Trinity XI- Luke 18: 9-14

 The Gospel for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity is from Luke 18:9-14 and emphasizes God's mercy toward humble and penitent sinners such as the tax collector. Frequently, when human beings think of divine power, we tend to focus on creation, amazing miracles, extraordinary natural phenomena, or divine judgments against sin. We can certainly see manifestations of divine power in such things, and we should appreciate them. However, today's Gospel points us in a very different direction. Although God's creative work and His justice are notable expressions of His power, His grace, pardon, and mercy are even more powerful. We see this same emphasis in the opening words of the traditional collect for the day. Those words are "O God, who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity...." 

Like both the Pharisee and the tax collector, we are all sinners in one way or another. All fallen human beings deserve judgment and separation from God. Nevertheless, God is loving and merciful, and if we are open to His grace expressed in Jesus Christ, then we can humbly repent, receive divine mercy, and be justified or set right with God. God's great power is chiefly expressed through His love, mercy, and compassion! For all of us, that is certainly the Gospel, or Good News!

Trinity IX- Luke 15:11-32

 The traditional Gospel for the Ninth Sunday after Trinity is the famous passage from Luke 15 generally known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. There are three central characters in the story: 1) the ungrateful and wasteful son who repents and returns home, 2) the merciful, gracious, and forgiving father who celebrates the prodigal's return, or 3) the legalistic and resentful older brother who is jealous and hurt. All three characters can provide food for thought. 

The most important one is the father, who represents almighty God, the heavenly Father. Everything belongs to him, and he has the right to dispose of it as he pleases. At the same time, this loving father wants to see his sons grow into mature and responsible men, and he allows the sons the freedom to make choices, even bad choices. He continues to love them and wait in hope for them to come to their senses, repent, and return. When they do, he makes his love clear.

Of course, the younger son who is prodigal or wasteful is the dramatic example. His mistakes are obvious. He rebels, leaves home, squanders his inheritance, and falls into a degraded life, envying swine. In such humiliation, he must humble himself even further by returning to the father in repentance, hoping for minimal consideration. Yet, as dramatic as his case is, the wasteful son is not the only sinner. The dutiful son also has problems. He lacks a true appreciation of the graciousness of his father. Outwardly, he has remained near his father, but through his wrong attitudes, he has become spiritually distant from the father, and he also needs to repent.

This familiar story needs to sink into our minds and hearts repeatedly. God is loving, gracious, and merciful. He gives us many things, and He gives us certain freedoms in our responses. Unfortunately, at various times and in different ways, we have all been ungrateful and fallen into sin. So whether our sinfulness has been expressed in dramatic ways or in quiet attitudes, we all need to repent and seek His gracious love.

Trinity VI- Matthew 5:20; Romans 6:11

 On the Sixth Sunday after Trinity, the Gospel begins with Matthew 5:20: "Jesus said unto his disciples, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.'"  How can this be? The Pharisees were noted for their pursuit of legal righteousness. How can the disciples of Jesus even hope that their righteousness might exceed that of the Pharisees?

We see the answer in the following verses, Matthew 5:21-26. In these verses and throughout the Sermon on the Mount, it becomes clear that our Lord is talking about more than a mere external obedience to the commandments of divine Law. While obeying certain rules can help restrain evil and provide guidance for good behavior, external obedience is not sufficient. Following the rules is not enough because true righteousness involves inner attitudes. God wants us to turn from sin and be renewed inwardly in faith, hope, and love each day. And such repentance and renewal only come through divine grace manifest in Jesus Christ. 

In other words, Matthew 5 refers to the same spiritual renewal discussed in Romans 6:3-11. The only way for fallen human beings to be righteous is through union with Jesus Christ, a union which takes place through Baptism and Faith. This renewal begins with the grace of Christian Baptism, but in our fallen condition, we need new applications of grace until the end of our earthly pilgrimages. Many aspects of life and experience can be associated with renewal, but notably, it occurs through hearing and reading the Word, participating in the Lord's Supper, and constant prayer. Day by day and week by week, we must continue dying to sin and being "alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:.11) Only the righteousness that comes through living faith in Jesus Christ truly exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees!

