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}

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

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I.
This week we watch Jesus travel to his hometown. We see him enter the synagogue, probably the same one Mary and Joseph took him to when he was a child, a boy, a young man before he left their home to travel the countryside. Probably people were there who saw him grow up in that town.

We watch him as he goes to read the sacred scripture. We hear him as he reads. We watch the people as they react to him. We hear the people as they react to his teaching.

Why don’t we go to the synagogue with Jesus?

There is a spiritual practice sometimes called Ignatian Contemplation, Gospel Contemplation, or Entering the Narrative. It is a method of using our imagination to put ourselves in the scene.

We are there (in our minds) with the folk. We see Jesus, we hear Jesus, we see the synagogue attendant unroll the scroll, we see Jesus lean forward, is he praying for a moment, then he begins to read. Then he sits down to teach. We look around and see all the people in the room. Which of the disciples that travel with him are there? Is Mary there? Can you hear what the people are saying? Can you see the expressions on their faces? What is the feeling in the room?

You get the idea? Right?

Let’s do it this week.

Before you read the Scripture and absorb it into our consciousness and imagination, take a few moments to still yourself, move away from any worries or preoccupations that crowd your mind and give yourself time to travel to that synagogue in Nazareth, then look, watch, listen.

II.
Mark 6:1-6 (NRSV)

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense* at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching.

* Mark 6:3 Or stumbled

III.
What did you see?

How do the people look at Jesus when he begins to read from the scroll? What expressions are on their faces. Can you get a feel for how they are reacting.

Did any of them speak to you? Did you speak to any of them?

Could you hear Jesus clearly? Could you see him from where you were sitting or standing? Were you sitting or standing? Why?

Take time to go back on the experience of being there. What stands out to you the most?

Some folk take to this practice easily, for others it is a stretch or maybe even just falls flat. Some even come to the scene and “leave early.”

However it went for you is fine, but do notice how it went and what you experienced.

Let’s get back together later and talk it over.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 12, 2020, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-52 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

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“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven … a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b)

VI.
What of that balance – to keep silence/to speak.

Is that an easy pair to keep in balance for you? I confess, I struggle with it. Wait, maybe I need to confess that in my “need” to speak, I just make a mess of it.

Even in these posts – when do I need to speak/write/post and when do I need to be silent so you can “hear” what is in the wind, what the Spirit brings?

VII.
In bringing this week’s reflections to a close, let me stand back and direct your attention to the passage in Luke and what goes on there, both the silence and the sounds and the words.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A39-52&version=NRSV

VIII.
Who speaks? Why? When and where is there silence? Why?

When is Jesus silent? When does he speak? When do the teachers speak? When are they silent? When does Mary speak? When is she silent?

What does Mary lead you to “treasure in [your] heart”?

Where is silence in your life today?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 12, 2020, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-52 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

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.Who’s listening? Who’s talking?

You can find this week’s Scripture at –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1%2C+7b%3B+Luke+2%3A39-52&version=NRSV

VI.
Here is a 12 year old boy sitting with the Rabbis. Is he in the background, on the sidelines. How long is he there before the Rabbis notice him? And when they do, what do they say?

“Who are you young man? What are you doing here? This is a place for learned men, not children. What do you have to say for yourself?

Then, did Jesus ask a question about what they were discussing? How do they respond? Do they answer his question? Then turn the tables on him and ask him a question? Maybe, partially, or even wholly, in jest? To embarrass him? To see what he will say? Or, maybe some present want to know if he is paying attention? If he has any idea of what is going on? How important their discussions are?

And then what does Jesus say?

We don’t know? We only know he impresses those present with his answers and understanding and probably even with the questions he asks.

V.
What about us?

Do we think what we discuss is so important and “deep” only a few can understand? Just us enlightened ones?

What of the new person in the class or study group or congregation? Do we in one way or another keep them on the sidelines since they couldn’t be up to handling such a deep discussion with us? Understanding how “spiritual” we are?

Does our arrogance keep others out and keep us insulated in our little private discussions and worlds?

When will trust that the Spirit of God blows where it wills? That we have something to learn from the Wisdom of others? Even those we might call “simple.”

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 12, 2020, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-52 – ISSL Reflections

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I.
In this week’s scripture we are first reminded by the writer of Ecclesiastes that there is a proper “…season, and a time for every matter under heaven….” And then we jump over the naming of many of those “seasons” to a season that so often is difficult to manage, “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Who, among us, has not had difficulty knowing when is the proper time for each?

