Sunday Reflections
Pentecost 22
Haggai 1.15b-2.9; Psalms 145.1-5; 17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-17; Luke 20.27-40
‘Be strong ……and work, for I am with you, says the Lord Almighty. My spirit abides among you, do not fear.’ (Haggai 2.4b & 5b)
Have you ever felt so defeated that you just stop trying? The Jews who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple had been through war, devastation, capture, and exile. At first it might have been exciting to be back rebuilding the temple, but as the neighbouring opposition rose and day to day living became more demanding it would have become harder to muster any enthusiasm for such a large vulnerable building project.
The church of the Thessalonians was persecuted and suffering. It must have been hard to continue meeting together, praying and working for good when such actions could have them killed, or their work and homes destroyed. Yet Paul reminds them of God’s greatness and prays that Jesus will ’encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. ’ (2 Thess 2.17)
Sometimes we can become weary of Kingdom work. Our kindness is abused, our love drained, our efforts belittled or frustrated, the things we build are vandalised and the wise warnings we give go unheeded. People can be incredibly self-centred, greedy, stubborn, irritating and even downright evil. Yet somehow we are suppose to love them, shine with God’s presence before them and show them the way of salvation!!!
Confronted with such a thankless task and such rampant opposition, we need encouragement. God is with you? If you act in obedience to God’s will and God’s ways, he will be with you and bless you. That does not meant that you will be free from opposition or that you will win in the end. But it does give you the means, grace, spiritual growth and strength to rise above.
‘The Lord is near to all who call him… in truth.’ (Ps 145.18) The important thing is to call on him, and keep calling on him. Don’t try to do the Kingdom's work without the King. Remember God does not need you to do it for him, God asks to work through you. Let your reward but in the journey, growth, and union with Jesus - not dependant on the outcome.
All Saints and All Souls
Semon for Nov 2. Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18; Psalms 149; Ephesians 1.11-23; Luke 6.20-31
In the traditional church calendar today, the second of November is All Souls day. All souls day follows all Saints day and is in the season of All Hallows Tide, a period of 9 days – Oct 31 evening to November 8 when we remember the faithfully departed. When I first started attending church in the eighties, there were special services held on All Souls day, when the names of those who had died that year, and the names other deceased people dear to congregation members were read out in prayer. In the Catholic Church it was a time to pray for the souls of those who had died that might be in purgatory still working their way toward heaven. We don’t believe in different “level” of heaven or hell, just in the resurrection of the faithful and their eternal dwelling with God in heaven – or not, which is hell.
All souls day was also often an ecumenical day, because cemeteries are ecumenical and it was tradition to visit the graves of family members on that day and remember and celebrate their lives. This is where Halloween celebrations began. It was not a day for witches, skeletons, grim reapers, goblins, zombies and ghouls. It was simply a day to remember the faithfully departed.
On Friday night I was late leaving town, and there were people in costume everywhere!!!!! Todd and I are very much, not into Halloween. We see it as American commercialism. When Todd expressed this view at work, he was almost shouted down by colleagues, basically calling him a wowser, and saying it was a great family time that promoted community spirit. But exactly what community spirit? - Love and compassion, or consumerism and sugar?
Today’s gospel says, “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject you name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” Sometimes being a Christian means that you don’t do what everyone else does. Money is not the measure of your success, position in society is not your goal, fitting in is no longer really important, you don't know or follow the latest trends and selfishness does not motivate you.
Christians live life in depth, seeing things that others don’t, praying for others, loving, caring, and making a positive difference, being thankful and graceful. Christians have a very deep sense of Community Spirit. We pray for our community each time we meet, and often in our private prayers. We look out for how we can help others, how we can give, how we can make that positive difference. We give thanks for and support others who are trying to do good. But we don’t necessarily join in with everything that the community does. Perhaps we would rather give a nourishing meal to the hungry or to a friend, than support the lolly companies giving out sugar to greedy children in cheep mass produce, made in China, costumes which will be thrown away next year.
