Tag Archives: Oneness

There Is No Race

Eastertide
May 13, 2018

Scripture reading: John 17:6-19

Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
–John 17:11b-19

We have an interesting relationship with science. We absorb it quickly but have more difficulty letting it go. That reality is directly opposed to the empirical methods used by scientists.  Remember when we thought stomach ulcers were caused by stress. Then one day scientists identified a bacterium that causes ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). While stress can negatively impact all healing, there is not a cause and effect relationship between stress and ulcers. Remember when persons with developmental disabilities were labels as idiots, imbeciles, and morons? Science has long debunked these descriptors, but the words hurtfully remain in our language. The same is true of the labels trying to discern differences among human by something we dubbed race. Remember them: Caucasoid, Negroid, and Mongoloid? This science too has been debunked and our world still swims deep in its pool of discrimination based on false hypothesis.  Why?

The following is the opening of a statement from the American Anthropological Association shedding light on what we call race:

In the United States, both scholars and the general public have been conditioned to viewing human races as natural and separate divisions within the human species based on visible physical differences. With the vast expansion of scientific knowledge in this century, however, it has become clear that human populations are not unambiguous, clearly demarcated, biologically distinct groups. Evidence from the analysis of genetics (e.g., DNA) indicates that most physical variation, about 94%, lies within so-called racial groups. Conventional geographic “racial” groupings differ from one another only in about 6% of their genes. This means that there is greater variation within “racial” groups than between them. In neighboring populations, there is much overlapping of genes and their phenotypic (physical) expressions. Throughout history whenever different groups have come into contact, they have interbred. The continued sharing of genetic materials has maintained all of humankind as a single species*.

Jesus Christ called us to be one turning our differences into positives as our many talents and skills comingle to create even greater outcomes than any of us can attain individually. We have known this from the beginning when we learned that all humans were created in the image of God. That is easy to say but it takes a vast amount of intentionality to break our habits of hostility among those we identify as different.  Now is the time to let our not-from-God habits go and remember who made us and for what purpose.

Prayer: Make us aware of how our actions and attitudes are perceived by others. Habits burrow deep into our beings. We do not know when we are offensive. With increase awareness, give us the courage to let the comfortable and familiar go and move into a new being in Christ. Amen.

*Opening statement from the American Anthropological Association Statement on Race. See athttp://www.americananthro.org/ConnectWithAAA/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=2583

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.

Growing Love

Eastertide
May 12, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 17:6-19

Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. –John 17:11b-19

Jesus describes his followers as aliens in the world where we live and work. We are challenged to make that world more like the world will be like when the Kingdom of God comes to fruition. I wonder at times if God is waiting for us to accept the fullness of a Kingdom ruled by love until we are mature enough to become comfortable with the changes to our current environment in which we have attained a level of comfort. We go along often to get along. Making waves can be a burden. I find it distressing to see people longing for better lives and searching in all the wrong places to find them. We are perhaps all victims of instant gratification and depend on others to create a more hospitable world rather than take on that challenge ourselves.  I fear we want all the enticements of evil and all the rewards of being a follower of Christ. Faith just does not work that way.

I saw a five-year-old on the news recently wearing a superhero cape while delivering sandwiches to the homeless with his dad. The TV exposure had resulted in others getting involved providing sandwiches and now money to start a broader program. That is the way love spreads one sandwich at a time until the whole world has enough and the kingdom on earth is as it is in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, grow our love until evil is no more. Amen.

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.

Being One

Eastertide
May 11, 2018

Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:9-13
If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

God’s life is in God’s Son and God’s Son’s life continues in and through his followers. To fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world today, just as we must continuously strive to be whole, we also must strive to be one. God surely had purpose in creating us as diverse people in every aspect of our being. The Myers Briggs personality types* define 16 different combinations of personalities based on four criteria. I am very goal oriented so having someone who is more process oriented around helps me see the broader picture. Such markedly different personalities must work hard at understanding the gifts of the other so skills can be maximized.

