Reflection for January 30, 2017

" Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and its mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and its mate;"(Genesis 7:2)

When you think of fairly well known stories from the Bible, Noah's ark has to be one of them. We've all seen paintings of animals entering the ark, or leaving the ark.  It is quite the image.

Because this was the first "reboot" if you will, you had to have animals that could mate to make more animals. What caught my eye this time was that it was seven pairs of all clean animals but only one pair of the unclean animals.  And I find myself asking why?  But the more I thought about it, it made sense.  You need the clean animals for food, that you are allowed to eat.  So why even bother with the unclean animals at all?  And the answer for me seems to be that they also serve a purpose, albeit not for food.

The clean/unclean polarity doesn't speak much to me.  As a Christian there are no unclean foods for me. That God new that he needed all of creation to be restored in order for the world to function makes a lot of sense to me.

And if I took the message one step further, that all people regardless of who they are also needed.  The created order works better when all are present.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 29, 2017

" Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. "(Genesis 6:11)

When ever we read about God not being pleased with humanity, I always like to see the reason. Here it is written that God saw how corrupt and full of violence the world, and mostly we humans are.

So even when we were given the ability to choose between good and evil, humans seem to have a leaning towards evil.  

We certainly live in a time of great corruption and violence still.  And to think that this has sadly always been the case. The first time around we know God God went for a restart.  Perhaps we can be thankful that God hasn't thought to go back to that strategy.

But yet how do we combat the violence and corruption which still surround us?  How do we keep ourselves in check and not become part of the problem instead of being part of the solution?  I struggle with this, but pray that God will point me in the right direction.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 28, 2017

"Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

That question of am I responsible for someone else?  Age old question isn't it?  It is a rhetorical question, because when we ask it, we already know for us the answer is no, or I hope not. 

Yet the reality is that yes we are our brother and our sister's keeper.  Not only those who we share immediate blood ties with, but also every other human being that walks the planet.

I think this is why Jesus continually points us to our relationships.  Why his message is always about how we treat those who are not us.  His advice to treat others the way we wish to be treated is incredibly important.  Even if you see yourself as fiercely independent, there will come a time when you might need someone to be care enough to be your keeper.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 27, 2017

"But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die;"(Genesis 3:4)

The story of Adam and Eve and their encounter with the serpeant, has made for great paintings, and of course is the culmination of how we got in this fine mess we call being living, thinking human beings.

The unraveling of our story happens with seemingly an innocent question, but of course it is a set up. Can we be double dog dared to do something we were told not to do. And then the final piece of the puzzle, to call God's bluff. Sadly the serpent was right and knew we'd cave in.

What follows is the original passing of the buck. Adam can't take responsibility for his actions, so he blames Eve, Eve can't take responsibility of her actions so she blames the serpent.  God doesn't seem interested in who the serpent wants to blame.

All three get punished, but perhaps the bigger punishment is that we now have freedom of choice.  Actually freedom of choice isn't a bad thing.  Not willing to live with the consequences of our choices is.

Our choices may not always lead to immediate death, but they all lead to our eventual death.  There is no tree of immortality from which we can eat. There may be a part of us that wishes we could just live life running around naked and eating all the time.  But those days are long gone.  With the gift or curse if you like of free will, comes the opportunity to use it wisely.  Hopefully we won't have to spend every day explaining ourselves.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 26, 2017

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day."(Genesis 1:31)  " but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.”(Genesis 2:17)

One of my all time favorite memories of church as a child was hearing the first creation story read at the Easter Vigil. It was always read by a man named Jack Potts, however on radio he was Jack Allen of a local NYC radio news station.  While he may always have spoken this way, I will say that he used his "radio voice" while reading that passage.  

Like most folks I did not at first understand that there are two creation stories in the Bible, each with a different theology.  The 7 day creation story is the first and I love how each day ends with God seeing that it was good and on the 6th day "very good."  A very different way of looking at our world, one which is good.  Funny enough, humans are the last thing created in the image of God, male and female.  The second story is very different, in it humans are first, and in fact the male version is first, and God seems to need keep creating to keep that creature happy.  And eventually we get to rules and consequences of breaking those rules.  

Knowing that they are two different stories is helpful, but I have to understand that they are both trying to help me understand life and the world around me.

