Advent IV- John 1:19-28

On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the Gospel from St. John 1:19-28 is another reference to the preparatory message of John the Baptist. When the Jerusalem authorities send representatives to ask who he is, John refuses the usual titles. He only acknowledges being "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3). He makes the way ready for the Lord; he baptizes with water to represent repentance and cleansing from sin. But the One coming after John is much greater. He is the reason for John's work of preparation, and He will bring the redemption that John's ministry only anticipates.

As Christians, we believe that the One whose way John prepared is Jesus, and we seek to prepare His way in our lives this week.  As Advent draws to a close, many people are busy with a variety of preparations for the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, people often lose sight of the spiritual preparations needed to celebrate Christ's Nativity. Most of us need to pay more attention to prayer, to meditation on Scripture, and to renewed efforts to prepare room for Christ in our hearts and in our lives. As we get ready to celebrate Christ's first coming in humility, let us not get too distracted. Let us remember that Jesus Christ keeps coming to us. He calls us to repent of our sins and accept His grace, mercy, and peace. Without Him, all our celebrations are empty. With Him in our lives, there is true joy in simple things!

St. Thomas the Apostle- 21 December

The traditional feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is the 21st of December. Because Thomas had doubts about the Resurrection of Jesus (John 20), we often associate St. Thomas with the Easter season, but he is also an appropriate example for contemplating Christ's Incarnation. Despite his initial doubts, Thomas encounters the risen Christ, and he makes a powerful confession of faith. In John 20:28, Thomas affirms his faith that Jesus the Christ is "my Lord and my God."  In other words, Thomas confesses that Jesus is God incarnate. 

So as Advent draws toward a close, let us focus on the truth of the Incarnation proclaimed by Thomas. The holy Child born in Bethlehem is our Lord and God, Immanuel, God the eternal Son and Word, come to us in human flesh. Thanks be to God for Thomas and his faith in Jesus Christ!

Advent Ember Days

 According to the Book of Common Prayer, the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after December 13 (the black letter day associated with the early martyr St. Lucy) are Ember Days (see 1928 BCP p. li; 1662 BCP p. 31). On these days, we pray for those about to be ordained as well as for an increase of the Ministry and for guidance upon those who already serve the Church in various callings. There is the general set of propers for the day in the 1928 BCP (p. 260), and there are selections for Morning and Evening Prayer in the 1943 lectionary for the third week of Advent. This past Sunday's Gospel about the ministry of John the Baptist is also related to the Ember Day theme.

In light of the Advent season, we think of the ways all are called to prepare the way for the Lord. May all of us, ordained and lay, work together to prepare the way as Christ comes into our hearts anew! May we also prepare for our Lord's future coming in glory!

Advent III- I Corinthians 4:1-5

For the Third Sunday in Advent, the readings from I Corinthians 4 and Matthew 11 point us to the theme of Christian ministry. This theme is especially appropriate because the traditional Advent Ember Days occur on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week. For centuries, these days have called Christians to deliberate emphasis on the general ministry and mission of the Church, and especially on the role of the ordained ministry. All Christians share in ministry, and ordained deacons, priests, and bishops have special responsibilities.

The Epistle from I Corinthians 4:1-5 speaks of such Christian ministry. All Christians are called to ministry or service for Christ, but all too often we forget this, at least in practical daily speech and behavior. Every person baptized has been set aside and transformed by grace in the name of the Holy Trinity. This setting aside for service has a special application to the ordained ministry. In a special way, the clergy are called to be "stewards of the mysteries of God" (I Corinthians 4:1).

What are the mysteries of God? The mysteries are the core events of Christ's Gospel- from the Annunciation and Nativity to the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. These Scriptural mysteries are summarized in the ancient Creeds. These mysteries are also powerfully expressed in the Sacraments. The Christian Gospel becomes visible and immediate for us in the concrete Sacred Mysteries or Sacraments, in particular Baptism and the Eucharist. Every Christian is called to believe the mysteries of the Gospel and to participate in appropriate and faithful ways in the sacramental expression of these mysteries 

During this Advent, let us prepare for Christmas by contemplating the mysteries of the Gospel and their expression in the Sacraments. Let us be aware of our general calling to be faithful stewards of the Gospel according to our specific vocations. And let us pray that all Christians, especially those who are ordained, may be constantly renewed by divine grace for God's service.

