August 9, 2020, James 1:19-27 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

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Here is a link to the Scripture passage we are spending time with this week –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A19-27&version=NRSV

V.
The other day I asked you to let a couple of thoughts in the passage lead your thinking as you consider the entire passage. Another way of saying that is to let these thoughts be the lens through which you explore this Scripture.

The two thoughts are –

“… be doers of the word and not merely hearers …” (James 1:22)

and,

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)

VI.
Let’s consider what James says about “pure” religion today.

He tells us that good religion, pure religion, religion that is not “messed up” by anything else, “is this, “to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

As I have been thinking about that and thinking about my growing up going to church, and thinking about what I heard as a young person growing up in the church, it seems it was weighted very heavily toward the part, “… keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Maybe my teachers were very concerned about how bad the world was, and how easy it was for me to make wrong decisions and associate with the wrong people that by stressing this it might help me be a good boy.

Was that just in my church? In my community? In my part of the world?

I really don’t remember as much about the “positive spin” James put on it, “to care for orphans and widows…”

I wonder… no I fear, we have been so concerned with insulating church people of all ages from “the world” that we fail to help one another fully grasp what being “doers of the word” entails.

James thinks it certainly entails being concerned about those in distress. Can we say that he thinks it entails doing something about those in distress?

What do you think?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

August 9, 2020, James 1:19-27 – ISSL Reflections

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I.
James continues to offer instruction this week.

In this week’s readings there is the very known command that we are to be, “… doers of the word and not merely hearers …” (James 1:22)

And what might be a little less well known and well remembered, but I suspect of equal importance, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)

As you begin to spend time with this week’s Scripture, allow those two thoughts to lead you into the passage, and be your companion as you seek to find the depths in these verses.

II.
James 1:19-27 (NRSV)

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

III.
Now that you have read through the passage several times what would you gauge to be the two or three or four most important things James says to you?

Why do you rate these as the most important?

IV.
What are the two or three or four correctives James offers to you in regard to how you are to live as a disciple of Jesus?

Why do you find these to be an area in which you need such advice, encouragement and even warnings or correction?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

August 2, 2020, James 1:1-12 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

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Below is a link to this week’s Scripture passage –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A1-12&version=NRSV

VII.
This week as we spent time with James we have thought together by trials, joy, faith, maturity, and encouragement.

There remains one more item to consider, doubt. It’s not so much an “item” as maybe that “elephant in the room.”

James writes to us,

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:5-8)

VIII.
We are told to ask, but then told, “But ask in faith, never doubting ….”

I find that a very hard saying! Does James “really” mean to have us believe that our “faith” must be so complete it leaves no room for doubts? Honest questions? Honest doubts?

If that’s the case, what do we make of Jesus’ encounter with the boy who suffered from some form of convulsions and his father who asked Jesus to heal the boy. The father said,

“… but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24)

The father sure seems to acknowledge he has some doubt. Jesus does not tell him to go away and come back when he has found a means of pushing all doubt or unbelief from his life. No, Jesus heals the boy.

While James’ words troubled me for a long time, one day I noticed, “ … the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way ….”

I take it that James wants us to think about the questioner or doubter who is so full of questions/doubts that he can never make a decision. He goes back and forth between choices and will never pick one and live with his decision. That certainly does not describe the father Jesus spoke with. Yes, the father said his faith was not complete, but that incompleteness did not stop him from coming to Jesus and ask for his son’s healing. He made a choice, acted on it and his honest confession was not shunned by Jesus but was accepted and Jesus offered healing. Healing I suspect for the son and the father.

IX.
I cannot find myself telling anyone, “You just have to believe and never doubt.” Doubts in all kinds of settings are part of life.

But what do we do with doubt. Deny it or acknowledge it?

Who knows, it might bring you closer to Jesus.

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

August 2, 2020, James 1:1-12 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

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Below is a link to this week’s Scripture passage –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A1-12&version=NRSV

V.
We were thinking the other day about some of the ways James suggests we move toward maturity.

As you read this Scripture passage today what encourages you in what James offers?

