Easter III- John 16:16-22

The traditional Gospel read on this Sunday is from John 16:16-22. In these verses from our Lord's Farewell Discourses, we have another instance of the disciples not understanding what Jesus is talking about. He predicts His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. He warns them to expect separation and sorrow while they await His renewed presence. He drives His points home in two verses. In John 16:20, He states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." He explains this in John 16:22, "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (KJV).

Although they are slow to understand, the disciples eventually learn what Jesus teaches about sorrow and joy. They learn through Christ's cross and resurrection. His sufferings and their separation from Him bring them great sorrow, but His resurrection brings them profound joy. He changes them, and they find new strength in facing all the sorrows and joys of life in this world. The joy of His resurrection is so deep and strong that they learn to follow Him in deeper and stronger ways. They are empowered to serve Him through all the sorrows and joys of this world and remain faithful to the end.

These words about sorrow and joy still apply to Christian believers. We all experience earthly sorrows and joys. But there is one joy that surpasses our circumstances in the world. That great joy comes from knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us. Through His Word in Scripture, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, and through the visible Word in His sacraments, we sense His presence in this life, and we look forward to His presence with us eternally. In Paul's words from Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord, alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy Thursday- I Corinthians 11:23ff

The Thursday in Holy Week has a rich history and several liturgical associations. These associations include preparing for baptism or confirmation, the blessing of holy oils, the washing of feet, and the stripping of altars. However, the chief theme of the day is the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or Eucharist. 

The Prayer Book epistle for this day is from I Corinthians 11:23ff and contains St. Paul's version of the words of institution of the Lord's Supper. These simple words are at the heart of Christian worship. Theologians have often discussed and disputed the exact meaning of the words. But although sacramental theology is important, the significance of this holy meal goes beyond our explanations. In other words, obedience and faith are more important than human theories.

Several simple affirmations seem clear. First, Jesus Himself began and commanded His disciples to continue this sacred meal. Secondly, He related it to His self-sacrifice that was about to take place for human salvation. Thirdly, this commemoration of His death also points to His continuing presence as a living Lord and anticipates that He will come again in glory. 

So, as followers of Christ, the main issues are not abstract theories; the most important thing is an attitude of humble faith. The Eucharist is about what Christ has done and is doing for our salvation. Through the blessed bread and wine, our Lord offers us His continuing presence. He offers us His grace to continue the journey in faith.  And our response to His grace should be thanksgiving.

Easter IV- John 16:5-15

 The Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter is John 16:5-15. Like some other selections during this season, these verses are from our Lord's Farewell Discourses to the Twelve on the evening of Maundy Thursday. In these discourses, our Lord addresses some of the misunderstandings and worries of the disciples. He is about to go away (first through His Passion and Death, later through His Ascension). He strengthens and encourages His followers by speaking of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13, Jesus says, "when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth..." (KJV). Then in John 16:15, Christ asserts, “All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he [the Holy Spirit] shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

The situation of the disciples is changing. Jesus will not be them in the ordinary physical way, but the work of the Holy Spirit will continue Christ’s ministry on earth.  The Holy Spirit is not confined by location, ethnicity, language, or time. The Spirit guides believers into truth. Yet, this truth is not some new message. It is the same eternal truth that has been revealed by God the Father to Israel over the ages. And it is the same truth revealed in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. 

So redemptive truth is Trinitarian. It comes from God the unseen heavenly Father. It has been made known by the divine Word over the ages and finally become incarnate in Jesus. This same eternal truth also works through the Holy Spirit. It will continue to work in the world until the end of history. The Spirit of Truth works in many ways, but chiefly He works through the Scriptures and the sacraments. He works in the church as the community of believers, and He works in the lives of faithful individuals.

Our verses from John 16 proclaim a simple and clear basic point. The work of the Spirit comes from God the Father, and it is consistent with the revelation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. The work of the Holy Spirit is not a new or separate revelation; it is a series of living applications of the divine truth already revealed, especially revealed in Jesus Christ. This is good news!