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 8 December- Luke 1

Yesterday, December 8, is listed as a "Black Letter Day" or minor commemoration on the calendar of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. The eighth of December is a day traditionally called "The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary." Since it is not directly based on a specific Scripture event, the BCP does not provide it with liturgical propers, and some Anglicans have been hesitant to commemorate this day because we do not accept certain papal interpretations of her conception.

Nevertheless, the day is part of the Prayer Book tradition, and it is certainly appropriate for us to remember the blessed Virgin and honor her, especially during the season of Advent. The greeting of the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation echoes in our minds. As St. Luke 1. 26-28 says, AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.

While Anglicans have differing views about some traditions regarding Mary, we all agree that she was "highly favoured" and "blessed among women." Her role in God's plan of salvation and the Incarnation of God the Son was important and unique. The blessed Virgin should be respected, and she should inspire us to deeper devotion.

Advent II- Holy Scripture- Luke 21:33

 In traditional Anglicanism, the Second Sunday in Advent emphasizes the importance of Holy Scripture. We see this importance highlighted in two verses from this Sunday's Bible selections. Romans 15:4 says, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." In St. Luke 21:33, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." 

Thus, in theory, despite some differences in emphasis, all Christian groups acknowledge that the Bible is the great Christian authority. The Holy Scriptures are good and powerful, and they are the primary written documents for Christians. Yet, the Bible is not magic. People can have copies of the Bible that are never read. They can hear it read aloud in church without believing. They can read it in private without understanding it or applying it. So a true understanding and acceptance of Scripture depends upon divine grace and the working of the Holy Spirit. 

Anglicans would also add that we are indebted to other Christians who have taught us and witnessed to us. In some sense, we cannot separate Scripture from the catholic or universal Church. Anglicans honor the Scripture understandings of the ancient Church, and we do not think that we constantly have to come up with new interpretations of every passage. 

For Anglicans, Scripture is not read or understood in isolation. It is the primary authority, and it contains God's self-revelation for all generations of Christians. Despite some difficult passages, the basic and necessary teachings of the Bible are clear. But Scripture is best understood in the Church, past and present. Thoughtful believers of different times and backgrounds agree on the basics, and Christians of different perspectives have come up with summaries of Scripture such as the ancient Creeds (Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian). Believing and living in accordance with such Biblical principles are the "things necessary to salvation" (Article of Religion VI).

As we contemplate the coming of Christ the incarnate Word into the world, let us remember to respect the written Word in Holy Scripture. May we be open to reading, hearing, and learning from God's Word in the Bible throughout Advent and all the days of our lives!

St. Nicholas of Myra- 6 December- John 1:1

December 6 is the real traditional feast day of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from Asia Minor (or modern Turkey). Bishop Nicholas was noted for several things such as caring for the poor, especially the young. Even more importantly in church history, this bishop was noted for being a defender of orthodox views of Christ at the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in 325 AD. He really believed the words of John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

So Nicholas' feast day is a good time to contemplate two points as we prepare for Christmas. 1) Advent and Christmas are about the identity of the Christ Child. Christmas is about the Incarnation; Mary's Child is God the Son who comes into the world as a human to save sinners. 2) Nicholas reminds us about the true Christian significance of giving gifts. As God gives us His Son and many other blessings, we give to those around us, especially those weak or in need. Just as St. Nicholas focused on faith in Christ, we should do likewise in our Advent preparations.

Advent I- Matthew 21:1-13

On the Western Christian calendar, the First Sunday in Advent begins a new church year and the season of preparation for Christmas. When Christmas entered the Latin calendar during the fourth century, Advent, which comes from the Latin word "coming," became a time to emphasize the theme of Christ's coming into the world.