There are different kinds of poverty other than not having a lot of money. There are different kinds of hunger than not having enough food. There are many reasons to weep other than mourning our own losses and defeats. There are different forms of comfort, but few are lasting. Many things will make us feel satisfied, but for how long? There are many reasons to laugh at others and be frivolous but is this happiness? The praise of others is uplifting and boosts our ego, but fans are fleeting and fickle, they following the latest trends and demanding constant pleasing. The beatitudes speak of difficulties on earth and reward in heaven, but they also teach us about depth and motivation here on earth. They speak about a better existence and just reward in heaven. But they should not be used as a sustaining hope that helps the down trodden to get through a horrible life on earth by dreaming of heaven. They should help us see beyond surface realities to the yearning of the soul. They speak about the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that Christ has given us, which enables our hearts to be enlightened and us to know the hope, and call and riches that we have been given. It is the Spirit that enables us to know God more, and in knowing God become more holy. (Eph 1.17)
Our journey of faith is unique, but there are many others who have journey into the depth of God in their unique way, before us. They too have faced trials and learned from them. They too have grown in love and become less selfish. These people have loved us, and given us a real, human example of faith. Today we remember them. Not just the canonized saints approved by the church; but the family saints, the friend saints, that have taught us about love and life. They are zombies, because although they have died they are alive in Christ – technically they are the living dead. They are ghosts because their spirits have been united with the Holy Spirit, their bodies may have become skeletons, but they are not scary, because they are the ones who loved us. They are not witches, but they do know the magic of miracles and prayer. So today let us remember them, and look forward to our walk with them in the journey of faith.
Guidance from Habakkuk’s Prayer
Pentecost 21
Habakkuk 1.1-4,2.1-4; Psalms 119.137-144; 2 Thess 1.1-4,11-12; Luke 19. 1-10
‘O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.’ (Hab1.2-3) This is a passionate prayer; strong heartfelt words, laced with desperation and frustration, openly honest, pleading, confused and yet hopeful. Habakkuk has a secure trusting relationship with God and deep compassionate hope for his people. He longs to see God’s righteousness prevail, and prays for it despite the disobedience of the people.
‘I will stand at my watch post, and station myself on the ramparts; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.’ (Hab 2.1) It is alright to rant and rave and express anger or frustration when we pray. But when we have done complaining, if we really want answers—and often we actually don’t – then we must wait. God does not argue and he won’t shout us down. To hear God’s reply we need to be still, listen, and wait. We also need to watch to see how he will answer. So often we pray for something and then move on. If the answer isn’t instant, or how we hoped, we often don’t see it or give thanks for it. Watch to see how the Lord will answer you.
‘Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.”’ (Hab 2.2) When God speaks a special word to you, or you feel a specific calling, or are given a vision, don’t trust such treasures to your memory. Write them down. Pray about them. Don’t add to what is given or manipulate it, but talk to God about it and explore it with a Spiritual director.
‘“If it seems to tarry wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.”’ (Hab 2.3b) God’s timing is not our own. It is better; and he will not be rushed. If we want true guidance we must wait and watch, listen and see. Keep praying and trust that God does hear and is working in your life. Deeper wisdom comes from deeper union with God.
Pentecost 13
Jeremiah 18.1-11; Psalms 139.1-5,12-18; Philemon 1-25; Luke 14.25-35
“I am sending him – who is my very heart- back to you.” Philemon 1.10
I remember talking about the joys and heartache of having children with my adult daughter when she was pregnant. I said that having a child was like taking your own heart, all the love that you have, putting into someone else and then letting them take it out into the world, far beyond your protection or control. Most of us love our children deeply, in a mixed up fallible way. And yet how many of us treat ourselves and our bodies with the care we would give to looking after something that is truly valuable?
The psalmist says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”(Ps 139.14) And we are! Our bodies, minds and souls are amazingly complex, intricate and beautiful. And yet we have a culture, particularly when we are young, of proving how “strong” we are by how much we can abuse our bodies and pretend that it doesn’t affect us! Smoking, fighting, eating junk, taking drugs, playing abusive sports, stressing ourselves, trying to meet ridiculous demands, unnecessary risk taking, dangerous driving, hating, polluting our environment, chasing the dollar at the expense of all else; on and on we go with no real care of our bodies, souls, minds or those that love us. And remember God loves us most! We are his children, carrying his heart around within us as we walk around in the world.
