e-vo for week of January 13

Dearest e-votees-

Our appointed gospel text this week is Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana as told in John 2:1-11. Perhaps it would be helpful to consider that story in light of our appointed epistle lesson in 1 Corinthians.

Peace,
Karl

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Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11, NRSV

All of us are granted gifts by the Holy Spirit. In baptism we are equipped to contribute as members of the body of Christ. Paul begins with the text above and continues through chapter 12 making the case that we ought to function as the body of Christ—equipped by the Holy Spirit with Christ as our head.

If we were given the option to pick out our spiritual gifts which would you choose? Some would be drawn in the flamboyant racks in the display room to supernatural and readily apparent gifts—working healings, miraculous transformations, raising the dead, etc. Some would be drawn to the perhaps more muted shelves containing gifts of prayer, wisdom and discernment, etc. Where do you fall on that spectrum? What might you select as your gift(s) were you given the opportunity?

The truth is you are gifted and you weren’t given the opportunity to pick and choose. God has equipped you as the Holy Spirit saw fit. Your job isn’t to covet or denigrate or even worry about the gifts of others. They are gifted too. Just as the Holy Spirit saw fit.

Jesus obviously had the spiritual gift of working miracles. In the case of the wedding at Cana he was called out by his mother. After a rather snippy response to his mom he goes about the business of using one of the gifts given to him by the Holy Spirit. He didn’t draw particular attention to it nor hide it. He did what he was called to do and the responses come as they may.

We are gifted. There are times coming when we will get called out to use those gifts. We might get a little snippy. After some redirecting prayers and proper attitude adjustments we can and should serve. We shouldn’t draw particular attention to our gifts nor should we hide them. We ought to do what we are called upon to do and let the responses come as they may.

God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are at work in us and through us. Help us not squander your gifts but let our lights so shine that others might see our good works and glorify you—our Father in heaven. Amen.

e-vo for week of January 6

Dearest e-votees-

This Sunday is the first Sunday after the Epiphany (which was Wednesday, January 6). It is the Sunday when we commemorate the baptism of Jesus.

May we rejoice that we too are baptized and connected to Jesus’ life, ministry, death and glorious resurrection.

Peace,
Karl

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As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, NRSV

The people were looking for a savior—a Messiah. They knew that they could not save themselves. They looked about and were attracted to the intensely passionate one who dressed in unusual clothes, consumed an unusual diet and cried out powerfully in the desert. They found one who spoke strong words with great enthusiasm (literally “in-God-ness”). The people found what seemed the right one to deliver them from their own failings and the Roman occupation into a new era.

John replied that he was not the one. There was another one coming who was even more powerful. One who would bear even more enthusiasm in its literal sense. Then comes Jesus. One who would dress rather usually. He would eat and drink usual foods to the point that some called him a glutton and a drunkard. In many ways he was much less dramatic than John. Yet John recognized him even in the womb.

And God recognized Jesus too. In words that would be heard again in the Transfiguration (the other bookend of the Sundays of Epiphany) God bestows honor and commendation to Jesus in the hearing of others. This is a powerful revelation of who Jesus is and will be. Epiphany is about Jesus being revealed.

Jesus gets baptized. He enters into the community just as we did. He joins us as we are joined to him. May we carry that good news with joy and tell others about this Son that God loves and is well pleased.


God continue to reveal Yourself to us in Jesus. Amen.

corrected e-vo for week of December 30

Dearest e-votees-

Happy New Year. I hope and pray that you and yours have a blessed and joyous 2010.

This coming WEDNESDAY is JANUARY 6 (aka Epiphany). It is the first day after the 12 days of Christmas have elapsed. Since most of us won’t be doing liturgical worship based around the appointed readings of the Revised Common Lectionary on the actual day of Epiphany I thought we could linger in the appointed gospel lesson for that day during this week’s e-vo.

Peace,
Karl

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In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: "And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Matthew 2:1-12, NRSV

This section of scripture (and what immediately follows) is the only mention in the New Testament of the “3 Wise Men”. (3 seems to have come from the fact that 3 gifts were brought). There is a hint of such a visit found in Isaiah 60:1-6 (the appointed Old Testament reading for the day of Epiphany).

