Advent III 2019

On this Sunday, we often look at the role of John the Baptist, Christian ideas of ministry, or the work of Christ as a fulfillment of prophecies from Isaiah. These themes are good and important. The theme of Christian ministry is a strong one for the third week in Advent, but looking at the readings, I was really struck this week by a subtext, the implied divine nature of the Messiah.

In Matthew 11, when Jesus comments on His ministry and on that of John, He says, "For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee" (Matt. 11:10). This saying includes a quotation of Malachi 3:1 where the Lord God is speaking about "my messenger." This messenger prepares the way for God Himself. So John is a prophet and more; he is the messenger preparing the way for Christ who is Immanuel- God Himself who comes among His people!

Advent II 2019

This Sunday has sometimes been called "Bible Sunday" because the collect and lessons stress the theme of Holy Scripture. This time, the comments will be brief. Let us focus on two key points that apply to the Christian life.

First, notice the collect. It reads, "Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen." These lovely and meaningful words embody a devotional and practical emphasis. That is, we seek to learn from Scripture looking to the goal of eternal life through Christ.

Secondly, let us notice Article of Religion VI which begins, "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation." Again the emphasis is not on abstract or arcane theological disputes but rather devotional and practical. Like the collect for the day, the Article points to Scripture as the primary source leading to saving faith.

There are times and places where abstract theological discussions are in order. This may be especially true when Christianity is challenged or attacked by the world. Nevertheless, every Christian should focus on the primary and ongoing purpose of Holy Scripture in Christian life. We always need to remember that Scripture is given by God to lead us to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Advent I 2019

Excepts from an ecumenical homily for Advent  

Many churches observe the season of Advent, beginning the fourth Sunday before Christmas- which is today. And even if your church tradition doesn’t officially observe Advent, early December is still a good time for reflection and spiritual preparation. The word “Advent” come from a Latin word that means “coming” or “arriving,” and it is good for Christians to think about Jesus Christ coming into the world and into our lives.

We can think of Christ coming in three tenses- past, present and future. Of course, in the past, we think of His coming at His Birth. This is the coming of the Lord longed for by Isaiah and other prophets. It is the coming announced to Mary by the angel Gabriel and pointed to by John the Baptist. This manifestation of God’s Son is what we commemorate in a special way in December. As the saying goes, Jesus is the reason for the season.

It is fitting for us to recall Christ’s historic coming into the world as the divine Word made flesh. We consider all that He did, all that He taught, all that His earthly life means for our redemption. We think of Jesus from infancy to Baptism, to public ministry, to the Cross, to His Resurrection and Ascension. Remembering His first coming is the essential foundation of Christian faith.

Secondly, we think of Jesus the Christ coming in the present tense. Sometimes, we tend to overlook this coming of Christ into our lives. He comes repeatedly. He keeps being born anew in our hearts. Jesus speaks of this ongoing presence a number of places in the Scriptures. 

The whole 15^th chapter of St. John speaks of abiding in Christ. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” In Matthew 28:20, He promises His followers, “and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” In Revelation 3:20, He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Through His Word and through the work of His Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ comes to us many times in many ways. He asks us to be open to Him and allow Him to dwell in our hearts, minds and souls. He asks us to be His body and continue His presence and work in this world as He watches over us and intercedes for us from the Father's right hand.

Thirdly, as we remember Christ’s coming in the past and His repeated coming to us in this present life, we also look to His future coming. Our Lord has promised many places in Scripture that He will come again at the end of earthly history. This is a basic affirmation of all Christians. Christ will come to establish universal divine rule. He will come in mercy and in justice to set this fallen creation right. He will gather His people from all times and places into the fullness of eternal life.

This is a great hope and a strengthening truth for believers. Unfortunately, some Christians have gone a little crazy over the details. There have been wild speculations and unfounded claims. Some have even gone against the Bible by claiming to know the day or the hour. But as our Lord says in Matthew 24:42, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” And so as He adds in Matthew 24:44, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

As Christians, we should always be prepared and be preparing anew for our Lord. We should be humble enough and faithful enough to avoid too much speculation. Instead, we should focus on what we can do as we await the future. And what we can do is to accept the grace available to live in ways attuned to Christ, spiritually and morally.

We do not know exactly when God will bring this world to an end and establish Christ’s full rule. (And we may not be on this earth when it happens.) However, in the meantime, we must continue in faith, hope and love. That is the proper spiritual way to prepare for our Lord’s final coming.

