We should know that they were never uttered by the women when they reached the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body for eternal rest. They were never said by Peter and John after they raced to Jesus’ grave only to find him gone. Neither the angel nor Jesus himself spoke these words when they appeared to Mary.
Yet, we say them - in some form or another - because they encompass our entire faith in one easy to remember statement. Saying them is one thing. Believing them is another. But making them a part of our everyday life…and that’s when things get a bit prickly. Good Morning and welcome to Easter at Anamesa. Our reading comes from Mark 16:1-8. When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Today we welcome Easter with joyous celebration. But tomorrow we will awake with cautious hesitation hoping not to get tricked as I have so often been on April first. It’s apropos, don’t you think, that Easter and April Fool’s Day are right next to each other this year. After all, isn’t Easter God’s greatest joke on the world that killed Christ?
I’m not sure Mary or the others found humor in God’s little prank. Certainly none of them were laughing on the way to the tomb. They definitely weren’t when they saw that the stone had been moved. That was no laughing matter. The religious and political leaders had conspired with each other to have the tomb officially sealed shut to ensure no funny business happened. Everyone knew whoever broke the official seal would be found liable of treason and death. Imagine getting arrested for playing a practical joke. The Whoopie Cushion industry would be forced out of business. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mark finds room to add a little comic relief. In the tomb is a young man dressed in a white robe. We assume he’s an angel – and not some guy who got lost on the way to the steam room. His greeting seems straight out of the Halo Handbook where rule one states, “When coming in contact with human beings, be sure to remind them not to be afraid, otherwise they might freak out.” I don’t know about you, but I find that funny. Think about it. You’re still in shock from witnessing your friend’s execution when you find his tomb has been tampered with. His body is missing. And some guy in a bath robe says, “Do not be afraid.” If you’re not supposed to be afraid in a situation like this then what should you do? Laugh? The women were terrified and ran away. And for good reason. As Barbara Brown Taylor muses, “Once a human being goes into the ground, that is that. You do not wait around for the person to reappear so you can pick up where you left off - at least not this side of the grave. You say good-bye; pay your respects; and go on with your life as best you can.” Nowhere in their wildest imaginations did these women expect Jesus to jump out from behind the rock and shout, “April Fools.” They knew his death was real. There was nothing humorous about it. To be fair, his resurrection wasn’t a joke either. It was something greater. It was the fulfillment of God's plan and promise to the world. And the assurance of our own salvation. To borrow from Richard Rohr, it’s “God’s pledge and guarantee of what God will do with all our crucifixions.” Easter isn’t just about the resurrection of Christ, but how his risen life shapes ours. According to Paul, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God, we too might live in the newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). And this raises a difficult question we all must ask ourselves. How will I live in this newness with a resurrected mind, with a Christ like heart? Christ has died. Christ has risen. And Christ will come again. How will we make Christ come alive, again and again, in Anamesa? Whatever happened in the space between the cross and Easter morning only God and Jesus know. But one thing is for certain, when God breathed new life into his lungs, our Lord didn’t just sit there. He arose from his tomb and went out into the world. In one gospel account, he met Mary in the garden. In another, he walked home with two disciples. And in another, he cooked breakfast on the beach for all of them. Jesus appeared to his friends not only to comfort them but commissioned them out into the world, to proclaim what God had done. And to show the world what God is doing in them, with them, and through them. This tells me that we’re not supposed to sit around doing nothing. It’s one thing to profess our faith with words, but those words have no power if we cannot abide by them faithfully in all that we do. Just as Jesus arose…so too must we Arise with him! Easter is our invitation into a new way of living fully and faithfully for Christ, and with Christ through acts of love, justice, and compassion. And yet, here we sit. Unsure of what to say. Or afraid of what people might think or do if we start talking about God to them. It’s easy to profess our faith in the safe confines of church, but sharing it publicly is where we often