That is why getting ready is an important ritual to develop on your own.

Linda Carrington

Tuesday, March 5 Exodus 20

THE TORAH The day my wife got really upset because I had, once again, moved her rug hooking yarns in the TV room, I learned an important lesson about law and love. She had asked me politely to put them back if I moved them when I was watching a program alone, and I hadn’t one time too many. Her genuine upset got through to me: I wasn’t being respectful of her, and kept passing it off in my own mind as “not a big deal.” Sometimes people imagine that love ought always to be “free” to express itself impulsively, spontaneously, purely, unconstrained by “rules.” Experience teaches that the glow of such love is almost certain to dim without respect for boundaries. Without a growing set of habits that express that love in less incandescent ways, and keep it alive in supportive habits even when our hearts are not on fire. Or, to put it another way, love needs all the other virtues — patience, wisdom, courage, discretion, hope and respect — if it is to become a way of life. Anybody in a reasonably successful long-term marriage, friendship, or friendly working partnership has learned this lesson from the ups and downs of their life with the other person. Love—whether it is between two persons or expressed in simple respect and decency for others in society—needs custom, habit, and even law to sustain its effectiveness. God gives the Law to Moses on Sinai in order to foster love, compassion and justice between people. Love and law are not opposed. In fact, as St. Paul puts it, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” If we feel that, for example, all the “Thou shalt nots” in the commandments are “so negative” we may be missing the point. “Thou shalt not kill” means “respect every life” and “Thou shalt not bear false witness” ensures that people aren’t falsely accused and slandered. All the “nots” are designed to clear a protected space where all kinds of courteous, respectful and loving actions can flow. We violate those prohibitions at our peril. Prayer: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:18)

Anonymous

Wednesday, March 6 Deuteronomy 30:11-20

CHOOSE LIFE!

I was very pleased to see that, in the very depths of the grave Lenten season, there was something that was very dear and familiar to me. And in Deuteronomy of all places! (This passage has been on my refrigerator door for the past 20 years.) In the Lord's Prayer we say "...thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." To me that phrase has always been a demand that we be given the heaven NOW here on earth, in this life. I say demand because the prayer doesn't say "If it's all right with you, could you please give us your kingdom now, along with our daily bread, freedom from temptation and deliverance from evil." But I digress. What I wish to dwell on is the nearness of all that we desire and seek.... the beauty of that kingdom of the holy. Being an artist, I have always been blessed with the artist's eye, and so am able to easily see the beauty of the "Ordinary Everyday" of God's kingdom here on earth. I put that in quotes because it is the name of one of my albums of photographs. It consists of photos only of those things that are in my house, my kitchen, and my back yard. And those things are anything but ordinary. All those extraodinarily beautiful things are, as Annie Dillard says, "cast broadside side like pennies strewn into our life." We, each of us, have the choice to see, or not see those pennies (life or death, good or evil) and to choose which part of the kingdom on earth that we wish to dwell on. And to make our choice a reality, not only for ourselves, but for others. We can grasp the power to see the presence of God in our "ordinary everyday" and spread the pennies broadside. I'm not saying this comes easily. but like everything else in this life, with practice, it can be made to be so. Choose life over death, good over evil. It's all there for the taking....pick up those pennies! I'll now share with you what the rather tattered and dirty piece of paper on my refrigerator says. "Take Joy! I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven. No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in the present instant. Take Peace. The gloom of the world is but a shadow, behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy. Take Joy." Fra Giovanni, A.D. 1513

Eileen Paduano

Thursday, March 7 Joshua 5

JOSHUA, PASSOVER & THE ANGEL

The commander of the army of the Lord said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is Holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:15