If I am to take a Genesis 1, viewpoint, I would see value and beauty in everything that surrounds me, and see all humans as equal image bearers.  And that I've been put in something that already exists and will sustain me when I respect it.  A Genesis 2 viewpoint, seems to me to put humans, me included first.  Creation is there to serve me, including that woman.  The only thing that kept them from coming unglued was ignorance of right and wrong.  But we know that we aren't ignorant of right and wrong, but that knowledge is in fact deadly.  All the temptations, the lack of seeing things as good, is a slow painful death. 

Yet at the same time to walk around in blissful ignorance would not help us to live into that calling to be image bearers of God.

And that is why, as much as I may prefer Genesis 1's version, I also need Genesis 2.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 25, 2017

"An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest."(Luke 9:46)

Who's #1 has always been an argument that human beings like to have.  In our nature seems to be a competive gene.  That's not always a bad thing.  How can we ever improve ourselves if we don't have someone or something to compare ourselves to.

However the shadow side of this is when those comparisons are used to make sure there is someone below us and often that is masking the fact that we don't get to make such a claim.  There are also situations where it is not called for.

In the eyes of Christ this argument was meaningless.  For in the eyes of God we are all equal.  Loved and held accountable by the same rules.  When we humans decide to impose our measuring sticks in is when it begins to crumble.

To constantly have to say "I'm the greatest!"  or to constantly need that affirmation, I believe says something about the depth of one's faith.  The less noise, the deeper.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 24, 2017

" He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”(Luke 9:20)

In the ordination process here in the Diocese of NJ, there is something that has become known as the "Ed Zelley question."  And it is the above quote.  It is interesting how many people who wish to be a priest, haven't thought about that question.  They often seem caught off guard.  I do understand that the question might at first seem to be a gotcha question.  Do I have an answer that I'm looking for and they better get right?  Actually I don't, but I do expect an answer.

As a Christian I need to know who Jesus is for me. There are of course nice pious answers, but I think we need to go deeper than that. And of course as we grow and life takes us in different places how we answer that question might change. 

But ultimately it should not be a question to fear.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 23, 2017

" But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”(Luke 9:13)

What is there in our psyche sometimes that always looks at the seeming scarcity of what we have instead of seeing the possibilities of using what we have.

The disciples seem to have a hold on their reality.  Hey best case scenario we've only got 5 loaves and two fish at the most.  They also seem to see one solution, we could go buy more, but I don't think they saw that as a real option.

Jesus of course has another option, offer what you and see what can be done with it.  Sometimes great things happen from small things because we look at the bigger picture.  That is one of Jesus' invitations to see the bigger picture and not get distracted by minutia and negative thinking.

Most of what we have in life is finite, luckily we have a God who is infinite.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 22, 2017

"As he went, the crowds pressed in on him."(Luke 8:42b)

The last two days in our country talk of crowds has been prominent.  We heard about the crowds at the inauguration, and we're now listening to the debate as to how big the crowd was.  But make no mistake there was still a crowd.

Yesterday many crowds gathered in cities world wide.  Some very large, some smaller, no real way of knowing how truly large, but a crowd none the less.

All who were in attendance at either event reported the energy in that crowd. Truth be told any crowd will have an energy of its own.  When I'm at a sold out concert there's energy being surrounded by 1000's of people.  Size will never dictate energy.

Jesus seemed to draw crowds who often pressed in on him.  People touching him all the time.  Energy for healing coming forth.

And it is Christ's presence in those moments that for me controls the energy and can harness it for good.  There's a reason we pray that when two or three are gathered he is in the midst of it.  Not a record crowd, but big enough for good things to happen.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 21, 2017

"Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him."(Luke 8:30)

If you've read the Harry Potter books you will know that the main antagonist was often referred to as "he who must not be named."  It is only Harry who has the initial courage to name him.  And of course it is ultimately Harry who defeats him.

Naming the demon is important if you are going to defeat it.  The demon can be within oneself or forces outside of one self.

Being able to name a problem is always the first step in confronting and ultimately overcoming.  And as people of faith we draw on that love of Christ to help in the naming.  When we won't name it or talk about it if you will, then the demon continues to control.

The same is true when confronting evil in our world.  If we won't name it, it can hide and get at us in ways we won't even perceive.  But when we call it out into the light, evil generally doesn't like exposure. 

It takes courage to name the demons, they don't go away quietly.  But when we close our eyes and try to pretend they aren't there they have a bad habit of multiplying and becoming "many."

