Faithful Conversations #79

Introduction to Readers:

Moses is on my mind this week. The Deuteronomy passage reminded me of Israel’s 40-year desert journey from Egyptian slavery to the promised land. When I learned that story as a boy, it always bothered me that Moses was not allowed to enter! In fact, he was buried in an unmarked grave to eliminate the possibility that any of the Israelites might gather his bones and take them into Canaan (Deuteronomy 34: 5-6). It seemed so patently unfair. But I digress.

I suppose I had thousands of conversations with Unk (my father) while growing up, but certain ones have stayed with me (memory is such a random thing!). One I vividly recall was his explanation of why those Israelites — former slaves — wandered for 40 years — I must have been curious about that. After all, the Sinai Desert was only roughly 120 miles across. He explained to me that the enslaved generation disobeyed God and doubted his promises and therefore could not enter the promised land. They needed to pass away, being replaced by a purified generation with a new mindset. Further, he explained that the wandering was a metaphor for how change often happens in our world — old things must pass away and be replaced by new things, and that often takes a generation or more. As an elder historian fifty years later, that metaphor makes a lot of sense to me, and I will comment further on it in my reflections below.

Thanks for visiting this space again this week! After providing a commentary on the common themes found in the Pentecost 15 readings, I will offer some introduction to the Deuteronomy passage and share a compelling excerpt from a new book by John Philip Newell. I came across the excerpt in Diana Butler Bass’ “The Cottage” a weekly column (“Sunday Musings”) on the lectionary.

One other note: We will be dealing with the book of James five times between now and the end of September, and I plan to get started with that next week. James does not show up in the Lectionary often, so let’s challenge ourselves to learn more about this particular book!   

The Readings for Pentecost 15
Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-9
Psalm 15
James 1: 17-27
Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Common Themes in the Pentecost 15 Readings
The common themes among the readings for Pentecost 15 focus on the importance of living according to God’s commandments and embodying righteousness in daily life. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 emphasizes the significance of observing God’s laws as a testament to wisdom and understanding, urging the Israelites to keep these statutes close to their hearts. Psalm 15 describes the qualities of those who may dwell in God’s sanctuary, highlighting the necessity of leading a blameless life marked by truthfulness, integrity, and justice. James 1:17-27 underscores that every good and perfect gift comes from God, calling believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, and to practice true religion through care for others and personal purity. Finally, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 addresses the issue of external rituals versus inner purity, teaching that true defilement comes from within, from the evil thoughts and actions of the heart. Together, these readings encourage a faith that is both deeply rooted in God’s teachings and manifested through righteous living.

Focus Reading: Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-9 (New Revised Standard Version)

4 “So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ² You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you. . . ⁶ You must observe them and perform them, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!’ ⁷ For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? ⁸ And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today? ⁹ “But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children—

Join us on Sundays at ELC after the 9:30 worship starting on 15 September for some in-person discussion of the week’s readings. We meet in the library and all are welcome! We learn from each other each week! 

Faithful Conversations #78

Introduction to Readers:

Spiritual Malaise refers to a deep sense of disconnection with one’s inner self, beliefs, or purpose, accompanied by feelings of emptiness or lack of meaning in life. This concept has been on my mind this week, prompted by Arthur Brooks’ recent article in The Atlantic titled, The Best Therapy for Our Anxiety Epidemic (sidebar: some of you participated in a book study at ELC on Brooks’ book Love Your Enemies). As one who has spent my adult life working with young people, the article is jarring. Let me start with two framing excerpts:

• To note that a mental-health crisis is hitting American adolescents and young adults is hardly news—data to that effect emerge almost every day. The latest confirmation, in April, comes from a survey that I was grateful to help develop: This major survey, sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation and fielded by Gallup, revealed that some 38 percent of respondents aged 12 to 26 had received a formal diagnosis of anxiety or depression. That finding broke down by gender as 29 percent of young men and 45 percent of young women.
• Among adolescents and young adults who spent more than 20 hours a week on social media, 65 percent said they felt anxiety “a lot of the day yesterday” (as opposed to 49 percent of those who spent 20 hours or less so engaged); 49 percent of the heavy social-media users felt sadness for a lot of the day before (versus 26 percent of non-heavy users); and 80 percent of them felt a lot of stress (against 59 percent of those other users).

Brooks then drills down on what he considers the central problem driving the anxiety epidemic. While social media is partially to blame, he argues that in a larger sense, young people (and perhaps older people too!) are not being prompted to explore deeper questions about their life’s purpose or meaning. He identifies two questions that he believes are fundamental for all of us to contemplate: Why am I alive? And for what would I give my life? A sustained effort to find answers to those will reveal your life’s coherence, purpose, and significance. Let that sink in. 