We can see the disaster ahead of us. Science, statistics, history and others before us show that this kind of abuse of our bodies, selves and planet will end in early death or destruction. But that is the way it is, right? You can’t change it. What I do doesn’t matter compared to the damage that - the big countries, multinationals, corporate players – do. And so we go on, each of us, saying, “It is no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.” (Jer 18.12) But remember, no matter how broken or old we are, the potter can shape us into another, new, different, better pot. (Jer 18.4b)
Pentecost 12
Jeremiah 2.4-13; Psalms 81.1, 10-16; Hebrews 13.1-8, 15-16; Luke 14.1, 7-14
One of St Ignatius’ Spiritual exercises was called the Examine. It was suggested that this should be done at the end of each day, though it could also be done at the end of a week, month, year or project. Last week the Malanda congregation did a “Carolyn” version of the Examine during the service. Here it is again with references to this and last week’s readings.
First Pray for light and understanding. If we want to know “Where is the Lord?” (Jer2.8) we need to give some time to look, to become aware, and to listen. (81.13 “If my people would but listen to me.”)
Next, focus on God by giving Thanks. Notice what you have; be thankful for blessings, lessons, timing, co-incidences and correction; see beauty; remember kindness and grace; treasure with gratitude the love that surrounds you.
Reflect on your day/week. Notice what comes to mind and the feelings that accompany each memory. Allow those feelings to surface without judgement and without entering into them again, just notice them and hold that awareness before God.
Choose, or let God choose, one of these feelings, good or ‘bad’ and ask God to show you what it means for you. Does it speak of growing edges in your soul, or of ideas that need to be built upon, or perhaps of something that needs to be torn down, or overthrown by God’s healing touch? (Jer 1. 9c) Pray about this feeling and the event that stirred it, and the things it has triggered or stirred in you.
Look ahead to the day/week ahead. Pray for the things that are coming up and the people you will be with. Ask for God’s guidance and to be aware of God’s presence in all that you do and wherever you are. Tap into the “spring of living water” don’t just rely on your own poorly built “broken cisterns”. (Jer2.13)
Return your thoughts to God, and rest a moment in God’s presence - no words, no requests, just love. Take your time and feel The presence. Then close in prayer.
Haggai 1.15b-2.9; Psalms 145.1-5; 17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-17; Luke 20.27-40
‘Be strong ……and work, for I am with you, says the Lord Almighty. My spirit abides among you, do not fear.’ (Haggai 2.4b & 5b)
Have you ever felt so defeated that you just stop trying? The Jews who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple had been through war, devastation, capture, and exile. At first it might have been exciting to be back rebuilding the temple, but as the neighbouring opposition rose and day to day living became more demanding it would have become harder to muster any enthusiasm for such a large vulnerable building project.
The church of the Thessalonians was persecuted and suffering. It must have been hard to continue meeting together, praying and working for good when such actions could have them killed, or their work and homes destroyed. Yet Paul reminds them of God’s greatness and prays that Jesus will ’encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. ’ (2 Thess 2.17)
Sometimes we can become weary of Kingdom work. Our kindness is abused, our love drained, our efforts belittled or frustrated, the things we build are vandalised and the wise warnings we give go unheeded. People can be incredibly self-centred, greedy, stubborn, irritating and even downright evil. Yet somehow we are suppose to love them, shine with God’s presence before them and show them the way of salvation!!!
Confronted with such a thankless task and such rampant opposition, we need encouragement. God is with you? If you act in obedience to God’s will and God’s ways, he will be with you and bless you. That does not meant that you will be free from opposition or that you will win in the end. But it does give you the means, grace, spiritual growth and strength to rise above.
‘The Lord is near to all who call him… in truth.’ (Ps 145.18) The important thing is to call on him, and keep calling on him. Don’t try to do the Kingdom's work without the King. Remember God does not need you to do it for him, God asks to work through you. Let your reward but in the journey, growth, and union with Jesus - not dependant on the outcome.
