I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-interest. I ask to know and follow Christ more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 3:23- 29
23 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed.
24Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith.
25But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian,
26for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.
27As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
1) "...before faith came;" "...until faith would be revealed;" "...justified by faith;" "...you are all children of God through faith;" "...clothed yourselves with Christ;" "...all of you are one in Christ Jesus;" "...Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise;" "...faith came;" "...faith would be revealed;" "...Christ came;" "...justified by faith;" "...faith has come;" "...all children of God;" "...offspring."
2) so... "offspring" not "offsprings". Now he uses offspring as a collective noun to include the whole community, not must Christ Jesus as he did above. In reading the above, one needs to do it in light of these last two paragraphs. All of it is to make the point that in Christ Jesus the categories we use to separate and rank people no longer have a place. "Jew or Greek... slave or free... male and female." "All are one in Christ Jesus." This is a favourite passage of mine. I appreciate "All are one in Christ Jesus." But to get here, we go through some really difficult could be read as anti-Semitic material. I dread the thought of what folk might do with my writings out of context.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Humility. To bear in mind that an injury to another is a wound to an extension of my own body through Christ.
"Holy One, help us to experience oneness in you. May we have the courage to bear the suffering and the joy that is yours in this broken, beautiful world."
Breathprayer: "All Are One... Abraham's Offspring."
Wednesday 31 January 2018
Tuesday 30 January 2018
"Make Alive... Believe."
I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy. I ask for the grace to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 3:19-22
1) "...offspring;" "...angels;" "...mediator;" "...God is one;" "...make alive;" "...promised through faith;" "...given to those who believe;"
2) So, here, Paul argues that the law as only meant as an intermediary until "the offspring" would come. The law was given because of the continual transgressions of the people, to keep them part of the promise until the mediator came. But now that the mediator has come, there is no longer any use for the law for those who were not already under it. I feel a great deal of suspicion as I read these words. I'm cautious of an anti-Semitic reading. But, again, Paul is asserting that those who were not already under the law, the gentiles, have not need for the law... they do not need to be circumcised; they do not need to follow the dietary restrictions. Funny that I've just preached on 1 Corinthians where he tells the "strong" the should not eat meat if it threatens the faith of one of the "weak." Really, Paul wants us to listen to what is genuinely in our own hearts, and not be persuaded by fancy "authoritative" arguments. Paul wants us to "trust," "believe," in the Christ speaking in our hearts.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To listen carefully, prayerfully, to the voice of Christ speaking among us. Love one another. Act lovingly toward one another. Live with compassion, empathy, and justice. Particular practices are meant to build up, not tear down the body of Christ.
"Holy One, help us to pray, to make alive, to believe, and to live under your power."
Breathprayer: "Make Alive... Believe."
Galatians 3:19-22
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.
20Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one.
21 Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law.
22But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
1) "...offspring;" "...angels;" "...mediator;" "...God is one;" "...make alive;" "...promised through faith;" "...given to those who believe;"
2) So, here, Paul argues that the law as only meant as an intermediary until "the offspring" would come. The law was given because of the continual transgressions of the people, to keep them part of the promise until the mediator came. But now that the mediator has come, there is no longer any use for the law for those who were not already under it. I feel a great deal of suspicion as I read these words. I'm cautious of an anti-Semitic reading. But, again, Paul is asserting that those who were not already under the law, the gentiles, have not need for the law... they do not need to be circumcised; they do not need to follow the dietary restrictions. Funny that I've just preached on 1 Corinthians where he tells the "strong" the should not eat meat if it threatens the faith of one of the "weak." Really, Paul wants us to listen to what is genuinely in our own hearts, and not be persuaded by fancy "authoritative" arguments. Paul wants us to "trust," "believe," in the Christ speaking in our hearts.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To listen carefully, prayerfully, to the voice of Christ speaking among us. Love one another. Act lovingly toward one another. Live with compassion, empathy, and justice. Particular practices are meant to build up, not tear down the body of Christ.
"Holy One, help us to pray, to make alive, to believe, and to live under your power."
Breathprayer: "Make Alive... Believe."
Monday 29 January 2018
"The Inheritance... the Promise."