This circles me back to Spiritual Malaise. Is the sense of hopelessness apparent among so many in our culture, and notably by young people, related to a crisis of faith? Allow that question to stir your heart and mind as you observe the world around you this week.

Once again, thank you for visiting this space each week, and realize that I come at this process with humility. The more I learn, the more I am confronted by how much I do not know.   We remain in Ordinary Time, the longest phase of the Christian calendar (Good Shepherd Lutheran in Pearl River, New York offers a great explanation of the church calendar here, if you need a refresher). After pointing out common themes in this week’s readings, we will take one more walk into Psalm 34, including connections with the other readings. I have also included a terrific poem that seems especially fitting this week.

The Readings for Pentecost 14
Joshua 24: 1-2a, 14-18
Psalm 34: 15-22
Ephesians 6: 10-20
John 6: 56-69

Common Themes in the Pentecost 14 Readings
Look for these common themes as you work through the Pentecost 14 readings: faithfulness, commitment, and divine protection. In Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, the Israelites are called to choose whom they will serve, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to God. Psalm 34:15-22 highlights God’s attentiveness and deliverance for the righteous, reinforcing the theme of divine protection. Ephesians 6:10-20 and John 6:56-69 both focus on spiritual strength and perseverance in the face of challenges, with Ephesians encouraging believers to put on the armor of God and John emphasizing the sustaining power of Christ’s presence through faith.

Focus Reading: Psalm 34: 15-22 (New Revised Standard Version)

 Reflections:

We have been working with Psalm 34 for three weeks. A quick recap: It is one of seventy-three Psalms attributed directly to King David (Psalm 23 is his most famous). He lived roughly ten centuries before the birth of Christ, and 34 appears to be rooted in a particular episode in David’s journey. The short statement of identification (“Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.”) references a harrowing story found in 1 Samuel 21 when David fled from Saul and took refuge with the Philistines. He was afraid of King Achish of Gath, pretended to be insane, and ultimately escaped (such a strange story!). In the Psalm, David expresses gratitude to God for deliverance from fear and enemies. He also emphasizes seeking the Lord for protection and sustenance, promising that those who trust in God will not lack any good thing. Finally, he also encourages righteousness, assuring that God is close to the brokenhearted and will ultimately save those who take refuge in Him.

Our focus this week is on verses 15-22. Verse 18, in particular, jumped out at me in light of the Brooks article mentioned in my introduction. Those experiencing anxiety and depression — a sense of spiritual malaise — are certainly “brokenhearted” and “crushed in spirit,” and it saddens me that so many of our young people are living in that space. In verse 17, however, we are assured that God hears us when we “cry for help,” and that he stays near to us — continues to love us — even if we drift apart from him, unable to articulate the cause of our separation. And we are all susceptible to drifting apart. Like those Israelites in dialogue with Joshua in this week’s first reading, we are confronted with numerous “gods” that vie for our attention in our techno-driven society. We may even aggressively walk away from the faith, as some of Jesus’ followers did in this week’s Gospel reading (note John 6:66). The radical nature of his teaching was simply too much for them. Yes, sometimes it’s just easier to walk away. Faith, in my experience, is not a linear journey, but rather is filled with peaks and valleys. It is a daily walk requiring certain disciplines, especially engagement in the Word and prayer, calling us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power” (Ephesians 6:10). That message needs to be shared and shared widely to a broken world! Keep your ears and eyes open in the days ahead — someone you know needs to hear this message!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

If interested, join us after the 8:30 service at ELC on 25 August for some in-person discussion of this week’s readings. No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary! all are welcome!

Faithful Conversations #77

Introduction to Readers:

2024 is a significant year when it comes to global elections, and it is important to view our own elections in that context. The potential for political violence, as exhibited in our own campaign, remains a significant threat.  The day-to-day news cycle regarding this, prompts me to grapple with a couple questions: Do those of us who walk within a strong faith tradition have a special obligation to engage with the political process? If so, what should that look like? Of course, these are deeply personal questions prompting a range of views. History is filled with multiple examples of horrific episodes when those in political power usurp religion for selfish purposes, so I tend to be wary of that kind of language. On the other hand, as Christians, Jesus’ words and actions certainly should inform all parts of our lives, including our civic lives.  How do we find the balance? I continue to explore — as I have mentioned previously in this space — HOW, as Christians, we can provide another voice in our politics, a voice that needs to be heard.

As mentioned in several previous entries, the ELCA crafts social statements on many societal issues and these are all available for us to read and study. We certainly do not have uniformity of opinion on the various issues that are addressed, nor should we expect that. The social statements are not hastily constructed (in fact, clearly, we study things for a LONG TIME within our denomination — that’s part of our tradition!). This week, for those who are inclined, let me offer a timely resource which I found to be refreshing and hopeful — this article from this month’s Living Lutheran Magazine.  And a heads up, you will find a link to an excellent social message from 2020 included, along with a draft statement on civic life and faith that is being developed for action by the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. There is much to digest in both!