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 20, 2017

"Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”(Luke 8:18)

I've always maintained that there is a difference between hearing and listening. There's only one way to hear something, the sound waves hit your ear drum and you go from their.

Listening is more of a skill set.  There are definetely different ways to listen. I like the challenge here to pay attention to how you listen.  There are people who only listen to hear things they already believe or think.  I try to listen to a wider spectrum personally.  There are people who listen but are really just hearing.  Listening takes focus.

So today many, though not all will be listening to President Trump give his first speech. How will they listen, though?  What will they pay attention to? I won't be watching it live, but I will listen to excerpts later because I have enough friends on Facebook who will share what they liked and what they didn't like, all depending on how they feel about the President.

But in the next four years we will need to be listening, not only to the rhetoric coming from those with political power, but also to those who will be most affected negatively by any decisions that are made.  This isn't actually a new strategy, but one we should always be employing.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 19, 2017

" Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

If you have ever experienced being forgiven you probably can understand the sheer joy that led the woman that Jesus refers to in the quote.  Everybody seemed to know her reputation, whether it was deserved or not. But Jesus doesn't seem interested in her reputation as much as in her desire to start over and to sense that the forgiveness that would come from him would be that moment.

But the point of the quote isn't about how much she had been forgiven as it is to me more about those of us who while still needing some forgiveness may not need nearly as much.

I wonder if the wall that Jesus is pointing too is more about how we will judge other people's level of sinfulness, which actually is an incredibly unloving act.  It may be hard to love when you never acknowledge your own short comings.  It may be hard to love when you haven't actually lived.

That doesn't mean we should go out of our way to do the wrong thing, but for me acknowledges that there will be times when I'm trying to do the loving thing that I might get it wrong.  But the more we try something, the more times we might need that forgiveness.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 18, 2017

"When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus[c] began to speak to the crowds about John:[d] “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?"(Luke 7:24)

There's much in life that has a curiosity factor.  Something or someone draws our attention, but we're not sure why.  Sometimes the thing or person is so bizarre we can't help but look.  Sometimes we hear through people whose opinion we value tell us to go check it out.

But ultimately the question of why we go is harder to answer.  Is there something missing in our lives that we hope can be filled by this thing or person. When we get clearer on what it is we hope to accomplish, we then will have a better idea where our focus should be.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 17, 2017

"therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. "(Luke 7:7)

A definition of the word presume is to be audacious enough to do something.  Presumption can be healthy I suppose, a confidence in one self to try.  But I can see the shadow side of being cocky, self-righteous and foolhardy.  The centurion in this passage knew to not presume anything, seems like a healthy self awareness.

What he had was an assurance in the power of Jesus to do anything. Jesus didn't have to show up, he just had to speak.  

While I haven't personally witnessed that kind of healing, I do know that sometimes just a phone call, or in our day a text, facebook message, or any kind of communication can make quite a difference to a friend or family member who isn't doing so well physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  

I know that being reached out to in that way has helped me on more than one occasion.  When we feel that we are alone in whatever is going on with us, it is hard to "heal" in any sense of that word.  When we know others are walking or praying for us, sometimes changes do happen.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 16, 2017

"The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks."(Luke 6:45)

Today our nation observes and celebrates the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  There will be observances in many places, we had one yesterday in Metuchen.  My plan is to go see the movie Hidden Figures today.

One of the many admirable aspects of King's life was his gift for speaking.  He was a powerful orator, who you sensed spoke from the heart.  A clear vision of what could be and what he hoped for. And so compelling that people risked their physical well being to help move that vision.

There are others who "tell it like it is."  They speak from their heart. However I'm less inclined to be motivated by this. When the only thing that comes forth is anger, self righteousness and pettiness, what does that say about where that person's heart is.

The depth of a person can usually be revealed by what they say, and how they say it.  More volume does not mean more depth.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 15, 2017

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."(Luke 6:36)

Treating people the way you want to be treated has always been the "golden rule" as said by Jesus.  It isn't about doing to others as they've done to you, that's revenge. What it is is behaving in a way that you expect from others.

This last sentence though is about behaving the way you've been treated by God.  How does your experience of God play out in your day to day life. 

When I encounter someone who professes faith in God, I'm sometimes surprised by the anger and really condemning words towards others.  And wonder have they experienced God's mercy and love or not.  God's invitation is to show others what God's dealing with us is, in how we treat others.

