e-vo for week of August 20

Dearest e-votees-

As we make our way through this world we will hear all sorts of theories and assertions about who Jesus (aka "the Son of Man") is. What are some of the answers you have heard?

How might you answer if Jesus asked you "But who do you say that I am?"

Peace,
Karl

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13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Matthew 16:13-20, NRSV
Jesus is one of those people that many offer a detached admiration.

He certainly has some noble characteristics: kind, good teacher, loving, passionate, ethical, authoritative, prophetic, etc., etc. Those who knew of him likened him to great prophets of the past. There was something about Jesus that was captivating or winsome or apparent that drew adoration. If there was side to choose you would certainly want to be on Jesus' side of the line.

Jesus had some more edgy characteristics as well: provocative, radical, fiery, challenging, fiercely determined, headed towards a confrontation with the powers that be. Those who knew him likened him to those who had butted heads with the powers that be in days past. There was something to Jesus that was unwilling to abide the broken status quo. If there was a way to avoid collateral damage from the conflicts Jesus was provoking many would opt to take the safe way.

The truth is that the world is bound up. Jesus came to proclaim release for the prisoner (the ill, the possessed, the condemned thief on the cross, the woman taken in adultery, the outcast, etc., etc.). Jesus came to let loose God's mercy on the world. As followers of Jesus we are to be about the business of loosing those who are bound up.

The truth is that there are things loose in the world that need constraint. Jesus came to help take captive those things that are bringing death, judgment, haughtiness, arrogance, self-righteousness, separation, etc., etc. and to put them to death once and for all. Jesus came to bind up what should never have been free to prey on those made in God's image. As followers of Jesus we are to be about the business of binding that which rampantly deals death and separation from God.

We need to be mindful that what we think the kingdom of God should look like is often very different than how God thinks it should look. If we're not careful we'll find ourselves with the likes of Peter rebuking the course laid out for Jesus' followers and receiving a stinging "Get behind me Satan!" We can't imagine what God has in store. It must be revealed by God.


God, show us your way. Loose what must be loosed, bind what must be bound. Help us follow you, Messiah. Amen.

e-vo for week of August 13

Dearest e-votees-

This week's gospel text are all about what goes in and out of mouths:

Foodstuffs of various sorts are not what defile a person according to Jesus (declaring all foods clean?!?)

The things that come out of our mouths (from our hearts): evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander are what defile us.

The imagery of who gets to eat the bread and who doesn't (dogs or children) in regards to healing.

The brilliant response from the Canaanite woman's mouth that leads to her daughter's healing.

Peace,
Karl

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10 Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12 Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” 15 But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16 Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19 For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”

21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Matthew 15:10-28, NRSV
What attention do we put into what goes into our mouths? What attentions do we put into that which comes out of our mouths?

I know many who will put whatever they fancy in their mouths. They may be looking for a savory thrill. They may be looking to cope with a hurting place in their life. They may be looking for bread to get by to the next meal. They may be looking for the latest foodie innovation. Truth be told, I'm not very discerning about what I put into my mouth. Call me a glutton or call me lazy, just don't call me late to the buffet. I know that's not the best approach to life but it is how I do. There is much room for improvement.

I know many who will let whatever they fancy fly out of their mouths. They may be looking to provide a conversational thrill to their listeners (and perhaps willing to be unsavory to catch attention above all the noise). They may be looking to mask their inner hurts by being clever or loud and boisterous on the outside. Sometimes they are saying whatever they can to hustle up a next meal. Sometimes they are striving to say something in a way that is has never been articulated before. Truth be told I am, at times, even less discerning about what comes out of my mouth. Call me a blowhard or call me insensitive, just make sure I get my turn at the microphone. I know that's not always the best approach to life but it is how I do. There is room for much improvement.

The truth is we need to feed on Jesus--the bread of life. His words bring life and healing. We need to learn to be quiet and ponder these things in our hearts like Mary did. Jesus comes and makes us clean. What can we add to that except a grateful "Amen!" If our speaking is troublesome then perhaps we could learn to dwell more in the gracious silence. Perhaps as we take Jesus into our bodies the next time we have communion we can marvel at that which brings healing and cleansing and new starts. Jesus is the bread that truly leads to eternal life. Amen.


God, help us let you be Lord of our words and our mouths. Draw us to be people of praise and meditative gratitude. Amen.

e-vo for week of August 6

Dearest e-votees-

This week's gospel text is the familiar one of Peter walking on water.

Much is made of the fact that as long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus he could do anything.

The truth is it was a crazy request from Peter and there was no way he could ever permanently fix his gaze on Jesus.

It is more interesting to me to think about why Jesus granted this request from Peter in the first place.

