St. James the Apostle- 25 July- Matthew 4:21; Acts 12:2

  St. James the Apostle was the elder brother of the Apostle John and is sometimes called James the Greater. (The name James is a British form of the common biblical name Jacob or "Iakobos.") James was among the first followers of Jesus (Matthew 4:21); he was also part of the inner group of disciples near Christ at certain key moments (see Matthew 17:1 and Matthew 26:37). 

Later, James was one of the Eleven Apostles who encountered the risen Christ. He was also in the group present after the Ascension (Acts 1:13). During Christ's earthly ministry, James hoped for earthly honors (Matthew 20:20-23), but he learned to put aside such worldly ambitions and became the first of the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Gospel (Acts 12:2). Let us remember and honor the example of James and learn to follow him in humility and faithfulness.

Trinity IV- Luke 6- Human Judgment

 This Sunday's Gospel from St. Luke 6 is from the Sermon on the Plain, a section similar to the Sermon on the Mount in St. Matthew. The selection contains many significant sayings of our Lord. One of them is very famous- “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged” (Luke 6:37). This important Christian principle has not always been easy to understand or to apply. On the one hand, it reminds us that human judgments are imperfect, especially when it comes to evaluating the attitudes, faith, and intentions of other people. We recognize that human beings often misjudge others.  We may jump to false conclusions or be harsh. Even the best human judgments about another person are limited and fall short in some respects. So, we seek to have humble and open minds regarding other people and their standing before God.

On the other hand, in practical terms, we know that human beings must make certain judgments about health and safety. Even in moral and spiritual matters, people must make some practical daily judgments. Both individuals and societies need to make decisions to protect themselves from unwise and bad behaviors. This reality is recognized by Jesus Himself in John 7:24. There, our Lord says, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” 

Thus, the verse about not judging from Luke 6:37 should be understood wisely and sensibly. Christians must not judge hastily or unfairly. We must not judge harshly or unmercifully. And we must not presume that even our best human judgments always live up to divine standards. However, we must value divine revelation and promote high moral and spiritual standards. We must humbly ask for divine help to follow righteous standards ourselves and encourage others to do the same. We seek to be merciful, fair, and reasonable in our opinions about human beings and their behaviors. Above all, we strive to treat others as we would like to be treated.

Palm Sunday- Matthew 21; Matthew 26 & 27

 The last Sunday in Lent, or as the traditional Books of Common Prayer say, "The Sunday Next Before Easter," is commonly called Palm Sunday. This title is common even among some Christian groups that do not observe most of the Christian calendar. The triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem at the beginning of the first Holy Week has been observed publicly since the early fourth century in Palestine. There is a certain joy in the event, but there has always been a bit of irony about the observance and the events it recalls.

Certainly, the story of Christ's triumphal entrance (Matthew 21:1-11 and parallels) into Jerusalem should be remembered. The event was rich in symbolism. He came on a donkey as a peaceful king from the ancient East would come to be enthroned. And the children and humble people present that day welcomed and praised Him. He deserved the praise and recognition. He was the true king of God's people, the Messianic deliverer. Unfortunately, the crowds did not really understand Him. They did not accept His spiritual type of leadership. They were looking for a political deliverer, and when the crowds were disappointed, they would quickly turn on Jesus and accept His crucifixion. Thus, the Palm Gospel for the day naturally leads us to the Passion Gospel (Matthew 26 & 27), which is central for this day. 

In fact, the Passion accounts are at the heart of all our readings during this week. The events that we commemorate this week are key to the entire Christian message. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ are the greatest acts of God for our salvation. Without them, Jesus' birth and ministry lose significance. Without them, we have no hope of redemption from our sins, no hope of eternal life. A faithful response to the events of Holy Week and Easter is at the heart of what it means to be Christian. Therefore, let us take time all this week to listen, read, and meditate on these painful but mighty acts of God.

Trinity III- Luke 15:1-10

 The Gospel for the Third Sunday after Trinity is Luke 15:1-10, and it contains two brief parables- about the lost sheep and about the lost coin. In this context, our Lord is talking about sinners lost to God. Although many contemporary people resist such descriptions, Scripture in general and our passage in particular are clear that at some points in this life, all human beings are lost. We need finding and saving by divine grace. As the daily general confession in the Book of Common Prayer says, "We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep" (based on Isaiah 53:6 and 1 Peter 2:25). 