Thanks for visiting this space again this week! After providing a commentary on the common themes found in the Pentecost 13 readings, I will be revisiting Psalm 34 in my reflections (recall that we have three Sundays with this Psalm). I hope and pray that your scriptural exploration continues to go well!

The Readings for Pentecost 13
Proverbs 9: 1-6
Psalm 34: 9-14
Ephesians 5: 15-20
John 6: 51-58

Common Themes in the Pentecost 13 Readings
Look for these themes as you work your way through the Pentecost 13 readings: wisdom, righteous living, and spiritual nourishment. Proverbs 9:1-6 and Psalm 34:9-14 both call for a pursuit of wisdom and a life marked by reverence and moral integrity, suggesting that true understanding leads to fulfillment and peace. Ephesians 5:15-20 further elaborates on living wisely, urging believers to align their actions with divine principles and be filled with the Spirit. John 6:51-58 underscores the necessity of spiritual sustenance through communion with Christ, reinforcing the idea that wisdom and righteous living are sustained by a deep, life-giving relationship with Jesus.

Psalm 34: 9-14: Focus Reading (New Revised Standard Version)

 Reflections: “Let us fear and love god”  

We’re continuing our walk with Psalm 34 this week. A quick recap from last week: Psalm 34 is attributed to King David and dates from roughly 1000 BCE and references a harrowing story found in 1 Samuel 21 when David fled from Saul and took refuge with the Philistines. He was afraid of King Achish of Gath, pretended to be insane, and ultimately escaped. In verses 1-8, David testifies to God’s power and invites the community to join him in praising God. 

This week’s passage (9-14) emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the starting point for our faith lives. Deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, this phrase is used roughly 300 times in the Bible (depending on the translation).  When we think of fear, being afraid — perhaps terrified — comes to mind. But the word has a different meaning in this context and refers to that sense of awe we have in God’s presence. The concept of REVERENCE captures the idea. (Sidebar: Can we all think of people that inspired that feeling in us in our formative years? My basketball coach at Concordia College — Sonny Gulsvig — and my father fit the bill for me in that regard. My respect for them made me want to imitate them, and I certainly never wanted to disappoint them in any way).

The phrase also takes me back to my Confirmation days and my rough attempt at memorizing Luther’s Small Catechism. In revisiting some of that material this week, I was reminded that Luther presented the chief parts of the Catechism — the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer — in that order for a reason. I’m lifting this quote from a wonderful explanation of this in my Lutheran Study Bible: “In 1522, in the preface to the Personal Prayer Book, a forerunner of the Small Catechism, Luther compared this order to recovery from illness. First, one receives the diagnosis (the Ten Commandments), then one is told the source for God’s healing (God’s grace revealed in the Creed), and finally one calls the pharmacist to fill this gracious prescription (Lord’s Prayer).” 

And, now back to that phrase, the fear of the Lord. It is notable that Luther started each of the explanations of the Commandments with the phrase, We are to fear and love God . . . and then offered what we SHOULD NOT DO, followed in each case by WHAT WE SHOULD DO. The explanation of the 8th Commandment, a personal favorite of mine, goes like this (the version I learned in Confirmation): We should fear and love God so that we do not deceitfully belie, betray, backbite, nor slander our neighbor, but apologize for him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable construction on all that he does. Those words have stayed with me for more than 50 years, and just imagine if we applied this approach to our political lives! The point Luther was making, it seems to me, is that the Commandments are not simply “the law,” but also provide a healthy path for living — a point that was brought home to me in one of our recent Sunday morning Lectionary discussions! And, yes, this all starts with our fear of the Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria! 

If interested, join us after the 8:30 service at ELC on 18 August for some in-person discussion of this week’s readings. No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary! all are welcome! 

Faithful Conversations #76

Introduction to Readers:

Athletics has been an important part of my life since I was very young. Part of what I truly enjoy about the Olympics every four years are the stories of young men and women who overcome tremendous obstacles and persevere. Prompted, in part, by the inspiring story surrounding gymnast Simone Biles, I have been thinking this week about how we should face adversity as Christians. And also, how that becomes part of our Christian witness, or testimony to others.

Psalm 34 pointed me in that direction as well.  The author, King David, a central figure in the Old Testament, faced numerous challenges throughout his life. As a young shepherd, he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king, yet he had to contend with the reigning King Saul, who saw David as a threat and pursued him relentlessly. Despite these threats, David demonstrated remarkable resilience and faith. He endured hardships, including betrayal by allies and the challenge of uniting a fragmented kingdom. His trials were not only political but personal, marked by moral failures and family strife. Through it all, David’s unwavering faith in God and his leadership ultimately helped him build a united and prosperous kingdom, leaving a lasting legacy.