It is hard to enter into this story. We take travelling great distances for granted with modern transit options. We look to the internet or the paper or the news for the latest breaking stories—we don’t scour the evening sky. We don’t pay homage to others (remember the dust-up when President Obama may have bowed to a foreign dignitary?). We certainly don’t lavish extravagant gifts on newborn children. And if we did, it is quite likely we might return to see what kind of return we might get on our investment. This story is very hard to import with our modern sensibilities. The truth is this is a different kind of story involving a different kind of people from a different kind of time.

What is not hard to understand is Herod’s jealousy. Herod was a person of title and power. Here comes a new ruler foretold in the heavens and beckoning wise men from afar. Herod is threatened. The travelers ask around to find Jesus. They say that they want to pay homage. Herod sees a chance to rub out a threat and offers to pay homage too. Unfortunately his “homage” involves the business end of a sword—see Matthew 2:16.

All of us have power and title as part of our existence. God continues to come into this world and upset the status quo. Our powers and our titles must give way to this one born in a manger—to this one coming again at the end of all time—to this one who continues to be revealed to the world. What kind of homage will we pay this king—reverent with sacrificial gifts or self-serving with sacrificial intent? Are we more like the wise men or more like Herod?

Jesus, reveal yourself to us and to this world. Help us put aside what we think we deserve that we might receive from you the things we don’t deserve and could never acquire apart from your grace. Help us let our lights so shine in the world that others might our good works and glorify you—our Father in heaven.** Amen.

** - Matthew 5:16—used as a baptismal charge these days.

e-vo for week of December 23

Dearest e-votees-

I hope and pray that this e-vo finds you happy and well. The wait of Advent is just about over and Christmas time is soon upon us. For some this means it is time to be done with work or school for a few precious days—a time to linger with loved ones. For some this means it is finally time to open up all the presents and see what has come by way of gift. For some this is a time when we get to be with family and friends we don’t see often enough. I hope and pray that all these times come wonderfully alive for you.

The appointed epistle for Christmas Eve also brings an anticipated time into focus.

Peace, Karl

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For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Titus 2:11-14, NRSV

God’s grace has appeared in the form of the babe of Bethlehem. He came not just to reset the sin-o-meter that was ticking away in our lives. Jesus came to show us how to be pious in a way that is different than that of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus came to show us how to be free but not to use that freedom in service to our sinful desires. Jesus came to help us be upright and godly.

We are given time in our lives. From birth to death we have only so many days. During holidays we are given only so many days. Perhaps part of how God would have us bide that precious time is to give some away to someone or some cause that needs it. Perhaps we could read to a youngster—or serve in a soup kitchen—or lovingly listen to a story told for the fourteenth time by a dementia patient. It matters what we do with our time.

We are given gifts and blessings in our lives. We are equipped with gifts from birth, skills carefully cultivated over the years and resources from the generosity of others. In our lives we are given so many things. During holidays we are given so many more things. Perhaps part of how God would have us deal with all the gifts that come are way is to give them away. I am not speaking so much of re-gifting as much as blessings others with the blessings that we ourselves have received. Perhaps we could sing at a church service—or encourage and pray for a friend who is struggling—or give some of our piles of stuff away so others might be able to thrive more this winter. It matters what we do with our gifts.

We are given families and loved ones in our lives. By birth and by choice dear people become folded into our hearts. In our lives we are blessed with so many people who are crafted in the image of God. During the holidays we are blessed to gather for feast and fellowship with our beloved people. Perhaps part of how God would have us live as community is to embrace them and welcome the stranger. Perhaps we could set an extra place at our table and welcome the stranger—or perhaps we could dare to love the estranged member of our family—or perhaps we might move closer to the one we think has wronged us. It matters what we do with our family and our friends—and those who have yet to become our family and our friends.

God, you came into this world because we mattered to you. Help us resolve to live lives that matter. Help us carry ourselves in ways that please you and blesses many. Bless us in these matters. Amen.

e-vo for week of December 16

Dearest e-votees-

May your quickly disappearing days of Advent be blessed and may your time around the manger this year be still yet more blessed.

Peace,
Karl

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And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Luke 1:46-55, NRSV

Mary and Elizabeth are together in Luke. They are sharing joy as they engage the pregnancy of the other. Elizabeth is one who is advanced in years and barren. Mary is rather young and not married. From the world’s view neither seem particularly significant nor likely candidates to bear such sons of significance as they did. Elizabeth will bear the Elijah (see Matthew 17:10-13). Mary will bear God incarnate, Jesus.