draw the line. I’ve confessed before I don’t always let people know I’m a minister because I don’t want them thinking I’m some religious nut. And I certainly don’t want to be lumped in with those hypocrites who weaponize Jesus’ words but refuses to live by them. Yet still, I don’t let that stop me from inviting someone to church. Or sharing this message on my Facebook page. Christ came to us in the flesh to redeem and return us back to God…and the world killed him. So I can see why you might be afraid. But to those who did kill Christ, the joke’s on them. He has risen. He is alive. And we are too. I can say with great confidence that everyone here, and all who are watching, are breathing. Which means each and every one of us has the power to rise up to roll back the stone and go out into the world to share the good news and to bear the good fruit of the Spirit by being kind, helpful, hopeful in all circumstances. Yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get heckled or made fun of. But should that deter you from embodying the joy of Christ’s victory? Easter stands as the pinnacle moment, showcasing the greatest prank God played on death itself. The world may ridicule us and laugh us, but God will always have the last laugh – transforming our tragedy into triumph, despair into hope, and death into everlasting life. Here’s the thing I hope you remember. We’re not merely spectators of this cosmic joke. We are integral parts of the punch line. We are the resurrected people, called to continue what Jesus began. His destiny is our destiny. His life work has been passed on to us. St. Teresa reminds us that, “Christ has no body but yours.” You might not have the right words, but you have the hands of Christ to bless the world. You might not have the right church doctrine or a degree under your belt, but you have his feet to walk and do good. You have his mouth to demand justice and equality for all people. You have his eyes to see others in need. And his heart of compassion to do something about it. From the having the same divine DNA to the same Holy Spirit, you possess everything Jesus had to usher in the kingdom of heaven right now. So, Arise! Roll away the stone and leave your dark tomb. Go out into the world carrying the hope of resurrection everywhere you go. You might not be able to convince someone with words, but they will be watching what you do. As a wise man once taught me, “No one has ever been beaten into heaven. But all have been shown the way.” We respond to this Divine Comedy by becoming living testimonies to the transformative power of the resurrection to a world in desperate need of hope and redemption. Easter was not a one-and-done event. It’s been God’s plan from the beginning of time – transforming a galaxy of dead stars into a universe of living planets. It is a continual process of renewal and rebirth – the cycle of life that happens every day throughout all of creation. And we are a part of it. Easter is a living reality that shapes our lives today. It has the power to transform enemies into friends, sinners into saints. As we move out into the world, let us embrace our role in God's cosmic joke with humility and gratitude, privileged to be a part of this divine plan for redemption. Let us Arise with Christ every day, in every space we enter, bringing with us the joy and wonder of Easter, to the glory of God almighty, who pulled a fast one on death, so that we may live. Work Cited: Rohr, Richard. Immortal Diamond. (Jossey-Bass: 2013) pp.83-90. Taylor, Barbara Brown. Home By Another Way. (Crowley: 1999).
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“This wasn’t supposed to end this way.” Such a simple sentence that can be applied to countless experiences in my life. From getting the flu on the day I graduated high school to signing divorce papers in between takes of a commercial I was shooting, to standing in the cold rain as I said goodbye to my trusty car of 22 years none of which were supposed to end the way they did.
I imagine it was the same for the Apostles as they locked themselves away in fear after witnessing the execution of their friend and teacher. I’m sure they all mumbled quietly under their breath, “This wasn’t supposed to end this way.” Yet, according to Jesus, this was exactly how it was supposed to end. He had given them many clues and warnings about what was about to happen. Still, in their shock, they’d just have to sit there wondering why it ended the way it did. As we wait for Easter morning, we know there’s more to the story. What looked like the end of Jesus’ life and ministry would actually be something wonderful and new. As Paul wrote, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” It has lost it sting. God has proven victorious yet again! So, it’s not supposed to end this way because Jesus’ story will never end. Instead, it continues into all eternity. And “thanks be to God, who gives victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” so too do we. Happy Easter!