I've experienced God only in loving and certainly forgiving ways.  I try to treat others the same way.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 14, 2017

The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30)

This week there was a bit of a controversy in the Episcopal Church.  Traditionally the Cathedral in Washington DC has hosted a prayer service as part of the inauguration.  This year is no different, but never the less there were people who were not pleased.

As we know not everyone is happy with the soon to be POTUS.  And while after every election there is close to half of the country not happy, this year seems different.  Perhaps it is the personal style of Mr. Trump, his free flowing thought process. And there are folks who wish that the Episcopal Church would distance themselves from him. Seeing our hosting this service as tantamount to endorsing his policies and the things that he's said.

Our Presiding Bishop wrote a fantastic letter as to why we should host this as we always have.  And it is close to following Jesus' example.  The presence of Jesus is not just for the lives of those we agree with, or are happy with, but also most especially with those who we find hardest to like or love.

So my presence with President Trump will be in prayer only.  But prayer is our way of bringing Christ's presence to others.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 13, 2017

Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”(Luke 5:26)

At some point in our lives we all have seen something that either takes our breath away, or makes us say "I can't believe my eyes."  There are also things that happen in our world that are baffling or just so surprising that we are left speechless.

These folks had seen some amazing things.  They saw a man being let down through a recently made whole in a roof.  They saw Jesus get into an argument and win against the religious leaders of his time.  And they saw a paralytic get up and walk.

When you see something out of the ordinary what is your reaction?  I guess it depends on what you see.  If it something awe inspiring, giving glory to God seems appropriate.  We may see strange things that frighten us to the point of running.  We of course see strange things that we're encouraged to report to the police.

But through most of life we are invited to keep our eyes open so that we can see what's going on.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 12, 2017

Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)

Have you ever had a day when nothing went right.  Nothing really disastrous occurred, but the things than normally worked, for some reason at that time didn't.

Peter and his fellow fishermen had just finished a long night of doing what they always do, but it wasn't a successful day.  Jesus needs a boat to get a little more space from the crowds so that he can teach. When he's done that, he says head out to deep water and let's go fishing.  Simon pretty much says "been there done that," but if you say so we'll give it one more try.

To his surprise not only did they catch a fish, but almost too many fish!  And from this episode Simon and the others follow.

Sometimes it is about going a little deeper to have the break through we are seeking.  Even if it feels like we already tried it that way, giving it one more shot may be the key.  We might be surprised at how much more blessed we become by taking those steps.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 11, 2017

" At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. "(Luke 4:42)

I'm a morning person.  I get up regularly during the week at 5 am.  I don't do this to end my day, but to begin it.  I usually go to the gym, put my headphones on and enjoy some me time.  Other folks may have their me time at the end of the day and that's fine, whatever works.

Jesus also knew that he needed me time, especially after a very busy day, or in his case night.  So we are told he went to a deserted place, to get away from the crowds, recharge and then probably pick up where he left off. We aren't told how long it took the crowds to find him, just that they did, and tried to keep him from moving on. They had something good and didn't want to let it go.

I'm fortunate that my time at the gym is truly alone time.  I put my headphones on and can just excercise.  I don't know anyone there and so nobody bothers me.  How good are you at creating that time and space to renew yourself? Do you find that others constantly find you and try to infringe on that time?

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 10, 2017

"When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage."(Luke 4:28)

I've been a preacher for over 23 years.  In that time I have somehow managed never to make more than a handful of people mad at one time.  I can't imagine what that would feel like to know that everyone who heard what you said is really enraged, to the point of wanting to hurl you off a cliff, literally or figuratively.

I've probably avoided this by not being all that prophetic in my preaching.  Like I said I know I've made individuals mad, not only with my preaching but sometimes just in off handed remark.

Was it what Jesus said, or who he was to his hometown crowd that caused the problem.  Probably a little of both.

We all have expectations placed on us by family and friends.  And when we deviate from those expectations, when we do or say something unexpected, that it is often those who we think know us best who are sometimes our biggest critics.

I do okay mending small scale hurts that I cause.  If the time ever comes that I do something that causes mass hysteria negatively focused on me that I too can have the presence of Jesus to just walk on through the crowd.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 9, 2017

"When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time."(Luke 4:13)

Being tested by life is something most of us have experienced.  Another word for it is of course temptation.  We are told that Jesus was visited by Satan in order to try and tempt him.  The devil picks a great opportunity, 40 days without food.  Heck, I sometimes wonder if I can 40 minutes!  The point being that when we are hungry we don't  always make good decisions.