I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, and compassion. I pray for the grace to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I pray for the grace to know and follow Christ more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 3:15-18
15 Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it. 16Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, ‘And to offsprings’, as of many; but it says, ‘And to your offspring’, that is, to one person, who is Christ. 17My point is this: the law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.
1) "...a covenant;" "...through the promise;"
2) This is an example from daily life? I feel this passage would benefit from reading multiple translations. I'm not sure Paul gets to split the hair "offspring" vs "offsprings". A mass noun is a mass noun in English. I fear his argument is so comprehensive as to nullify everything he's said in other letters about honouring those who first received the promise. I do appreciate that the "promise" predates the "law." I would agree that Gentiles do not need to follow the letter of the law in order to receive the promise. But I'm quite sure, I would not choose take this line of argument. It is too ease to twist it into an anti-Semitic argument. And Paul is wrong anyway, because supersessionism was good biblical theology. With the prophets, the "new" regularly superseded the old. So I wouldn't name this one of Paul's more stellar moments in argumentation. I guess that's what happens when we are angry.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To accept the promise, for all people. It isn't God's thing to make favourites, or to exclude based on practices or rites. God wants to know if we love one another, and serve the least of these.
"Holy One, make us worthy witnesses to your presence and promise."
Breathprayer: "the inheritance... the promise."
Galatians 3:15-18
15 Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it. 16Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, ‘And to offsprings’, as of many; but it says, ‘And to your offspring’, that is, to one person, who is Christ. 17My point is this: the law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.
1) "...a covenant;" "...through the promise;"
2) This is an example from daily life? I feel this passage would benefit from reading multiple translations. I'm not sure Paul gets to split the hair "offspring" vs "offsprings". A mass noun is a mass noun in English. I fear his argument is so comprehensive as to nullify everything he's said in other letters about honouring those who first received the promise. I do appreciate that the "promise" predates the "law." I would agree that Gentiles do not need to follow the letter of the law in order to receive the promise. But I'm quite sure, I would not choose take this line of argument. It is too ease to twist it into an anti-Semitic argument. And Paul is wrong anyway, because supersessionism was good biblical theology. With the prophets, the "new" regularly superseded the old. So I wouldn't name this one of Paul's more stellar moments in argumentation. I guess that's what happens when we are angry.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To accept the promise, for all people. It isn't God's thing to make favourites, or to exclude based on practices or rites. God wants to know if we love one another, and serve the least of these.
"Holy One, make us worthy witnesses to your presence and promise."
Breathprayer: "the inheritance... the promise."
Thursday 25 January 2018
"Live by Faith... Receive the Promise."
I am very grateful for the grace I have received in being able to maintain a faithful prayer and meditation practice. I'm grateful for the companions on the journey. I'm grateful that for sometime now, I feel I have successfully maintained abstinence from alienating behaviours, and behaviours that simply put me into a negative rut. I ask for the continued grace to grow in Christ, to know and follow him more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 3:10-14
10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.’ 11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; for ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’ 12But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, ‘Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.’ 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’— 14in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
1) "...under a curse;" "...all the things;" "...live by faith;" "...Christ redeemed us;" "...by becoming a curse for us;" "...cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree;" "...blessing of Abraham;" "...the promise of the Spirit;" "...becoming a curse for us;" "...cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree;" "...we might receive the promise;" "...receive the promise;"
2) I resent how these words have been taken out of context. Paul is a Jew, under the law himself. So was Christ. The "curse" is shared by everyone. I'm particularly sensitive to "the curse" as we've been reading the biography of Bonhoeffer, in which it was suggested by "German Christians" that the holocaust was the direct result of "the curse." Its beyond time to abandon that ideology entirely. Paul is making a point about it being pointless for Gentiles who had accepted Christ to follow the law. They have already received Christ, the law serves to purpose for them. Paul is adamant that one community should not impose its practices upon the other. In 1 Corinthians, Paul explicitly points out that in Christ, our practices no longer matter, what matters is if we loved one another. And by love, he does not mean, did we feel warm fuzzies for each other, but did we behave faithfully, lovingly towards "the least of these." Every human is abundantly complicit in the inequality, alienation, and evil in the world to illustrate "the curse."
3) What is the invitation in all this? to be conscious of what "the curse" refers to, to receive Christ as having redeemed us from the curse.
"Holy One, redeem your children, redeem your creation, redeem your church."