The book “The Last Lecture,” chronicles his final lesson given to his students. It wasn’t about dying as much as it was about living. It focused on persevering and overcoming obstacles. It encouraged them to enable their dreams and dreams of others. And the importance of seizing every moment because this time is all that we have guaranteed. His story and his message is reminiscent of another teacher whose life is chronicled in the Bible. On his last night on earth, Jesus reclined with his students and friends for the Passover meal. It was there, around that table, he gave his Farewell Discourse. We get a version of this story in all four gospels. John’s is by far the longest version. In the few chapters John dedicates to this night, we find a great message on how to live life, and to live it in the rightness of God. Tucked throughout are important instructions on how to live a humble life in service of God and others. And we even get a new commandment. This is where we get the name Maundy, for Maundy Thursday. It comes from the Latin word “mandatum” which means commandment. And it refers to the new commandment Jesus gives his disciples, which is to “love one another as I have loved you.” This love will be the mark of the new Way, one built upon the way of Jesus which is the Way and Will of God. Moreover, love will be the way others will identify you, that they will come to know and trust that you are a follower of Christ. And as he is about to demonstrate, Jesus shows us how this love is made manifest in us: Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already decided that Judas son of Simon Iscariot would betray Jesus. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. Like I said, all four gospels give an account of this last meal. Each one share similar details. Someone will betray Jesus. Peter will deny knowing him. A meal will be enjoyed, commemorating the Passover. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke give the words of institution over the bread and wine that Jesus blesses, John is the only one who offers us this particular last lesson of Jesus who knows he only has this moment left, and he uses it to teach the Apostles about what it will take to continue his ministry when he’s gone. There in a stranger’s humble home our Lord and King removed his royal cloak and became a lowly servant; bending down to wash the dirty feet of his traveling companions. With nothing more than basin of water and a simple towel, Christ held their tired, aching feet, and began to wash each one of them clean. Through this intimate, yet humbling, gesture Jesus shows us what it means to Love God, Love Others, and Serve Both. In short, it requires a willingness to be vulnerable, to move beyond our comfort zone, and to give fully and fearlessly of our self for the sake of others. Around this table, Jesus guides us towards a new way of living life abundantly in God’s love. Through his example of self-giving, Jesus invites us into an intimate relationship with him. No longer are we to think of ourselves as simple followers. We are friends and companions with him and with one another. Together we are called to share mutual love, living out the will of God. After this humbling gesture, Jesus gives them the last commandment: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” To be a friend of Christ, to bear the name Christian, means we are called to walk in love in the midst of a broken and wounded world. And to share his Divine love in all our interactions and relationships. By this humble action we are able to use this time wisely, professing God’s glory in every space we find ourselves. At this table Jesus reminds his followers that they will not be left alone to figure it all out. He offers them this promise and assurance: “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. With the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives, we can pursue acts of love and faith. We can persevere through acts of humility and service. With the Holy Spirit as our advocate, we can live a life in remembrance of the legacy that Christ Jesus left for us.
This entrance, although subversive, was not to make a political stance like I had argued. Or an affront to the people in power at the Temple of which he rode towards. Instead, this story teaches us an important lesson on how to live our life in a way that honors God and others.
But I had been so caught up in sounding smart that I overlooked the humility of Jesus that I was supposed to embody when he called me to deny myself and pick up my own cross. As we will see from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, this act of self-emptying (or kenosis as it’s called in the Greek) reveals the depth of Christ's love for all humanity. If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.
This passage seems like an unlikely reading for Palm Sunday. But with a closer look, we see a sober reminder of the suffering and humility Jesus will come to face in the days ahead.
Sure, Paul skips over the triumphant entry where Jesus was hailed by the crowds as the long-awaited Messiah. And doesn’t mention the palm branches or the shouts of “Hosanna!” But he does speak to Jesus’ humility. The kind of which our Lord demonstrated on that first Palm Sunday. Instead of riding a majestic steed as a conquering warrior, Jesus, the King of kings, chose to come as a humble servant riding a humble colt. This is the kind of humility that Paul wants us to emulate when he wrote, “Let the same mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Or, as the NIV has it, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Imagine how our lives would be if we all shared the same humility or mindset as Christ, who willingly set aside his own agenda and even gave Himself up to the point of death as an expression of his love for God and for us. Imagine possessing such a mind, or love for that matter. I bet most of us, if given the choice, would rather be the one impressing people, riding on a mighty steed, bathing in applause and accolades. But again, that stands in sharp contrast to what Jesus told us to deny ourselves. This past Wednesday, I did a little experiment. For one whole day I tried to have the same mindset and attitude of Jesus. I set out to put others above myself. To be inclusive. To love unconditionally. And if I’m being honest, the results were dismal. It was easy to smile at people, offering a silent blessing or prayer as I did. But it was hard to not covet that beautiful Mercedes-Benz. Or set aside my jealousy because someone had the salary to afford one. It was difficult to practice patience without harboring judgment. Heck, I couldn’t even wash the dishes without feeling resentful to my own kids for leaving their dirty cups and bowls in the sink. So much for loving God, loving others, and serving both. But as I have learned through all my many