So the devil offers the most obvious food, first with taunt.  If you think you're something go ahead and prove it.  The devil even makes it more tempting by quoting the Bible at Jesus.  What I've always loved about this scene is that Jesus fights scripture with scripture.  Next the devil offers power, just have to change your allegiance.  Power is incredibly seductive, but not if it means betraying those we love.  And finally you won't betray that love, then let them prove how much they really love you.  Jesus reply is to trust that love even without proof.

Each day we will face some sort of temptation.  Some are trivial and lead to things we might give up for Lent.  Others are more serious.  And much like Jesus if we are willing to trust God's presence and love for us, even when we are at our weakest, we might pass the test.

The final warning though is in the above quote.  Just because you pass the test this time, doesn't mean more tests might not come.  They sometimes wait for a more opportune time.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 8, 2017

"And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” (Luke 3:10)

I've never been a fan of the "one size fits all" model for anything. All of us have different tastes, we come in different sizes, our lives have different circumstances.   What we share in common though is a need for purpose and redemption.

In this scene from Luke, the people gathered around John, having been called a "brood of vipers," gets past the initial insult and seek his guidance in a way to lead a new life.

He gives a generic answer that could be applicable to many, sharing clothing and food when you have to those who don't.  Seems like basic outreach that most of us do in our churches.  But he also gets specific when pressed for more.

I don't know what John would tell me I need to do.  I'm sure if I took a long,deep look it would become obvious.  The problem is that what I might get called out on, maybe something that has regrettably become second nature to me.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 7, 2017

" And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years,[c] and in divine and human favor."(Luke 2:52)

As we get older we are supposed to get wiser.  Our life experiences coupled with our learning in school and our interaction with others should expand our knowledge.  We are supposed to be life long learners.

Of course there are folks for whom being wise is something they'd rather not be. Even being street smart is a problem.  But if we are to follow Jesus' example we should always want to increase in wisdom as we increase in years.

We can't do anything to stop getting older, except to die.  We have a lot to say about how much wiser we can be.  I continue to read not only scripture but other books as well.  I continue to interact with my world and to try and listen to others, even those I don't agree with.

God gave us a brain and expects us to use it, that is part of the divine favor.  When we show to others by a well thought out life, we have the chance to get human favor as well.  If we choose to act like a dolt, neither favor may happen.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 6, 2017

"so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”(Luke 2:35)

Even though it is Epiphany, my source has us continuing in Luke.  Today's reading covers what would be read on the Feast of the Presentation, which is February 2, and sometimes referred to as Candlemas.

We hear from two older folks in this passage Simeon and Anna, it is the only time we will hear of them.  Simeon's speech from which the quote above follows we get to say as part of Evening Prayer, the Song of Simeon or if you like Latin Nunc dimittis.  The quote above also contains the words that appear in the Stations of the Cross service.

My inner thoughts being revealed is a little frightening.  That idea of someone being able to know exactly what you're thinking is unnerving.  But when someone knows you pretty well, they often will say that they know what you're thinking and be right.  Of course there are people who make such a claim and aren't right at all.  We know that in our relationship with God, "all hearts are open, all desires known and no secrets are hid."  While that feels a little like the song about Santa Claus, "he knows if you've been bad or good."  For me that isn't what I believe about God.  This is more of an invitation to not have to pretend, to put on false airs.

The part about a sword piercing one's soul is different.  Simeon is saying it to Mary, predicting that his life and death will be painful emotionally for her.  As a parent I know that feeling.  While my sons have both turned out great, there were times as a parent that tried my soul.  And perhaps it is that knowledge that no relationship is not without that feeling, but through the grace of God it doesn't have to be a mortal blow.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 5, 2017

" and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them."(Luke 2:18)

Sometimes when I hear about something, I can be skeptical.  I often think "consider the source."  This is very true in our age of social media, blogs, "fake news", and sometimes just the individual themselves if I know them personally.

We heard this passage two Sundays in a row, since Christmas came on a Sunday this year.  I've often wondered who the "all who hear it" are.  My creche would say it was just Mary and Joseph.  But if there were others were they amazed because of what was said, or because of who said it?  Sometimes truth and amazing stuff can come from folks who we don't think should know these things.  And yet this often how God gets through to us, by using the unexpected to reveal the truth.