Breathprayer: "Live by faith... receive the promise."
Galatians 3:10-14
10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.’ 11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; for ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’ 12But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, ‘Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.’ 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’— 14in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
1) "...under a curse;" "...all the things;" "...live by faith;" "...Christ redeemed us;" "...by becoming a curse for us;" "...cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree;" "...blessing of Abraham;" "...the promise of the Spirit;" "...becoming a curse for us;" "...cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree;" "...we might receive the promise;" "...receive the promise;"
2) I resent how these words have been taken out of context. Paul is a Jew, under the law himself. So was Christ. The "curse" is shared by everyone. I'm particularly sensitive to "the curse" as we've been reading the biography of Bonhoeffer, in which it was suggested by "German Christians" that the holocaust was the direct result of "the curse." Its beyond time to abandon that ideology entirely. Paul is making a point about it being pointless for Gentiles who had accepted Christ to follow the law. They have already received Christ, the law serves to purpose for them. Paul is adamant that one community should not impose its practices upon the other. In 1 Corinthians, Paul explicitly points out that in Christ, our practices no longer matter, what matters is if we loved one another. And by love, he does not mean, did we feel warm fuzzies for each other, but did we behave faithfully, lovingly towards "the least of these." Every human is abundantly complicit in the inequality, alienation, and evil in the world to illustrate "the curse."
3) What is the invitation in all this? to be conscious of what "the curse" refers to, to receive Christ as having redeemed us from the curse.
"Holy One, redeem your children, redeem your creation, redeem your church."
Breathprayer: "Live by faith... receive the promise."
Wednesday 24 January 2018
"Blessed in You... Blessed with Abraham."
I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for tolerance, patience, compassion, and empathy. I ask for the grace to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. May I know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 3:6-9
6 Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, 7so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. 8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.’ 9For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.
1) "...believed God;" "...reckoned;" "...descendants of Abraham;" "...justify the Gentiles by faith;" "...declared the gospel beforehand;" "...All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you;" "...blessed with Abraham;"
2) So, winding up here for what will become interpreted as anti-Semitism (those who follow the law are cursed). But here is the context, Gentiles are being convinced to get circumcised and observe the dietary laws "in order" to follow Christ. But Paul is arguing that they are already "blessed with Abraham who believed." These texts and how they have been read/interpreted make me so sad. Paul is clearly admonishing the community for thinking that observances and practices are more important that living a life of faith. How often do my "practices" distract me, rather than taking me deeper into my relationship with Christ/Christians? I remember writing in my journal for hours and hours a day, pouring out my soul in Seminary while missing classes and isolating from my classmates. The practice had become a means of avoiding interaction, denying responsibility. Work is only faithful so long as it continues to lead us into the heart of God. When the work separates us, alienates, divides the community, it is no longer faithful. What are the "purity laws" that alienate us from the "outside world"? Chastity? Monogamy? Charity? Daily ritual Martyrdom? Work exhaustion? Burnout? Busy-ness? Holier-than-thou-ness? A commitment to ignorance? Perfection? Sacrificing progress for perfection?
3) What is the invitation in all this? To practice only gratitude that we are blessed in the rich traditions that bring us to grace.
"Holy One, bless you children all the world through."
Breathprayer: "Blessed in you... blessed with Abraham."
Galatians 3:6-9
6 Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, 7so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. 8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.’ 9For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.
1) "...believed God;" "...reckoned;" "...descendants of Abraham;" "...justify the Gentiles by faith;" "...declared the gospel beforehand;" "...All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you;" "...blessed with Abraham;"
2) So, winding up here for what will become interpreted as anti-Semitism (those who follow the law are cursed). But here is the context, Gentiles are being convinced to get circumcised and observe the dietary laws "in order" to follow Christ. But Paul is arguing that they are already "blessed with Abraham who believed." These texts and how they have been read/interpreted make me so sad. Paul is clearly admonishing the community for thinking that observances and practices are more important that living a life of faith. How often do my "practices" distract me, rather than taking me deeper into my relationship with Christ/Christians? I remember writing in my journal for hours and hours a day, pouring out my soul in Seminary while missing classes and isolating from my classmates. The practice had become a means of avoiding interaction, denying responsibility. Work is only faithful so long as it continues to lead us into the heart of God. When the work separates us, alienates, divides the community, it is no longer faithful. What are the "purity laws" that alienate us from the "outside world"? Chastity? Monogamy? Charity? Daily ritual Martyrdom? Work exhaustion? Burnout? Busy-ness? Holier-than-thou-ness? A commitment to ignorance? Perfection? Sacrificing progress for perfection?