In this scripture passage, Joshua was not in a place designated for worship when he came upon the Lord’s commander. As a matter of fact, Joshua wasn’t even sure if the man with the sword was friend or foe! In contemplation of these circumstances I asked myself, what does it mean to stand on Holy ground? The most obvious answer to this question of course, can be found within the walls of our beautiful sanctuary, where so many have celebrated the sacred covenants surrounding birth, life and death. Indeed, when my children were younger, we would leave the house on Sunday morning amidst a flurry of chatter and activity, but once we exited our car in the church parking lot, I would sternly remind them that they were expected to enter the church with “reverence” in the hope that they would appreciate that the Holy space they were walking into required a unique mindset. As the years have passed and my children have begun to grow towards adulthood, we no longer share those quiet moments of reflection on Sunday mornings; those moments have been replaced with soccer games, AP biology exams, and business trips. Does this mean that I no longer walk on Holy ground? I am resolute in the belief that this new phase of life is an invitation by my Lord to look for, and recognize, that which is Holy outside of the comfort of a church pew. In the passage above, Joshua immediately fell to the ground when he realized he was in the presence of God and there is little doubt that most of us would do the same under such circumstances. The demands of modern life, however, do not usually involve a spectacular meeting with the Creator of the universe. Nevertheless, we should remain always open to the sacred and find time each day to “remove our sandals” and accept that we are in the midst of Holyness, regardless of whether we are “reverently” walking into church on a Sunday morning or watching the sun rise as we wait in the car pool line the next day. Lord Almighty, our daily lives are often shrouded in a haze that can crowd out the simple and Holy routines that we once cherished and as a result, shut doors to places where we once sought you out and found you; may we always be mindful that everywhere we stand is Holy and whenever we look we can find you because your spirit dwells within us, you walk beside us and stand behind us wherever we are, not just in a church building on a Sunday morning.

Kathleen Estes

Friday, March 8 1 Samuel 8, 9:27-10:8

DESIRING A KING

I always find it interesting how the way we view ourselves or our roles in life can suddenly change and often quite dramatically. Saul, the son of Kish, a man from the small tribe of Benjamin was essentially minding his own business, searching with no success, along with a young servant boy for his wayward donkeys. At one point when it appeared that the search was hopeless and Saul was ready to return home, the servant boy announced that they should look for the highly acclaimed ‘seer’ or prophet up ahead to give them some guidance on where to look next for the donkeys. Reluctantly Saul agreed. When they arrived they were greeted by Samuel who had been told by the Lord the previous day that he would be meeting Saul who would become the future king of Israel. With this, Saul was welcomed, led to a fine dinner table and afterwards anointed with oil and proclaimed the first king of Israel. One can only imagine (after the shock wore off!) how suddenly Saul’s role in life was transformed. Often our roles can very quickly change also. Sometimes they are big, life-altering role changes such as new wife, new employee, new parent where we are often thrust into a totally “new normalcy’, essentially a new life altogether. As a teacher, my life changes fairly dramatically based on the school calendar. But even more dramatically than that, it’s when my two girls suddenly appear for Christmas or summer break that my role magically and wonderfully transforms itself. Even with modern technology where we have almost daily contact while they’re away, the transformation from the calm routineness of ‘Empty-Nester’ into ‘24/7 Mom on duty’ of two extremely energetic and noisy 20-somethings (and often a few dozen friends!) enlivens the house and my life. It’s a wonderfully exhilarating and joyful change and a totally different role for me. Just as when I know the girls will be home soon, I try to get things done and clear my calendar as much as possible for the long awaited fun-times, long talks, shopping, laughing and all the things that make our time together so meaningful and that continuously build our special bond. Likewise Lent is a time to slow down, clear things off your spiritual plate along with the distractions that come with a busy life. It’s a time to reflect, to build a deeper relationship with God and to reflect on the many gifts you’ve received.

Mary Gleason Macy

Saturday, March 9 1 Samuel 16:1-14

CHOOSING DAVID

“…People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

Samuel set out on the Lord’s mission with trepidation, fearing even that he might be killed. He was to meet Jesse, and find amongst his sons the one to be anointed as the next King of Israel. At first sight, Samuel supposed that son Eliab was to be chosen king, since he was tall and good looking, and appeared kingly. But the Lord rejected him. Indeed, the Lord rejected each and every son presented to Samuel, who then asked Jesse whether there were any others. The youngest, a handsome and glowing son, was called from his work minding a flock and the Lord indicated “This is the one!” So Samuel anointed David in front of his family as the next King of Israel.