Lenten fasts and feasts, I believe our failures can be a strength if only because they can keep us focused on why we are feasting and fasting in the first place - to grow closer and closer to God by being more and more like Christ. It was my inability to have the mind of Christ that kept my thoughts returning to him. And the longer our thoughts are focused on what Jesus would do, the more our mind begins to see and act like his. The same is true about our heart. This silly experiment taught me a few invaluable lessons. First, adopting the mind of Christ involves recognizing our own limitations and inadequacies and embracing our humility. Jesus demonstrated profound humility throughout his life, prioritizing service over self-promotion. Like Paul pointed out, Jesus willingly submitted himself to God’s will. He emptied himself, took on the form of a servant, and became humbled and obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. He did all this to show us how to serve others with great humility and love. Throughout the gospels we read how Jesus honored his love for God and others by consistently putting aside his own comfort and convenience for the sake of everyone else. Some of us might think that’s a little co-dependent and not very healthy for our self-worth. But Jesus turns that assumption upside down. Think about all those times when Jesus just wanted to rest or needed to be alone with God, but people kept bringing the sick and dying to him to be healed. In each account, he set aside his personal needs because he had compassion for them (c.f. Mt 14:13-14). Adopting the mind of Christ also requires us to cultivate a heart of compassion – especially for those who need our help. We must love others genuinely, without prejudice or discrimination, seeking their best interests above our own. This includes forgiving someone who has wronged you, prioritizing reconciliation, and making peace no matter the cost. As Jesus demonstrated with his own flesh and blood, we must submit to God's will and trust God’s sovereignty so completely, even when it’s too difficult, inconvenient, or could get us killed. Ultimately, embodying the mind of Christ involves allowing God’s love and grace to shape and mold us into the image of Christ, the very Word of God made manifest for all to see. Which is hard to do when you make yourself more important than the other. During my attempt to embrace the mind of Christ, I was trying to make a left hand turn before the red light. But the woman in front of me was on her phone and not paying attention. I had somewhere to get to and so I lost my patience and honked at her. This caused her not only to flip me off, but to run the red light straight into traffic endangering herself and the cars who had the right of way. Now here’s God at work. As I continued my journey, and still stewing from that experience, I found myself behind a car with a bumper sticker that read, “Practice Humility. Talk Less. Do More.” I couldn’t help but rephrase that to say: “Practice Christlikeness. Honk less. Love more.” I think that’s what sharing the same mind of Christ is about. As we go out into the world, Christ calls us to let go of our ego and embrace a posture of humility and compassion so he can shine through each one of us. This is just one of the ways God brings redemption and salvation into the world. You might not believe you are capable or good enough for God to work through you. But that’s your ego talking you out of doing the necessary work of adopting a cruciform mind. But let’s be real. It’s really not that hard to be nice. Anyone can adopt a mindset of kindness and generosity through simple acts like smiling, or holding the door open for someone, or giving a compliment. And you can build upon that kindness by being generous with your time or resources. Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank. Donate to the church or some’s GoFundMe page. Pretty soon, you might find yourself helping a neighbor. Or sitting with someone going through a difficult time; providing a compassionate ear with empathy instead of judgment. Again, the more we practice adopting a mind of Christ, the closer we get to perfect it. Before you know it, you will find yourself letting go of old grudges and resentments; extending grace liberally as needed. Jesus gave us his life to help us to see the inherent worth of every individual, to welcome everyone and care for them as beloved children of God. The way to do this is to just get ourselves out of the way and let God do what God does best through us. As we move into Holy Week, observing the movements of Jesus and his friends, Paul offers us a perspective that the Apostles didn’t have at the time. He encouraged the church to keep their eye on the cross, where Jesus emptied himself of all that he was, to show the world just how far God is willing to go to love and save us. Jesus’ followers might not have realized it at the time. And who could blame them. The cross still seems foolish to many of us today. But like Paul stated in his beautiful exhortation, Jesus’ story does not end at the cross. His glory and kingship continues through Easter and beyond! As we journey through Holy Week, reflecting on the humility and triumph of Palm Sunday, may we strive to embrace the cruciform mind of Christ, who by his death and resurrection, we have been granted eternal life. Therefore, God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bend, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God Almighty. There are just some days when my words are not enough. I can feed myself candy and call it food, but most of the time when tell myself things that sound good in the moment they often leave me hungering for more. That's junk food religion. I don't need that anymore. I need real spiritual nourishment. Sometimes that comes in the form of a quiet walk with my dog, some time on guitar, or sharing a long, wonderful phone call with an old acquaintance. Other times, I have to rely on the wisdom of someone I've never met but feel intimately close to. One would not have to look far on this blog to find me quoting the late Belgian Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen. But I know you're too lazy, or don't have the time, to look through the entire site to find something by him, I give you this reminder that I needed to hear today: The voice of despair says, “I sin over and over again. After endless promises to myself and others to do better next time, I find myself back again in the old dark places. Forget about trying to change. I have tried for years. It didn’t work and it never will work. It is better that I get out of people’s way, be forgotten, no longer around, dead.” This strangely attractive voice takes all uncertainties away and puts an end to the struggle. It speaks unambiguously for the darkness and offers a clear-cut negative identity.