3) What is the invitation in all this? To practice only gratitude that we are blessed in the rich traditions that bring us to grace.
"Holy One, bless you children all the world through."
Breathprayer: "Blessed in you... blessed with Abraham."
Tuesday 23 January 2018
"Receiving the Spirit... Believing what You Heard."
I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy. I ask for the grace to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 3:1-5
3You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! 2The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? 4Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing. 5Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
1) "...foolish Galatians;" "...bewitched;" "...are you so foolish?" "...started with the Spirit;" "...ending with the flesh;" "...supply you with the Spirit;" "...work miracles among you;" "...believing what you heard"
2) Paul is clearly in sensed. I can't imagine this being an effective means of communication. Either he really trusts his authority with this community, or he really doesn't care what response his words have. There is no question about his feelings or his position. He is horrified that despite the fact that the Galatians have already experienced miracles and the working of the Spirit among them that they would now start observing the works of the law, effectively surrendering grace for works righteousness. I have to wonder at what was lacking for the Galatians, having experienced miracles and the works of the Spirit, that they would choose to start observing the law including circumcision, and dietary restrictions. What would compel them to need the works of the law? There must have been a need, a felt lack, some obstacle that produced in them a need for "something more" than what they were already experiencing. I know that if someone wrote to me the way Paul addresses the Galatians, I would not be likely to finish reading the letter. There are only a small handful of people I'd be willing to finish reading their address if it were delivered like this!
3) What is the invitation in all this? How do I address people I know are committing atrocities? Do I show them as much curiosity and compassion as I'm currently showing the Galatians?
"Holy One, call us to reconcile, however you must."
Breathprayer: "Receive the Spirit... believing what you heard"
Galatians 3:1-5
3You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! 2The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? 4Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing. 5Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
1) "...foolish Galatians;" "...bewitched;" "...are you so foolish?" "...started with the Spirit;" "...ending with the flesh;" "...supply you with the Spirit;" "...work miracles among you;" "...believing what you heard"
2) Paul is clearly in sensed. I can't imagine this being an effective means of communication. Either he really trusts his authority with this community, or he really doesn't care what response his words have. There is no question about his feelings or his position. He is horrified that despite the fact that the Galatians have already experienced miracles and the working of the Spirit among them that they would now start observing the works of the law, effectively surrendering grace for works righteousness. I have to wonder at what was lacking for the Galatians, having experienced miracles and the works of the Spirit, that they would choose to start observing the law including circumcision, and dietary restrictions. What would compel them to need the works of the law? There must have been a need, a felt lack, some obstacle that produced in them a need for "something more" than what they were already experiencing. I know that if someone wrote to me the way Paul addresses the Galatians, I would not be likely to finish reading the letter. There are only a small handful of people I'd be willing to finish reading their address if it were delivered like this!
3) What is the invitation in all this? How do I address people I know are committing atrocities? Do I show them as much curiosity and compassion as I'm currently showing the Galatians?
"Holy One, call us to reconcile, however you must."
Breathprayer: "Receive the Spirit... believing what you heard"
Monday 22 January 2018
"Christ... Lives in Me."
I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more intimately, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 2:19-21
19For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
1) "...live to God;" "...crucified with Christ;" "...Christ... lives in me;" "...live by faith;" "...who loved me and gave himself for me;" "...if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing;" "
2) Am I convinced that "if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing"? Does Christ need to be the only means of salvation for his life, death, and resurrection to be worth something? I'm not at all convinced. Certainly, if the law worked for me, I would earn my own salvation, but I've tried that (over and over and over...). I am more than reasonably confident that I cannot earn my salvation via the law, or my own works. I cannot even pray without intervention. I sit down daily to meditate, to focus on nothing except being in the sacred presence, and within seconds, I fail. I get distracted. I fall asleep. I daydream. After seconds, minutes, sometimes most of my session, I return to the sacred presence - briefly. How often does my alarm wake me up or return me from my daydream? My own efforts do prepare the soil, create space. But it is only by the grace of God that something like peace comes to me even for the brief moments I experience it. I can't and won't speak for anyone else. I don't know if Christ HAD to die for my salvation; but I am convinced that he did; in fact, many have and do. Christ dies again and again in a world bent on alienation, self-interest, compulsion, and denial.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To consciously, regularly, faithfully, return to "live to God." To invite Christ to live in me. That would really be a different way of living, as if Christ were living in me and I were not just living out my own ego/false self.