Such human lostness has two important applications in our lives. First, each of us needs to admit that at different times, we have all been lost. We also need to acknowledge our tendency to get lost repeatedly. So we all depend upon God's mercy, grace, and persistence in seeking us out-- in the past, in the present, and in each new day. 

Secondly, in addition to being sought by God, as Christians, we are called to participate in the Lord's work of seeking and finding the lost. We are asked to be lowly instruments of God's grace. We have benefited from the mercy and grace of God, and we want to share that good news with others. We want each lost person to be found. We want all people to know the joy of returning to God. May each of us be found by God, and may each of us humbly do our part to help others be found by God!

Easter V, Rogation Sunday- John 16:23-33

 Historically, the Fifth Sunday after Easter has been called Rogation Sunday, and the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week have also been known as Rogation Days. The term "rogation" comes from the Latin verb rogo, rogare. This is one Latin term for praying and is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Rogation Days date back to sixth-century Rome where Christian prayers for crops were appointed to replace certain pagan customs. Early processional litanies were associated with this observance, and other prayers of supplication were included during times of disaster.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is one of several from the Farewell Discourses, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This is a bold claim and has been misunderstood by some. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the real meaning goes beyond certain liturgical formulae. We truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in Christlike humility. Such prayer includes the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our participation in Christ and in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray in that spirit, God is doing greater things for us than we in our human limitations can comprehend.

At the time of the 16th-century English Reformation, practices were simplified, but the Rogation Days continued as occasions for the Litany and prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural way of life, it is good for us to continue to be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that sustains earthly life.  Furthermore, as we approach Ascension Day, it is appropriate that we be more aware of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor; it is in His name and spirit that we are to offer up all our prayers.

Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday- Phil. 2

Many people know this Sunday as Palm Sunday from the Gospel accounts of Jesus entering Jerusalem on this day.  Many also expect the long account of Christ's Passion from Matthew 27. Although the events are distinctive, these two readings from the Gospel tell us what happened this week. Jesus our Lord was glorified and then rejected and horribly killed.  As human beings, we may have some difficulty keeping these two aspects of Holy Week together in our thoughts.  Yet, they belong together, and in the Epistle from Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul ties the themes together in a beautiful way. 

Philippians 2: 5 -11 reads: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore 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, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage from Philippians may be an early Christian creedal hymn, and the words can be applied to many commemorations of the Christian faith. As we look at them on Palm Sunday, the words are very appropriate at the beginning of Holy Week. Their devotional significance is to draw us closer to the "mind" or attitude of Christ (2:5). The divine and unique Son of God deserves praise as the King of Israel and the King of all creation. Yet, He comes in humility in order to redeem human beings.

We see this humble acceptance of the human condition at His birth and throughout His earthly ministry, but it culminates in Holy Week and Good Friday: "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (2:8). These words summarize the details of the Passion Gospels. Christ voluntarily humbled Himself. The divine Son became the servant so that He could accomplish the ultimate obedience to holy principles, obedience unto death which had no rightful dominion over Him. Furthermore, the death He accepted was not just any death but death upon the cross. He accepted crucifixion, one of the most degrading and horrifying means of torture and execution devised by cruel men.

The Cross of Christ should always be at the center of Christian preaching, doctrine, and devotion. It is at the heart of Christ's earthly ministry, and it is a basic element in understanding the profound meaning of divine love. Nevertheless, as central as the Cross is to our Christian faith and life, the words of Philippians 2:9-11 also teach us that believers should look beyond the Cross. The Cross is necessary and central to our faith, but Jesus Christ transforms the Cross. He suffers as a human being, but He is also God the Son who cannot be conquered in the end. His perfect obedience and sacrifice are accepted, and He is exalted. He receives "a name which is above every name."

This means that as believers, we see a deeper reality. The way of the Cross is the path toward Resurrection and true Life. So like our Lord, we walk the way of the Cross both figuratively and in the real trials of human existence because we trust that God uses the Cross for our redemption and true life.

Septuagesima- Matthew 20

The Gospel for Septuagesima, the first Sunday of Pre-Lent, is the Parable of the Workers from St. Matthew 20.  In this story, our Lord warns us that the kingdom of heaven is not centered on our human efforts or accomplishments. Almighty God is sovereign and exalted above human understanding. He is free to do as He chooses, and He is gracious beyond measure. Any reward human beings receive from God is really a gift that is not earned, and He is free to bestow His gifts as He pleases. He does not owe us anything, not even an accounting of what He gives us or our fellow laborers.