As always, thanks for visiting this space again this week and I hope that your Lectionary discipline is holding up. After offering a short summary of themes embodied in this week’s readings, my reflections will center on Psalm 34.

And . . a reminder about those four guiding questions:
What is something new you learned from the reading? (NEW)
What is something that caught your attention or made you think? (REFLECT)
What did you read that relates to other reading you have done? (RELATE)
What would you like to discuss from the reading? (DISCUSS)

The Readings for Pentecost 12
1 Kings 19: 4-8
Psalm 34: 1-8
Ephesians 4: 25 – 5: 2
John 6: 35, 41-51

Quick Take on This Week’s Readings
Listen for the following themes as you work through this week’s readings: divine sustenance, encouragement, and the call to embody Christ-like love. In 1 Kings 19:4-8, Elijah receives nourishment from an angel, allowing him to continue his journey, symbolizing God’s provision during times of despair. Psalm 34:1-8 praises the Lord’s deliverance and goodness, encouraging trust in God’s care. Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 urges believers to live in truth, kindness, and forgiveness, mirroring God’s love and forgiveness in Christ. John 6:35, 41-51 emphasizes Jesus as the “bread of life,” offering eternal sustenance and the promise of resurrection to those who believe. Together, these passages highlight the importance of spiritual nourishment, trust in God’s providence, and the transformative power of living a life of love and compassion.

Psalm 34: 1-8: Praise for Deliverance from Trouble

Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.

 Reflections: “Adversity and witnessing”

General Background: Because it is part of the Lectionary for the next three Sundays, I want to spend some quality time with Psalm 34. It is one of the seventy-three Psalms attributed directly to King David. He may have authored others as well. His authorship reflects his deep spiritual life and complex personal experiences including various trials, deep repentance, and faithfulness. David’s psalms are cherished for their theological depth and emotional authenticity, and they continue to be a source of inspiration and comfort for believers across generations (i.e. Psalm 23). One other point by way of introduction: Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem, a poetic form where each line or stanza begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This form highlights the psalmist’s devotion to God’s Word and served as a mnemonic device to aid in memorization and meditation. (Sidebar: Psalm 119, the longest Psalm, is the best example of this form in the Bible. In Psalm 119, the poem is divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each section contains 8 verses that start with that particular letter). 

Historical Context of Psalm 34: David lived roughly ten centuries before the birth of Christ. Psalm 34 appears to be rooted in a particular episode in David’s journey. The short statement of identification (“Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.”) references a harrowing story found in 1 Samuel 21 when David fled from Saul and took refuge with the Philistines. He was afraid of King Achish of Gath, pretended to be insane, and ultimately escaped. 

Summary of verses 1-8: This section of Psalm 34 begins with David announcing to the reader that he intends to provide testimony concerning God’s power. The word testimony comes from the Latin derivative testis meaning “witness.” He also invites the community to join him in praising God (verses 1-3). In verses 4-6, David vaguely references WHEN he was saved (the Samuel story). In verses 7-8, he recaps God’s goodness for those who seek refuge in Him.

What should we take away from this reading? Let me return to the notion of overcoming adversity and sharing our story with others (witnessing). In my experience (and granted, it is my experience and may be limited or short-sighted), public testimony (witnessing) is not something we are used to doing within the Lutheran tradition. We tend to associate that more with Baptist-oriented denominations. Psalm 34, however, suggests to me that such testimony — particularly regarding powerful examples of God working in our lives, especially in guiding us through adversity — is deeply rooted in scripture. And it seems to me we need to get beyond our bashfulness about this and realize that BY NOT sharing our story of faith with others in an authentic fashion, we are depriving our brothers and sisters in the faith of good news they need to hear!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

** Note: I am indebted, in part, to Eric Mathis, Assistant Professor of Music and Worship at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama for his interpretation of Psalm 34 this week.  

we meet for a discussion of the lectionary after church on sundays, and all are welcome! No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary!

Note: we will not be meeting this sunday, but will resume on 18 August at ELC at 9:40 in the Library! 

Faithful Conversations #75

Introduction to Readers:

The rhythm of our spiritual lives has been on my mind this week, prompted by a couple things. First, in our Lectionary journey, we are eleven Sundays into the twenty-six that make up the season of Pentecost (which runs into late November). It’s a long stretch, and it’s easy to lose focus. And second, we have reached the “dog days of summer,” a phrase often associated with baseball, but with ancient origins. It’s a phase of the year when the heat and humidity run high in the north country, and life slows a bit. As Christians, how should we react when our faith hits a lull, feels distant, or trapped in routine? A good question to ponder.