We see this theme of Christ's Coming in the Gospel selection from Matthew 21:1-13. At this time of the year, the account is not so much about the historical details of Christ in Jerusalem as it is a reminder of the varied ways that Jesus Christ comes into human lives. Christ the Messianic King has already come into the world long ago, He keeps coming to us through the work of the Holy Spirit in Word, Sacrament, and prayer, and Christ will come again to conclude earthly history on the last day. 

As Matthew 21 shows, Jesus comes humbly and peaceably as our rightful ruler who does not have to prove Himself. Yet, even when He comes in this simple peaceful way, He is so holy that He automatically brings rebuke and judgment upon human corruption, a corruption that even perverted the purposes of the Jerusalem Temple and still corrupts the Church in this world. So as we begin our Advent preparations for the great Christmas festival, let us also begin to examine our souls. Only through spiritual self-examination, repentance, and renewal in faith and devotion can we truly develop an appreciation for the good news that Christ's Coming brings.

St. Andrew's Day- November 30- John 1:35,37

 On the Western Church calendar, St. Andrew is either the last or the first saint commemorated in the church year. Advent I is the Sunday closest to his feast. Andrew and his brother Simon Peter were disciples of John the Baptist (John 1:35) who became early followers of Jesus (Matthew 4:18). In fact, Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:37). Post-biblical stories say that he was martyred in Achaia, and a medieval tradition adds that he was crucified in the form of an X (hence the St. Andrew's Cross).

The example of St. Andrew illustrates two important points. 1) Andrew is a person who responds to Jesus immediately and dedicates himself completely. 2) Andrew is also a reminder about the need for humble Christian witnesses. Andrew is not the obvious kind of leader that his brother Peter is. His witness is quieter and more one-on-one. Yet, Andrew is the one who brings his brother to Christ, and without him, the Church might not benefit from Peter's enthusiastic leadership. 

All of us can not be the kind of leaders that Peter was, but our faith and witness are still valuable in Christ's kingdom. Day in and day out, the Church also needs the Andrews. It needs those who talk to others and bring them to Christ. May Andrew's example motivate all of us!

Harvest Thanksgiving

Through the ages, many peoples, cultures, and religions have observed feasts and prayers of thanksgiving for harvests. Several Hebrew festivals were related to harvests, as well as to historical events.  In medieval and early modern Europe, including England, there were various local occasions when thanks were offered, and over time, local forms of prayer for autumn harvest festivals developed. In colonial North America, English explorers and colonists gave thanks in several places that later became the US and Canada. In the 1789 American Book of Common Prayer, there was a Thanksgiving Day Office, and parts of this office are still reflected in the 1928 BCP.  The 1962 Canadian BCP also includes forms for harvest thanksgiving.

It is a normal part of Christian worship to give God thanks for all things. It is also appropriate that we should pause in autumn to give special thanks for the products of the land which sustain and enrich life. This impulse is admirably expressed in the 1928 Collect for Thanksgiving Day: 

O most merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday next before Advent

The Gospel assigned for the last Sunday of the church year in the 1928 BCP is John 6:5-14, the familiar story of feeding the 5000. This story is filled with meaning, but on this occasion, let us focus on the final verse. When the people saw Jesus' miraculous act, they affirmed that He was "that prophet that should come into the world" (John 6: 14). He is the one who was to come. He is the prophet like Moses predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15 &18. 

Certainly, Christians think that Jesus is more than a mere prophet. He is the divine Savior. Yet He is also the ultimate prophet. Jesus is the fulfillment of the entire Hebrew line of prophets. Jesus is much greater than Moses, and He establishes a covenant greater than the one established through the work of Moses (Hebrews 8:6). Jesus is not just any prophet but the long-expected one who brings completion. 

At the end of the church year, we also look forward. We anticipate the continuing work of redemption. Jesus is the One who was to come and the One who has already come; He is also the One who will come again. Although Jesus Christ has already accomplished the great acts of redemption, we still await the consummation of His Kingdom. We live between the times, and we continue to look for growth in faith and in service.