Peace,
Karl

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22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:22-33, NRSV
This account of Peter and Jesus is just strange. First off, Jesus provoked the encounter by walking by them on the sea. Jesus could have walked around them out of sight or swam under them or flew over them. There are as many ways as you can imagine for Jesus to get where he was going undetected. The fact that he chose to walk within eyesight of the apostles is intriguing.

Generally when people see someone as a ghost there is offered some proof that they are, indeed, not a ghost. They might eat some food. They might invite someone to touch their wounds. There is some means of demonstrating that they are not a ghost.

In this account Peter blurts out that if it is truly Jesus he should be invited out on the water. This is a silly test. If the one Peter is talking to is not Jesus this could end very badly with him plummeting into the sea. As it is it didn't end too well for Peter anyway.

Jesus says to "Come!" and Peter makes it for a little while--and then he plummets into the sea. This is no surprise to those of us who know Peter. And this was surely no surprise to Jesus who intimately knows Peter. The only question left in my mind is why did Jesus provoke and let play out this doomed enterprise?

It reminds me of a child threatening to run away. They are looking to get the parent's to react and to try to stop them. The parents who help the child pack their bundle of possessions and send them on their way are calling the bluff of their child. They know full well where their child is headed and no permanent harm will come to pass. Jesus is playing the part of the parent. Peter is, in an award worthy fashion, playing the role of the child preparing to run away. Jesus plays along to allow Peter to learn a lesson.

The lesson is not about keeping eyes on Jesus through thick and thin that failure may never occur. The lesson is that Peter has no business being out on the water. But even in the midst of Peter's reckless and hazardous decisions Jesus brings salvation into play. When all was said and done Peter was soaking wet. Jesus was dry and in the boat. The disciples were focussing on the true source of power and salvation.

I wonder what silly and reckless things we will choose to engage in this week. May Jesus keep us safe from our ill-conceived adventures. May all the glory and honor be given to God as we dry off from our misadventures.


God, help us trust you to do what we cannot and should not. And help us to rest in your gracious and saving ways. Amen.

e-vo for week of July 30

Dearest e-votees-

This week's gospel text is one of the 4 appearances of the feeding of the 5,000 (and then some). The other 3 can be found at Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-15. This is the only miracle that Jesus performs that appears in all 4 canonical gospels. Perhaps we would do well to pay attention to this uniquely honored occurrence.

Peace,
Karl

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13 Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist as recorded in Matthew 14:1-12 and Mark 6:14-29], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 14:13-21, NRSV
Jesus had every right and reason to be aloof and broody. His cousin had become a ghastly party favor in response to a sordid dance on the king's behalf. John said that he must decrease in order that Christ might increase. I wonder if he knew he would decrease so very much. John's disciples bear the news to Jesus. Jesus bears the news on his heart. By all rights he should have some time to collect himself, to rage, to grieve and to manage his good-byes.

But the crowd came looking for Jesus. They were hungry spiritually and by the end of the day hungry in body as well. No one could have blamed Jesus if he excused himself or just phoned it in that day but he didn't. He was stirred with compassion for the people. Jesus knew that he must increase in order to give the people what is necessary. He knew about the cross. I wonder if he knew how much might be required of him so soon after his cousin and forerunner's death.

John 6:9 tells us the source of the foodstuffs was a little boy's lunch. But, really, how far could two fish and five loaves go among five thousand men and the accompanying women and the accompanying children? Apparently it could go pretty far. After feeding everyone until the point of full the twelve disciples went out among the people and collected twelves basketfuls of leftovers. I imagine each of them going a different way with his own basket collecting hunks of fish and bits of bread. Each fills his basket to the point of overfilling. Surely they must be asking "Where in the world did all this come from? The kids' lunch wouldn't even cover the bottom of my basket!"

God sated the spiritual hunger of the people with authoritative teaching. God sated the physical hunger of the people with food shared with blessing and breaking and giving (sound familiar?). We gather in worship to be fed spiritually with scripture and graciously with bread and wine that is God's body and blood. God is still in the business of meeting our needs. And there is always more left over for others.


God, help us bear food--spiritual and physical--out to a hungry, hungry world. Amen.

e-vo for week of July 23

Dearest e-votees-

This week we'll look at a snippet of our assigned epistle text.

Peace,
Karl

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38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all of creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39, NRSV
This is an elegantly stated and expansive statement by Paul. We cannot be separated from the love of Christ Jesus. Whether we live or whether we die we are the Lord's (see Romans 14:8). Nothing that is happening now (things present) nor anything that will happen (things to come) will be able to wrest us away from God's love. No physical dimension nor principality will be able to drive a wedge between us and God's love. Nothing, nothing, nothing can separate us from God's love.

But do we act in accord with this deep and abiding promise?!?