My coaching background kicks in at this point. I have had the privilege of working with runners for over 40 years, and a favorite phrase within our fraternity is, “Trust the Process!” In other words, hold fast to the disciplines that help you grow as a runner, even when things don’t seem to be progressing. The same could be said about our Christian journey. Spiritual disciplines — prayer, interacting with scripture, communal worship experiences — these are ALL important and open us to the work of the Holy Spirit — and often, it seems, when we least expect it! I cannot tell you the number of times I have had an unexpected revelation on a Sunday morning or in the middle of praying, or when wading through a challenging passage of scripture! And, I might add, such spiritual disciplines are deeply rooted in the Lutheran experience! Keep that thought in mind this week and stay the course!

As always, thanks for visiting this space again today! After providing a brief summary of the readings, my reflections will focus on the Ephesians passage. Also, as a sidebar, let me share (again) a four-question approach to reading that can be beneficial (and widely applicable). Our son Jake learned this during his years at West Point in the early 2000s, and I have been utilizing it with my students ever since. It works well with the Lectionary readings — here are the questions: 

What is something new you learned from the reading? (NEW)
What is something that caught your attention or made you think? (REFLECT)
What did you read that relates to other reading you have done? (RELATE)
What would you like to discuss from the reading? (DISCUSS)

The Readings for Pentecost 11
Exodus 16: 2-4, 9-15
Psalm 78: 23-29
Ephesians 4: 1-16 (focus reading)
John 6: 24-35

Quick Take on This Week’s Readings
Look for the themes of divine provision, unity, spiritual nourishment, and faith in this week’s readings. In Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15, we witness God’s provision of manna to the Israelites, emphasizing His care and sustenance even in times of doubt and need. Psalm 78:23-29 recounts that miraculous event, celebrating God’s abundant generosity and faithfulness. Ephesians 4:1-16 calls for unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to live in humility, patience, and love, recognizing the diverse gifts that contribute to the church’s growth and maturity. John 6:24-35 presents Jesus as the true bread of life, inviting us to seek spiritual fulfillment in Him, contrasting the temporary satisfaction of physical hunger with the eternal nourishment He provides. Together, these readings highlight the interplay between physical and spiritual sustenance, God’s unwavering provision, and the call for a unified, faith-filled community.

The Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16 (Focus Passage)

4 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: ⁴ there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.⁷ But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it is said,

⁹ (When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. ¹⁴ We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming; ¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

 Reflections: “Growing in christ” 

Ephesians 4:1-16 is jam-packed! Paul calls for unity within the Christian community, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, and love. The passage encourages believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, recognizing the one body and Spirit they share (note the seven uses of “one” in the passage, representative of “completeness” in Christian theology). It highlights the diverse gifts given to each member of the community to build up the body of Christ. Ultimately, it underscores the goal of spiritual maturity and growth into Christ, who is the head of the church.

What should we take away from this powerful passage? One of the most appealing things to me is the language emphasizing both our UNITY in Christ and the DIVERSITY of our gifts (“he gave gifts to his people”). Talk about a relevant message for 2024! Within the horrible divisions we are experiencing in our civic lives, it is such a powerful reminder that as Christians we are called to UNITY and that our differences make us stronger.  A second feature of Paul’s message that stands out to me is that our lives are a process of becoming (“trust the process”). As cliche as it may sound, we are all a “work in progress.” Listen to what brother Martin, our forebear in the faith, had to say about that:

This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but it is actively going on. This is not the goal but it is the right road.  (From “A Defense and Explanation of All the Articles.” Luther’s Works 32, p. 24. Edited by George Forell. Augsburg, 1958).

Excellent thoughts, Luther, for the “dog days” of summer!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

If interested, join us after the 8:30 service at ELC on 4 August for some in-person discussion of this week’s readings. No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary! all are welcome! 

Faithful Conversations #74

Introduction to Readers:

Let me start with a quick reminder of where we are in Year B of our lectionary journey. We are ten Sundays into Ordinary Time in our church calendar, the longest phase of the Revised Common Lectionary. The term ordinary refers to the fact that these Sundays are numbered (think “ordinal”), not that they are unimportant.  We remain in Ordinary Time through November when we arrive at the first of five major liturgical seasons of the church year, starting with Advent (followed by Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter). Each season celebrates a particular aspect of the mystery of Christ. Here’s another thing. During each of the three years of the Lectionary Cycle, one of the Synoptic Gospels is highlighted (Year A = Matthew, Year B = Mark, and Year C = Luke). John’s Gospel is sprinkled in during each of the three years and for five Sundays (starting last week), we are reading from John. The full Lectionary Cycle, by the way, is located on pp. 18-53 of the ELW.

Another reminder: As part of our church calendar, we also designate various days each year as Lesser Festivals, Commemorations, and Occasions (similar to what our Roman Catholic friends refer to as Feast Days, and a reminder of aspects of our tradition that is rooted there). Monday, July 22nd, for example, is a Lesser Festival in the ELCA dedicated to Mary Magdalene, Apostle. (It also happens to be my birthday, which has nothing to do with the Lectionary, but I appreciate sharing that calendar date with Mary of Magdala, a fascinating individual!) Again, these days are all listed on pages 54-63 of the ELW, and you might want to take a look!