Both Mary and Elizabeth could be construed as lowly servants but God blessed them both. John and Jesus dismantle the power structures of this world through their lives, their testimonies and their deaths. Jesus does more of the same through his resurrection. The haughty are dethroned and the fortunes of many are reversed.

Promises made to Abraham and his descendants find fulfillment in and through John and Jesus; Elizabeth and Zechariah; Mary and Joseph. We, too, are Abraham’s descendants as we have been grafted into the promise. In John and particularly Jesus our hope and our deliverance is revealed.

God, we thank you that your power and your promises look nothing like those of the world. Your power conquers through love, humility and peace. Your promises come true--always. We thank you for faithful servants like Mary and Elizabeth. Help us to sing songs like Mary and allow you to have your way in our lives—all to your glory. Amen.

e-vo for December 9

Dearest e-votees-

As we draw near the halfway mark of Advent I hope that your preparations have been holy and good. I pray that the days ahead for all of us would be full of joy and lacking anxiety.

Peace,
Karl

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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7, NRSV

Paul offers three positive exhortations and one prohibition.

We are to rejoice. This is not the same thing necessarily as to be happy but we are to find joy. Not all circumstances draw smiles from us (Paul’s life was no bed of roses) but it is possible with God’s help to be joyful no matter the circumstance. That was Paul’s testimony. Would that it would be our testimony too.

We are to be gentle with others. This is not the same thing as being a pushover or a doormat but we are to approach others in gentle ways. Not everyone is as sturdy as they appear. They have weaknesses and vulnerabilities. That was Paul’s testimony. Would that we would see the frailty in others and treat them as the treasures fashioned in God’s image that they are. We are earthen vessels with treasures of immeasurable worth inside. So are our neighbors.

We are to seek our desires through God with thanksgiving and prayer. This is not the same thing as treating God as a divine gumball machine—pop in a prayer and out pops the desired result. Not every prayer gets the green light. Some are fraught with sin and injurious to us or others. Paul didn’t get his prayer to have the thorn in his flesh granted. Not all of our prayers will be affirmatively answered either. We are called to pray and be thankful but we do much better when we let God’s wisdom drive the answers.

We are not to worry. This is not the same as being inattentive and negligent and uninterested. We are to pour ourselves into life with passion. This draws us to have concerns and issues. This stokes our emotions and our cares. We are not served well when we let those things blossom into worry and anxiety. God knows our every need and will provide for us in all circumstances. That was Paul’s testimony. Would that we could speak those words too.


God help us rejoice. Help us make our way through this world gently. Help us pray with thanksgiving and humility. Help us not worry but trust that you will indeed finish what you began in us and will provide for us—all along the way—our daily bread. Amen.

e-vo for week of December 2

Dearest e-votees-

My apologies, last week escaped me. Here is a very belated devotional piece based on the appointed epistle text from last week.

Peace,
Karl

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I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:3-11, NRSV

These familiar verses are some of my favorite in all of scripture. They speak deeply of Paul’s deep affection for the saints at Philippi. It communicates the communal nature of doing ministry. It communicates that God’s grace is what binds us together. It communicates the sure and certain hope that God will complete what was begun.

How are we with our deep affection for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus? Do we pray with joy constantly for them and their partnership in the gospel? Do we live in the reality that ministry is a communal venture or do we try to strike out on our own? Do we allow ourselves to be built up into the church with grace as the mortar or do we try to build on the shaky foundations of our own achievements and ambitions? Do we rest securely knowing that God will finish what God began in our baptisms or do we fret?

Paul’s prayer is one that suits us well too. We need to be a community founded on love. That love is not to be frothy and shallow but deep and abiding. That love is to be informed by knowledge and depth of insight. That growing in knowledge and wisdom is a communal venture as well.

As we wait for Jesus to liturgically come again in the manger and to definitively come at the end of all time to usher in his kingdom let us rest secure. Since our fates have been sealed by God’s grace we can dare to live lives of love, service and increasing knowledge. These things don’t save us—they are evidence that we have been saved. God began it and God will bring it to completion.


God, mold us into the people you would have us be. Help us love one another more than we could ever deserve because that is how you first loved us. Amen.