What do you hear that is positive and encouraging to you?

Why don’t you write down how James encourages you?

VI.
Going a step further he offers some contrasts.

It seems he contrasts some things or traits with maturity.

He contrasts maturity with lack. He contrasts it with being tossed about, being double-minded, being unstable.

He proposes a solution to deal with our lack and instability.

I wonder if at times we don’t propose other solutions to what is lacking in our lives. Like trying to “get more.” Like holding “too tight” to what we fear we might lose. Even being upset with people we think have “more.”

What is the most encouraging thing James offers you today for how to deal with any feelings of being deprived you might have? Any feelings of not being “mature enough”?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

August 2, 2020, James 1:1-12 – ISSL Reflections

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I.
We begin this week a journey with some of the “encouragement” the Epistle of James offers us. (Is it an “encouragement” or a “warning”?)

Let’s start as usual by reading the scripture a couple of times and reading it prayerfully and slowly enough for it to begin to find a place of rest in our minds and hearts.

II.
James 1:1-12 (NRSV)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

III.
First, count yourselves as among those “tribes in the Dispersion” to whom the epistle is addressed. After all, we are certainly dispersed or spread out these days

Is he addressing you when he speaks of trails and testing?

For you, what trails and testing comes to mind today?

James tells us we should consider such things, “nothing but joy.”

My first reaction to James’ comment is, “Sure! You can say that! But what do you know about what I am facing?”

Maybe I am reacting too negatively. James might think so.

But, then he does say, “… let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Does he know first hand that we do not get to “mature and complete” in an instance? After all, tradition tells us he was not among the first to follow Jesus. It took him a while to be counted among the disciples. And yet he comes to be a leader among the disciples in Jerusalem.

IV.
Take some time to recall what has helped you move toward maturity.

Is it simply a matter of time?

Do only the “positive” things in your life help you move toward maturity?

Are there times or events you counted as negative and yet in retrospect see that it helped move you toward maturity?

Are there bothersome things now you may want to think about differently?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 26, 2020, John 14:1-14 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

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VII.
Our Scripture passage closes this week with hearing Jesus say to his disciples,

If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. (John 14:14)

Take time to read the passage with these words of Jesus as the lens through which to view the exchanges between Jesus and the disciples.

Here is a link to the passage –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+14%3A1-14&version=NRSV

VIII.
Thomas asked Jesus how can they know the “way”? (John 14:5)

Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father. (John 14:8)

If Jesus is true to his word, that he will answer what they ask of him, what thoughts, insights or even questions do you have about how Jesus answered them?

Can we take this one step more? How has Jesus answered your questions of him?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 26, 2020, John 14:1-14 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

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IV.
Take time to read the Scripture a few times. Here is a link for the passage. Why not read it in a few translations?

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+14%3A1-14&version=NRSV

V.
There is a prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester and popularized by the song, “Day by Day,” from the musical, “Godspell,”

Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

VI.
Was that the prayer in some way of Thomas and Philip in the upper room that night. Or maybe it had been in their minds and hearts as they walked with Jesus over those many roads in the days and weeks that brought them to that room that night.

Take this prayer with you as you spend time with the Scripture passage and notice where it speaks to you of seeing, loving, and following Lord Jesus.

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 26, 2020, John 14:1-14 – ISSL Reflections

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I.
This week we turn our attention to a much read passage in the Gospel of John.

John 13 marks the beginning of what we often call the “Upper Room Discourse.” It is the setting of Jesus’ last actions and words with The Twelve before he is taken prisoner. It ends with chapter 17 and Jesus’ prayer for the disciples present with him and those who will come to follow him through their witness and words.

This week we focus on chapter 14 where we hear Jesus claim to be “the way, and the truth and the life.” Many people, as this passage is read, seem to focus almost exclusively on the words, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” I ask you to not let that hinder you from paying attention to the interaction between Jesus and a couple of his followers.