As always, thanks for visiting this space again this week! Allow yourself a time of contemplation as you read from the scriptures and pray for clarity of thinking — a practice I have begun to incorporate.  I will offer a short commentary on two major themes found in the four readings, along with some reflections on the Gospel story.

Before you read this week . . . A Quick Take on Sunday’s Lectionary:
Look for two major themes in the readings for Pentecost 10: divine provision and God’s boundless love. In 2 Kings 4:42-44, the miracle of feeding a hundred men with just a few loaves of bread demonstrates God’s ability to provide abundantly beyond human expectations. Similarly, John 6:1-21 highlights Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5,000 and walking on water, emphasizing His role as a provider and source of strength. Complementing these acts of provision, Psalm 145:10-18 and Ephesians 3:14-21 celebrate God’s immense and enduring love, reflecting His commitment to care for all creation and dwell within believers, revealing a divine presence that nurtures and sustains.

The Readings for Pentecost 10
2 Kings 4: 42-44
Psalm 145: 10-18
Ephesians 3: 14-21
John 6: 1-21

The Gospel Reading: John 6: 1-21 (Focus Passage)
6 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. ² A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. ³ Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. ⁴ Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. ⁵ When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. ⁷ Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” ⁸ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ⁹ “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” ¹⁰ Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹² When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” ¹³ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.

¹⁴ When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” ¹⁵ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. ¹⁶ When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. ¹⁸ The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

 Reflections: “Christ amidst the stormy seas” 

In her introduction to John in the Lutheran Study Bible, Professor Karoline M. Lewis of Luther Seminary, describes the book as a “spiritual account of Jesus’ life and teaching.” No doubt, John has a completely different feel than the Synoptic Gospels and has always been my favorite (I would urge you to spend some time with the book this week). Among other things, John includes the seven signs (or miracles) attributed to Christ and this week’s passage includes miracles number four and five — the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water (sidebar: the feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle found in all four Gospels, and Jesus walking on water is found in Matthew, Mark, and John but not in Luke. Matthew’s account includes Peter’s attempt to walk toward Christ on the water, and I’m partial to that one). Perhaps because the feeding of the five thousand was part of last week’s study, I am especially drawn to that fifth sign this week — the account of Jesus walking on water.

First, a quick summary. The story of Jesus walking on the water occurs after the feeding of the five thousand. There were those in the crowd, steeped in Jewish prophecy, who openly speculated that Jesus was the prophet/king as promised in the scriptures (verse 14). Sensing this, Jesus departs the scene and goes up the mountain to pray (verses 15-16). As evening falls, Jesus’ disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee (verses 16-17).  (Sidebar: is anyone else wondering why they did not wait for Jesus?). A strong wind stirs up the waters, making their journey challenging. Jesus approaches them, walking on the water, and reassures them with the words, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (verses 18-20). The disciples are amazed and want to take him into the boat, which then miraculously reaches the shore immediately (verse 21).

This story — or image — of Jesus walking on the water has always been one of my favorite moments of his earthly journey. What are the takeaways? Let me offer two. First, I’m fascinated by the debates over Christ’s identity in the early centuries of Christianity — critically important debates that ultimately led to the formation of the three ecumenical creeds we follow within the ELCA (the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian). Proof of his divine nature (and the Trinity) rested on the hundreds of prophecies found in the Old Testament and the miracle stories. And it strikes me that those debates continue into the present period. I have encountered my share of skeptics over the years who simply cannot accept the miracles and consider those of us that do as being naive and delusionary. As “people of the way,” however, we have been granted the gift of faith. We do not understand the full range of mysteries inherent in that faith — at least not yet!  And second, the episode on the Sea of Galilee also provides a powerful metaphor for our Christian journey. When we encounter darkness and stormy waters, Jesus appears to offer us the most powerful encounter imaginable — a sustaining and uplifting love — full stop. Echoing the words from Isaiah 43:2 — When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you — we are charged with sharing this assurance with those in our midst who are living with despair today. Jesus affords us that opportunity!  

Soli Deo Gloria! 

If interested, join us after the 8:30 service at ELC on 28 July for some in-person discussion of this week’s readings. No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary! all are welcome! 

Faithful Conversations #73

Introduction to Readers:

“We hardly need to be reminded that we are living in an age of confusion—a lot of us have traded in our beliefs for bitterness and cynicism or for a heavy package of despair, or even a quivering portion of hysteria. Opinions can be picked up cheap in the marketplace while such commodities as courage and fortitude and faith are in alarmingly short supply.”