This teaching has a special application as we enter into the seasons of Pre-Lent and then Lent. Certainly, these church seasons call us to emphasize spiritual training and special self-discipline. We are asked to strive and work harder in divine service. Yet, even while we are expected to work, we must keep in mind that our human efforts can not really merit anything from God. Our efforts must be done with a humble attitude. God is in charge, and we must always respond to His gracious offers with thankful humility.

Trinity IX- Luke 15:11-32- Divine Mercy

The traditional Gospel for this Sunday from St. Luke 15:11-32 is well known. In fact, it might be so well known that we overlook its depth of meaning. It has often been called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and the prodigal or wasteful son is certainly important, but we should notice that there are three central characters in the story: 1) the ungrateful and wasteful son who repents and returns home, 2)  the legalistic and resentful older brother who is jealous and hurt, and 3) the merciful, gracious, and forgiving father who celebrates the prodigal's return and admonishes the older son.

Focusing on any of the three characters can provide much food for thought. All human beings share characteristics of the prodigal or wasteful son and of the older self-righteous and resentful son. Like both sons, we need changes in our thoughts and in our behavior. 

Nevertheless, the central character in the parable is the forgiving father. This father exemplifies the qualities of God the Father. He cares for both sons and wants what is best for them. He respects their freedom and allows them to develop in their individual ways. He gives them guidance and sustenance, and He is saddened when they misunderstand Him, make mistakes, and stray in their different ways. Nevertheless, His love endures and is ready to express itself anew if His children repent and return in humility. In His graciousness, He is ready to rejoice and have a feast when penitents return. We all have such a loving, gracious, and forgiving heavenly Father; so let us arise and go to Him in humility.

The First Day of Lent, commonly called Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6

The keys to observing Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent are found in the Scripture lessons for the day. These lessons stress the spiritual aspects of fasting and repentance. The Gospel from St. Matthew 6 makes it clear that a disciple's attitude is key. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast. However, they are not to be hypocritical or ostentatious. Therefore, as we think of this Lenten season, let us focus on devotion to almighty God. External acts of devotion can be useful, but the main point is laying up treasure in heaven through faith in Christ.

So as we begin Lent, let us focus on our devotion to God and our understanding of Christ’s journey toward the Cross. We do need some outward disciplines.. Increasing our prayer time and Bible study is important. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be useful reminders. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. But the most important thing about Lent is our attitude. In all we think, say, and do, let us humbly repent, focus on our Lord Jesus Christ, and respond to Him with living faith.

Easter V- Rogation- John 16:23

The Fifth Sunday after Easter has long been called Rogation Sunday. This name is derived from the Latin verb rogare, which means "to request, to pray." The theme of prayer is found in the Gospel for the Sunday. In John 16:23, Jesus promises His disciples, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." This verse marks the beginning of the Christian practice of praying in Jesus' name.

Sometimes, we may wonder how this promise can be true. Disciples ancient and modern have not always prayed wisely or consistently. Even prayers for clearly good things do not always receive an obviously affirmative or immediate answer. Often our human requests are limited in outlook or intention. There may even be times when with hindsight we are happy that our original petitions were not fulfilled exactly the way we had in mind. Nevertheless, we do believe Christ's promise is true. We believe that God does hear and answer prayers that are truly in Christ's name.

So what does it really mean to pray in Jesus' name? Praying in Christ's name, for His sake, or through Him means that we pray according to His nature and intentions. It means praying with a humble and faithful attitude. Such prayers may include various specific requests, but more importantly, they always include the idea, spoken or unspoken, "thy will be done." The privilege of praying in the name and in the spirit of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus is one of the greatest gifts for us as Christians, Let us make good and continuous use of this gift!

Lent II- Humble and Persistent Faith- Matthew 15:21-28

The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent is the striking story of the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15: 21-28. In this encounter, a Gentile from a despised pagan background seeks healing for her daughter. After testing both the woman and His disciples by a delay, Jesus recognizes the woman's faith and heals the daughter. 

Besides highlighting the importance of faith in Christ, this event points us toward two virtues that complement faith. The woman is both humble and persistent. She does not claim great things for herself; she simply appeals to Christ's grace and mercy. And she does not give up despite Jesus' hesitation or the disciples' opposition. Her humble and persistent faith allows Christ to work in an unexpected way among unexpected people. Such is the good news at the end of the story.

