It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Believing, a Reflection on John 11:18-34

Her brother Lazarus had died four days before Jesus arrived. Martha said, "If you had been here, he wouldn't have died." But, as she gives him the responsibility for not having already saved her brother, she adds, "But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him."

Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise again. Martha responds that she already knows about future resurrections. Jesus says to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die."

Then he asks her the question, "Do you believe this?" She responds, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world."

Martha believes based on what Jesus has told her. She already believes although she is speaking at a time when Lazarus is still in the tomb. She is speaking when Jesus' death and resurrection have not yet ocurred.

Martha goes back to the house to tell Mary that Jesus wants to speak to her. When Mary rushes out of the house, the mourners there follow her because they think she is going to the tomb.

When Mary sees Jesus, she also says to him, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the mourners who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved. He asked, "Where have you laid him?"

Charles Cousar, in Texts for Preaching, A Lectionary Commentary based on the NRSV-Year A, says:
He "was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved (11:33, 38). The Greek terms carry the notion of anger and distress. It is more than a statement of Jesus' empathy with grieving friends. He is troubled. He perceives the evidences of death all about and knows that its power is still very much in place. He sees the sharp opposition that cannot tolerate the giving of life, the religious authorities who are threatened by his transforming deeds....

Daily Prayer, Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Morning
God of all consolation and compassion,
your Son comforted the grieving sisters, Martha and Mary;
your breath alone brings life
to dry bones and weary souls.
Pour out your Spirit upon us,
that we may face despair and death
with the hope of resurrection
and faith in the One
who called Lazarus forth from the grave. Amen.

(from RCL Prayers, Fortress Press, 86).

Invitatory Psalm 84

Psalm 36

Daily Lectionary Reading, John 11:18-34

Lectio Divina,
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live" (John 11:25).

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! (Psalm 130:1-2)

Prayer for today:
Jesus our Friend, you wept at the grave of Lazarus, you know all our sorrows. Behold our tears, and bind up the wounds of our hearts. Through the mystery of pain, bring us into closer communion with you and with one another. Raise us from death into life. And grant, in your mercy, that we may come to live, with you and with all whom we love, with you forever. Amen. (adapted from UMBOW 163).



Midday Psalm 119:49-56

Evening
Psalms 11, 14, 15, 16

Monday, April 4, 2011

Delay, a Reflection on John 11:1-17

When their brother got ill, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus. He waited two days before he went to see them.

By the time that John's gospel was first being distributed to the churches, Christians had been concerned about the delay in the return of Christ and the new life that they were looking forward to.

In this passage, Jesus chooses to delay; he is the one who decides when to make his appearance.

But, although he delayed his visit to them, he nevertheless was aware of what was happening to them and was concerned about them.

His delay is helpful in teaching them something. He puts it this way, "I'm doing it in the way that will enable you to believe."

To see this connection between witness to what Jesus can accomplish and the result of that witness, read John 20:30-31, Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah the Son of God, and through believing you may have life in his name.

Daily Prayer, Monday, April 4, 2011

Morning
God of all consolation and compassion,
your Son comforted the grieving sisters, Martha and Mary;
your breath alone brings life
to dry bones and weary souls.
Pour out your Spirit upon us,
that we may face despair and death
with the hope of resurrection
and faith in the One
who called Lazarus forth from the grave. Amen.

(from RCL Prayers, Fortress Press, 86).

Invitatory Psalm 95

Psalm 34

Daily Lectionary Reading, John 11:1-17

Lectio Divina
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world (John 11:9).

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope (Psalm 130:5)

Prayer for today:
As we face the pain and losses in our lives, we turn to you, asking you to be with us. Amen.

Midday Psalm 119:41-48

Evening
Psalms 46, 48, 49

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Live in the Light, a Reflection on Ephesians 5:8-14

Advice to new Christians:

When you lived in the dark, you couldn't see, but, now that the light is on, you can. So, do.

Consider what people do when they think no one can see them. Well, you can see now, and you can be seen.

Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.

This advice can be useful to us old Christians, as well. We should be aware of what the Lord wants us to do and not to do. We should, but do we live as if we did?

Tangent: Light does help us see more and better. In addition, it enables growth. I'm thinking about the flowerpots I have on the windowsill. I see more blooms there than if I had put them somewhere else.

Another tangent: After I had written this post (I usually am about 4 or 5 days ahead), I read this entry entitled Life in the Light in Bishop Ward's blog:

Live as children of light. . . – Ephesians 5:8

In this fourth week of Lent, let us enter into a season of prayer and holy conversation in regard to the resources we share for the ministry of Christ in the Mississippi Conference.

The trustees of the annual conference will ask the 2011 Annual Conference if you desire to enter into a year of discernment regarding the current use of The United Methodist Building in light of an offer from Galloway United Methodist Church to purchase it for urban ministry in downtown Jackson. A decision would be made no earlier than the 2012 Annual Conference.

The trustees share this possibility with you so that we might think prayerfully together, seeking what seems “good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28).

Entering into a year of discernment would provide opportunity for us to 1) assess our need in light of current realities of usage, 2) assess the condition and deferred maintenance of the United Methodist Building, 3) consider alternative alternatives for the future, and 4) develop any plan for the future with concern for minimal financial impact on the conference and local churches.

There is strong commitment to the historical and missional presence in downtown Jackson. John Wesley is our example as we remember his establishment of The Foundry for urban ministry in the city of London. The possibility of using our current facility for urban mission could align our history with our vision, continuing strong Methodist presence and witness in the center of Jackson.