Do we think that somehow we haven't merited God's love? Do we think that we have done something so profoundly sinful or selfish or evil that God can no longer love us? Have we said something (blasphemy?) or not said something (been ashamed of Jesus?) so that we think God will no longer speak in our favor? Have we let worries of this world and the lure of wealth become a wedge between us and God? Perhaps we have been munching grass bit by bit until we find ourselves far from the other 99 in the flock and don't know how to get back. Have we rashly demanded things as if God was dead, squandered them and found ourselves hungry, empty and cut off? Surely there are things we can do that make God love us less--yes?!?

Paul's focus is not on our worthiness. Paul's focus is not on us. Paul's focus is on God's love that is insurmountable. When we focus on ourselves and our own worthiness we are bereft of hope. When we focus on God's love there is hope in spades. What is impossible for people (remember that camel through the eye of the needle?) is child's play for God. There is indeed hope and love for us. And, beyond that, for all who we would deem unlovable and irredeemable. Thanks be to God.


God, let us bask in your love. Amen.

e-vo for week of July 16

Dearest e-votees-

This week's gospel text reminds us that sorting out what is from God and what is not is treacherous work.

Beyond that, it isn't our work. Thanks be to God!

Peace,
Karl

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24 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Matthew 13:224-30, 36-43, NRSV
Sometimes we are quick to read this parable of the wheat and the tares as people. When we do this we fall into a binary coarse sorting of all of humanity. Everyone is either good or bad, wheat or tare, saint or sinner, shiny righteous people or hellfire bound sinful people. When we are in this mode we look at others and ask ourselves "Hmmmm. Wheat or tare?" Which seems to fly in the face of the parable saying in so doing we may inadvertently yank out a wheat along with the tares. On perhaps more introspective days we might gaze into the mirror and ask ourselves "Hmmmm. Wheat or tare?" Which puts us back in the garden wanting to have the knowledge of good and evil. When we put ourselves in the place of judging (ourselves or others) we usurp God's place. This is a tale as old as time and it does not have a happily ever after ending.

The truth is that wheat and tares go much deeper than individuals being sorted between the keep and burn bins. There is good seed that has been sowed in us and in others: God's word (as in last week's gospel lesson), promises we are bathed in at baptism, promises that are grafted into our bodies at communion, promises and exhortations that come to us in myriad form through others fashioned in the image of God. These seeds with God's care and miraculous growth bring about wheat into the lives of people. New Adam and New Eve are the fruit of these seeds growing as they should.

Amidst these seeds has been sown weeds. The enemies of God throw these seeds into our lives as well. When we choose to set ourselves up in places fit only for God we sow these seeds in our lives and others. When we try to save ourselves we sow those seeds. When we presume we are on solid ground to save or condemn others we sow those seeds. The lies that spew out of us and into us from others sow those seeds. These seeds with dirt and death of fallen humanity and devilish fertilization bring tares into the lives of people. Old Adam and Old Eve are the fruits of these seeds growing in our lives. They can become hopelessly entangled with what God intended.

We can't and therefore shouldn't even try to pull out the weeds in our own lives or that of others. That is God's work. God's wisdom says let God in God's timing and in God's way deal with tares in our lives. We have seen how this looks clearly on the cross. We may catch glimpses of it as we make our way through this world. We will see it again at the time of the great harvest. In the mean time we can lean hard on the promises of God which never fail to bring forth harvest.


God, give us peace, patience and grace to trust in your wisdom and your grace. You sow good seeds into our lives and know better than we ever could how to best tend to the tares. Teach us to trust you. Give us ears to listen. Amen.

e-vo for week of July 9

Dearest e-votees-

This week's Old Testament text offers a deep and abiding promise about God's words.

Peace,
Karl

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10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

12 For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:10-13, NRSV
When God's word goes forth it does what it needs to do. There is no condition in this text about how learned or clever the bearer of God's word is. There isn't a stipulation that the hearer of God's word must be of a certain alertness or theological proficiency. The power is in the word. It is destined for success.

How is it that God's word goes forth? Certainly in preaching and devotions God's word is carried into the lives of some. In memory work and in scripture-shaped prayers God's word is sent forth for a purpose. In liturgies and in lyrics that are framed with scripture God's word is proclaimed. Any action done in the name of Christ from one seeking to live a godly life according to scripture will indeed be sending God's word into a world that needs so very much to hear from God.

The thing is try as we might -- and our Old Adams and Old Eves do try from time to time -- we can't stop God's word from accomplishing its purpose any more than we can stop hurricanes and blizzards. Once the heavens have released those elements all we can do is wait to see what consequence they will have in our lives. If we don't want scripture to take its toll on our lives we should get far, far away "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV). God's word does indeed cut into us but like a well trained surgeon bringing healing and wholeness.

God's purpose is that all might love God fully and love others fully. In such life all of the Law and the Prophets find fulfillment.


God, continue to send your abiding and in-dwelling word into our lives. Accomplish your purpose. Help us go out into the world with joy know that you lead us back to you in peace. Amen.