That being said, let’s give our attention to what happens,

John 14:1-14 (NRSV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

II.
Notice the questions that are put to Jesus.

Jesus tells them, “And you know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas takes execution with what Jesus claims and says, “… we do not know where … we do not know the way…”

If they have been walking with Jesus through Galilee and Judea for several years, hearing him teach them and all the others who come to Jesus, and seeing him restore health and life to people, does it seem reasonable they have learned so little from him? Is Thomas (or the others) at such a loss for direction?

What might Jesus have felt healing Thomas?

Then after Jesus connects his way with the way to the Father, Philip says they will be “satisfied” if Jesus shows them the Father.

So Philip (and others?) need something more from Jesus to be satisfied, to know they have “really” seen the Father?

III.
Do we ever ask something similar of Jesus?

What of the “Way” have you already learned from Jesus? Can you recall any words or actions of Jesus that have opened for you seeing the “Way” and walking along that path?

For that matter, what of the “Father” are you already seeing?

How can Jesus help you walk the “Way” and see the “Father” more clearly?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 19, 2020, Mark 6:1-6 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

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VII.
Let’s take another look at how this scene in the synagogue unfolds.

Here’s a link to the passage in both the NRSV and in The Message –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6%3A1-6&version=NRSV;MSG

VIII.
Previous to his going to Nazareth Mark recounts Jesus healing a number of people and then Jesus and his disciples show up in his hometown.

There is no indication of how long he might have been there before he goes to the synagogue. Had he been there long enough for him or his disciples to talk about some of what had happened in other towns? Maybe the hometown folk were expecting big things from the local boy coming home.

When he went to the synagogue did he go to teach or did the synagogue official(s) ask him to teach?

I have the impression that as things begin to unfold in the synagogue some or maybe all of the people are impressed with him. Probably both his teaching and the healings they heard he had done elsewhere?

Then things change.

It seems some of the people (or maybe all, we can’t tell), begin talking about him in a way that disparages him and belittles him. The Message paints the picture as, “But in the next breath they were cutting him down…”

Can the tone in a room full of people change so quickly? Have you ever seen something like that happen?

And again from The Message,
“They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further…. He couldn’t get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching.“

IX.
Their being offended by Jesus, stumbling over what they knew about him and his background, and maybe his teaching that day, got in the way of what could happen for them. What they could experience of Jesus’ presence and healing touch was cut short. We are told some were healed but the tone suggests more could have happened except for their attitude, their lack of faith and trust, their stubbornness.

Before I too quickly criticize those folk in Nazareth, I need to examine my own attitude.

When have I jumped to a conclusion or formed an opinion on what to expect in a setting and by my own attitude stopped something good that could have happened for me or someone else in that place?

I may not have a lot of insight, but a number of times and places are coming to mind now.

I hope I can learn from my past …. I pray I can ….

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 19, 2020, Mark 6:1-6 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

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IV.
How did it go? It would be great if we could get together and talk over our experiences of “entering the narrative.” As we listened to one another about how it unfolded we could share our experiences whatever they might have been.

As you feel free, email about it or post comments on the blog page,
https://lectio.discipleswalk.org/july-19-2020-mark-61-6-issl-reflections/

V.
Let’s go back to the passage for the moment.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6%3A1-6&version=NRSV

As the folks in the room speak about Jesus, how loud are they? Is it “under their breath,” in a whisper or almost a whisper to one another? Or, is loud enough to be heard by many around so others pick up on their questions and intent?

What are their facial expressions? Do you see honest questioning in their mood? Or, is the gospel writer correct and they are offended by what Jesus is saying to them?

Why are they offended? What is bothering them about Jesus, his words, his presence, his reputation, his family even?

VI.
Notice the footnote in the NRSV reading. It suggests the reading of Mark 6:3 could be, “… and they stumbled …”

Notice how Eugene Peterson translates part of this in The Message:

But in the next breath they were cutting him down: “He’s just a carpenter—Mary’s boy. We’ve known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he is?” …. They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further. He couldn’t get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching. Mark 6:3,6

Is Jesus still offending people today? What about him and his life and his words could cause us to stumble today?

Any thoughts?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}