Lent IV- Galatians 4; John 6

The Collect for Lent IV, the Epistle from Galatians 4:21-31, and the Gospel from John 6:1-13 all provide contrasts between the natural human condition and the human condition under divine grace. The Collect prays for grace and comfort despite our evil. Galatians 4 notes the difference between two covenants. This is the distinction between being children of bondage with legalistic considerations and being children of the divine promise, born anew to freedom through the Holy Spirit. The Gospel from John 6 is the familiar miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000. On the literal level, the miracle shows how Jesus uses His power to care for the hunger of those who have come to hear Him teach. However, especially in John's Gospel, such physical miracles point beyond themselves and are also signs of spiritual truths. As the context in John indicates, Jesus can also feed higher and deeper human hunger with His words and with Himself.

Thus, the theme of this Sunday can be summarized as a contrast between the fallen human condition in the world and the redeeming power of God's grace. This theme is always important for people to hear and keep in mind, but it has a special relevance to those who are observing Lent. As Christians prepare to appreciate Easter, the Church historically emphasizes good disciplined behavior. Every human being needs to hear that emphasis. We need to be reminded of God's Law and our needs, especially the need to repent.

Unfortunately, we humans have a natural tendency to get too caught up in the externals. We tend to focus on commandments, specific actions, and physical needs more than we do on divine grace, spiritual perspectives, and the good news of redemption through Christ. So as we continue through Lent, let us not be overly legalistic; rather, let us view our self-discipline in light of divine grace and focus on the redemptive message of the Gospel.

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.

Lent V- Passion Sunday- Hebrews 9: 11-15

For Lent V. the theme of Christ's Passion is related to both the traditional Epistle (Hebrews 9:11-15) and Gospel (St. John 8:46-59). This time, let us focus on the selection from Hebrews. The Epistle from Hebrews 9 stresses the great and unique sacrifice of Christ. Jesus was and is the great high priest who offered Himself as a pure sacrifice for human sin. Other sacrifices were mere foreshadowings of His perfect sacrifice. Such sacrifices were of minimal and temporary symbolic value, but Jesus became the mediator of a new and everlasting covenant. By offering Himself, Jesus Christ purified believers, and thereby through Him, they/we are enabled to offer living works to God's praise and glory. And eventually, those who remain faithful will "receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

The Circumcision and the Name of Jesus- 1 January- Luke 2:21; Philippians 2:9

The first of January has been associated with several liturgical observances in the history of the Church. From at least the 800's, the Roman rite commemorated Christ's Circumcision on this eighth day of Christmas. Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1928 in the US and 1962 in Canada continued this emphasis. Stressing Christ's circumcision fits in with the reality of the Incarnation. Jesus of Nazareth, God the Son, was a real Jewish male. He humbled Himself, continued the covenant with Abraham, Moses and David, and came to fulfill all righteousness. 

Another emphasis on this day is the name of Jesus. Some recent Anglican calendars have made this the title of the feast, but one also finds an emphasis on the name in the traditional Epistle and Gospel.  In the Epistle from Philippians 2:9, we read, "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." In St. Luke 2:21 , we read that at the circumcision the child "was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."  Of course, Jesus (Greek IESOU, Aramaic YESHUA) was a common Jewish name, meaning "The LORD saves." In the case of this holy child, the common name takes on special significance. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself come to save His people. And Christ's work in the heavenly Father's plan for human salvation is what gives Him a name above every name. What better way for us to begin the New Year than by praising His holy name and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!