Easter III- John 16:22

The Gospel for this Third Sunday after Easter is from John 16:16-22. This is one of several selections during Eastertide from the “Farewell Discourses” where Jesus gives some final instructions to His followers before the crucifixion. In all likelihood, He may have repeated similar instructions during His forty days with them after Easter.

A key verse in the passage is John 16: 22: “ And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Joy is a major of Easter and the following season, but we are tempted to ignore its great importance. The joy of Christ's living presence should remain in our hearts and minds. 

Jesus Christ rises from the dead. He wins an eternal victory over Satan, sin, and death, and He offers us true joy. This joy of Christ goes beyond passing earthly happiness. Christian joy is a spiritual gift. It transforms the sorrows of this world. It comes from the grace of God embodied in Jesus Christ. As believers, we still have both sorrows and joys, but there is one joy that surpasses our earthly circumstances. We still have bad times in this life, but the joy of Christ can remain through our worldly sorrows. Since this joy comes from our Lord, no one can take it from us. We can forget it or ignore it, but the gift is still there. So in faith, we should reclaim joy if it fades and abide in it. This is the great joy of knowing that the presence of the risen Christ is with us, in this world and the next!

Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy Thursday- I Cor. 11:23-26

 One reading for this day is I Corinthians 11:23 ff which is St. Paul's account of the Lord's Supper. Although Anglicans have sometimes had differing theological opinions about the Sacrament, we have been clear that this Sacrament instituted by our Lord is more than simply an act of remembrance. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sin and death by offering Himself on the cross. Anglicans and most other Christians have agreed that in some mysterious and unique way, Jesus comes to be with us along with the consecrated bread and the wine.

The proper minister or celebrant uses Christ's Words of Institution to bless the bread and the wine and assures believers of Christ's living presence. Jesus brings us His forgiving and strengthening grace through the outward means that He established. We are tangibly offered grace whenever we observe the Lord's Supper/Holy Communion/Eucharist. We are called to repent and receive the Sacrament in faith and in reverence.

Hopefully, we can enjoy this great gift as we commemorate its institution on this Thursday of Holy Week. Unfortunately,, external circumstances or schedules make it impossible for some to gather and receive the Sacrament on this day. Yet, we can still meditate upon the Scriptural accounts and contemplate the Lord's Supper. Looking to past and future observances of the Sacrament, we can still pray for Christ to come and be with us wherever we are. Thanks be to God for Christ's special Presence in the Lord's Supper and for His spiritual communion with believers scattered throughout the world!

Easter III- John 16:20

The Gospel for this Third Sunday after Easter is from John 16:16-22. This is one of several selections during Eastertide from the “Farewell Discourses.” In these discourses in John, Christ gives His disciples instructions about who He is and about their discipleship. These instructions may have very well been repeated during the forty days after Easter.

A key verse in our Gospel today is John 16: 20: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” Joy is a central theme of the Easter season, but we should take time to reflect on its meaning. Christian joy is not simply ordinary worldly happiness; it is a profound spiritual blessing.

During Lent and Holy Week, we emphasized the way of the cross, the sorrows and sufferings of Christ. And we must never gloss over those realities. However, sin, suffering, and sorrow do not have the last word. Jesus Christ rises from the dead. He wins an eternal victory and brings true joy. This joy of Christ is not some fleeting earthly happiness. While joy may sometimes be expressed through ordinary good times, the joy of Christ transcends transitory manifestations. Christian joy is more than ordinary human happiness. It comes from beyond this world. It comes from the goodness, the love, and the grace of God.

True joy can remain in the good times and the average times of ordinary life. And the joy of Christ can also remain through all the difficult times. It can abide with us in sickness, pain, and sadness- even through the valley of the shadow of death. As believers, we still have both sorrows and joys. But there is one joy which surpasses our earthly circumstances- there is the great joy of knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us!

Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy Thursday- I Corinthians 11

 The Thursday before Easter has several associations in the New Testament and has had other associations in church history. For most Christians, the central point is the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or Eucharist. The Epistle from I Corinthians 11: 23-26 highlights the basic acts and meaning of this event. By sharing in this Holy Sacrament, we show forth the Lord's death till He comes again, and we share in His body and His blood given to save us. We commune with Christ and with fellow believers.

The 1928 Book of Common Prayer added a collect of the day based on phrases from Scripture and other parts of the Prayer Book:

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood; Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same in remembrance of him, who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal; the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

This prayer is both a succinct reminder of the important nature of Holy Communion and a prayerful request that we may approach and receive the Sacrament with appropriate attitudes. This central act of Christian worship is more than a dead memory of a night long ago. It is a living participation in the Body and Blood of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16-17), and it is a foretaste of eternal life in His heavenly kingdom. We should be thoughtful and seek to appreciate the Sacrament with our best human understanding. Nevertheless, we should always be aware that these "holy mysteries" transcend particular human thoughts and theologies. Whatever our theories, it is the Lord Jesus who still comes to be with us and to offer us His grace. He does so in these mysteries that He established. He is the Savior who gave Himself for us long ago and who will come again in glory  Thanks be to God!

Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy - I Corinthians 11

All the days of Holy Week remind Christians of Jesus' Passion and Death,  but Maundy Thursday is primarily for the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or the Eucharist. The Epistle in the BCP is from I Corinthians 11 and contains St. Paul's version of Christ's words of institution.  Theologians may discuss these words and their meanings, but on this day, we should sense that the Lord's Supper goes beyond academic discussions. Rather, these simple words are about the heart of Christian worship and devotion. The Eucharist focuses on the work of Jesus Christ for our salvation. It points us to His continuing offer of forgiveness and grace, and to our need for humble faith in His presence with us, especially as He comes to us through His Supper. "Let us give thanks unto our Lord God."

Trinity X- Diversities of Gifts- I Corinthians 12: 1-11

This week, in looking over the readings for this Tenth Sunday after Trinity. the Epistle from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 drew my attention. I was struck by the Apostle Paul's insight into both the dangers and the greatness of spirituality. First, the Apostle warns of false spirituality. Sometimes, people talk as if anything that can be called "spirituality" must be good. However, Paul does not make this assumption. On the contrary, he begins this discussion by warning about ignorance and idolatry. There are deformed kinds of spirituality and distorted views of spiritual gifts.

Secondly, St. Paul connects true spirituality to the Lord Jesus Christ. The work and gifts of the Holy Spirit must not be separated from faith centered on the life and work of Jesus. His Lordship brings unity out of human diversity. Serving Him is the factor that gives meaning to the "differences of administrations."

Thirdly, rooted in faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit can use human differences. Rooted in Christ, the Spirit inspires all sorts of good results. Believers in Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit to engage in a variety of activities that continue the work of our Lord in this world. Such gifts range from religious knowledge to human communication to acts of mercy, but it is always the same Lord Jesus and the same Holy Spirit who are the source. 

Trinity V- Luke 5: 1-11

 The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity is St. Luke's account of the call of the apostles (Luke 5:1-11). It points out that the first disciples were Galilean fishermen who allowed Jesus to use their boat to teach the crowds. Then it adds that these fishermen had a poor night of fishing and that Jesus guides them to a great catch. Simon Peter is amazed and frightened because of Jesus' holy power. Jesus ignores such fear and calls Peter and the others to follow Him. He promises that they will catch people for the kingdom. They accept the call and leave their fishing business to others.