Meditating now on this story during MLK week leads to inevitable comparisons and shifting of thoughts. Proceeding on a mission with fear of death. Minding a flock. References to MLK by commentators as a true Prophet, like Samuel, doing the Lord’s work. Indeed and most importantly, the lesson of not judging people by their outwardly appearance, “but by the content of their character.”

So during this season of Lent, consider this lesson from the past that is reinforced in the present each and every January as a constant reminder to look to people’s hearts and character before setting any judgmen

Michael Harwood

Monday, March 11 1Samuel 17:55-18

:DAVID & JONATHAN

This passage takes place right after David kills Goliath. Saul is very impressed with David and makes him head of his army and David is very successful. So successful that “the women came out of all the towns of Israel singing and dancing to meet King Saul with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they made merry. Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten Thousand’s.” David put his trust in God and wasn’t afraid. What he was able to accomplish was limitless. Who would have ever thought it was possible for David, son of Jesse the Bethlehemite), to defeat Goliath and the Philistine Army. To prevail as just a boy with just a sling and a stone, but David had faith that there was a God in Israel. David knew God was on his side and he knew to put his trust in God. Then there is Saul. Instead of celebrating David’s talents, Saul is jealous of David’s successes. He has become more popular than Saul and Saul doesn’t like it one bit and is suspicious of him. To work together as a team and to celebrate each individual’s strengths and contributions and to realize how lucky you are to have someone so talented working alongside you as David, is a very difficult thing for Saul to accept especially when he is getting more glory. After all, Saul is the King.

LEAN ON EACH OTHER AND LEAN ON GOD God we pray that you put our talents to good uses to accomplish great things and that we all work together towards the same goal in peace without becoming jealous of each other. We pray for kindness and compassion and respect towards our families, friends, and co-workers. Help us collaborate towards a common goal, by following the path we were meant to do and putting our trust in you. Amen.

Tuesday, March 12 2 Samuel 11:27-12:31

THOU ART THE MAN!

King David was powerful enough that when he spotted a married woman he wanted for himself, he ordered her military husband to the front lines of battle where he was killed. That cleared the way for David to legally marry Bathsheba. It was legally fine, but morally corrupt. The two are not always the same. So when God sent a man named Nathan to tell David a story about a rich farmer who stole his poor neighbor’s lamb, David became irate. He spouted how justice needed to be done, and in the harshest of ways. Too late David realized this is a story that was not about someone else. He is the one. It’s so easy to be clear about other people. This story reminds us to be gentle with one another because inevitably, if not today then some day, the story will be about us. This is also a story about getting away with something. Who’s hurt if they never find out? In this story, while people had their suspicions and there was probably gossip, there was never enough evidence to convict the king. But we know something. We pray it every Sunday at the outset of worship: “from whom no secrets are hid.” God knew what David had done. You don’t get away with anything with God. God knows. In the manner of Old Testament justice, God took the life of the child that David had with Bathsheba. While we might not appreciate that kind of justice at the hands of God as a theology for our day, David seemed to get it. Our behavior has consequences. When the child died, David went and wept with his new wife, but once they had done that, they got up, washed their faces and set out to have a new child. This one turned out to be an even better king than his father – Solomon was both wiser and more faithful (although far from perfect). David’s attitude was God had punished him and forgiven him, so he could start fresh. This was not easy, but it was life, and David realized his job was to get on with it. Lord, it’s me who’s done what I ought not to have done – it’s not somebody else. Help me both to accept the consequences, and to accept your forgiveness. Help me to put the past away and embrace the life ahead. I think that’s what you want me to do. Amen.