St. John the Baptist- 24 June- Luke 1

The feast of St. John the Baptist is significant on the calendar. In the secular context, it is associated with San Juan in Puerto Rico, with St. John's in Newfoundland, and with the holiday of Quebec Province. On the church calendar, the feast is six months before Christmas Eve, a deliberate arrangement that points to the coming of Christ. The Gospel from St. Luke 1 recounts the birth of the prophet, the naming of John, and his father Zacharias' hymn, the Benedictus. 

The meaning of the day's Gospel is nicely summarized in Cranmer's 1549 collect. John was sent to prepare the way for the Savior by preaching repentance. John is also an example of speaking the truth, rebuking sin, and holy suffering. So, on this day, we recall a saintly biblical example. Yet, there is more to this commemoration. John points beyond himself to Christ. This celebration of John's life and ministry also looks ahead to Christmas and reminds us of Christ's Incarnation for our salvation. 

Wednesday before Easter- Luke 22

This Wednesday in Holy Week has sometimes been called "Spy Wednesday" because tradition has remembered this day as the time when Judas Iscariot agreed with the chief priests to betray Jesus (Luke 22:2-6, 47-48; Matthew 26:1-5,14-25). A variety of human characters opposed Jesus- the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, the Roman rulers, the fickle crowds, and Judas the traitor. Even the other close disciples made the situation worse. They did not really listen to or understand Jesus, and Simon Peter, the spokesman for the Twelve, would lose courage and faith, and he would publicly deny Jesus.

This sad state of affairs reflects the fallen human predicament. All are sinners who contribute to Christ's suffering and death. Yet, He still loves us, dies for us, and offers us His love, grace, and forgiveness. The key is our response to Christ. Judas will later be sorrowful, but he doesn't have faith in Jesus' mercy and forgiveness. Peter and the others will truly repent and trust in Christ's saving grace. As we meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus, may we also trust in the love, grace, and pardon that He offers each one of us!

The First Day of Lent or Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

 Scripture, in general and our readings today in particular, points to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is found in Scripture, especially in today's Gospel reading from St. Matthew 6. This reading makes it clear that a disciple's attitude in fasting is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical and ostentatious. 

External acts of devotion can be useful. Increasing our prayer time or Bible study is good. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be good reminders and expressions of self-discipline. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. 

However, such externals are not the most important thing about Lent; the most important aspects of Lent are remembering what God has done through Jesus Christ and having a humble, faithful attitude. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So, during Lent, let us focus on devotion to God and on greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross.

Advent I/St. Andrew the Apostle- Matthew 21

This Sunday, November 30, is both the Feast of St. Andrew and the First Sunday in Advent. Andrew first brought his brother Simon Peter to see Jesus, and they began to follow Him together. Advent I begins a new church year and the season of preparation for Christmas. Since the fourth century, Advent, a word derived from the Latin word "coming," has been a time to emphasize the theme of Christ's coming into the world.

At first glance, the Gospel selection from Matthew 21:1-13, a Palm Sunday reading, may seem strange. Yet, when read at this time of the church year, the account is primarily a reminder of the varied ways that Jesus Christ comes into human lives. Christ, the Messianic King, came 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 and peaceful way, He automatically brings rebuke and judgment upon human corruption. Such human corruption perverted the purposes of the Jerusalem Temple and still corrupts the Church in this world. So, as our Lord purified the Temple, so also He must purify His Church repeatedly. Both the institution and individual Christians need to be cleansed and renewed. As we begin our Advent preparations for the great Christmas festival, let us also examine our souls. Only through spiritual self-examination, repentance, and renewal in faith can we truly develop an appreciation for the good news that Christ's coming brings.

Saint John the Baptist- 24 June- Luke 1:57-80

 The Nativity or Birth of St. John the Baptist is observed on June 24 June, six months before Christmas Eve. The Gospel from St. Luke 1 is about the birth and naming of John. It contains his father Zacharias' hymn, the Benedictus.  The significance of today's Gospel is nicely summarized in Cranmer's 1549 collect:

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour by preaching repentance; Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pentecost and the Church- Acts 2:41-42

Traditional calendars emphasize the importance of Pentecost by providing propers for Monday and Tuesday of Pentecost week as well as including the early summer Ember Days on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. In thinking about Pentecost, many have called this feast "the birthday of the Church." Although one might trace the birth of the Christian Church to the beginnings of  Jesus' ministry and the calling of the Twelve, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples really marks a new beginning. We see this in the first verses of Acts 2 read at the Communion service on Pentecost. 