So what are your sources of truth.? Who if they were to tell you something you would take it seriously?  Are you skeptical and want to "fact check" everything or are there times when you just listen and ponder things in your heart?

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 4, 2017

"to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    by the forgiveness of their sins." Luke 1:77

This verse is taken from what is often referred to as the Song of Zechariah or if you prefer fancy Latin titles  Bendictus Dominus Deus.

He says this after having his voice restored because he and Elizabeth followed through by naming their son John as God had instructed them.  You could say that the loss of his ability to speak was a teachable moment for Zechariah, because once he can speak again, he proclaims his faith in God, who has been present for Israel all along.

Teachable moments happen all the time. Usually through a mistake made, but one where someone helps you see why it didn't work and a better way to approach it next time.  We learn of salvation only when we experience forgiveness from God. And of course forgiveness comes when we've had those teachable moments that cause us to sin.

I hope to not have too many teachable moments, but I'm sure I will.  And in those times I hope I use the forgiveness offered to head in a better direction.

Blessings,

Ed

Reflection for January 3, 2017

"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord'."(Luke 1:46)

You may recognize the beginning of the Magnificat or as it is sometimes called the Song of Mary.  She says this after being greeted by her relative Elizabeth.  She too has some words that have become known as part of the Rosary.

The idea of magnification is interesting to me from a faith perspective.  We know that if something is small and we want to see it we might use a magnifying glass.  And while I'm not suggesting that God is small by any stretch of the imagination it is in the way we show God's involvement in our lives that "magnify" God.

Another word that is similar is magnet.  What if our souls magnify by also drawing us closer to God?

In what way does your life magnify the Lord? Do your actions and the way you live out your faith help others to see God more clearly?

Blessings,

Ed

Reflection for January 2, 2017

" For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

If you wondered how I choose what I'm blogging, I have to first give credit to Canon Rob Droste, he told me of a book Search the Scriptures. It divides all of the Bible into a three year reading.  Each day has some questions for reflection based on the reading.  I may choose to answer the question or may go in a different direction, but it will always be based on the reading of the day.  This gets me immersed into scripture, always a good thing for any person of faith, but part of my ordination vows as well.

This verse taken from the story of Mary's visitation by the angel Gabriel spoke to me.  Two days into the new year and we still don't know everything that might occur in the coming days ahead. 

Have you ever been challenged by something that you didn't feel you were up to, had the capability to achieve, or that you just couldn't see it working out? Probably more than once.

I would imagine that Mary being told she was to bear a child, considering what she may or may not have actually known of how these things happen, had her doubts.  Fascinating that when she questions Gabriel he answers her.  Yesterday's reading Zechariah questioned and got 9 months of being a mute for his questioning.  I'll take Mary's prize.  Maybe it was because she was younger and needed that patience to explain it to her.  In the end she accepted that she had a course laid out for her.  But perhaps it is that line that nothing is impossible with God that gave her hope.

I've always thought there was a difference between improbable and impossible.  The improbability of something gives a healthy sense of realism but we might find a way forward. Saying something is impossible leads us to never try.

But as people of faith, who trust that God is walking with us, nothing is impossible when God is involved, so don't quit or fail to try.  This doesn't mean that everything succeeds, but when we fall into the despair of impossible, then we guarantee it won't happen.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflection for January 1, 2017

"Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ Luke 1:18

Well a new year is here.  Frankly it feels like the same as last year, which isn't actually bad.  2016 was a good year.  No real changes, things flowed smoothly for the most part.  As I read so many people saying worst year ever, usually following a celebrity death, I kept wanting to say why?  But also how do you determine whether a year was great, good or bad?

What I know is that on every new year, as a matter of fact every new day, we enter into an unknown.  There may be some idea of what should take place each day, but no guarantees other than the sun rising and setting.  

We may have been promised something but much like Zechariah, how will we know?  This is especially true if the promise seems beyond our imaginations.  If the promises seem to defy logic.  We may even have our excuses as to why we are so skeptical.

Much like Zechariah I could claim to be an old, okay just older man, I don't know what is considered old these days in a chronological way.  I do know that as I get older I find I need to be more open to the surprises that each day may bring.  Give thanks when those surprises are positive.  Pray for strength if they are not.

But I do know that today the sun rose, it is a new year, a new day.  What I choose to do with this gift and how go about my daily life will say much about how I'm doing on that faith-doubt continuum that we all walk.

Blessings,
Ed+