"Live in me, breath of God. May I not - too often - be a cause for your perennial death."
Breathprayer: "Christ... lives in me."
Galatians 2:19-21
19For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
1) "...live to God;" "...crucified with Christ;" "...Christ... lives in me;" "...live by faith;" "...who loved me and gave himself for me;" "...if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing;" "
2) Am I convinced that "if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing"? Does Christ need to be the only means of salvation for his life, death, and resurrection to be worth something? I'm not at all convinced. Certainly, if the law worked for me, I would earn my own salvation, but I've tried that (over and over and over...). I am more than reasonably confident that I cannot earn my salvation via the law, or my own works. I cannot even pray without intervention. I sit down daily to meditate, to focus on nothing except being in the sacred presence, and within seconds, I fail. I get distracted. I fall asleep. I daydream. After seconds, minutes, sometimes most of my session, I return to the sacred presence - briefly. How often does my alarm wake me up or return me from my daydream? My own efforts do prepare the soil, create space. But it is only by the grace of God that something like peace comes to me even for the brief moments I experience it. I can't and won't speak for anyone else. I don't know if Christ HAD to die for my salvation; but I am convinced that he did; in fact, many have and do. Christ dies again and again in a world bent on alienation, self-interest, compulsion, and denial.
3) What is the invitation in all this? To consciously, regularly, faithfully, return to "live to God." To invite Christ to live in me. That would really be a different way of living, as if Christ were living in me and I were not just living out my own ego/false self.
"Live in me, breath of God. May I not - too often - be a cause for your perennial death."
Breathprayer: "Christ... lives in me."
Thursday 18 January 2018
"Come... Believe"
I ask for grace. May I pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, empathy, and compassion. I ask for the grace to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Jesus more intimately, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 2:15-18
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. 17But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor.
1) "...faith in Jesus Christ;" "...come to believe;" "...justified by faith;" "...certainly not!" "...I demonstrate that I am a transgressor;"
2) One way or another, I'm a transgressor. I transgress. And though I can pursue many a good work, even then, I can be mistaken that the work is good, or I could go about pursuing the good work in a bad way, or I could simply fail in achieving the good work I would do. Faith, in God's willingness and capacity for love, willingness and capacity to forgive, willingness and capacity to provide, willingness and capacity to reconcile, is what brings about the Kingdom way/salvation/resurrection/new life. Today I am grateful for God's willingness and capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile. How willing am I to let God's willingness and capacity be witnessed through me? through my actions? through my willingness and capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile? Could I commit more deeply? I have a deep sense that "yes, I could."
3) What is the invitation in all this? To commit more deeply to letting God's willingness and capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile be proclaimed through my capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile.
"Holy One, work in me a willingness and capacity to be yours."
Breathprayer: "Come... believe."
Galatians 2:15-18
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. 17But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor.
1) "...faith in Jesus Christ;" "...come to believe;" "...justified by faith;" "...certainly not!" "...I demonstrate that I am a transgressor;"
2) One way or another, I'm a transgressor. I transgress. And though I can pursue many a good work, even then, I can be mistaken that the work is good, or I could go about pursuing the good work in a bad way, or I could simply fail in achieving the good work I would do. Faith, in God's willingness and capacity for love, willingness and capacity to forgive, willingness and capacity to provide, willingness and capacity to reconcile, is what brings about the Kingdom way/salvation/resurrection/new life. Today I am grateful for God's willingness and capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile. How willing am I to let God's willingness and capacity be witnessed through me? through my actions? through my willingness and capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile? Could I commit more deeply? I have a deep sense that "yes, I could."
3) What is the invitation in all this? To commit more deeply to letting God's willingness and capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile be proclaimed through my capacity to love, forgive, provide, and reconcile.
"Holy One, work in me a willingness and capacity to be yours."