Anonymous

Wednesday, March 13 Amos 5 AMOS: LET RIGHTEOUSNESS ROLL

The Lord is his name, who makes destruction flash out against the strong, so that destruction comes upon the fortress. Amos 5: 8b-9

It was late October 2012 and we were all informed of a hurricane approaching New Jersey. Our governor held a press conference to discuss the upcoming storm, we now know as Hurricane Sandy and declared a state emergency with mandatory evacuations before the storms impact. The term used to predict the storm became a constant “direct hit” in terms of level of expectation for New Jersey. My family spent several days preparing as best we could for this storm and its’ worst possible outcome to us. The storm was expected to hit our area on a Monday evening. I planned a large family dinner for that afternoon with hopes to have given my family a good meal and be cleaned up before the storm arrived. That afternoon while I was in the midst of my preparations, our power went out, no sign of the storm at that point. My family quickly banded together to gather our flashlights, set up our generator purchased the year before and move perishable food to the refrigerator hooked up to the generator. We felt we were ready. My dilemma then became what to make of our unprepared dinner? I called a local friend (up the street) and inquired about their power, it was still on. We loaded up in our car with all my food preparations. I happily cooked for both families (12 people) and we all ate a wonderful meal together. Just as we finished our meal, the power went out in their home, we cleaned up by candlelight and ventured home down the street in the storm. We organized our family in a safe sleeping set up and slept the storm away. We woke the next day to storm damage none of us would have imagined. We were very lucky our home was spared. However the trees and power lines all around us that were down amazed us. At first it was hard to comprehend the level of damage this storm had wrecked upon our community. Our town resembled a war zone. It was difficult to travel anywhere with a vehicle. Travel by foot was somewhat dangerous due to all the leaning trees and downed power lines. It was very clear, no matter how large or small a home was or where it was located, here in Short Hills, it was affected by the storm. Halloween was officially cancelled, leaving children to feel the extent that this “act of god” had on our area. We slowly came to find that not only our town and local communities were severely affected by this storm, but much of the New York metropolitan area was as well, including the New Jersey shoreline. Some areas level of devastation was uncomprehend able to most of us, unless one actually visited those areas. So many “fortresses” taken down and damaged by one storm, one could view it as the power of the lord. Monica Melendes

Thursday, March 14 Jeremiah 31: 21-40

BAPTISM OF JESUS

Baptism of Christ by El Greco At his baptism Jesus hears, deep in his heart, “Thou art my Son, my Beloved.” It’s very important to realize that God wants this for all of us; it doesn’t belong to Jesus alone. We get a taste of it in our own experience of those we find beloved in our sight. Think of the person most beloved to you, and realize that’s how God feels about you. How would it change your life to live with this knowledge? Prayer: We thank you for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life, signs of your lovingkindness. Let your love stir our hearts to gratitude, praise and service. Amen.

Robert Corin Morris

Friday, March 15 Matthew 4 TEMPTATION

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished…then the devil left him,

and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:1-2;11 The wilderness of our lives…no matter where or when we live the daily demands of life can be overwhelming. Always striving for a certain goal or achievement can be very misleading. Always focused on providing for our families, putting food on the table, clothing, educating, counseling, entertaining…can be a wilderness for the soul. I remember being totally overwhelmed one weekday when my kids were young and my parents were sick. I dropped something off at church and then noticed that the nave was empty and sat down in a pew. Tears just started flowing. Suddenly I was tapped on the shoulder by an older woman in the parish who was also at church to do an errand. Somehow she knew just what I was going through. Her words were so reassuring. She gave me a hug and encouraged me to stay longer. That day I had an inner dialogue with my spirit, with God. I didn’t even know I needed it, because it had been so long since I had taken the time to listen to what was inside, and to God. I was spiritually “famished”. Finding and listening to the voice within, the spirit that moves all of us, allowed the “angels” to come and revive me. Matthew’s passage seems to say, do not be overly concerned with the deeds of daily life, of finding food, but rather the nourishment of the spirit. Do not test your belief in God, but live it, go with it. Do not be solely focused on achievement or worldly acclaim, but keep your eye on the way of Jesus. You will find a reward within.