All Saints and All Souls
Semon for Nov 2. Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18; Psalms 149; Ephesians 1.11-23; Luke 6.20-31
In the traditional church calendar today, the second of November is All Souls day. All souls day follows all Saints day and is in the season of All Hallows Tide, a period of 9 days – Oct 31 evening to November 8 when we remember the faithfully departed. When I first started attending church in the eighties, there were special services held on All Souls day, when the names of those who had died that year, and the names other deceased people dear to congregation members were read out in prayer. In the Catholic Church it was a time to pray for the souls of those who had died that might be in purgatory still working their way toward heaven. We don’t believe in different “level” of heaven or hell, just in the resurrection of the faithful and their eternal dwelling with God in heaven – or not, which is hell.
All souls day was also often an ecumenical day, because cemeteries are ecumenical and it was tradition to visit the graves of family members on that day and remember and celebrate their lives. This is where Halloween celebrations began. It was not a day for witches, skeletons, grim reapers, goblins, zombies and ghouls. It was simply a day to remember the faithfully departed.
On Friday night I was late leaving town, and there were people in costume everywhere!!!!! Todd and I are very much, not into Halloween. We see it as American commercialism. When Todd expressed this view at work, he was almost shouted down by colleagues, basically calling him a wowser, and saying it was a great family time that promoted community spirit. But exactly what community spirit? - Love and compassion, or consumerism and sugar?
Today’s gospel says, “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject you name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” Sometimes being a Christian means that you don’t do what everyone else does. Money is not the measure of your success, position in society is not your goal, fitting in is no longer really important, you don't know or follow the latest trends and selfishness does not motivate you.
Christians live life in depth, seeing things that others don’t, praying for others, loving, caring, and making a positive difference, being thankful and graceful. Christians have a very deep sense of Community Spirit. We pray for our community each time we meet, and often in our private prayers. We look out for how we can help others, how we can give, how we can make that positive difference. We give thanks for and support others who are trying to do good. But we don’t necessarily join in with everything that the community does. Perhaps we would rather give a nourishing meal to the hungry or to a friend, than support the lolly companies giving out sugar to greedy children in cheep mass produce, made in China, costumes which will be thrown away next year.
There are different kinds of poverty other than not having a lot of money. There are different kinds of hunger than not having enough food. There are many reasons to weep other than mourning our own losses and defeats. There are different forms of comfort, but few are lasting. Many things will make us feel satisfied, but for how long? There are many reasons to laugh at others and be frivolous but is this happiness? The praise of others is uplifting and boosts our ego, but fans are fleeting and fickle, they following the latest trends and demanding constant pleasing. The beatitudes speak of difficulties on earth and reward in heaven, but they also teach us about depth and motivation here on earth. They speak about a better existence and just reward in heaven. But they should not be used as a sustaining hope that helps the down trodden to get through a horrible life on earth by dreaming of heaven. They should help us see beyond surface realities to the yearning of the soul. They speak about the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that Christ has given us, which enables our hearts to be enlightened and us to know the hope, and call and riches that we have been given. It is the Spirit that enables us to know God more, and in knowing God become more holy. (Eph 1.17)
Our journey of faith is unique, but there are many others who have journey into the depth of God in their unique way, before us. They too have faced trials and learned from them. They too have grown in love and become less selfish. These people have loved us, and given us a real, human example of faith. Today we remember them. Not just the canonized saints approved by the church; but the family saints, the friend saints, that have taught us about love and life. They are zombies, because although they have died they are alive in Christ – technically they are the living dead. They are ghosts because their spirits have been united with the Holy Spirit, their bodies may have become skeletons, but they are not scary, because they are the ones who loved us. They are not witches, but they do know the magic of miracles and prayer. So today let us remember them, and look forward to our walk with them in the journey of faith.
Guidance from Habakkuk’s Prayer
Pentecost 21
Habakkuk 1.1-4,2.1-4; Psalms 119.137-144; 2 Thess 1.1-4,11-12; Luke 19. 1-10
‘O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.’ (Hab1.2-3) This is a passionate prayer; strong heartfelt words, laced with desperation and frustration, openly honest, pleading, confused and yet hopeful. Habakkuk has a secure trusting relationship with God and deep compassionate hope for his people. He longs to see God’s righteousness prevail, and prays for it despite the disobedience of the people.