Breathprayer: "Come... believe."
Wednesday 17 January 2018
"...Truth of the Gospel."
I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. May I know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 2:11-14
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned; 12for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. 13And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?’
1) "...self-condemned;" "...not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel;" "...truth of the gospel."
2) I'd really like to hear Cephas' side of this encounter. Paul reports the motivation behind Cephas' "keeping back." But it is so easy to return to old practices. Paul is calling for unity, for the community to eat together as one. Paul observes a self-righteousness from the "circumcision faction" separating themselves from the Gentiles to maintain observance of the purity laws around eating. I'm not sure I'd want to be on the receiving end of Paul's admonishment. How do we admonish one another without alienating one another? Paul is quiet certain that Cephas is "not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel." I've been contemplating the meme: "Ignorance is full of confidence; wisdom is full of doubt." But Paul here, whom I consider to be wise, is able to speak so confidently to Cephas. When I feel the call to point out how someone is not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I am full of doubt. Am I always consistent with the truth of the gospel? Can I know with certainty the truth of the gospel? Who am I to point out to someone (In Paul's case he is admonishing an acknowledged pillar) that they are being inconsistent? Who feels they have the capacity to point out when I am inconsistent? Certainly, I have people in a close circle whom I share intimacy and safety that we can call each other to account, but that's a close circle and not everyone can be in it. I can think of times people have tried to call me to account, sometimes well, sometimes poorly. I works best if we can trust that the calling to account comes from love.
3) What is the invitation in all this? If I feel called to point out that someone is not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, really examine whether that call comes from love, or from a desire to be right.
"Holy One, be with us in conflict. Guide our interactions. Keep us mindful of the love you have for us, and that you call us to have for each other."
Breathprayer: "...truth of the Gospel."
Galatians 2:11-14
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned; 12for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. 13And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?’
1) "...self-condemned;" "...not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel;" "...truth of the gospel."
2) I'd really like to hear Cephas' side of this encounter. Paul reports the motivation behind Cephas' "keeping back." But it is so easy to return to old practices. Paul is calling for unity, for the community to eat together as one. Paul observes a self-righteousness from the "circumcision faction" separating themselves from the Gentiles to maintain observance of the purity laws around eating. I'm not sure I'd want to be on the receiving end of Paul's admonishment. How do we admonish one another without alienating one another? Paul is quiet certain that Cephas is "not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel." I've been contemplating the meme: "Ignorance is full of confidence; wisdom is full of doubt." But Paul here, whom I consider to be wise, is able to speak so confidently to Cephas. When I feel the call to point out how someone is not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I am full of doubt. Am I always consistent with the truth of the gospel? Can I know with certainty the truth of the gospel? Who am I to point out to someone (In Paul's case he is admonishing an acknowledged pillar) that they are being inconsistent? Who feels they have the capacity to point out when I am inconsistent? Certainly, I have people in a close circle whom I share intimacy and safety that we can call each other to account, but that's a close circle and not everyone can be in it. I can think of times people have tried to call me to account, sometimes well, sometimes poorly. I works best if we can trust that the calling to account comes from love.
3) What is the invitation in all this? If I feel called to point out that someone is not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, really examine whether that call comes from love, or from a desire to be right.
"Holy One, be with us in conflict. Guide our interactions. Keep us mindful of the love you have for us, and that you call us to have for each other."
Breathprayer: "...truth of the Gospel."
Tuesday 16 January 2018
"No Partiality... Remember the Poor."
I ask for the grace of praying and meditating faithfully. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Christ more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 2:6-10
6And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those leaders contributed nothing to me. 7On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised 8(for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the Gentiles), 9and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.
1) "...God shows no partiality;" "...entrusted with the gospel;" "...entrusted with the gospel;" "...acknowledged pillars;" "...recognized the grace;" "...the right hand of fellowship;" "...remember the poor;" "...eager to do;" "...
2) Paul is asserting that his "gospel to the uncircumcised" was affirmed by the acknowledged pillars: James, Cephas, and John. The only thing the pillars asked of him was that he and Barnabas "remember the poor." And he was eager to do that. So many "Christians" have so many expectations of other "Christians"... All James, Cephas, and John, the acknowledge pillars, asked of Paul (who was preaching a gospel that released Gentiles from the requirements of the Mosaic laws) was to remember the poor. If only some Christians spent more time remembering the poor than condemning other peoples' beliefs and practices. If Christians spent more time demonstrating, demanding a "living wage" for everyone and "affordable housing" for everyone and less time making moral pronouncements about life styles, sexual orientations, gender identities... the world would be more like the Kingdom of God.