Edward R. Murrow said that . . . in 1951! Seventy-three years later, his words ring true. My first political memory (a flashbulb memory) is from 22 November 1963. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Larkin, stood in front of our class and told us school was letting out early because the President had been killed. I walked home on the cold autumn day and sat with my grim-faced father watching the news unfold on our small black and white TV. Sixty-one years later, it feels like an “end of innocence” moment in my young life.**

Saturday’s fearsome assassination attempt on former President Trump and heart-wrenching death of Corey Comperatore are but the latest chapter in our roller-coaster political world. As Christians, we may be shocked by such events, but we should never be surprised. There is an evil presence in our world. As Luther said, We need not invite the Devil to our table; he is too ready to come without being asked. The air all about us is filled with demons. So it is.

Brace up, my friends, and be reminded that for the next four months, we will be inundated with all-things election related. How should we handle that on our Christian journey? In a past life, I spent over forty years walking young people into their civic and political lives, and I often utilized the accompanying optical illusion as a way of illustrating the political world to them. In the binary political context of the United States, we are offered two competing (and plausible) versions of reality — two people can look at the same thing (person, issue, situation) and see something entirely different. It can be frustrating and aggravating. And, EXHAUSTING. My advice to you — and I offer this with humility — is to avoid the echo chambers of our politics. Vary your news sources, be willing to listen to contrary views, and pray for a discerning mind. As Christians, we cannot divorce ourselves from the political world, and we have an opportunity — and perhaps an obligation — to offer a different voice.

**Before she died in 2009 at age 93, I visited Mrs. Larkin. She remains a hero in my life, in part, because she taught me to read! She had a remarkable memory and recounted the day of Kennedy’s assassination and also provided details about my class — amazing!

Beyond a short summary of this week’s readings, my short reflections will focus on the passage from Mark. Beyond that, take some time with a wonderful reflection from Henri Nouwen, and a gorgeous song based on Psalm 23. As always, MANGE TAK for visiting this space for a few minutes, and may God bless your journey!

 

Before you read this week . . . A Quick Take on Sunday’s Lectionary:
The readings for Pentecost 9 weave a rich tapestry of themes centered around divine guidance, restoration, and unity. Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Psalm 23 both highlight God as a shepherd who leads and cares for the people, promising safety and righteousness. Ephesians 2:11-22 continues this theme by emphasizing the breaking down of barriers and the creation of a unified spiritual community through Christ. Finally, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 depicts Jesus as the compassionate shepherd who heals and guides the weary, underscoring the theme of Christ’s nurturing presence amid life’s challenges.

The Readings for Pentecost 9
Jeremiah 23: 1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2: 11-22
Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

The Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56
³⁰The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. ³¹He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. ³²And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. ³³Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. ³⁴As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

 Reflections: finding the balance between compassion and rest  

This week’s Gospel reading puzzled me at first. Abruptly following the death of Jesus’ cousin and friend, John the Baptist, the two unspectacular stories bracket better known and miraculous episodes in Christ’s journey — the feeding of the five thousand (35-44), Jesus going up the mountain to pray (45-46), and Jesus walking on water (47-52). In Mark 6:30-34, Jesus and His disciples seek a quiet place to rest, but a large crowd follows them, prompting Jesus to teach them with compassion as they are like sheep without a shepherd. In Mark 6:53-56, after crossing the sea, Jesus heals the sick and those in need as the people recognize Him and bring their loved ones to touch the hem of His garment, hoping for healing.

What should we take away from this reading? There are lessons here for us, and two things stand out to me. First, our Lord’s humanity is on full display here. He is tired, as are his disciples. They had just returned from missionary work, and he sensed both their excitement and fatigue. Jesus took them to a deserted place to rest (verse 31), but the crowds — those desperate crowds — followed quickly. And that leads me to the second observation. In spite of his exhaustion — and grief for his cousin John — he exhibits amazing patience and compassion for the people. These searching and excited people — our spiritual ancestors — were the first Christians and their hope rested on this young man from Nazareth. Two thousand years later in our exhausted world, may we continue to seek his healing presence!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

If interested, join us after the 8:30 service at ELC on 21 July for some in-person discussion of this week’s readings. No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary! all are welcome! 

Faithful Conversations #72

Introduction to Readers:

“History and memory share events; that is, they share time and space. Every moment is two moments.” 

This observation by Canadian poet and novelist Anne Michaels (b. 1958) beautifully captures the intricate relationship between history and memory. Every moment exists as both a historical event and a personal memory, intertwined in the fabric of time. This week’s readings reminded me of Michaels’ observation. And, I suppose, every time we’re in the scriptures, this dynamic is at play. WHAT actually happened? And HOW do we remember it? And further, WHY are we prompted to remember it? These are the operative questions — keep them in mind as you work your way through the readings this week. My reflections will focus on the passage from Ephesians. As always, thanks for visiting this space again this week! I’m honored by your presence.