Trinity XXIV- Colossians 1:4-5

For the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity, my attention fell upon the Epistle from Colossians 1:3-12. Especially striking are Paul's words in Colossians 1: 4-5: "...we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel." 

Although we often associate the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love with I Corinthians 13:13, Colossians 1 emphasizes the context of love in Christian life. God is love, and divine love is preeminent, but in Christian faith and life, love must not be separated from faith and hope. Unfortunately, some modern Christians tend to make such a separation. Their emphasis on "all you need is love" is more like the Beatles than the Bible. Yet, apart from faith in Christ Jesus, we neither know what love really is nor have the capacity to love as we should. We must respond to divine love with Christian faith before we really begin to love. Furthermore, Christ-like love points believers to our heavenly hope proclaimed in the gospel of Christ. So there is a close relationship between faith, love, and hope. There is an ongoing dynamic of these virtues in our Christian faith and life. Let us hold fast to all three!

All Saints- Hebrews 12:1; Jude 3

 All Saints Day is one of the great celebrations of the Church. This feast reflects a long development from the early years of Christian history through the centuries. In the New Testament, there was already a strong sense of community, communion, and continuity among believers. Christians shared with one another, interceded for one another, gave thanks for one another, and honored the witness and example of the faithful who had gone before. They had the sense of being surrounded by a great "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1); they also knew that they must continue to "contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).

Thus, All Saints Day is a celebration of the Christian faith from Biblical times to the present and beyond. Let us rejoice in the heritage of the saints, and by divine grace, let us seek to be saints who pass the Christian faith on to others!

Trinity XXI- John 4:46-54

The Gospel for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity comes from John 4:46-54.  A "nobleman" or "official" wants Jesus to come and heal his critically ill son. Perhaps surprisingly, our Lord does not agree to come. Instead, He comments on the excessive popular desire for outward signs and assures the man that his son will be healed and live. 

There are many different ways that God's healing power and grace work through Jesus Christ.  On this occasion, our Lord makes a striking point. He notes the excessive human dependence on signs and wonders. Of course, Jesus Christ does perform many signs and wonders, and they are a real and important expression of His work. However, human beings have tendencies to become too focused on dramatic externals and to ignore the underlying essentials: the power of the divine word and the response of faith. In this healing, there is simply a word from Jesus, a declaration that the father's prayer for his son is answered.  To this word, the official responds in faith. This encounter serves to teach us that God in Christ can use various means to reach out in His grace. And sometimes, as in this case, we simply need to have faith in Christ and His word.

 

Trinity XX- Ephesians 5:15-21

The Epistle for this Sunday is from Ephesians 5:15-21, and it is part of a series of readings from this letter during this part of the church year. All of these selections have a two-pronged emphasis: sound doctrine about Christ and a devoted Christian way of life. These two points are not separate because, as the Apostle teaches repeatedly, a truly Christian way of life is a result of basic beliefs about God's redeeming work in Christ.

Ephesians 5:15 says, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise...." Here St. Paul begins an emphasis on wisdom. (This is similar to certain points in Colossians 4:5 and 3:16-17). This wisdom is not some generic humanistic wisdom; it is the wisdom of the Christian walk or way of life. It stands in contrast to the general wisdom of the pagan world, which is really foolishness. The Christian wisdom that the Apostle promotes is based on the divine wisdom manifested in Jesus Christ.

Walking in such wisdom, Christians will be "redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16). The world is fallen and corrupt, and Christians are to make the best use of the time we have here. So in Ephesians 5:17, Paul exhorts, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." The way to true wisdom is not through some pagan philosophy or some mysterious cult; the way to true wisdom is to know and follow God's will revealed in Scripture and most especially in His Son Jesus Christ and His redeeming work.

The will of the Lord is true wisdom. So let us focus on this true wisdom found through faith in Jesus Christ and living according to His teachings. Through Christian faith and life, we do our small part in redeeming our time in a fallen world.