3) What is the invitation this? Advocated for a minimum wage that is a living wage. Advocate for affordable shelter/housing for everyone. Continue supporting assistance systems in the meantime.
"Holy One, May we offer the right hand of fellowship to all who work for social justice, and right relationship, regardless the differences in our practices or beliefs."
Breathprayer: "No partiality... remember the poor."
Galatians 2:6-10
6And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those leaders contributed nothing to me. 7On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised 8(for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the Gentiles), 9and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.
1) "...God shows no partiality;" "...entrusted with the gospel;" "...entrusted with the gospel;" "...acknowledged pillars;" "...recognized the grace;" "...the right hand of fellowship;" "...remember the poor;" "...eager to do;" "...
2) Paul is asserting that his "gospel to the uncircumcised" was affirmed by the acknowledged pillars: James, Cephas, and John. The only thing the pillars asked of him was that he and Barnabas "remember the poor." And he was eager to do that. So many "Christians" have so many expectations of other "Christians"... All James, Cephas, and John, the acknowledge pillars, asked of Paul (who was preaching a gospel that released Gentiles from the requirements of the Mosaic laws) was to remember the poor. If only some Christians spent more time remembering the poor than condemning other peoples' beliefs and practices. If Christians spent more time demonstrating, demanding a "living wage" for everyone and "affordable housing" for everyone and less time making moral pronouncements about life styles, sexual orientations, gender identities... the world would be more like the Kingdom of God.
3) What is the invitation this? Advocated for a minimum wage that is a living wage. Advocate for affordable shelter/housing for everyone. Continue supporting assistance systems in the meantime.
"Holy One, May we offer the right hand of fellowship to all who work for social justice, and right relationship, regardless the differences in our practices or beliefs."
Breathprayer: "No partiality... remember the poor."
Monday 15 January 2018
"Revelation... Truth of the Gospel."
As I return to work and my blog after a much appreciated rest, I ask for grace. I ask to receive whatever I need so as not to be completely overwhelmed by the race of catching up, or the press to be prepared for Lent. I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy for myself and others. I ask to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance. I ask to know and follow Christ more intimately, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
Galatians 2:1-5
2
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.
2I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid before them (though only in a private meeting with the acknowledged leaders) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure that I was not running, or had not run, in vain.
3But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.
4But because of false believers secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us—
5we did not submit to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might always remain with you.
1) "...fourteen years;" "...revelation;" "..the truth of the gospel;"
2) Wow. I don't spend too much time choosing the length of the text, and I expect I could easily do a full session on each of verse 1, verse 2, and verse 5. "Fourteen years," I don't usually give much thought to the length of Paul's mission, the length of time between his letters, the length of time before the first letter we have. Here Paul claims to have spent 14 years in ministry between his first visit to Jerusalem and his second after his first revelation. So his second visit happened in his 17th year of ministry to the Gentiles. All we have are a handful of letters. I hate to think that someone might pick up a handful of my sermons (and I no longer write sermons, I only write notes) and try to "reconstruct" my entire theology! Some of those sermon aren't very good. So... what do we really know about Paul? He gives us no content as to this second "revelation." Were I preaching this text, I'd want to know what I could about that revelation. Clearly, Paul derives some authority from it (it is from the revelation that Paul derives his authority, not the apostles). Finally, how do we hold to the "truth of the Gospel." We put a great deal of trust in that handful of letter the church preserved. From them, we can draw some observations about the "truth" of Paul's Gospel: it was radically inclusive; individual practices were not as important as what is in our hearts; above all else, members of the community are called to love one another; and we are called to love others, even at our own sacrifice.
3) What is the invitation in all this? Perhaps to develop some context around the expanse of Paul's ministry, maybe resist the temptation to assume "I know" what he thought, believed, or did.
"Holy One, be with us as we journey, seeking to follow your way, our whole lives."
Breathprayer: "Revelation... truth of the Gospel."
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