Lent I- Temptations of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil- Matthew 4

The Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent is from St. Matthew 4:1-11, the story of Christ's Temptation. There are several ways to approach our Lord's Temptation, but one way to see this Gospel is in terms of the three temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil. Of course, the devil is at work in all the temptations to sin, but the directness of evil varies. 

Christ's first temptation to turn stones into bread is primarily a temptation of the flesh. That is, this temptation appeals to the natural physical needs of the earthly condition. Our Lord resists this first level of temptation, but many times, human beings are overwhelmed by such basic temptations. The second temptation is to impress people by jumping from the Temple. This is a temptation of the world. Again our Lord rejects evil, but many human beings do not resist the temptations for human admiration or approval. The third temptation is more directly about serving the devil in order to accomplish high goals. In other words, this third level of temptation involves using evil means for apparently good goals. Christ is not misled. He refuses to cooperate with evil, but human beings often do not share His resolve.

Our Lord's Temptation and triumph over evil applies to His followers in two respects. First, Jesus shares our human condition and provides us with a holy example for resisting the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil. He trusts His heavenly Father and relies on the commands and promises of the divine Word. We should do likewise. Secondly, Jesus Christ is more than an example. He has resisted evil for the sake of those who have faith in Him. He has overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil for us. Besides being an example, He offers us His grace in Word and Sacrament. Despite our weakness, through His grace, we can grow in our resistance to temptations. During this season of Lent, may His grace increase our awareness and improve our discipline in resisting temptation!

The Prayer Book Litany

Lent always reminds me of the devotional value of saying or singing the Prayer Book Litany. Litanies or responsive prayers go back to the early days of Christian worship., and the earliest litanies were probably simple expansions of the Kyrie eleison. In Italy during the fifth and sixth centuries, more elaborate responsive and processional prayers developed. Such litanies continued to develop during the Middle Ages. As they became more elaborate over time, more and more of the intercessions were directed to the saints.

In 1529, Martin Luther revised a popular litany by emphasizing the work of Christ and removing the invocations of the saints. Borrowing from Luther's model, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer issued the first version of the English Litany in 1544 while Henry VIII still ruled. So the English Litany was the first official part of the English Liturgy. This Litany was later included in the 1549 Book of Common Prayer. The rubrics directed that the English Litany be said on Wednesdays and Fridays as well as included on Sundays between Matins and Holy Communion.

Most contemporary Anglicans spend less time in church than our sixteenth-century forebears. So we are not likely to see the whole Sunday array of services or find the Litany recited every Wednesday and Friday. However, the Litany is a valuable form of prayer, and its tone is particularly suitable for our Lenten devotions. It is appropriate to use it more frequently in Anglican parishes and to include it in private prayers. For example, one meaningful practice is to pray the Litany at midday on Fridays during Lent.

Ash Wednesday and Lent- Matthew 6:19-21

There are many ways to approach Ash Wednesday, Lent, and our time of preparation for Easter. We often focus on the important disciplines of prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. But this week, some familiar words from the Gospel struck me in a new way. In Matthew 6:19-21(ESV), Jesus says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

These words apply to our lives in many ways. We are generally aware that we Christians should not be overly concerned about earthly treasures. The principle always applies. However, it has particular relevance to us during Lent. This season is a stark reminder to consider where our treasures really are. Lent is about renewing our Christian priorities. So whatever our personal disciplines during this time, let us evaluate our pursuit of heavenly or spiritual treasure. Living by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior is the greatest treasure!

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.

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.

Sexagesima- Glorying in Infirmities- II Corinthians 11:19-31

 On this Sunday almost sixty (Latin sexagesima) days before Easter, my attention has been drawn to the Epistle from II Corinthians 11:19- 31. In this passage, the Apostle Paul summarizes his ministry and some of his difficulties. Then in II Corinthians 11:30, he concludes, "If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities." Those who follow Jesus Christ must follow Him in the way of the cross. Despite our creaturely proclivities, we must not look for worldly ease or earthly glory. Instead, we must look to Christ and pursue spiritual goals which are contrary to worldly ways of thinking. Believers need to see worldly trials and struggles as ways leading to heavenly glory.

This Christian principle is always true, but sometimes we need to be reminded, and we need to think of how it applies in our lives. This week, two distinct applications have struck me. First, there is an application to the church calendar. During pre-Lent and Lent, we highlight themes of self-discipline and self-denial. Such themes are important for living a Christian life and for striving to follow our Lord. It is not our outward triumphs that mark our loyal discipleship. Rather, it is our perseverance through unpleasant and difficult circumstances and through our infirmities that indicate our faithfulness to Christ.