Patrick’s prayer is a powerful reminder that there is an intimate, indwelling presence of Christ in all of us. Once we are able to recognize this and open our hearts to Christ, his light and love begin to grow within us. And his Spirit moves us and empowers us to be more like him; loving as He loves, forgiving as He forgives, and serving as He serves.
In a Christian Century article, E. Carrington Heath talks about a plaque situated just below the pulpit in a seminary chapel, which is only visible to the preacher. Inscribed upon it are the words, “We would see Jesus.”
It was placed there as a reminder to those who stand in that sacred space that their sole duty is to unveil Christ to those in attendance. Again, this might seem apparent, but in a world where preachers sometimes veer off course into discussions about banning books, drag queens, or preferred pronoun usage, this reminder is crucial. Now, I’ve had my own moments of digression, often to advocate against said bans. Even I need one of these reminders on my personal pulpit, to help me to remember the task at hand. Which is to help everyone see Jesus for who he truly is. This is where saints come in. They serve as celestial windows, offering us glimpses of how to live our life in Christlikeness. One such saint is Patrick who reminds us that the world doesn’t need more divisive tweets and facebook posts. The world simply needs more Jesus. And his church needs more saints. Ordinary folks like you and I, who will bravely risk it all to show Christ through our very existence. This is what Jesus asks of us: Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:24-26
In this quick passage, Jesus talks to his disciples about the essence of losing oneself to find one’s true identity in Christ.
“He shares with them a promise of a future,” writes Heath, “but he also asks of them a commitment that will require them to be ready to follow him to fearful places.” Roughly four hundred years later, Patrick found himself ready and took off to a place that was rightfully a frightening place. While there he penned a prayer that beautifully encapsulates the essence of what I think this passage means. First spoken centuries ago, may these words speak to your heart and soul.
What I love about this prayer is it recognizes and allows Christ to be fully present in every facet of our lives. I think this is what it means to live in Christlikeness - to let him permeate every fiber of our being; shaping our thoughts, words, and actions in his image. We can’t do that on our own. Which might be why Jesus says we have to deny ourselves if we are going to follow him. Let's take a walk through this prayer to see how it might speak to us and our calling to be imitators of Christ. First, Patrick calls upon Christ by praying, “Christ be with me.” How many times have you uttered that sentence or some form of it? I’ve say it countless times when I am frightened, lost, scared, or feeling separated from God. As we learned last week, it’s in the praying and asking, that God responds. When we face adversity, we can call upon Christ to be with us, to lead us through the darkest valleys and into the light of His love. From being kidnapped and taken to Ireland to befriending the locals and escaping captivity, to having a call from God and returning to Ireland (as a fugitive at large), Patrick moved forward knowing he wasn’t facing this difficult mission alone. He prayed “Christ before me, Christ behind me.” No matter where he was Christ was with him, leading the way, offering comfort, strength, and guidance. And not only that, he knew and trusted that Christ had his back. We sometimes forget that he walks behind us, watching our step in case we stumble and fall. As we live into our Christlikeness we don’t need to worry about messing up. We just have to focus on moving forward. In recognizing Christ is all around us, we can pick up our cross and truly follow him; walking as he walked; being his His hands and feet in this world, so everyone has an opportunity to meet the “Christ in me,” which is the next line in this prayer. Having been made in the image of the Divine, means the core of our being is divine. And, according to Richard Rohr, that divine nature, is Christ. Quoting Paul, Rohr declares, “the Spirit of Christ is implanted within us by our Creator at the first moment of our creation” (see Romans 5:5, 8:11, 14–16). Patrick’s prayer is a powerful reminder that there is an intimate, indwelling presence of Christ in all of us. Once we are able to recognize this and open our hearts to Christ, his light and love begin to grow within us. And his Spirit moves us and empowers us to be more like him; loving as He loves, forgiving as He forgives, and serving as He serves. This is hard to do on our own. We must deny ourself, forgo our ego and get out of the way. Then pick up whatever our cross might be and follow Christ who leads the way back to God's heart. Patrick goes on to pray, “Christ beneath me,” to keep him steady. “Christ above me,” to watch over him. “Christ to my right” and “Christ to my left” to lean on in difficult times. We need to know that Christ is all encompassing - within us and all around us. He is just as much a part of what we stand on and live under, as he is in us, and those we live next to and step over. It’s in this recognition and knowing that we can fearlessly and faithfully extend grace and compassion to all. Remember the task at hand: that everywhere we go and everything we do, we would see Jesus. From every mundane tasks to the significant events in your life, Christ is there blessing you and infusing you with meaning and purpose. "Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down. Christ when I arise." This is a recognition that every moment, big and small, is an opportunity to bear witness to God’s love so that “Christ is in the heart of everyone who thinks of me. Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me. Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.” If we are going to pick up our cross and follow in the footsteps of Jesus, then we too must make every moment holy, and every human encounter sacred. Faith is not a passive endeavor. It is an intentional action we take to participate in the kingdom of heaven. By this faithful action Christ to move in and out of us. In the space between the cross and sainthood, this is how Christ comes alive in the world. And why it is imperative that we deny ourselves so that Christ might live. To quote St. Teressa of Calcutta, “How sad it is when someone comes to you looking for Jesus and all they see is you.” And so it is my prayer for us and our church, that in all we do, may others see Christ reflected in our words and actions. May our lives be a testament to his love and grace, shining brightly for all to see. Through countless trials and tribulations, Patrick remained steadfast in his faith. His life was a testament to the power of Christ to transform even the hardest of hearts.And his prayer opened the door for the world to find the divine in the space between heaven and earth. While all of these are compelling reasons to make Patrick the patron saint of Anamesa, may we draw inspiration from the one who challenged this infamous saint, and all of us, to deny ourselves, pick our our cross and follow him. For it is in Christ, and with Christ, and through Christ the world will come to know the glory of God’s salvation. Work Cited Heath, E. Carrington. In The Lectionary, March 17 Lent 5B. March 11, 2024 (accessed on March 15, 2024) christiancentury.org. Rohr, Richard. An Indwelling Presence. June 1, 2023 (accessed on March 15, 2024) cac.org.
Were we afraid of initiating a zombie apocalypse? Or did we just assume God owns this power outright? It goes without saying that one of the main pillars of Christianity is the hope of resurrection. The fact that we believe God actually raised Jesus from the dead is what makes our religion different from the others.
Unlike many critics have suggested, this idea wasn’t something his disciples made up after Easter. The roots of Resurrection go deep into Jewish scripture. Even science suggest it goes all the way back to the beginning of time, at the Big Bang, when something that had died was reborn into something new. Though many fundamentalist Christians would disagree with me on that statement, they can’t deny that God, the giver of life, possesses the power to bring life out of death. Which takes us to another question, one that God asks a young prophet in our reading today from Ezekiel 37:1-14 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.... read the rest here Let’s take a moment to let this settle into your imagination. Picture yourself being led by God into a vast, desert wasteland where dried-up tibias and fibulas are piled upon ribs and vertebras and skulls. I imagine the place as some strange land inhabited by giants who feast on humans like hot wings; tossing their bones to the ground. Now ask yourself what you would do if God told you to preach to a pile of dead bones? Could you command them to rise up and receive the breath of the life? If you’ve seen “The Walking Dead” then you know this isn’t really a good idea. But Ezekiel does what God asks him because that’s what prophets do. As he preaches, the bones began to rattle and lock together. Their muscle and flesh and skin returned to what they once were. But still, they're just a bunch of dead bodies. So, God instructs Ezekiel to speak to the breath and tell the breath to breathe upon the dead. This might seem a bit surreal if you didn’t know the Hebrew word used here is ‘ruach’ which means not only breath, but 'wind' and 'spirit.' And in the talmud, it also means 'mind.' We first see this word in Genesis 1:2, when the ruach, or Spirit of God, swept over the dark void in a whirlwind…breathing life into existence. Now, at a time when this life seems to have withered and died, the word is brought out again. Ezekiel commands the ruach to breathe life back into these dead bodies. And the Holy Spirit responds by regenerating and resuscitating an entire valley of naked people. The author lets us know this is a metaphorical tale, one designed to bring hope to the prophet and the people of Israel who’ve been forced from their homeland to live in Babylon. The hope, we’re told, is that God will breathe life back into the Israelites who are withering away in captivity. They are spiritually dried up, parched like a desert wasteland, and as lifeless as dead bones. We are reminded of something important here. The people cry out to God and God responds. Their bones will rise again. Not only that, but the life-giving breath of God will resurrect Jerusalem. And the Holy Spirit will fill the Temple once more. Although it’s a metaphor for hope, this story also reveals a characteristic of God. All who cry out to the Lord will be heard. And all who turn to God will be resurrected from whatever death they are facing - be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. As we progress through Lent, we might consider what these dry bones mean to us as a church and as people on a spiritual journey. Is there a time in your life when doubt, hopelessness, depression, fear, and anxiety has withered your