In the words of Carole King: When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand

and nothing, whoa, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me

and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights. In the depths of my sorrow, Lord, guide me to a sure path of faith. Help me to distinguish distractions from this path. Allow me to let your love envelop me. Help me to listen to that one true voice inside me. Amen

Sandy Peinado

Saturday, March 16 Mark 1:14-39

CALLING DISCIPLES, HEALING When my oldest son was about 4 years old we were walking to church and he looked up at me with a huge smile and announced, “today is the day!” Naturally I asked, “today is the day for what?” He confidently told me, “today is the day Jesus will return.” Okay, what’s a mother to say? I went with the noncommittal, “how cool would that be.” Andy had such a wonderful wide-eyed, joyful exuberance about the possibility of meeting Jesus. I missed an opportunity to explore his expectation of that meeting. Would he look for Jesus to preach to us as our ministers do each week? Would he believe Jesus would perform miracles of healing? Would he invite him home for dinner? Would he follow Jesus wherever he would lead? In Mark 1: 14-39 Jesus calls to his disciples to follow him. It is the early stages of their journey together and they are learning what to expect. Even Jesus is somewhat unsure what his primary purpose should be. Jesus’ ministry is to preach, but healing and casting out demons supports his mission as well. Note Jesus takes the time to pray to God for guidance and wisdom. Thru this prayer and reflection Jesus is able to prioritize his ministry of preaching and continue his journey thru Galilee. How often do we question our own purpose and direction? How do we determine the path we follow throughout our lives? It is comforting to note that Jesus had these same questions. It is equally as comforting to note that by following the example Jesus sets for us, not just in this story, but also throughout his life, to take the time to pray, we can find peace with our decisions. Take the time to reflect and contemplate our choices and decisions. Take the time to offer to God our thoughts and prayers to help guide us. And look forward to each day with the wide-eyed, joyful exuberance of a 4 year old in hopes that today will be the day! Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, grant us the desire to do only what pleases you, and the strength to do only what you command. ���Cleanse our souls, enlighten our minds, and inflame our hearts with your Holy Spirit, that we may follow in the footsteps of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. ���—Francis of Assisi

Kathy Petersen

Monday, March 18 Mark 8:27-9:13

TRANSFIGURATION The Transfiguration is a story I have heard so many times throughout my life. Jesus, Peter, James and John have climbed a mountain, and when they reach the top, Jesus is transfigured right before their eyes and is joined by Elijah and Moses. The gospel tells us that Jesus’ clothes became whiter than any bleach could make them. Then Peter says to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.” I have often thought, “Peter’s comment is like ‘comic relief’ in a situation that must have been mind-blowing. What a silly thing to say – let’s make 3 tents.” Really, it was a nice gesture on Peter’s part. But as I prayed and reflected on this part of the story, I thought about the way that I respond in stressful or “mind-blowing” situations – situations that defy explanation. Like Peter, I look for something to do or search for the right words to say. And I always wind up saying something as a nervous reaction, whether it makes sense for the situation or not. It’s difficult to sit in the discomfort and not do or say something to make it feel better. Jesus doesn’t respond to Peter’s gesture. Perhaps in NOT responding, Jesus is saying, “Calm down. Sit down. Breathe. Listen. Try to understand what I am communicating to you by what is going on around you.” Sitting quietly, observing intently, and taking in the brilliance of each moment is something that I, like Peter, need to learn to do. Perhaps the message of Transfiguration is leading me to do just that during these reflective days of Lent

Karen Rezach

Tuesday, March 19 Luke 6

JESUS TEACHES ON FAITH After hearing the Gospel lesson on Jesus’ baptism on January 13, I read on in Luke, past Christ’s temptations by the devil and into his early ministry. It bothered me that his reputation seemed to hinge on his curing diseases and throwing out demons. But then in chapter six, comes the Sermon on the Plain, similar to Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount. Of course, we’ve all heard “And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them,” but heard it so often that it may have lost its impact. But when Jesus elaborated, I realized the very tough challenge we face. “If you love those who love you, what credit it that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same… But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” ”Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. It’s easy for me to appreciate those who reciprocate. And I’ll always go the extra mile for clients with whom we have great relations. I’ll help friends that are likely to return the favors. But loving enemies and doing good with nothing expected in return are different matters. I’m supposed to be Mr. Nice Guy to someone who did me a clear injustice and forget all my plans for getting even? I’m expected to do all these totally unnatural things, with only blind trust? If I don’t judge or condemn others and forgive them, how sure can I be that they, someone else or ultimately God will reciprocate? Some believe that the more they give, the more they get, and I’m certainly open to the kindness of strangers and good luck. But, I’m still heavily imbued with the Protestant Ethic that emphasized hard work as the surest route to success. I’ll try extra hard this Lent to rise to Jesus’ challenges, but it takes a lot of faith to believe that my “reward will be great.” But then in Hebrews we are told “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Gary Shilling