In summary, the days leading up to the observance of Jesus’ Birth or Nativity should be a time of renewed devotion and spiritual preparation. We can think and reflect about the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and into our lives. Christ has come in history 2000 years ago, Christ keeps coming to us again and again, and Christ will come again in final victory and glory. Let us be open to Him in all these ways and live in spiritual preparation each day.

Sunday next before Advent (and Thanksgiving)- John 6:32,35

On the calendar, today is several things. It is the last Sunday after Trinity, the last Sunday of the church year, the Sunday before the American Harvest Thanksgiving and the Sunday before Advent and a new church year. The traditional gospel appointed for this Sunday is the feeding of the 5000. All four gospels record this miracle. So it must be of special importance, and reading it on this Sunday is of added significance.

The central point in the account is what Jesus does. He takes the bread, gives thanks and breaks it up for distribution. He does likewise for the fish. The result is abundant nourishment for all present, plus a great many leftovers saved for others.

We should notice that the Greek verb “to give thanks” is the same root as the Eucharist, the ancient and widespread name for the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. We should also remember that later in this same chapter Jesus calls Himself “the true bread from heaven” and “the bread of life” (John 6:32, 35).

Furthermore, early Christian inscriptions indicate that the fish became a common symbol for Christ. The letters of the Greek word for “fish” represent the phrase “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” So early readers of John would see that, in addition to the physical miracle of feeding the hungry, Jesus is also offering Himself, His spiritual essence, to people. And this spiritual nourishment is also abundant.

Although satisfying physical hunger and bodily needs is good action which should not be neglected, Jesus does even more. Through His grace and our faith, He satisfies the deepest spiritual hungers and longings of all human beings. He feeds souls through His words, His actions and His presence. He reaches out through Scripture, Sacrament, and His spiritual presence in prayer to nourish us.

So today and all this week, I urge you to keep a Scriptural and Prayer Book perspective on the giving of thanks. Of course, we are physical creatures who depend upon sustenance, clothing and shelter in this world. God has provided and continues to provide much in this area of life, and it is right that we should pause and give thanks. Yet, we also need a higher perspective. Beyond our physical needs, there are also spiritual needs. God has provided and continues to provide on the spiritual level as well. We should give thanks for spiritual gifts as well as for material gifts at this time of year.

The Anglicanism of John Wesley

Early today, I came across a documentary online entitled "John Wesley: The Faith That Sparked The Methodist Movement." This interesting treatment reminded me of my religious background. I grew up in a rural southern area where the only mainline church was Methodist. While studying Methodism, I became acquainted with the Wesley family's Anglican background (as well as the background of much of my own family).

Of course, John Wesley was an Anglican priest and remained so even as "patriarch" of the Methodist movement. Despite his issues with some establishment tendencies, Wesley still valued the Anglican way. The societies that he organized were originally small groups meant to function within the Church of England at home and abroad. Although his preaching was rooted in his study of Scripture, many of his sermons might also be considered eighteenth-century adaptations of the sixteenth-century Anglican Books of Homilies. He loved the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and when, in 1784, he suggested worship practices for his newly independent American followers, he sent a simplified version of the Prayer Book. He also provided a basic theological confession in the Methodist Twenty-Five Articles of Religion, based on the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles. 

At the same time, Wesley valued the Gospel and matters of salvation above all. He saw that the Church of England of his time was not meeting the spiritual and human needs of many of its constituents. He wanted people to hear the gospel of grace, the message of salvation through Christ, even when it meant preaching outside of established churches and using lay preachers. He also worked to ensure that people had religious education, literacy instruction, medical care, and so on. Wesley continued to resist the idea of separation from official Anglicanism, but he also felt bound to follow his personal calling and responsibilities.

All of John Wesley's theological opinions are not compatible with Anglican tradition, but Wesley remains a valuable witness to Anglicans and other Christians. External unity and organizational loyalty have their value, but Christians also have higher concerns. The truth of Christ's gospel must be preached and believers must be nourished and given pastoral care even when church structures are weak or corrupt.

Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity

The Gospel for this Sunday (John 4:46-54) is the second Galilean miracle in St. John's account. A "nobleman" or "official" wants Jesus to come and heal his critically ill son. Our Lord does not agree to come. Instead, He comments on the popular desire for outward signs and assures the man that his son will live. On this occasion, two points strike me about this story.