The dynamics of this story apply to us. Our faith in Christ also needs to be humble and persistent, and Lent should be a special reminder of these characteristics. We are all sinners who have no right to demand things from God or to set a timetable for His responses. We are all lowly petitioners seeking divine favor. So let us trust that He is merciful even to the least worthy, and let us continue to seek His blessings!

Quinquagesima or the Sunday next before Lent- Luke 18:31-43

This Sunday before Lent begins is traditionally known as Quinquagesima, the Latin word for "fifty" (it is 49 days before Easter).  As we look toward our Lenten preparations for Easter which begin on Ash Wednesday, the Gospel today Luke 18:31-43 tells us important things for living the Christian life. In this passage, we see our Lord confronting two types of human blindness. Of course, there is the physical blindness of the beggar at Jericho. Our Lord deals with this problem miraculously and quickly, and it becomes an occasion to praise God. 

However, there is another blindness in the passage which takes longer to remedy. This is the spiritual blindness of the Twelve. They have spent time with Jesus, and they honor Him in many ways. They have a rudimentary faith that He is the Messiah. Yet, their expectations of the Messiah remain immature and superficial. They just want to hear prophecies about and think about His glorious actions and triumphs. Jesus tells them repeatedly that He is the suffering Messiah who is mentioned in the prophecies, but they don’t want to hear such unpleasantness.

As Luke 18:34 indicates, “This saying was hid from them….” They choose to be blind. Despite His teachings and predictions, it will only be after His resurrection that they have their eyes opened. Only then will they begin truly to see and understand Christ’s work of redemption. 

Christians have often continued to be like those first disciples. Although we have heard of Christ's death and resurrection, we still try to ignore His teachings about suffering. We prefer to ignore the trials and pains that Christ, His Church, and we as His followers endure in this world. We want the glory without humility. We want heavenly life without the cross and resurrection. But Christ keeps telling us that we must first follow Him in the way of the cross. So, as we look toward Lent and think of Christ’s journey to the cross, may our spiritual insight be better! May our eyes be opened to see the redemptive purposes of humility and suffering in this world! Only then can we truly appreciate the glorious victory of Easter.

Epiphany II- The Baptism of our Lord- Mark 1: 1-11

For centuries Christ's Baptism has been associated with Epiphany, but the traditional Books of Common Prayer in England did not include it as a Sunday Gospel. The 1928 American BCP reintroduced the account from Mark 1:1-11 for the Second Sunday after Epiphany. By coming to John to be baptized, Jesus fulfilled all righteousness. Although sinless, our incarnate Lord expressed His solidarity with sinful human beings who all need cleansing. He also received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as He began His public ministry. And the heavenly voice acknowledged Him as the Son of God. Thus, at Christ's Baptism, there is a proclamation of the Holy Trinity. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ. It also points to His whole public ministry and work for human salvation.

Because of Christ's uniqueness, there are certainly historical and theological differences between His Baptism by John and the later institution of Christian Baptism. Yet, in part, the Baptism of our Lord is also a model for us. He underwent Baptism to point to the human need for washing or cleansing. Although He was pure, He identified with us sinners who need to be cleansed. Although He was already in unity with the Spirit, we continually need to be strengthened by fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit. While He was eternally the Son of God by nature, we need to be adopted as children of God. We also need to notice that Baptism is a beginning of ministry. All those who have been baptized into Christ are called to continue the ministry that Christ started in this world.

Trinity XI- Luke 18: 9-14; I Corinthians 15:1-11

Both the Epistle and the Gospel for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity are especially rich passages. In I Corinthians 15:1-11, St. Paul speaks of two related topics, the core Christian message and his ministry as an Apostle. He affirms that he hands on the message that he received about Jesus Christ. This summary message is a sort of early Christian creed somewhat similar to the second article or section of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. Christ suffered and died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead to be seen by numerous faithful witnesses. And Paul's apostolic ministry proclaims this Christ-centered message through divine grace.

The Gospel from St. Luke 18:9-14 is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector going to the Temple to pray. This parable is a warning against pride and self-righteousness and an encouragement to repentance and humble faith in divine mercy. We should pursue goodness and holiness, but even at our best, we are still sinners who must seek God's forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Trinity XXI- Ephesians 6: 10-20; John 4:46-51

The Collect for the Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity is an ancient one, first recorded in the Gelasian Sacramentary (a Gallican-Roman rite from the eighth century or earlier). The themes are divine pardon and peace that lead to service.