spirit? Has something happened to you that has caused you to fall apart like dried bones in the wilderness? Sadly, there are still too many Israelites being held captive by Hamas. Because of this, there are millions of Palestinians being forced out of their homeland by Israel. Most of us probably have no idea of the suffering both sides are experiencing. But if you’ve ever had to move away from your friends because your parents split up, or a job demanded it of you, you know how easy it is to feel as disconnected and brittle as these bones. Likewise, if you’ve ever been trapped in a dysfunctional relationship, or in an addiction where it seems there’s no way out but death, then you know how helpless God’s people felt in captivity. If you’ve ever been wounded by the church, or pushed out of a community you trusted in, you know how easy it is to lose faith, or believe God has abandoned you. It’s in these times we must ask ourselves the question God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” And Ezekiel’s answer is revealing: “Only you can answer that question, God.” In those times when you say you can’t, do you believe God can? When your faith is too weak to get you through the tough times, do you believe God’s faith is strong enough to carry you through it? When your life is stuck in a dark place, do you believe God’s light is bright enough to help you find your way out? When you feel depleted and broken, do you believe God has what you need to make you whole again? Lent is a spiritual journey that will take us through dry times. But the season always ends at the same place - a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb. Easter is the ultimate proof of what God can do. That God hears our cries and comes to save us, even if it means God has to become one of us and suffer like we do. You might be in a place where your faith is in doubt, or where you question your beliefs. You might be feeling lost, parched, or separated from where you know you are supposed to be. But do you truly believe God is capable of reviving, restoring, and resurrecting your life? As Easter rapidly approaches, we have to be ready to ask ourselves can the bones of a crucified man live? For me, the answer is a resounding yes! Even though I can’t prove if resurrection is real, I can point to endless ways Jesus lives in and through and all around us. No matter where you are, or what you are going through, God’s divine breath brings new life wherever it blows. The sacred breath that first set creation into motion, is the same that fills your lungs today. The same Spirit that moved through Jesus’ tomb, is the same that moves through Anamesa…breathing life into all of creation. As Jesus reminded his critics, God is a God of the living, not the dead. While we live amid the painful and death-dealing realities that plague our world today, we are called out of our graves to live a life of abundance. And so let us go out into the space between, inhaling and exhaling the goodness of the Holy Spirit, in all the ways we love God, love others, and serve both As resurrected people we are called to live a resurrected life in imitation of Christ Jesus. Through him we have been given the assurance that death no longer has the final word (c.f. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Only God does. In the challenges of life when you say you can’t, do you truly believe God can? Ezekiel stood among the dry bones. The disciples stood looking in an empty tomb. Today, as we stand in our spiritual wilderness, God is asking, “Do you believe these bones will live again?” May your answer always be a resounding "Yes." Work Cited Adapted from Human Reality, March 15, 2015 (www.jesusnotjesus.org) Bartlett, David L., Barbara Brown Taylor, Kimberly Bracken Long, ed. Feasting on the Word Lenten Companion. (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2014). There might be more people who deserve to be cited here but my original notes are missing and my original sermon didn't make note of any cites. If I used something you wrote please accept my sincere apology for not giving you credit.
But over the next forty days I would discover how this spiritual exercise actually killed me in a good way. By focusing on this one area of my life, I began to listen to other people’s opinions and welcomed their ideas. Instead of shooting them down I began to lift them up.
In the end of Lent, not killing taught me how to live. It opened my heart and transformed my behavior for the better. By looking seriously at those four words, “you shall not murder” I began to understand them not as law but as a way to live faithfully with God and others. I mention this story again because today we’re given a reading to shape the way we live out our faith in the world. And I believe if we use these words as a guide to teach us how to live right with God they will also redefine and reshape all our relationships. Read Exodus 20:1-17 here Then God spoke all these words, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me...You shall not make for yourself an idol,...You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God,...Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Honor your father and your mother,..You shall not murder...You shall not commit adultery...You shall not steal...You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor...You shall not covet your neighbor’s house;... Ex. 20:1-17
I think it’s safe to say that laws are a good way to ensure order and to protect public safety. When obeyed, they help our communities thrive and keep her citizens moving in the right direction.