First, there are a variety of different ways that God's healing power and grace work through Jesus Christ. Sometimes, the person healed is in Jesus' immediate presence; sometimes the person is at some distance. There may or may not be a conversation with the person. There may or may not be a declaration of forgiveness of sin. There may be a healing touch (or in one case mud and spittle). This time, there is simply a word from Jesus, a declaration that the father's prayer for his son is answered. This can serve as a reminder that God in Christ can use various means to reach out in His grace. In this particular case, a simple word suffices.

Secondly, there is the faith of the father. The official makes a specific request but does not protest when Jesus tells him that the healing is already taking place. Despite his high social rank, he responds with humble trust in Christ. He believes that Jesus can do what He says. That is a beginning faith. Yet, there is also a further step. When news reaches the official that his son has been healed, the man believes again, along with his household. This is a more general faith that Jesus is the Savior sent by God. Likewise, we can believe in different stages. Sometimes, we have little bits of faith on particular issues, but we need to keep growing in faith and develop a fuller understanding of God's work in Christ.

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity 2019

The Scripture readings today are rich and meaningful but the collect for the day is what really grabbed my attention. It says: O GOD, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The core of this short prayer goes back to a fifth-century Roman service book, and it was slightly modified in 1662. This collect clearly points out our human dependence upon God in all things. We can't begin to please God unless He first assists us by His grace. To please God, the Holy Spirit sent by the Father and the Son must both direct, guide, and rule in our inner being. We tend to forget this point and focus on our human efforts. Of course, human effort and responsibility are important, but God is always both the beginning and the end of the whole process of justification, sanctification, and redemption!

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

Today, let us spend time reflecting upon the second section of our Gospel, St. Matthew 22:41-46. Here we have a brief dialogue about the Messiah or Christ. Jesus asks the Pharisees, “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?”  In other words, Jesus asks, “What are your opinions about the Messiah and his basic character?” The Pharisees had some definite opinions about the Messiah, and they thought that they understood God’s redemption better than anyone. So they quickly replied that the Messiah was “the son of David.” The Pharisees expected the Messiah to be a natural descendant of David, Israel’s greatest king. They expected him to have many of the same human characteristics as King David. They expected the Messiah to be a valiant warrior, a mighty ruler of men, and an obedient servant of God. They looked for him to come and restore freedom, honor and prosperity to the Jewish people.

Notice that our Lord did not reject all these common hopes about the Messiah. For example, in other passages, He does not reject the title “son of David.” Jesus possesses the best human qualities of David. He is a great warrior, ruler and servant of God, but He fulfills these qualities in spiritual rather than worldly ways. Yet, although our Lord Jesus does not reject some human aspects of the Messiah, He does shift the focus by asking a troublesome question. He asks how the Pharisees how their humanistic expectations can be reconciled with a Davidic Psalm about the Messiah.

In Matthew 22: 44, Jesus cites Psalm 110:1, “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Then in the next verse, the Master confronts the Pharisees with the dilemma, “If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?” In other words, how could the Messiah be both King David’s heir and his Lord?

Of course, the Pharisees do not have an answer. Their theological presuppositions do not allow them to admit the obvious implication. The implied answer is that the Messiah has two natures. He is both the human descendant of David and the divine Son of God. And the Pharisees will not go there.

This dialogue between Christ and the Pharisees is important for two reasons. First, it makes a general point of doctrine. In St. Matthew, sometimes called the most Jewish of the Gospels, we see the high claims which Jesus the Christ makes for Himself.  In a subtle way, this passage speaks of the mystery of the Incarnation as highly as some of the more obvious passages in the writings of St. John and St. Paul.

The Messiah, the Christ, God’s anointed Redeemer, is both human and divine. His identity can only be explained by His having two natures. Only a man could fully identify with the human condition; only God could be holy enough and powerful enough to overcome sin and death. And Jesus does all this and more. That is the central Christian affirmation.

Secondly, besides such general doctrinal importance, the dialogue from Matthew 22 has a more personal importance for each reader or hearer. Each of us must face the same question which our Lord asked the Pharisees. What does each of us think of Christ? Whose son is He? What role does He fulfill, not just in general, but in our own lives?

As far as we are concerned, is Jesus of Nazareth merely the son of David? Is He just an admirable human leader of some sort? That is all He is for many modern people, including many who attend church. Even many who recite the Creeds never really think of Him as the living Lord at the right hand of the Father. For many, He is just another hero among many heroes. For many people, Jesus is merely a historical or even mythical figure who is part of a cultural heritage.