‘I will stand at my watch post, and station myself on the ramparts; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.’ (Hab 2.1) It is alright to rant and rave and express anger or frustration when we pray. But when we have done complaining, if we really want answers—and often we actually don’t – then we must wait. God does not argue and he won’t shout us down. To hear God’s reply we need to be still, listen, and wait. We also need to watch to see how he will answer. So often we pray for something and then move on. If the answer isn’t instant, or how we hoped, we often don’t see it or give thanks for it. Watch to see how the Lord will answer you.
‘Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.”’ (Hab 2.2) When God speaks a special word to you, or you feel a specific calling, or are given a vision, don’t trust such treasures to your memory. Write them down. Pray about them. Don’t add to what is given or manipulate it, but talk to God about it and explore it with a Spiritual director.
‘“If it seems to tarry wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.”’ (Hab 2.3b) God’s timing is not our own. It is better; and he will not be rushed. If we want true guidance we must wait and watch, listen and see. Keep praying and trust that God does hear and is working in your life. Deeper wisdom comes from deeper union with God.
Pentecost 13
Jeremiah 18.1-11; Psalms 139.1-5,12-18; Philemon 1-25; Luke 14.25-35
“I am sending him – who is my very heart- back to you.” Philemon 1.10
I remember talking about the joys and heartache of having children with my adult daughter when she was pregnant. I said that having a child was like taking your own heart, all the love that you have, putting into someone else and then letting them take it out into the world, far beyond your protection or control. Most of us love our children deeply, in a mixed up fallible way. And yet how many of us treat ourselves and our bodies with the care we would give to looking after something that is truly valuable?
The psalmist says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”(Ps 139.14) And we are! Our bodies, minds and souls are amazingly complex, intricate and beautiful. And yet we have a culture, particularly when we are young, of proving how “strong” we are by how much we can abuse our bodies and pretend that it doesn’t affect us! Smoking, fighting, eating junk, taking drugs, playing abusive sports, stressing ourselves, trying to meet ridiculous demands, unnecessary risk taking, dangerous driving, hating, polluting our environment, chasing the dollar at the expense of all else; on and on we go with no real care of our bodies, souls, minds or those that love us. And remember God loves us most! We are his children, carrying his heart around within us as we walk around in the world.
We can see the disaster ahead of us. Science, statistics, history and others before us show that this kind of abuse of our bodies, selves and planet will end in early death or destruction. But that is the way it is, right? You can’t change it. What I do doesn’t matter compared to the damage that - the big countries, multinationals, corporate players – do. And so we go on, each of us, saying, “It is no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.” (Jer 18.12) But remember, no matter how broken or old we are, the potter can shape us into another, new, different, better pot. (Jer 18.4b)
Pentecost 12
Jeremiah 2.4-13; Psalms 81.1, 10-16; Hebrews 13.1-8, 15-16; Luke 14.1, 7-14
One of St Ignatius’ Spiritual exercises was called the Examine. It was suggested that this should be done at the end of each day, though it could also be done at the end of a week, month, year or project. Last week the Malanda congregation did a “Carolyn” version of the Examine during the service. Here it is again with references to this and last week’s readings.
First Pray for light and understanding. If we want to know “Where is the Lord?” (Jer2.8) we need to give some time to look, to become aware, and to listen. (81.13 “If my people would but listen to me.”)
Next, focus on God by giving Thanks. Notice what you have; be thankful for blessings, lessons, timing, co-incidences and correction; see beauty; remember kindness and grace; treasure with gratitude the love that surrounds you.
Reflect on your day/week. Notice what comes to mind and the feelings that accompany each memory. Allow those feelings to surface without judgement and without entering into them again, just notice them and hold that awareness before God.
Choose, or let God choose, one of these feelings, good or ‘bad’ and ask God to show you what it means for you. Does it speak of growing edges in your soul, or of ideas that need to be built upon, or perhaps of something that needs to be torn down, or overthrown by God’s healing touch? (Jer 1. 9c) Pray about this feeling and the event that stirred it, and the things it has triggered or stirred in you.
Look ahead to the day/week ahead. Pray for the things that are coming up and the people you will be with. Ask for God’s guidance and to be aware of God’s presence in all that you do and wherever you are. Tap into the “spring of living water” don’t just rely on your own poorly built “broken cisterns”. (Jer2.13)
Return your thoughts to God, and rest a moment in God’s presence - no words, no requests, just love. Take your time and feel The presence. Then close in prayer.