Then we hear from the Gospel writer, Luke, as he gives us a very brief glimpse into Jesus’ youth.

Take note Luke writes, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40); and then, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” (Luke 2:52).

As you read the passage a couple of times, what stands out to you in those years for both Jesus’ parents and Jesus.

II.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b (New Revised Standard Version)

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…

Luke 2:39-52 (New Revised Standard Version)

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

III.
What about Jesus’ parents? They fulfill the law, they go to Passover every year, and then one year they head home after the festivities and don’t notice for a day that Jesus is not with them. Can you help me understand that?

Where is Jesus? In the Temple with the teachers of Law. I understand it is very customary for the Rabbis to study, question, argue, and debate about the Torah. But how customary is it for a 12-year old to be there with them?

Notice what is reported about Jesus. He sits with the teachers, he listens to the teachers, and he asks questions of the teachers. And, the teachers apparently quiz him. Enough so, that they are impressed with his grasp of the Law.

Back to Jesus’ parents. They find him and it seems to me they are more than a little upset with him for giving them such a scare.

Please tell me how you see Jesus’ response to them. Is he respectful of them or not? Is he surprised they are so slow to catch on?

I might think the whole episode would be embarrassing to Mary and Joseph, yet “His mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)

How is that possible?

Spend some time considering this scene and we’ll get back together later.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 5, 2020, Matthew 11:7-19 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

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IX.
As we pay attention to this passage one more time, notice what Jesus asks –

“What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? …
… What then did you go out to see? …
… What then did you go out to see? ” (Matthew 11:7-9)

X.
What draws our attention? And once something has our attention, what do we see? Do we see only what is obvious on the surface? Do we see what we expect to see? Or, are we able to look more deeply, more clearly and perceive more accurately? Or maybe that is too hard?

Jesus pointed out to the crowd what they could have perceived if they looked wisely.

As we return to this passage, maybe Jesus can help us look with the kind of vision he brings to bear not just on how John could have been perceived but also the kind of vision Jesus would want us to acquire as we disciple ourselves to him.

XI.
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

July 5, 2020, Matthew 11:7-19 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

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V.
Did I put too many questions before you this past Monday? As I reread that post, I see I asked a lot of you.

After the post was up, I came across this from the novelist William Styron,

“A good book should leave you… slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.”

The quote connected with me because I am asking us to look at the lives of several different folk as we reflect on the passage. One great way of exploring Scripture is to try to live into the lives and situations of the folk we encounter in Scripture.

Ready for some more?

VI.
You can find this week’s passage at – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A7-19&version=NRSV

Today let’s focus our attention on this part –

“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
                Matthew 11:16-19

VII.
Jesus asks us to consider some children playing with one another. And one group of the children have a problem with the other group because they are not playing according to the rules. They don’t play the game right, they don’t act as is expected.

He then shifts the focus to John and the Son of Man (can we all agree this is Jesus’ self-designation for himself?).
He says John came on the scene “neither eating nor drinking.” We might say he had a rather stern or even ascetic lifestyle. And “this generation” said of John “he has a demon.”

Jesus says the Son of Man “came eating and drinking.” By the logic of how they viewed John, you might expect that at the least they would say of the Son of Man that he has no demon. But that is not what they say. They characterize the Son of Man, Jesus, as a “glutton … and drunkard.” And then, they say something the Gospels would tell us is true. They say Jesus is a “friend of tax collectors and sinners.” But from the context, it does not seem they mean that as a compliment about Jesus’ good character. It appears they would claim that being a friend of tax collectors and sinners is on the same level of bad behavior as being a glutton and drunkard.

VIII.
So the folks Jesus calls “this generation” dismiss both John and Jesus as people who cannot offer them any worthwhile advice and are not to be imitated or followed.

Would you believe they got it wrong?

How is it that hearing John and Jesus, hearing what they taught, even seeing how they treated people, “this generation” got it so wrong?

How is it any of us today still mischaracterize people? We see someone and make quick judgments about who they are, how they live, the kind of people they are, and even what they are worth.

Can you recall having made such a judgement about someone and only later realized you got it wrong? What helped you realize your initial opinion of the person was wrong? How might that experience inform how you see people now?

If I have not completely exhausted you by now, give the scene in the Gospel some thought. Live there a while, and then see how that might inform your encounters with folk today and tomorrow.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}