However, according to Scripture and universal or catholic Christian teaching, Jesus the Christ is much more than a great human hero. He is the One before whom kings, even David, must bow. He is the One whom even the greatest heroes and saints must acknowledge as Lord. Indeed, Jesus the Messiah, the Christ, is Lord of lords. He is mightier, wiser and holier than all other leaders. He is far more than merely the founder of a kingdom, civilization, philosophy or religion. Of course, on the human side, He is all those things and more. But He is not merely human. He is also divine, and He shares His heavenly Father’s Lordship, His universal dominion.

Thus, each human being, each of us, needs to face and answer the question which Jesus Christ proposed to the Pharisees. If we are to be Christians, we must acknowledge the mystery of faith which the question implies. We must affirm the mystery of Christ’s two natures. We must begin to accept and appreciate the unique significance of His character and His work. As a human being, Jesus is many things to us; He is a teacher, encourager, example, friend and more. But as God the Son, He is also our eternal Saviour. He is the One who defeats the world, the fallen sinful flesh and the devil. He is the only One who redeems us and offers us eternal life in His presence along with that of the Father and of the Holy Spirit.

Trinity XVII- Ephesians 4- Unity of the Spirit

Today's traditional epistle reminds us of the true basis for unity among Christians. We have many differences in nature, culture, and personal preferences, but certain things are necessary. In Ephesians 4: 2-6. St. Paul exhorts Christian believers to seek "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Christians must walk a fine line between the dangers of doctrinal weakness and intolerance. Not every religious option is acceptable. Even some things that are tolerable are not necessarily edifying. So we must stand up for our convictions. On the other hand, we must be careful about the ways that we assert our convictions. Even in disagreement, we must try to remain kind and charitable. And we should also seek common ground based on the matters that Paul mentions. There is one body- one universal church of Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit at work calling all believers to a common hope in redemption. There is one Lord, that is Jesus Christ, God the Son, who suffered, died, and rose to save us. There is one faith, which is both belief in and trust in the Lord Jesus. There is one baptism, the sacrament of entry into the body of Christ through water administered in the name of God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And the ultimate unity is in one God and Father who reigns over all.

Different Christian individuals and groups have distinct preferences and practices. Some of those differences are important, and some are not important. Some of those things may be more or less edifying for specific people, and there is room for compromise on some non-essential points of theology or practice. However, on the basics mentioned in Ephesians 4, Christians need to strive for mutual understanding and spiritual unity.

Pentecost 2019

People have said and keep saying many things about the Holy Spirit.  The best way to make a sound statement on the Holy Spirit is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you."

In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gifts of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter or Helper and our guide in appreciating and applying divine truth. And the Holy Spirit must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world. For the Holy Spirit who comes from the Father and the Son reflects their holy nature with us and in us.

Easter Basics 2019

I have never been a person to travel far from home around Good Friday and Easter. This year, family circumstances meant that I was far from home, and there was no liturgical congregation nearby. Yet, I did have a Bible and a Book of Common Prayer.

So I said Morning and Evening Prayer and read the appointed lessons from Scripture. This was more low-key than most years, but it was meaningful. I focused briefly but intensely on Jesus' passion, time in the tomb, and resurrection. And if anything, I had a greater than usual appreciation for St. Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3- "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Such a perspective should be the goal of all our observances, elaborate or simple. We Christians think that the death and resurrection of Jesus are core historical realities. We must affirm these events, but beyond that, we need to see the application to our personal and corporate lives. As Christ has died and risen, so have we through baptism and faith. Therefore, we should set our affections on heavenly and spiritual matters and live accordingly.

Palm Sunday as a Warning

Very often Palm Sunday is a beautiful observance. Whether there is a procession or not, there are likely to be palm branches ( or some local green substitute). A Gospel about Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem is likely to be read, and there are probably some rousing hymns or songs of praise. Christians of all sorts like to praise Jesus, and even many "nice" unbelievers don't mind joining in if it is a pretty spring morning.

Yet, in truth, sometimes we don't stop to consider the deeper meanings of the commemoration. Jesus comes as a peaceful and humble King to claim His throne, and the crowd seems to have a partial appreciation. They use Messianic titles and shout "Hosanna" which means "save now." This expression, Hosanna, is great, but we should beware. A crowd may have divergent views about what it means to be saved and differing understandings of what happens "now." Many in the crowd were looking for political salvation from Roman oppression, and they hoped that now- that Palm Sunday- the great Jewish Revolt was starting under the leadership of Jesus the Messiah.