The miraculous catch of fish is an amazing event in itself, but it is also a miracle that points beyond itself. It can be applied in three ways. 1) It shows us the nature and character of Jesus Christ. He is the holy Lord of creation who can work in strange and surprising ways. When He comes among us, we should honor Him, trust Him, and obey Him. 2) It shows that Christ can bless those who follow Him in both material and spiritual ways. These blessings may be as ordinary as fish and as mysterious as an awareness of divine presence and power. 3) The miracle points to Jesus' ministry of gathering people for the kingdom of God. It is a call to discipleship. Like Peter and the other fishermen, we have a vocation. We are called to follow Jesus in all things and to share in His mission of seeking people for God's kingdom. The specifics vary according to our talents. gifts, and circumstances, but all are asked to contribute to Christ's mission.

Maundy Thursday- I Corinthians 11

This Thursday in Holy Week has been called by several names (such as the Thursday before Easter or Holy Thursday), but in the English, the most common name has long been Maundy Thursday, derived from the Latin word mandatum, "command." Although there are several associations for the day, the chief theme is the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion or the Eucharist. 

The Prayer Book epistle for this day is from I Corinthians 11 and contains St. Paul's version of the words of institution of the Lord's Supper. These simple words are at the heart of Christian worship. Theologians have often discussed these words and disputed their exact meaning.. Although sacramental theology is an important topic, the significance of the Eucharist goes beyond academic discussions. In other words, the place of the Lord's Supper in Christian life has more to do with having faith in Jesus, obeying His words and seeking His grace than with human philosophy.

Some simple affirmations seem clear. First, Jesus Himself began and commanded His disciples to continue this sacred meal. Secondly, He related it to His death that was about to take place for human salvation. Thirdly, this commemoration of His death also points to His grace and living presence among His people through the blessed bread and wine. Fourthly, the Sacrament anticipates that Christ will come again in glory. 

Thus, the Eucharist is not some meaningless ceremony or vague symbolism. It is a concrete affirmation of Christ's living presence in our midst. In this holy Sacrament, Jesus Christ comes to His people, and through bread and wine, He offers us Himself. In this outward way, He keeps offering us His forgiving and strengthening grace.

Lent III- Luke 11- Spiritual Housekeeping

The Gospel for this Sunday refers to several themes related to Christ’s ministry and the kingdom of God. In the midst of all these themes, there are three verses about spiritual housekeeping that have sometimes been applied to Lent. These verses are Luke 11:24-26. “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” (RSV).

These verses are a brief parable or comparison about moral and spiritual cleansing and healing. In a way, the verses encourage moral and spiritual housekeeping, but they are also a warning about how we pursue such housekeeping. The ways we clean up our lives and what we do afterward can be as important as the cleansing itself.

In this world, many human beings admit that they need to cleanse their lives. Many people know that there are bad or destructive forces and tendencies in their lives. They sense that bad habits, poor attitudes, mistaken loyalties, and various mental and spiritual weaknesses need to be cast out. 

During Lent, some of us emphasize spiritual housekeeping. We may stress better moral and spiritual habits. We give up certain things. We emphasize penitential attitudes and a variety of devotions. Such moral and spiritual housekeeping and external disciplines are useful. However, we also need to move beyond mere external disciplines- even beyond good disciplines involving certain degrees of self-denial. 

As we clean our spiritual houses, we do not need to leave them empty. We need to fill them with goodness. As numerous Scriptures remind us, we must allow our Lord to abide or dwell within us. In other words, the Christian message must include positive aspects as well as negative ones. We are called to do more than just cleanse our hearts, minds, and souls of evil. We are asked to allow God to dwell or reside within us, and the real purpose of all our spiritual housekeeping is to make room for Him. It is to open us up to divine grace and love.

This point is always true, but it has a special relevance to Lent. Of course, we could all use more self-discipline and more sincere self-denial, but those things are not sufficient. By God’s grace in Christ, we also need to fill our hearts, minds, and souls with good things such as faith, hope, and love. We need to allow God to dwell within us and transform us for worship and service.