Wednesday, March 20 Luke 12

GIVING OUR ALL

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” Luke 12:48 Each time I read the above scripture, I think to myself that I am a blessed man. God continues to bestow upon me the fruits of a wonderful family, friends, earthly possessions, good health and a positive attitude. As I reflect upon the above passage while in church on Sundays, this passage is reinforced by the words within our Confession of Sin: “by what we have done, and by what we have left undone”. Do I do enough to pay back God for all that he has given me? How can I rise to the call of not leaving things “undone”? On my daily commute to New York City, I take mindful moments to thank God for everything around me, from the air that I breathe to the majestic views of a city waking in the horizon. Then I think to myself, it’s not enough. What is my proactive plan? Many, if not all of us, have a plan for our family, our financial wellbeing and even our own personal growth. Why not have plans each day to take on something where I can make a difference? The size doesn’t matter, for God is watching and the gratification can be tenfold. Over the past few months, I took some early minutes going in and out of Penn Station to offer a sandwich or a soft drink to one of God’s children who are less fortunate than I. Most times she prefers money but I smile, say no, and offer food instead. Usually if I am warm and smiling, she will acquiesce. I think the returned smile I get from her is really Jesus saying, thank you son. As the Lenten season begins, I will continue to be mindful of the gifts God has given me and my family. Pay back is a good thing and it makes me realize that God has a master plan to take care of us and those in need…before we are all in heaven together. Dear Father, please enable me to be most mindful of the love and care you have bestowed upon me. And continue to remind me not to forget those in dire need, to help when I can, no matter how small. Thank you for opening my eyes to the world I might miss in my haste.

Jim Sammartino

Thursday, March 21 John 12:1-8

WOMAN WASHES JESUS’ FEET

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3

Clearly, the Anointing at Bethany is about money. Judas Iscariot, described by the writer as a thief and soon to be Jesus’ betrayer, is at odds with Jesus about unnecessary spending. Jesus defends this spending. It’s about money. But as I considered and prayed about this passage, I remembered that in Mark’s Gospel Jesus says sell everything you have, give it to the poor and follow me; then you will have your treasure in heaven. So how do we reconcile this with Christ’s position with Judas at Bethany? After Judas rebukes Mary for not selling the nard and giving to the poor, Jesus tells him to leave her alone, it was not wrong to spend the money, there will always be the poor to take care of but you won’t always have me. As it is beautifully expressed in the lyrics of the song “Everything’s Alright” from Jesus Christ Superstar, Jesus says, “Think while you still have me! Move while you still see me! You'll be lost, and you'll be sorry when I'm gone.” Nard was anointed onto the feet of the dead as part of the ritual of burial. At Bethany, Mary first anointed Christ’s feet and then wiped them with her hair, thus filling the house with the fragrance of the perfume. The anointing of his feet foreshadows Christ’s death. The wiping of his feet with her hair and the fragrance filling the room foreshadows and represents the glory of Christ’s resurrection. My mother died recently and most of my prayers and reflections permeate with Mom, her memory and how she is still in my life. I experienced Mom’s memorial as a celebration of the resurrection, “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believe in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” Clearly, the Anointing at Bethany is about the resurrection. I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though this body be destroyed, yet shall I see God.

Tom Gordon

Friday, March 22 Mark 14:21-31

LAST SUPPER

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. Mark 14:22-23

With his disciples gathered around him, Jesus is celebrating what has always seemed to me to be a Passover Seder. The meal consists of unleavened bread and wine—all elements of the Seder feast celebrated on the first night of the Jewish Passover festival. Since I celebrate Passover with my husband, children and our family, this passage and the Eucharistic prayer it inspires always provide me with a sense of connection and continuity between Judaism and Christianity. I often repeat the Jewish blessing Jesus would have said when blessing the bread and wine – prayers that are said every Shabbat and at every Jewish service. Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, creator of the fruit of the vine. As my Lenten gift, I share a Jewish prayer.