They misunderstood. They had not really listened to or understood Jesus for a long time. They had overlooked the spiritual and moral implications of salvation. They did not see that "now" was a time of repentance and conversion, a time to choose a higher way. Now was a time of humility and suffering and sacrifice. It was not a time for a great military or political victory, but a time for victory over sin and death through cross and resurrection. And because of their misunderstanding and impatience, many members of that crowd may have been among another crowd that would soon shout "crucify him."

For us then, Palm Sunday is a warning. Although we have long heard the message and the story of Jesus, our understandings and applications are often incomplete. We tend to focus on great displays and worldly blessings just as the Jerusalem crowds did. And we want such things "now."
Therefore, let us focus on the spiritual dimensions of Palm Sunday and Holy Week. We need to understand the spiritual character of salvation through Christ. We need to be patient and see that the "now" of our salvation is to look to, understand, and have faith in Jesus as the deliverer who comes in the name of His heavenly Father.

Lent V- A Passion Sunday- Luke 20

An old name for the fifth Sunday in Lent is Passion Sunday. Although modern liturgical revision has assigned that title to the last Sunday in Lent, commonly called Palm Sunday, such a name is also appropriate for Lent V. The Gospel from St. Luke 20 is the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, and it is one of several predictions of Christ’s passion and death. God has sent His Son to give the tenants (the religious people and their leaders) another opportunity to turn from wickedness. But they will not do so. They see Jesus the Christ as a threat to be eliminated. They will not admit openly that He is the Son of God. Yet, in their hearts and souls, many of them sense His unique authority, and their rejection of Him reflects their rebellion against God the Father.

Ultimately, Christ is rejected and murdered because men refuse to acknowledge the rights of God. People offer other reasons and excuses for opposing Jesus. But by this parable, Jesus is exposing the truth. He sees through all the posturing and knows that the religious people of Jerusalem are really rebelling against God. That is the root cause of Christ’s Passion and Death. And telling the truth about it just makes His enemies all the more angry.

This historical truth has abiding personal meaning for every human being. All are called upon to acknowledge God and His Son. All are asked to repent and accept divine authority. Unfortunately, many human beings continue to behave as the wicked and rebellious tenants. In arrogance and greed, we tend to overestimate our own importance and power. We assume too much for ourselves. Clergy and laity, we forget that we are just tenants who look after the Bible, the Church, and its spiritual and moral heritage for the true owner, Almighty God. Keeping this in mind can help us turn from our self-centeredness and appreciate the Passion more deeply.

Beginning of Lent- 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 very important. 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 the heavenly Father. External acts of devotion can be useful, but the main point is laying up treasure in heaven through faith in Christ.

Unfortunately, given fallen and distorted human nature, there is always a tendency to go astray in our religious and devotional practices. We tend to go to extremes. Sometimes,  Christians are too lax about self-denial. At other times, Christians are too rigid and legalistic. And even at our best, there are always tendencies to be selfish and self-righteous. 

Because of these dangers, the ancient Church developed practices that encouraged both discipline and moderation. Anglicans have tried to follow a similar moderate approach. So as we think of Lent, let us focus on our devotion to God and our understanding of Christ’s journey toward the Cross. External acts of devotion can be useful, but the most important thing about Lent is our attitude. In all we think, say, and do, let us repent, think of Christ, and respond with living faith.

Epiphany Season 2019

My blogging has gotten off to a slow start this year, but I did have a general comment on the Epiphany readings from the gospels. Of course, all the Sundays on the church calendar are for proclaiming the Word of God, but personally, I have always found the Gospels for the observance of Epiphany and the following Sundays to be particularly meaningful. After all the craziness of modern Christmas observances and before the appropriate somberness of Lent, we have a little time to pause and reflect upon some of the epiphanies of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We think of Christ's divine glory manifested to the Magi and of His first adult appearance at His Baptism. We recall events as simple as Christ turning water into wine and as dramatic as healing lepers and a centurion's servant. We may remember His teaching and rejection at Nazareth and His first healings of demoniacs and other sick people at and around Capernaum. All of these stories show Jesus of Nazareth as more than merely a teacher or even a miraculous healer. They manifest Christ's glory as the Son of God. They are earthly signs of His heavenly identity. Furthermore, these manifestations call for an appropriate response- the response of faith in Jesus as Messiah and divine Savior. May His glorious appearances inspire us to renewed affirmations of faith!