Let’s Get Started!  A Quick Take on Sunday’s Lectionary:

The readings for Pentecost 8 share a common theme of prophetic call and divine purpose. Amos 7:7-15 highlights the unwavering commitment of prophets to convey God’s message despite adversity. Psalm 85:8-13 speaks of God’s steadfast love and righteousness, promising redemption and restoration to those who seek Him. Ephesians 1:3-14 underscores God’s predestined plan for salvation and adoption, emphasizing His grace and the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers. Mark 6:14-29 recounts the tragic consequences of John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry, illustrating the cost of truth-telling and fidelity to God’s will. Together, these readings underscore the profound intersections of divine calling, justice, and the enduring promise of God’s grace throughout history.

The Readings for Pentecost 8
Amos 7: 7-15
Psalm 85: 8-13
Ephesians 1: 3-14 (Focus Reading)
Mark 6: 14-29

The New Testament Reading: Ephesians 1: 3-14 (Easy to Read Version)

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. ⁴ In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. ⁵ And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. ⁶ And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.

⁷ In Christ we are made free by his blood sacrifice. We have forgiveness of sins because of God’s rich grace. ⁸ God gave us that grace fully and freely. With full wisdom and understanding ⁹ he let us know his secret plan. This was what God wanted, and he planned to do it through Christ. ¹⁰ God’s goal was to finish his plan when the right time came. He planned that all things in heaven and on earth be joined together with Christ as the head.

¹¹ In Christ we were chosen to be God’s people. God had already planned for us to be his people, because that is what he wanted. And he is the one who makes everything agree with what he decides and wants. ¹² We Jews were the first to hope in Christ. And we were chosen so that we would bring praise to God in all his glory. ¹³ It is the same with you. You heard the true message, the Good News about the way God saves you. When you heard that Good News, you believed in Christ. And in Christ, God put his special mark on you by giving you the Holy Spirit that he promised. ¹⁴ The Spirit is the first payment that guarantees we will get all that God has for us. Then we will enjoy complete freedom as people who belong to him. The goal for all of us is the praise of God in all his glory.

Reflections: who are we?  

Thirteen letters from the New Testament are attributed to St. Paul. Seven of those are undisputed by scholars: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon. The remaining six are disputed — that is, Paul’s authorship is not universally accepted, including the tenth book of the New Testament, Ephesians. As noted in my Lutheran Study Bible, “it was not uncommon for a disciple of a famous teacher to write a letter in the name of the teacher,” and perhaps that is the case with Ephesians. Tradition holds (again, with conflicting claims) that Paul wrote to the Ephesians while in prison in Rome (c. 62), along with Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians.

First, some context for this powerful passage from the first chapter. Ephesus was an ancient Greek and Roman city on the west coast of Anatolia (present day Turkey). It was the third largest city in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria and served as a major seaport and center of commerce. Known for the famed Temple of Artemis completed in 550 BCE and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the church in Ephesus was also one of the seven cited in Revelation (chapter 2). Notably, the city became an important center for Christianity from 50 CE onward (intriguing to note that Mary, mother of Jesus, is believed to have settled there). Paul lived there from 53-56, working with a congregation and organizing missionary activity into the surrounding hinterlands. Among other things, he became embroiled in a dispute with artisans there whose livelihood depended on the sale of statuettes of Artemis (note Acts 19: 23-41 — a dramatic story!). He is writing to his former colleagues years later (perhaps from prison) to help them navigate various challenges they face.

What should we take away from this week’s passage? (Sidebar: To be honest, it is so packed with theology that I had to read it a number of times. I learned while researching these verses that in the original Greek, 3-14 is one sentence! This is reflected in the King James Version, which you can access here! I utilized the “Easy to Read” version in my posting). These things stand out to me: first, it is important to imagine how first-generation Christians may have read these words nearly 2,000 years ago. We know the letter was circulated among many of the earliest churches. They were experiencing the split between Jews and Gentiles, and that particular conflict is addressed throughout the letter (note verses 4-6 and 9-11, for example). In a larger sense, our spiritual ancestors lived in a polytheistic culture in the throes of a cosmic struggle — not unlike the world we inhabit! Paul is framing that world for them within the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (realize that the crucifixion occurred merely thirty years prior to this writing!).  And while he is speaking to them, he is also speaking to us.

Second, reread the full passage again, focusing on verses 11-14, with these two questions in mind: WHO AM I? WHO ARE WE? These verses are a great reminder of our Christian identity, that we are spiritual beings experiencing an earthly journey. We live within that great mystery and with the assurance that our story is eternal. Our Creator God loves us — imagine that! We do not understand it all today, but someday we will!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

If interested, join us after the 8:30 service at ELC on 14 July for some in-person discussion of this week’s readings. No special expertise or prior knowledge is necessary! all are welcome!