Secondly, this principle has a special relevance to Christian discipleship in these historic times. A cursory examination of the news shows great challenges. There are corruptions, absurdities, and evil in many places. This decadence is widespread in religion, even in supposedly Christian churches. So Christians who strive to be faithful in doctrine and conduct are frequently confronted with blatant false teachings and evil behavior from their leaders and fellows. 

Historically, there have always been human failures, but in recent times, the failures are more widespread and systemic. Christian institutions that have been faithful in some respects in the past may no longer be so today or tomorrow. Opposition and even persecution may suddenly come from new directions. And our personal strengths may feel overwhelmed. But we do not face the world confiding in our own strength. Like the Apostle Paul, we must be ready to face a variety of challenges allowing the grace of God in Christ Jesus to work through our infirmities.

Septuagesima- Matthew 20, I Corinthians 9

This Sunday is Septuagesima (the Latin word for "Seventy). On the traditional calendar of the Western Church, it is the beginning of the Pre-Lenten season which consists of three Sundays. This semi-penitential season developed in the Middle Ages extends the preparation for Easter.

In the Epistle from I Corinthians 9, St. Paul makes an athletic comparison from ancient Greco-Roman culture that is certainly still appropriate. If people are willing to expend so much effort for physical training, they should not expect less effort in spiritual training. After all, the goal of spiritual training is much higher; it is worth incomparably more than any athletic prize. 

Despite the need for spiritual discipline, in the Parable of the Laborers or Workers from St. Matthew 20, our Lord also teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is not centered on our human efforts. The kingdom is God-centered, and He transcends human understanding. God is free to do as He chooses and is 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 but gives generously. So while we should not neglect human training and effort, our focus must always remain on God's call and divine graciousness.

Epiphany IV- Support in All Dangers

The length of the Epiphany season in any year is determined by the date of Easter. This means that this year, the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany is the last Sunday in the Epiphany season on the traditional calendar. Next week, the Pre-Lenten season will begin with Septuagesima Sunday.

The Collect and lessons for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany are filled with valuable and diverse themes. In this post, I will only highlight one of these topics. This topic is our need for divine assistance. This topic is related to our readings today, and it is emphasized in the collect of the day. This thematic prayer says, "O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature, we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 

This collect goes back to at least the 900s and was revised for the 1662 Prayer Book, It reflects the human situation that Christians always face in this world. Although the details shift according to time and place, there are perenially "many and great dangers." These dangers are physical, mental, and spiritual. They include sin, crime, war, injustice, political instability, economic conditions, natural disasters, disease, personal health, etc, We are frail creatures who cannot withstand all these dangers on our own, and we constantly need the support of divine grace. We are to trust that regardless of circumstances, God knows our situations and provides us with the kind of help that is the most beneficial for our souls.

Epiphany III- The Wedding at Cana- John 2:1-11

 In the 1928 BCP, the Gospel for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is from St. John 2:1-11. (In the 1549, 1662, and 1962 Canadian Prayer Books, this reading is for Epiphany II).  Like other Epiphany readings, it has the theme of epiphany or manifestation.  The story of Jesus turning water into wine is a sign.  This miracle points to Jesus as the Lord of creation who can do things that no one else can. There are also other themes in the passage such as the transformation of traditional Jewish rituals into the "new wine" of the Gospel. There is also the response of the disciples. As John 2:11 concludes, "... his disciples believed on him."

This time, I would focus on another theme related to this Gospel; that is, marriage, The account of the Wedding at Cana is familiar to some because of its mention in the Form of Solemnization of Matrimony. This event, along with other passages of Scripture, is one indication of our Lord's honor for traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Such marriage was established at the creation of humanity, and while our Lord and His followers value celibacy as a way of serving the divine kingdom, it is clear that loyalty within a marriage between one man and one woman is the ideal to be pursued by most human beings. Traditional monogamous marriage is the context in which most people serve God. 

Thus, Christ "adorned and beautified" this holy estate "with His presence and first miracle which He wrought in Cana of Galilee" (1928 BCP, p. 300). In other words, Jesus' presence and the miracle at the wedding are not accidents. Although our Lord is pursuing high spiritual goals, He does not despise an ordinary village wedding. He publically honors the institution of marriage by His presence, and He works behind the scenes to bring joy and blessing to the couple and the community. Likewise, despite the foibles and failings of men and women, we should respect marriage as a holy estate established by God.

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.