In this moment of silent communion, A still, small voice beckons me:

To pursue my life’s work with full attention Though no eye is upon me;

To be gentle in the face of ingratitude, Even when slander distorts my nobler impulses;

To meet the end of the day with certainty That I’ve used my gifts well and with dignity.

O let me become even braver, Facing life’s trials with distinction.

May I live on in deeds that bless others, And offer the heritage of a good name.

Sarah Rosen

Saturday, March 23 Luke 23:13-56

CRUCIFIXION

Jesus stepped in for me. He (Pilate) released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder,

the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. Luke 23:25

Growing up as a teenager in Westchester County, NY, my siblings and I spent many a Saturday cleaning my parents’ intimidating, enormous house. As the eldest of five children, it fell to me to apportion tasks to each sibling. One of my siblings would escape when it was time for cleaning, and resurface only for playtime. Invariably, her immediate elder sibling would step in to her stead, not only to do her portion of the cleaning, but remarkably, often to plead her case that she not be punished (or lose privileges) for not doing her share. She stepped in. Sound familiar? We sometimes do not do what we are supposed to, or we do what we should not. We may not always face the consequences, because someone else may step in for us, even if it is not their job to do so. In Luke 23:14-15, Jesus was tried for crimes which he was accused of, and was found NOT guilty. Yet, he (instead of Barabbas who was rightfully guilty) was to be punished. (Luke 23:25). Jesus in effect stepped in for Barabbas. He stepped in for me. He stepped in for you. I wonder how Barabbas reacted at being freed. Did he show remorse for his vile acts? Was he grateful for his release? Did he show sorrow that Jesus had to be punished in his stead? The story does not give us details. However, what is important for us is that Jesus stepped in for us. So, no matter my offenses in the past… in the present… in the future, Jesus has already stepped in for me. And he stepped in for you. He was crucified for us all. He has faced the consequences. As we journey through lent and every day of our lives, may we come directly to God with our confessions and ask for absolution. May we be thankful that Jesus has already stepped in for us by being crucified on the cross for us.

Adaeze Nwachuku

Monday, March 25 John 11:17-27

RESURRECTION

I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25-26a

When this quote from John is intoned at the beginning of the Rite I funeral service, it brings to my mind all the funeral services I have attended over the years. And having begun my eighth decade, their frequency increases – parents, close friends, distant family or just someone who needed a Sidesman, crucifer or choir. I find the familiarity of those words comforting and their cadence embracing. For me the melody is as important as the words themselves. Like so much of Holy Writ, the words feel laden with many layers of meaning. What is the “resurrection” really? Do we get to keep our earthly bodies? Mine is feeling a bit tattered not to mention wrinkled. Do we sit on a cloud strumming a harp? Or endure the pain of boiling oil? None of that feels very real or relevant to me. Whatever waits for me after “crossing the bar” is unknown and unknowable. Besides, this song isn’t really intended for the deceased. Whether the deceased is strumming or boiling, he or she is not likely to be listening. The song seems intended for us, those who still liveth. For me the call to belief is the call to faith, hope and love over apathy, despair and hate. It is a call to we who live on, because resurrection happens in its most compelling form when, as we live our lives, despair is replaced by hope and hate by love. I have felt that happen in my own life on many occasions, and it reaffirms my faith. As for life after death, I have come to accept James Joyce’s notion that we live on in those who come after us, particularly our descendents. They carry our genetic code, our DNA, blended of course with those of their other parents, but still a part of who they are is us. And we live on in their memories, for a while at least, and in the role we have played in their lives and the lives of others we have touched. As the procession begins, and the priest chants, I am the resurrection and the life, I know that someday probably not very far over the horizon, the song will be sung for me too, and those who have come to say good-bye will be comforted by this music that never ends.

