Tag Archives: Making a Difference

Open My Ears

Epiphany
February 26, 2017

Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-9

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ –Matthew 17:5-8

Many years ago, while visiting a friend, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, I toured the University’s Memorial Museum while my friend was in class. Rounding a corner to enter the next exhibit I encountered a gigantic stone object of worship used by an indigenous group from the southern hemisphere of the Americas. My immediate reaction was to gasp and scream almost simultaneously.  Once I figured out what I was seeing, I quickly glanced around to see if anyone heard my embarrassing outburst. At least no one came running. The staff perhaps were acclimated to such behavior. I tell you this as preface to saying: I do not have a clue what happened at the Transfiguration but I feel confident, unlike my experience with a large rock, something life-changing occurred.

The gospels indicate that Jesus prepared his disciples well for what was coming. As the prophets of old noted often, they heard but did not comprehend. Wouldn’t you love to have been a witness to the discussions that occurred during those days between the Resurrection and Pentecost. “So, that’s what he meant when he said…” “I was so scared on that mountain, I couldn’t think of anything but surviving.” “How could we have been so dense?”

What are we hearing but not comprehending today? What are we going to do about it? Sometimes the out-of-date words of an old song have great meaning for us today.

Prayer:
Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

 Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! 

Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!* Amen.

*Hymn Open My Eyes by Clara H. Scott. See at http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh454.sht

All scriptures are quoted from the new Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Sad No Longer

Romans8.26Living in the Spirit
November 10, 2015

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:4-20

As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore, Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.’ But Hannah answered, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.’ Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.’ And she said, ‘Let your servant find favor in your sight.’ Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer. –1 Samuel 1:12-18

Ever poured yourself out to God as Hannah does in our scripture above? Paul describes it in Romans 8:26: Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. I find great comfort in this scripture for it almost seems a daily occurrence anymore when situations arise about which I am at a loss for words. A young woman seemingly, purposefully drives into a crowd of people at a parade, bombs are planted on planes full of people, earthquakes and fire ravage the land, and children are killed in the crossfire of police involved shootouts. How do I make a difference in a world like that?

Like Hannah, I think, we are all called to make a difference. Her prayer for a son was answered, her promise to give him to God was also, and we benefit even today because of the work and wisdom of her son Samuel. What we do and how we love in this world today matters. It matters in our everyday lives as we desire children and rear them. It matters when we invest our time, talent, and energy in making a difference for others. It matters when we can find rest for our own weary souls as we strive to be a part of the fruition of God’s kingdom throughout this earth.

Today, is a good day to present our indescribable frustrations, loss of hope, need for peace to God and allow the spirit the privilege of praying for us.

Prayer:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God*. Amen

*Chorus from Near to the Heart of God by Cleland B. McAfee see at http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/e/neartoth.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.