The Irish poet Seamus Heaney wrote of times “when hope and history rhyme.” We will decide together in Annual Conference session if this opportunity resonates in our spirits as wise and worthy of consideration.

With gratitude for your partnership in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Hope Morgan Ward

Daily Prayer, Sunday, April 3, 2011

Morning
Invitatory Psalm 24

Read and reflect on Psalms 32, 33

Daily Lectionary Reading, Ephesians 5:8-14

Lectio Divina
Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (Ephesians 5:13-14).

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long (Psalm 23:6).

Prayer for Today:
....
This is the message we have heard from God and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus the Son cleanses us from all sin.

May almighty God, who caused light to shine out of darkness, shine in our hearts, cleansing us from all our sins, and restoring us to the light of the knowledge of God's glory, in the face of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
(from UMBOW 476)

Evening
Psalms 44, 45

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Lessons to be Learned and Lived, a Reflection on Psalm 23

Harold Kushner wrote a guide to the 23rd Psalm, The Lord Is My Shepherd. In this book, he discusses the psalm verse by verse both in context of the time it was written and how it is applicable to our own lives. For more information, see the Reading Guide.

Kushner reminds us that the psalm doesn't offer us the pious hope that if we are good people that our lives will be easy. Instead, we can expect God's help as we meet the challenges that face us. Another lesson that Kushner finds in the psalm is that although we cannot control what happens to us, we can control how we respond to it.

Daily Prayer, Saturday, April 2, 2011

Morning

Come let us walk in the light of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths (Isaiah 2:5, 3c; UMBOW 326).

Invitatory Psalm 67

Read and reflect on Psalms 26, 27, 29

Daily Lectionary Reading, Psalm 23

Lectio Divina

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake (Psalm 23:1-3).

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows (Psalm 23:4-5).

Prayer for today:
O holy and merciful God
we confess that we have not always taken upon ourselves the yoke of obedience,
nor been willing to seek and to do your perfect will.
We have not loved you
with all our heart and and and soul and strength,
neither have we loved our neighbors as ourselves.
You have called to us in the need of our sisters and brothers,
and we have passed unheeding on our way.
In the pride of our hearts, and our unwillingness to repent,
we have turned away from the cross of Christ.
....
(from UMBOW 476)

Remind us now that you are our shepherd. Lead us back to the right paths.

Evening
Psalms 35:1-3, 9-28; 38

Friday, April 1, 2011

Anointing a New King, a Reflection on 1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord has told Samuel to do something, but it's something that would be upsetting to the king, and the king is the one who has the army.

The solution they come up with for this task is deception. Samuel will do what the Lord has told him, go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king, but he's pretending that he is on a different mission, one that would be acceptable to the king.

The Lord has rejected Saul as king over Israel and has told Samuel to anoint a new king, one that the Lord has selected. Apparently, this rift is not a complete secret. When Samuel gets to Bethlehem, the elders of the city meet him and ask him if he's come in peace. They apparently are also weighing the risks in listening to what the Lord wants but suffering the consequences of what the king doesn't.

Samuel is not completely frank with them. He says he has come in peace, and I'm sure that he hopes that he has. He does invite them to come with him so he's not being completely secret about his mission. (Note: Samuel is the one who anointed Saul--the ceremony that made Saul the king (1 Samuel 9:17-10:1). That ceremony had also been done in secret.)

The Lord has told Samuel to choose one of Jesse's sons, saying "I will make know to you what you shall do; you shall anoint the one I point out to you."

When the first son comes by, Samuel thinks that surely he is the one that the Lord wants. But the Lord tells him not to pay attention to his appearance, for while humans can see only what is visible, the Lord can see into the heart." Same with the next son, and the next, and so on through the seventh.

Samuel asks Jesse if he has any others to show him. Jesse says that there is one more, the youngest who is at the moment tending the sheep. Samuel says to send for him to join in their meal.

When David arrives, the Lord says that this is the one. Samuel anoints him in the presence of his brothers. (Apparently the town elders had not accepted his invitation to go to Jesse's house.)

A couple of points: David is tending the sheep. He is a shepherd. (Remember Joseph?)

The one that the Lord has chosen is not the obvious candidate to Samuel or to David's father. Being close to someone or being in charge of something doesn't always give you the wisdom to know what's best.

Another point--consider what a shepherd must be able to do in order to care for the flock. What better preparation for a leader could we ask for?

Daily Prayer, Friday, April 1, 2011

Morning

God of all the ages, in your sight nations rise and fall, and pass through times of peril. When our land is troubled, be near to judge and save. May leaders be led by your wisdom; may they search your will and see it clearly. If we have turned from your way, reverse our ways and help us to repent. Give us your light and your truth, let the guide us; through Jesus Christ, who is lord of this world, and our Savior. Amen. (UMBOW 517).

Invitatory Psalm 118

The Lord is my strength and my power;
the Lord has become my salvation.
....
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day which the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
....

Psalms 23, 25

Daily Lectionary Reading, 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Lectio Divina
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out ad went to Ramah (1 Samuel 16:13).

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows (Psalm 23:5).

Prayer for today:
God of all the ages,
in your sight nations rise and fall, and pass through times of peril.
Now when our land is troubled, be near to judge and save.'May leaders be led by your wisdom;
may they search your will and see it clearly.
If we have turned from your way,
reverse our ways and help us to repent.
Give us your light and your truth, let them guide; us;
through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of this world, and our Savior.

(UMBOW 517)

Midday Psalm 119:33-40

Evening
Psalms 30, 31