The Epistle from Ephesians 6: 10-20 is a well-known passage that uses a description of Roman armor to bring out a number of references to the ways that God helps us in the struggles against evil in this world. The Apostle Paul exhorts his readers to be strong, not only for their own spiritual well-being and sanctification, but also in order to pray for him and the advance of the Christian message.

The Gospel from St. John 4:46-54 concerns a topic that is very common in the Scriptures- and very common among all human beings- healing. All people need physical healing from time to time, and even when physical health is good, there are other afflictions of mind and soul. Today’s reading about the nobleman and his son is one striking miraculous healing, but it is more. It is a sign of who Jesus is, and it is a spiritual encounter. The result is that a proud man and his household come to humble faith in Christ.

Trinity IX- Prodigals- Luke 15: 11-32

The traditional Gospel for this Sunday from St. Luke 15:11-32 is well known. In fact, it might be so well known that we overlook its depth of meaning. It has often been called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and certainly the prodigal or wasteful son is important, but we must notice that there are three central characters in the story: 1) the ungrateful and wasteful son who repents and returns home, 2)  the legalistic and resentful older brother who is jealous and hurt, and 3) the merciful, gracious and forgiving father who celebrates the prodigal's return and admonishes the older son.

Focusing on any of the three characters can provide much food for thought. The example of the prodigal or wasteful son is significant. He represents all of us when we abuse our birthright as God's children, run away from God, eventually come to our senses, and finally return to our heavenly Father in repentance. The other son is also an important example. He seems to be mature, dutiful, and disciplined, but he is self-righteous, and he also needs to repent in a different way. He represents us in our smugness and our moral or spiritual pride. Even at our best, the most dutiful of God's children still need to be humble enough to repent. 

Although both the sons are important and although we should examine our lives in light of their examples, the key character in the parable is the forgiving father. It is the Father who exemplifies the qualities of God the Father. He cares for both sons. He respects their freedom and allows them to develop in their individual ways. He gives them guidance and sustenance, and He is saddened when they misunderstand Him, make mistakes, and drift away from Him in their different ways. Nevertheless, His love endures and is ready to express itself when one of His children repents and returns in humility. In His graciousness, He is ready to rejoice and have a feast when the penitent returns. We all have such a loving, gracious, and forgiving heavenly Father; so let us arise and go to Him in humility.

Third Sunday after Trinity- I Peter 5:5-11

This week, my attention has been drawn to the Epistle for the Third Sunday after Trinity: 1 St. Peter 5:5-11. In this passage, believers are urged to be humble. As surprising as it may be to some people, humility is the best way to withstand evil. In particular, the passage warns against the devil. Many modern people doubt the existence of the devil while some others have an exaggerated view of his presence and power. Even many professing Christians lack a sound biblical understanding of evil.

Of course, the New Testament, as shown by today's epistle from I Peter, takes the devil or Satan very seriously, and Christians are called upon to resist his influence. Pride is Satan's great flaw, and pride puts human beings in a vulnerable spiritual position. Humility, on the other hand, means that we are less likely to pursue evil. Humility is a recognition of our proper place in the universe and an acknowledgement of our dependence upon what God has done for us in Christ. We do not depend upon our own feeble efforts to defeat evil; we depend upon divine grace. Through grace, believers pass through the sufferings and afflictions of this world, and we look in faith and hope to our eternal future with Christ.

Christmas- Luke 2: 12

Christmas can be so beautiful and meaningful. There are so many things that can be said about this feast. This time, I would simply focus on the humility of the glorious event.

St. Luke 2 stresses the humility of Christ's Birth, The holy family goes to Bethlehem because of the requirements of the Roman oppressor. In the crowded village, Joseph does not have the power or wealth to insure better lodgings; so they end up in a stable where Mary gives birth. In St. Luke 2:12, the angel tells the lowly shepherds, “And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”  

The Birth of the Savior is not first announced to the powerful, rich, or learned. It is announced to humble shepherds on the outer edges of society. And this unique infant will not be found in an impressive palace or temple. His glory is worthy of heavenly messengers, but it will not be obvious to the world. Instead, He is clothed like an average Jewish peasant baby, wrapped in strips of cloth. And His bed is even more lowly than average. The only bed offered Him is a manger- a rough trough for cattle.