R. John Cooper

Tuesday, March 26 John 18:1-19:42

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES Meditation, contemplation and prayer (I don't do well with fasting) are my preferences for Good Friday. I use readings from the lectionary and the Good Friday liturgy as the basis for meditation; reading a brief selection, thinking about what it means for me today, then how can I bring that meaning into my daily life. Any type of practice works better for my when I am with others, so I usually spend the day with the sisters at the convent of St. John Baptist. There is time to relax and sink into silence and prayer. The meditative liturgy gives lots of space to ponder the readings. We walk the outdoor Stations of the Cross, following Jesus on his route to Calvary. It isn't an easy path with lots of roots and stones to stumble over, like the cobblestones on the route in Jerusalem. What is it like to choose to walk to one's execution, hoping that one's message has gotten through to some, having human fears of pain, loss and abandonment. In the past, lessons learned from Good Friday have helped me to value silence, taught me to appreciate and begin to use icons, showed me the usefulness, even in our modern world, of those who dedicate their lives to God and to doing that through living in an intentional community. What will this year bring? I will try to stay open to the breath of the Holy Spirit.

Juli Towell

Wednesday, March 27 1 Corinthians 13

ODE TO LOVE

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12a Seven years ago I had an opportunity to see, to study, my father’s face, as he lay dying. My brother and I moved into the hospice where he’d been transferred after the hospital decided there was nothing more to do for a 75 year old with advanced pancreatic cancer. On morphine and not eating, by the time the three of us were in that room, my father just drifted in and out of sleep and pain, then just sleep. Over the five days it took him to die, I had time to study his face. The cancer, the dying, was stripping the life away, but sitting next to his bed and watching him, I was amused that his eyebrows - of all things - seemed unaffected. Unruly as always, they were the one part of his face that even in dying kept true to his spirit, while the rest slipped away. Funny, to see someone’s spirit crystalized in eyebrows. Funnier still when I looked in the mirror of the hospice bathroom as I washed my face that night and saw in its reflection the one wild hair springing up in the eyebrow over my left eye. Years before, at my wedding, I’d asked my stepfather to read 1Corinthians13 since my father was walking me down the aisle. My stepfather had, as they say, a “presence,” with a great voice made even better by a slight accent left over from growing up in Canada and England. He insisted on chasing down the King James version with the traditional language: “when I was a child, I spake as a child.” He read with love and gravity. It was a moment of grace. As it happened, my stepfather died within a year of that day. Told he had inoperable, untreatable lung cancer, he informed my mother this was to be kept a secret, and announced they were going on vacation to England on a whim. His hospice, we realized later, a way to say good-bye to his daughter (his real one) in London. I imagine what it was like for her, opening the door of her apartment to her dying father. Perhaps face-to-face, she too saw herself.

Cynthia McChesney

Thursday, March 28 Revelation 21 HEAVEN COME TO EARTH

Then I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband. Revelation 21:1a Reading the newspaper, often praying the newspaper, is one of my spiritual disciplines. Often, the bad news I read tests my Christian hope that, in the end, goodness will triumph. Fortunately, Morning Prayer from the Prayer book comes before hitting the newspaper, and the Psalmist’s cries to God about human folly remind me that the biblical hope was born in world of challenges and confusions not unlike our own. My hope that the “arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” is sustained. The descent of the heavenly Jerusalem to earth is a symbol of the triumph of that hope. This vision contains God’s promise, as biblical faith sees it, that God’s kingdom, the zone where the Spirit’s creative energies are allowed full play, will indeed come “on earth as it is in heaven.” Peace triumphs over war, justice over oppression, and human flourishing over the sin that spoils human life. On those days when the bad news outweighs the good in the morning paper, it would much easier for me to succumb to the two traditional sayings which sometimes rise up in me: 1) What fools these mortals be; and 2) Those whom the gods would destroy, they first drive mad. But my commitment to Christ means I am captive to the hope at the heart of Scripture, a hope ratified by Jesus, that Gods working overtime to save us human beings, to save me, from the foolishness and destructiveness that betrays the best that is in us. Having this hope, I am more likely to see the news items that point toward the kingdom: the acts of courage and charity, the surprising discoveries that bode well for the future, the movements for kindness and justice, the unexpected heros—all of them signs that, by God’s grace, the gold in our nature can shine forth, and, with God’s help, will finally have the last word. O God of hope, give us a share in your own hope for us and the world, and the courage to join you as you work to bring out the best in us, for you sake, and the sake of the world itself.

Bob Morris