First Sunday after Epiphany- Luke 2:41-52

The Epiphany or manifestation of Christ has many associations.  On this Sunday after Epiphany, some churches linger on the visit of the Wise Men, and focusing on the Magi is certainly an option since very few contemporary Anglicans currently attend an Epiphany service on January 6.  Some other churches jump ahead to Christ's Baptism in the Jordan, and this event is important, but that event is considered the next Sunday in the 1928 BCP. For this First Sunday after Epiphany, the collect and lessons in traditional Books of Common Prayer are rooted in ancient and medieval English church traditions, 

The Gospel from Luke 2:41-52 presents the Christ Child growing into a young man. It shows Him manifesting insight and wisdom and becoming more aware of His earthly mission. It also shows a dual aspect of the Holy Family, In some respects, they do ordinary Jewish things, but they also have an extraordinary calling and character. So even while celebrating Passover and experiencing an ordinary family mix-up. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are growing in their unique vocation to serve God the Father. May we also grow in our Christian vocations in the midst of ordinary life!

The First Sunday of Epiphany- Baptism of our Lord- Matthew 3:13-17

 This First Sunday after the feast of Epiphany has long been associated with the Baptism of our Lord (Matthew 3:13-17). 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. 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 the washing of regeneration. Although He was pure, He identified with us sinners who need to be cleansed. Although He was already in unity with the Spirit, we 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 marks a beginning of ministry. All those who have been baptized into Christ are called to continue the ministry that Christ started in this world.

Epiphany 2023- Matthew 2, Ephesians 3

The sixth day of January is the Epiphany, one of the oldest observances on the Christian calendar. Although this commemoration has been associated with several manifestations or epiphanies of Christ, among western Christians including Anglicans, the emphasis has usually been on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Magi or Wise Men, sometimes also called kings. 

This event is based on the Gospel from Matthew 2:1-12.  The key verses are Matthew 2:1-2, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."  

Since the Wise Men are Gentiles or non-Jews, Epiphany has often been associated with the theme of the universal appeal of the gospel to all peoples. The theme of the universality of the gospel is emphasized in the epistle reading from Ephesians 3:1-12. In these verses, the Apostle Paul emphasizes his calling to be a minister of the gospel among the Gentiles. In the first nine verses, Paul uses the word Gentiles or "nations" three times, along with the phrase "all men" (3:1,6,8,9). The goal of the apostolic ministry and mission is "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephesians 3:6). The light of Christ, the truth of the gospel, is for all peoples. The Christian message extends the hope of fellowship with God to the ends of the earth. Like St. Paul, may we continue to witness that the gospel message of salvation is intended for all people!

Christmas 2022- Hebrews 1:1-3

The anticipated day has finally arrived! It is Christmas, and we Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Incarnation of the eternal Word of God. Of course, there are many aspects to the celebration of this great festival, and we can easily be distracted from what is most important. So we constantly and prayerfully turn to divine revelation in Holy Scripture. In particular, today's reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews points us toward the meaning of the Christian celebration.

Hebrews 1:1-3 says, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." 

These words indicate the importance of the Incarnation and summarize the basic message of the Christian Gospel. The old divine message delivered through the prophets has reached its climax and fulfillment in Jesus Christ, God's only Son. The Son has been with the Father from the beginning and has always been involved in divine work, but in Jesus, the Son, the Word, has come among us in a great new way. He reveals God the Father more clearly, He takes away our sins, and He returns to reign with the Father in heaven.  Christmas is about an unusual birth, but it is also about much more. It is a proclamation of the eternal and saving Gospel of Jesus Christ! May this Good News dwell in our hearts always! A merry and blessed Christmas to all!

Advent IV- John 1:19-28; Philippians 4:4-5

The Fourth Sunday in Advent brings a heightened sense of anticipation as we enter the final week of preparations for the celebration of Christ's Birth. In Philippians 4:4-5, St. Paul exhorts believers to rejoice and live virtuous lives because "The Lord is at hand." Our Lord Jesus Christ is always near in several ways, but we have a special awareness of His coming when we celebrate His Incarnation.

The Gospel from John 1:19-28 focuses on John the Baptist's preparatory work for the Messiah or Christ. The prophet John in the wilderness is the forerunner who prepares the way by calling people to repentance, cleansing, and hope in the anticipated redeemer. Besides calling the people of first-century Palestine, John the Baptist still calls us to prepare for Christ to come anew into our lives.

In our time, people often seem to find it difficult to prepare for Christmas in a spiritual way. There are so many distractions from everyday life and from secular holiday madness. At times, even Advent devotions or plans for reading Scripture may become just another December task. However, we do need to pause. reflect, and be more open to Christ to come into our lives again and again. So whatever else we are doing, let us find some moments throughout the day to ask Jesus to have mercy and come among us!