Unfortunately, we sometimes forget or ignore the rest of the story as it continues in Acts 2. There we see that Pentecost has specific and tangible results, not just for individuals but also for the community of believers, the Church. Peter as spokesman for the apostles and other disciples preaches a sermon. He proclaims the gospel of the crucified, risen, and ascended Lord Jesus Christ. He calls for repentance, faith, and baptism. The responses to this sermon are individual, but the results are manifested in the believing community. In Acts 2:41-42, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Thus, we see several basic characteristics of the Church, characteristics which have continued and will continue through history. These characteristics are preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Christian Baptism, apostolic teaching and fellowship, the Eucharistic meal, and basic and daily prayers. In these verses and the characteristics they describe, we really have a basic Christian catechism. We see the concrete results of the descent and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. We see what the Church is and what it does. Of course, there is much to contemplate, and there are innumerable applications. There are many sermons, discussions, written volumes, and personal developments, but the basics are clear. So during this week, let us recall the basic workings of the Holy Spirit and renew our dedication to be open to them!

Lent V- John 8:58

On some traditional Western liturgical calendars (including the 1928 BCP), the Fifth Sunday in Lent has been called Passion Sunday. The original meaning of the word passion is suffering, and we know that there are many aspects of Christ’s suffering.  There had been social, political, and religious opposition to Jesus since early in His ministry. Nevertheless, as His ministry approaches the end, the conflicts intensify. Something about Him makes His opponents even more determined to destroy Him.

Today’s Gospel from John 8 reflects this deeper conflict. The central issue is Jesus' identity and His character. He makes claims that some of His opponents find outrageous. He crosses the boundaries of acceptable eccentricity. Some of His sayings even frighten potential sympathizers. In  John 8, Christ implies that no one can convict Him of sin. He says that He can conquer death, and He implies that He is greater than the patriarch Abraham. Even more bluntly He says, “Before Abraham was, I am” (Jn. 8:58). In the Jewish context of Exodus 3:14, “I am” is a title for God that Jesus alludes to several times in John's Gospel. So Jesus implies that He shares the divine nature, and His listeners sense His claim.

This claim to share the divine nature is earth-shattering for first-century Jews. Christ’s Judean listeners confront a clear and radical choice regarding His identity. They can no longer ignore Jesus as a simple religious teacher from the backwoods of Galilee. This choice is what C.S. Lewis calls “the Shocking Alternative.” Either Jesus is telling the truth about His relationship with God the Father or He is a liar. There are three possibilities. Either Jesus shares the divine nature, or He is dangerously crazy, or He is a blasphemer who despises all that was sacred. Many of His hearers made a choice. They decided that He was guilty of blasphemy, the worst of sins. And given their assumptions, they felt bound to seek His death.

Most people in our time, whether Christian or non-Christian, fail to recognize the radical choice that Jesus Christ demands. Many contemporaries merely view religion as an expression of ethics. And they just think of Jesus as a nice guy who did some good deeds. So people in our time fail to see what He means.

However, Jesus knows what He is saying, and so do many of His opponents. Jesus asks for a radical choice- accept Him or reject Him: lukewarm admiration is not a real option. The biblical message still confronts each of us with the same choice. Jesus Christ asks us to have faith in Him as our divine Savior. The central point is whether people believe Christ’s claims.  If Jesus is who He says He is, then we are talking about the most basic human choice- to accept or reject God Himself. Every human soul that hears Jesus' claims must choose. We need to be in prayerful contemplation. We need to ask ourselves whether we have accepted Jesus in sincere faith. And if by grace we do have faith in Jesus Christ, we need to repent of our shortcomings each day and seek to grow in grace.