In other words, the shepherds are to recognize their King and Savior by His lowliness rather than by His worldly greatness. The glorious child has finally come, and this is truly good news. Yet, the irony of the heavenly message is that simple shepherds will be the first to pay homage to the new-born King, and they will recognize Him by His humility.

Christmas continues to bring us a similar message. The Savior that we all need still comes through simple means- through the Word and the Sacraments.  His coming is good news; Christmas does bring tidings of great joy. However, this joy is not to be confused with external worldly merriment. Whether we have a great external celebration with lots of people, gifts, and food or (more likely in 2020) we just have a simple and small observance, the key is for us to focus upon what God does- how He sends His Son, the eternal Word, to humble Himself, become flesh and dwell among us. Glory to God in the highest!

Trinity XVII- Ephesians 4: 1-6

The brief collect for this Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity is one of my favorites: 

LORD, we pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

As a linguist, I find the archaic use of the verb prevent interesting. Here this word is used in the original Latin sense, "come before"- a sense that still exists in modern Romance languages. Aside from that tidbit, the real reason that I appreciate this collect is that it reminds us that we are surrounded by grace and that it is only through such divine grace that we can do good works. 

Today's Epistle from Ephesians 4:1-6 continues the discussion from the selection last week about the interplay of Christian doctrine and ethics. In 4:1, the Ephesians are exhorted "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." The Christian walk or way of life is based on the divine call to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. In verses 2-3, this way of life is presented both as an individual embodiment of virtues such as humility, patience, and loving forbearance and as a communal way of life that holds on to the unity given by the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 4:4-6 develops the theme of true Christian unity. Such unity is not some human achievement or organizational structure. While greater cooperation among Christian organizations is often desirable, the unity presented in this portion of Scripture is of a different nature. It is rooted in the unity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Christians are already members of "one body" empowered by "one Spirit." They share "one hope..., one Lord, one faith." They have been grafted into the Body of Christ by "one baptism." And above all these aspects of oneness, there is "one God and Father of all." He is the ultimate source of any good unity.  True unity is awareness of a common faith in God through Jesus Christ, and it exists despite external human differences of race, language, culture, or church background.

Christmas 2019

This Christmas, let us focus for a few minutes on the announcement of the angel to the shepherds. St. Luke 2:10 says, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” The angel’s message “I bring you good tidings” translates two Greek words which could also be translated as “I announce good news to you” or “I proclaim the gospel to you.”

These words mean that Christ’s Birth is the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel. His Nativity is not an isolated event. It is part of the whole story, one aspect of the entire Christian message. This birth cannot be separated from all that Jesus Christ means in His teachings, life, death, resurrection and ascension.

The story of Jesus brings “great joy.”  Obviously, there are hardships in the story. Joseph and Mary are relatively poor people from a small village in an obscure area. At the whim of the Roman oppressor, they have to make a dangerous and difficult journey for several days. At the end, they have to take shelter in a rock formation used as an animal barn. Mary’s labor is real, and there are evil forces in the world plotting to destroy the holy child.

But despite all the humility and suffering that are part of the story, its message is about deep and lasting happiness, an inner blessedness. And this joy is open to all people. The lowly shepherds are merely the first chosen to hear. They are humble representatives of all God’s people through the ages.

Christmas continues to bring us a similar message. The deliverer that we long for still comes in simple ways. Christ comes to us through the unseen Spirit, the Word recorded in ancient tongues, and sacramental bread and wine. This is really good news; these are tidings of great joy. However, the joy of the message is not to be confused with external worldly happiness.

Sometimes, we do not always have the best external circumstances at Christmas. There may be issues of health, of family, or of job. There may be sad memories. We may not have the time or money or energy to celebrate as we wish. We may not be with some of the people we love. But such externals are not the true joy of the season. Christmas is about a deep joy based on our faith and hope in God’s love, grace and mercy. Such a joy can survive in any circumstance- even as it did in a stable among poor oppressed people.

So whether we have a great external celebration with lots of people, gifts, and food  or we just have a simple quiet observance, let us focus upon what God does- how He sends His Son, the eternal Word, to become flesh and dwell among us. God the Father sends the divine Savior among us to save us all from sin and death. This is the Gospel; these are tidings of comfort and joy. Glory to God in the highest!