ISSL Reflections April 7 2024 Luke 5:17–26 Post 1

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I.
There is a lot to take in, so let’s begin by reading the passage slowly, pausing often (maybe after every phrase or sentence) so we can picture all the Gospel writer wants us to notice.

II.
Luke 5:17-26 (NRSVue)

One day while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem were sitting nearby, and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but, finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus.

When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”

Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your stretcher and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen incredible things today.”

III.
Can you picture how these events unfold?

Who do you see? What are they doing?

Why is our attention called to the “Pharisees and the teachers of the law” before the “paralyzed man” is mentioned?

We even hear about some unnamed “men … carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher” before the paralyzed man is in view. Why?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 31 2024 Mark 16:1–8 – Post 3

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VII.
Let’s return to this Gospel’s account of the women’s first experience of resurrection.

While the Gospel of Mark ends with a lot unsaid about resurrection, what does it say about resurrection?

VIII.
Mark 16:1-8 (NRSVue)

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.

[[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen.]]

IX.
Did you catch what the “young man” told them as he gave them instructions on what to tell “his disciples and Peter…”?

“… you will see him, just as he told you.”

Had they already forgotten what Jesus told them? Did grief and fear so hold them, they were already forgetting Jesus and his teachings?

What causes us or might cause us to lose sight of Jesus?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 31 2024 Mark 16:1–8 – Post 2

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IV.
Returning to our focus passage for this week, notice all the words that describe what the women had done, were prepared to do and the emotions provoked by what they found and heard.

V.
Mark 16:1-8 (NRSVue)

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.

[[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen.]]

VII.
We are told they prepared themselves for an important burial rite for one they loved. Why?

Why were they concerned about “the stone”?

Walk with them into the tomb. What do you see? What concerns, even frightens you? What do you want to do? Do you want to run out of the tomb? Do you question what you think you see?

Even after the “young man” speaks to them they, “… fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them … they were afraid.”

Why did the flee?

Why do you think they are gripped by both “terror” and “amazement”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 31 2024 Mark 16:1–8 – Post 1

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I.
This post goes out on Monday of Holy Week. This week we will spend time with the Gospel of Mark’s account of the dawning of Resurrection Sunday.

Before we turn our attention to this passage, take a few moments to recall how Jesus’ followers were left devastated and fearful when he was crucified and died.

What did they expect when they went to the tomb that morning?

II.
Mark 16:1-8 (NRSVue)

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.

[[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen.]]

III.
Who was going to the tomb on that “first day of the week”?

What were they bringing to the tomb? What were they going to do?

Do you think that’s what they should have brought? Do you think that’s what they should have anticipated doing?

I seems to me hard for us to understand what emotions and spirit they took to the tomb that morning, given we have had many opportunities to read about and hear about what happened on that day and on the days that immediately followed, but take time to try to walk with these women to the tomb and stand before the tomb with them.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 24 2024 Acts 6:7–15 Post 3

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VII.
As you return to this passage today, pay attention to how some people countered Stephen’s speaking to them.

VIII.
Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue)

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

IX.
Did those who disagreed with Stephen use “wisdom” in replying to him?

How would you describe the “spirit” with which they replied to Stephen?

If someone resorts to “false witnesses” in a disagreement with someone, what might you think of them?

And what might “the face of an angel” look like?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 24 2024 Acts 6:7–15 Post 2

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V.
Did you notice,

“… they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.”

Hold that thought in mind as your return to this passage and read it once again.

V.
Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue)

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

VI.
It is interesting to me that we are not told Stephen was good at debate. We are not told he could convince anyone to change their mind. We are not told he wouldn’t stop arguing until he won the argument.

What we are told is he spoke with “… wisdom and the Spirit.”

How do you understand that? What would it be like to be in the presence of someone who spoke with “… wisdom and the Spirit”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 24 2024 Acts 6:7–15 Post 1

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I.
We turn our attention this week to Stephen (both his actions and words) and the reactions some had to him.

First, let’s see what we know about Stephen.

You may want to review the Acts 6:1-6 where we learn a little more about Stephen.

II.
Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue)

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

III.
What have you discovered about Stephen?

Acts 6:1-6 indicates he was one of seven selected by the community for what task?

What do you think it might mean when he is characterized as “full of grace and power”? Are the “wonders and signs” he did related to that?

Why did some “[stir] up the people as well as the elders and the scribes” against him? What did he do wrong?

And, let’s ask what he did right?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 17 2024 1 Peter 3:8–17 Post 3

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VII.
Do you think I ended the last post with a fair question?

“Where do we stand? Is our focus drawn to the outward or the inward?“

As you spend time with this Scripture passage today, notice how it speaks of the outward aspects of a disciple’s life and of the inward aspects of a disciple’s life.

VIII.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire to love life
      and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
       and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
       let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
       and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

IX.
Let me call our attention to one statement from this reading,

Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Do you think it might be true that if you live from a place of “hope that is in you” it is so exhibited in our daily living, folk will ask you about it?

And that leads to another question – What is the “hope that is in you”?

Answer that and maybe the lifestyle follows?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 17 2024 1 Peter 3:8–17 Post 2

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IV.
Today let’s focus on two things in this passage.

First, it is written to “Those who love life and to see good days…”

I wonder how many self-help books and seminars have promised to help folk get on top of those kinds of things?

Second, what does any of this have to do with his invitation to “in your heart sanctify Christ as Lord”?

With those competing thoughts in your mind, spend some time with this passage.

V.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire to love life
      and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
       and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
       let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
       and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

VI.
What is this passage about?

Is it a description of the “good life”? Is it a road-map for developing attitudes and activities that lead one to a “good life”?

Is it about the outward aspects of having a “good life”?

Or is it about the kind of “heart” that makes “good living” possible?

Where do we stand? Is our focus drawn to the outward or the inward?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 17 2024 1 Peter 3:8–17 Post 1

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I.
As we begin our reading and meditating with this Scripture, take time to read it slowly taking in the description of the “the good life.” Might we call it the lifestyle of a disciple of Jesus?

II.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire to love life
      and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
       and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
       let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
       and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

III.
Of all the aspects of the life God calls us to, what two or three stand out to you most?

Is it the unity of the community? The love for one another? A humble mind? Seeking peace? That God hears our prayers? Or the hope that is in us?

Something else?

Whatever it might be, hold that in your consciousness today as you go about your tasks, your encounters with other folk, and in your moments of stillness and quiet.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}