Faithful Conversations #52
(Celebrating One Year!)

Introduction to Readers:
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” Mark Twain’s famous quote has been on my mind this week, prompted in part, by a discussion from last Sunday’s lectionary group (we meet after worship and sometimes . . . we even get to the lectionary!). The question at hand was this: are we experiencing another reformation within the Christian church in the early years of the 21st Century? (subtitle: “what the heck is going on here?”). Why have so many walked away from organized religion? Why are churches literally closing their doors for the last time?  You know the drill. How do we remain relevant and dynamic in these challenging times? Well . . . let’s take a step back and take a deep breath. As Christians, we have been here before. Roughly every 500 years, it seems, Christianity navigates a rearrangement, an upheaval — what one author termed a “gigantic rummage sale.”  Lutheranism, of course, is a product of the most recent of such upheavals, the Protestant Reformation of 1517 (507 years ago). The question is, are we in the midst of another such transformation in 2024? Is history “rhyming” yet again? Where is this all headed? Pertinent and relevant questions for Christians to ponder moving forward. 

Thanks for your continued interest in the ongoing exploration of the RCL (Revised Common Lectionary)! My reflections this week will focus on Mark’s Gospel story, and I will also provide some questions related to reading from Romans. I am pulling those from the “Daily Faith Practices” site, located on the ELCA’s Bible Studies page, a source you may want to further explore!  

Readings for Lent 2 (Sunday 25 February)
Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22: 23-31
Romans 4: 13-25
Mark 8: 31-38

The NT Reading for Lent 2: Romans 4:13-25
¹³ For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. ¹⁴ For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. ¹⁵ For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. ¹⁶ For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, ¹⁷ as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. ¹⁸ Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So shall your descendants be.” ¹⁹ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), and the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. ²⁰ No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. ²² Therefore “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” ²³ Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone ²⁴ but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, ²⁵ who was handed over for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

Commentary and Questions for Reflection
This reading explores the tension between “law” and “grace.” Paul lifts up Abraham as an example for us to follow (note today’s OT reading). As you read and reflect, think about your own faith journey. Here are some questions to think about:   

1. Why does Paul emphasize faith as the source of our relationship to God, and not works?  
2. How would you define faith? 
3. What traits of Abraham would you like to embrace in your daily life? 
4. Who in your life models faith? 
5. How might you encourage others in their faith journey?  

The Gospel Reading for Lent 2: Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

³¹ Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. ³² He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ³³ But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” ³⁴ He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵ For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. ³⁶ For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? ³⁷ Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? ³⁸ Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

This Week’s Reflection:      

The reading from Mark for the second Sunday in Lent marks a significant moment in Christ’s ministry. As is so often the case, CONTEXT is vital. Take a moment to read the previous verses (Mark 8:27-30). Christ inquires what people are saying about him, and asks that very direct question to his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter, always quick on the draw, replied, “You are the Messiah.” In Mark, to no surprise, this exchange is matter of fact, but if you read Matthew 16: 13-20, it is clear this was a shining moment for Peter! Immediately after this peak experience for the impetuous disciple, however, Jesus discusses his coming death and resurrection, the first of three times he did that (note Mark 9: 30-33 and Mark 10: 32-34). Peter, seemingly with good intentions, challenges Jesus on this frightening prediction (9: 32), prompting that stunning rebuke from our Lord in verse 33 (“Get behind me, Satan!).  Wow. 

What follows in verses 34-38 lies at the very heart of our understanding of Jesus’ presence in our lives, that the Cross and all that it symbolizes, is the foundation of our faith — an incredibly radical notion, particularly within the context of our modern culture. My Lutheran Study Bible includes the following note of explanation: “In the world today, most people value power, wealth, and fame, and those who have those things are able to impose their will on those who do not. Peter was hoping that Jesus, with Peter at his side, would have this kind of power, wealth and fame and turn out to be the one on top. Martin Luther called this way of God working through things that are powerful a theology of glory. Jesus, however, reveals that God often works through weakness — even shame and death. Luther called this the theology of the cross. As followers of Christ, taking up a cross is not simply about putting up with bad things. It is about serving others, perhaps even dying for others, because Christ died for us.” Well said. 

Wednesday (2.21) marks day 6 of our Lenten Journey (Ash Wednesday to Easter, not counting Sundays). May we carry the image of the Cross in our hearts this week and beyond!  

Soli Deo Gloria

Prayer of thanks for Elizabeth Fedde (25 February) 

Norwegian immigrant Elizabeth Fedde played a significant role in the Deaconess movement, a Christian tradition focused on social service and ministry. Drawing from her own experiences and convictions, she championed the idea of women serving in practical, hands-on roles within their communities, particularly in addressing the needs of the poor and marginalized. The ELCA commemorates her on 25 February. Read about her amazing life here!

** Thanks for Rollie Lee for putting me on to the story of Elizabeth!

Almighty and Everlasting God,

We gather before you with hearts full of gratitude for the life and work of Elizabeth Fedde, a beacon of compassion and servant of your kingdom. In her tireless dedication to the marginalized and oppressed, she exemplified the true spirit of a deaconess, selflessly serving those in need with unwavering love and devotion. May her legacy continue to inspire us to advocate for justice, to extend compassion to the marginalized, and to build communities of hope and solidarity. Blessed be your name, now and forevermore. Amen.

Announcement Regarding Our Lectionary Discussions:

Please join us after church on Sundays (10:45-11:15) for some discussion of the week’s readings, and other topics. Invite a friend! No prior knowledge is necessary and you will not be put on the spot — just a simple and formal exchange among believers.  ALL ARE WELCOME! 

And . . . .

Update on “Faithful Conversations: Resilient Voices”

We are a church rooted in strong traditions, while at the same time, attempting to remain resilient and relevant in our ever-changing world. We feel strongly that we need to garner the wisdom of the older generation as we move forward and work to make cross-generational connections to strengthen our future. Starting in February of 2024, we initiated the “Resilient Voices” project as part of our Faithful Conversations adult education and Bible study initiatives. The purpose of Resilient Voices will be to document faith journeys or stories of many of our parishioners. Let me know if you are interested in participating! 

** Thanks to David Fossum and Richard Faldet for sharing their faith journeys this week!