 

Lent I- Matthew 4

The Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent is the familiar story of Christ’s great fast and temptation from Mathew 4:1-11. After Jesus’ Baptism, He withdrew to the Judean wilderness. At the close of His days of prayer and fasting, the Tempter sought to catch him in a moment of weakness. Satan used appealing lures. The Tempter’s aims were contrary to Scripture, but he tried to confuse matters by quoting Scripture.

Of course, Jesus of Nazareth rejected the three great temptations of the devil. He knew that no goal or result, no matter how apparently desirable, could justify truly evil means. Jesus chose to live on the earth in the ways His heavenly Father wished regardless of the difficulties and trials.

In certain respects, the Temptation of Christ was unique. He was perfect in His divine and human natures, and He resisted temptation as no one else ever has. Yet, although Christ is unique, His temptations are similar to those of every other human being. So the story of His basic temptations applies to all of us. These temptations are rooted in the basic human needs for sustenance, safety, and human interaction or approval. The problem for us is that the Tempter, the Evil One, uses these natural needs to attempt to draw us away from God and His intentions for human life.

Thus, we must be vigilant and seek greater moral and spiritual strength. We must struggle to remain loyal to divine principles in all areas of life.  Above all, we need to look to the grace and assistance of Jesus Christ each day. Despite our fallen condition, we do have hope because Jesus Christ triumphed over Satan throughout His life on earth and won a victory for the faithful of all times. Although we stumble daily, He helps the faithful to repent, arise, and keep walking with Him by faith.

Observing Lent

The first day of Lent  in western Christianity is always on a Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. The name Lent is from an Anglo-Saxon word, but the season is older than the word. This season of preparation before the Crucifixion and Resurrection has a long history among Christians. It began in the early church with two basic purposes: 1) instruction and preparation for those about to be baptized, and 2) a time for repentance and renewal for those already baptized. 

Historically, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some others have retained the basics of the church calendar, including Lent. This season has been seen as a useful tradition to encourage repentance, voluntary devotion, and preparation for Easter. At the same time, Anglicans have stressed some Christian freedom with regard to human works and traditions. While the Prayer Book provides general rules about observing Lent, Lenten devotions must not become legalistic. Practices such as fasting, alms-giving, Bible studies, or special prayers can help our spiritual growth, but they do not earn righteousness before God. In other words, human traditions about Lent or other devotions can be useful, but in themselves, such practices do not make people virtuous.

Although Christian devotions and disciplines can be good, our attitudes and beliefs are more important. Only Jesus Christ can set us right with God. Lent, like every other observance, is meant to call us to repentance and to faith in Christ.  So any special devotions during this season should point us to the work of Jesus Christ. The real purpose of our Lenten practices is always to recall us to faith in the central truths of the Gospel.

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.

Pre-Lent: Septuagesima- Matthew 20

Contemporary Anglicans follow two or three different calendars in the weeks leading up to Lent. Some recent calendars have a longer Epiphany Season ending on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday with Transfiguration Sunday. Traditional Books of Common Prayer preserve the long-standing custom of a pre-Lenten season. 

From the sixth century until the 1960s, calendars in the Western Church called the third Sunday before Lent "Septuagesima," the Latin for "seventy." The traditional names for this Sunday and the following two seem to be based on a rough approximation of the number of days before Easter. Septuagesima is actually 63 days before Easter, Sexagesima (Latin "sixty") is 56 days before Easter, and Quinquagesima (Latin "fifty") is 49 days before Easter.

Whatever the origin of this practice, Pre-Lent might be called called "semi-penitential." These Sundays are not quite like Lent, but traditionally they have used somber-colored vestments and have omitted certain joyful praises such as the GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. In such ways, worshippers are reminded of a shift in emphasis, of a transition from the glorious celebrations of Christmas and Epiphany to serious reflections during Lent. In other words, this mini-season can help prepare for more serious devotional practices during Lent.

In looking over the BCP Epistle and Gospel for this day, one may be struck by a certain unexpected contrast. The Epistle from I Corinthians 9:24-27 stresses the need for self-discipline and moral effort; the Gospel from St. Matthew 20:1-16 stresses divine choice and free grace. There is a certain irony in these selections because many people associate themes of self-discipline and moral effort with the Synoptic Gospels while attributing the themes of divine choice and free grace to the epistles of St. Paul. Of course, in reality, the Scriptures as a whole teach both self-discipline and free grace.