Thanks to them, we know what side of the street to drive on, or how fast we can go down them. But driving is more than simply obeying the speed limit. You must also be mindful of those around you. Being a considerate driver is an act of kindness. Although the law doesn’t force you to let someone into your lane, you know that when see a car’s blinker on you have to make a moral decision to either let them in or not. Like the lines on a basketball court, we need laws to guide us in this game of life. And I believe that’s what these ten sayings are doing for us. They are ethical guides, sacred teachings, a holy blueprint for living a good life in right relation with God. But they are more than “kindly suggestions,” as Barbara Brown Taylor warns. These particular practices, “express the purposeful will of God for God’s people.” We can ignore them but do so at our own peril. Not because God is looming over us with a giant gavel, “but because these teachings describe a way of life.” And not just any life, but an abundant, everlasting life with the One who created it. Unfortunately, most of us have been taught to see these words as commandments - laws that can’t be broken or bent without some form of retribution. I have seen how they have been used as a litmus test to find the perfect Christian. Or as parameters to keep control over people. And in many ways, that makes sense. That’s how they seem to be set up in Exodus…as ways to keep God’s people in line. But when that’s the only way we see these words, we might forget that God gave them to us as a gift - one that was forged by a covenant and fashioned by grace. And this gift defines the essence of faith which helps us understand who we are and where God wants us to be. While that might sound simplistic in nature, trust me when I say they’re not that easy to put into practice. That’s because they’re not hard, immovable laws. Instead, they’re more like living, evolving spiritual standards that lead every individual, in their own unique way, towards a right relationship with God and one another. Now, theologically speaking, these words are separated into two parts, or two tablets. One that teaches us how to live before God. And the other on how to live with one another. They would become the building blocks of the communal and corporate life of God’s people. The way they worshiped and attended to God was defined in the way they lived and attended to their neighbor. These were the guidelines handed down throughout the generations. And where teachings that shaped the ethic of Jesus who used them as the moral compass throughout his ministry. And thus, they are the essence of Christianity. Jesus taught us how our righteousness is not defined by simple blind obedience to the law but in all the ways we integrate these teachings into everything we do. This tells me that these sacred words aren’t some binary checklist of do’s and don’ts. They are the human standard for divine being. If we are to follow Jesus’ lead, we will learn that the most sacred and holiest form of worship is simply loving God, loving others, and serving both. Because if we say we love God, then it should be a no brainer to love everyone made in God’s image. If we honestly make God’s love our highest priority, we won’t be tempted to worship a politician, a celebrity, or a bank account, or any other false idol. If we make God’s love the center of our being…then we won’t covet what others have. Or steal that which isn’t yours. If we refuse to use God’s love in vain, then we won’t cheat on our spouses or business partners; we won’t lie or bear false witness to cover up our wrongdoings. We will care for all people, especially our parents, even if we disagree with their politics or principles. If we remember to truly take a day of sabbath rest, we might discover what a life in God’s love is all about. And that is, to enjoy the splendor of God’s glory in a community that welcomes everyone, no matter who they are. When we embrace these sacred words and make them the human standard for divine being, then we begin to see why Joslyn Schaefer describes them as, “an umbilical cord, tethering us to what nourishes us, energizing us so that we can discern and accomplish God’s good purposes for our lives.” Jesus showed us how loving God and one another is the way to live a faithful life in the fullness of God’s righteousness and grace. When we come together in love, the hope and promise of God’s covenant comes alive. I like to think if we truly apply these teaching to every aspect of our lives, like Jesus did, then maybe laws might become a thing of the past, if only because the way we look out and care for one another would make them obsolete. So let us embrace these sacred words from God’s mouth and use them to become human beings instead of just humans doing. Lent is a time to embrace the essence of our faith. It’s a time shape and mold our hearts in the image of Christ so that we can bear witness to God’s unconditional love and grace. And make the kingdom of heaven come alive in real time. As I have learned in my Lenten fasts from years back, when we apply these teachings, making them the blueprint that shapes our lives in the image of Christ, things change. We see and worship God differently. And meet and treat others differently without judgment, exclusion, or harm. This is the essence of what it means to be a Christian, and what it means to to be holy as God is holy. And so it is that Jesus sends us out into the world to be the visible presence of God’s glory, not with laws but with love. Work Cited Adapted from Lenten Message Three from March 7, 2021 at jesusnotjesus.org Bartlett, David L. and Barbara Brown Taylor, eds. Feasting on the Word, Year B Vol 2. (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2008). Schaefer, Joslyn Ogden. The Law. March 7, 2021. |
Ian MacdonaldAn ex-copywriter turned punk rock pastor and peacemaker who dedicates his life to making the world a better place for all humanity. "that they all might be one" ~John 17:21“Prius vita quam doctrina.”
~ St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) * “Life is more important than doctrine.”
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