In the Parable of the Workers from St. Matthew 20, our Lord warns us that the kingdom of heaven is not centered on our human efforts or accomplishments. All believers should acknowledge that Almighty God is sovereign, exalted above human understanding, free to do as He chooses, and gracious beyond measure. Any reward from Him 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.

As we enter into the season of Pre-Lent, we are called to be in spiritual training. 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 we remain dependent on grace. We must always be ready to accept with a thankful and humble attitude whatever God graciously offers us.

Ash Wednesday, A Penitential Office

In the Western Church, Lent starts forty-six days before Easter on the day called Ash Wednesday. This day is a time when many go to a church for Holy Communion. This observance can be meaningful and should be practiced by many more people. As an Anglican, there is another element that I find especially useful, A Penitential Office found on pages 60-63 of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer (http://www.commonprayer.org/offices/penit_n.cfm). 

A Penitential Office is rooted in medieval liturgies and Cranmer's Commination found in English Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1662. The American version introduced in 1892 omits a strident opening denunciation of sins and begins with Psalm 51, a well-known hymn of repentance. The Kyrie, the Lord's Prayer, versicles, and penitential prayers follow. This relatively short office is a good summary of Lenten devotion. It emphasizes the seriousness of sin, the importance of repentance, and the comfort of divine mercy and forgiveness. Besides its value for public worship on Ash Wednesday, it is also appropriate for personal devotional use throughout Lent.

Trinity X- Luke 19: 41-47

The Gospel for Sunday is from Luke 19:41-47. In particular, Luke 19:41 says, “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it…” In the first century, Jerusalem was so corrupt that our Lord wept over it/ It did not live up to its calling to be a truly holy city, and it chose the path that led to its destruction. 

Of course, no human city ever has been or will be completely pure. Sin is always present in this world, and various forms of moral, social, and political corruption will resist God's higher purposes till the end of the age. Nevertheless, there are degrees of corruption, and we live in times when the cities of what used to be called Christendom have become more corrupt than usual. Many of our leaders and institutions go beyond particular human failings and actually promote anti-Christian values. Such corruption even permeates many religious institutions.

Such turning from divine purposes has gone beyond the big cities to the small towns and villages. Local elites and many religious leaders seem more concerned about social and political "correctness" than about Biblical principles of belief and behavior. So surely Christ must weep over our cities, towns, communities, and congregations. We are in a sad predicament.

Yet, even as Christ weeps over us, He also prays for us and keeps working for our salvation. So let us turn to Him and repent of our own failings. Let us seek Christ's guidance, pray for those around us, and do our small parts to live in the ways God wants. No matter how corrupt a society and its institutions become, there is always hope for a faithful remnant.

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.

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.

Advent IV- Philippians 4: 4-7; John 1: 19-28

The Fourth Sunday in Advent continues the theme of Christ's coming. The Collect asks the Lord to "come among us." It keeps up the penitential emphasis of the season by praying that He overcome our sins, and that He help and deliver us by His grace and mercy.

The Epistle from Philippians 4:4-7 has a somewhat lighter tone because of the exhortation to rejoice, but still reminds us that "the Lord is at hand." When we think of the coming of Christ, we must first recall our need to repent. The human condition is serious, but we do have a true reason to rejoice. Despite our sinfulness, we have hope because of the peace that God brings through Christ.

The Gospel from St. John 1:19-28 is another Advent reference to the message of John the Baptist. When the Jerusalem authorities send representatives to ask who he is, John refuses the usual titles. He will only admit to 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. 

This Gospel puts a brake on our rush to celebration. John the Baptist reminds us that the way for the Christ must be prepared. The One who is to come is greater than even the greatest human prophet. So let us use the last days of Advent for spiritual preparations. Let us focus on prayer, meditation on Scripture and renewed efforts to run the race set before us. As we get ready to celebrate Christ's first coming in humility, let us also remember that He keeps coming to us. Because He is holy, He naturally brings judgment upon our sin, but even more importantly, He offers us grace, mercy and peace.