But, of course, personality is not the only form of diversity, we differ in language, rural/urban, skills, skin color and hair texture, gender, handedness—you get the idea the list is endless. I at times am dependent on someone tall enough to reach the back of the top shelf in the grocery store. As a child, I helped my dad work on machines because his hands were too big for the task. Learning to love the synergy in diversity is a first step in becoming one. God knew what God was doing when God created us.

Prayer:
Weave, weave, weave us together.
Weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together.
Weave, us together, together in love**. Amen.

*For more information see http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm?bhcp=1

**Weave by Rosemary Crow, may be found in the Chalice Hymnal. For more information see https://hymnary.org/hymn/CH1995/495

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.

On Voting

Eastertide
May 8, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. –Acts 1:21-26

Primary elections are already occurring in some states in the USA, Oklahoma’s are scheduled in June. We, of course, do not cast lots to elect our future governmental leaders. We do have a civic responsibility to vote and I must admit when two candidates seem to be equally qualified for the job, I have mentally cast lots to make the decision. Usually, though I have good reasons for selecting one candidate over another. Luke challenges us to pray about our choices in selecting leaders for the church and I believe that is good advice in preparing for our civic responsibility.

The purpose of all governments from the Judges in Israelite history through King David to today is to provide for the Common Good. We sometimes forget that purpose as self-interest often drives our voting decisions.  Jesus does instruct us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves*. I cannot think of a better definition of the Common Good. God wants all God’s children to survive and thrive and that happens best when we seek ways of providing public services that streamline life in the most workable ways possible. Roads and highways are necessary that meet our needs to move about and support our self-sufficiency. Justice systems that are fair, designed to protect all from danger and mistreatment are critical. Public health services prevent contagion and assure as much as possible a healthy environment for all.

Government provides the necessary counterbalance that allows capitalism to work. A business that closes a plant for what it sees as a wise decision often leaves a community destitute. It is the government that picks up the pieces of people’s lives and moves them forward.  It is the government that protects greed from ruining lives. When undocumented aliens are worked at below minimum wage with no benefits, not only are their basic needs being ignored but citizens are undercut from jobs that would have met their basic needs. When there are not adequate numbers of citizens available to provide the work necessary for a business to succeed, it is the government that enables through work visas documenting aliens to enter our country and work legally within a system that pays a living wage. Prudent government regulations protect citizens from businesses creating dangerous working conditions to increase the business’s profits.

The government, at least in the United States, is not a vehicle for forcing one’s personal religious beliefs on his or her fellow citizens. Our government was founded on the principle of separation of church and state. I do not want the government to dictate to me what I am to believe, and I do not think anyone else wants that either.

Now is the time to step away from our media-driven electioneering and consider what is essential in government and what is not. What is our Common Good and is the Common Good for all? Asking God’s guidance is essential as we step away from emotionally driven often divisive issues and consider who can best provide for the Common Good.

Prayer: God of all, guide us as we consider who can best provide for the Common Good. Amen.

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.

Becoming One

Eastertide
May 7, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ –Acts 1:15-17

I do not know if we will ever know why Judas did what he did. There have been all kinds of speculations.  Was his betrayal an assigned mission from God? Was he just greedy? Did he think he should force Jesus’ hand? His actions clearly illustrate that even followers of Jesus can find themselves caught in things that get out of hand. That still happens today as we fail to become One as Jesus called us to be.

I am deeply bothered by the assignment of the word “evangelical” by the media and others to describe a political segment of our society based on a set of principles that are unrelated to evangelism. All of Christ’s followers are called to be Evangelists.

An Evangelist is someone with a vocational calling from God to announce the good news of the Gospel*. Evangelist of Christ are sharers of information by spoken words, deeds, and lives modeled after Jesus’.

Our problem is that all of God’s followers do not share the interpretation of what that good news is. To my knowledge there is no mention of abortion, homosexuality, pray in school, appropriate attire, guns, immigrants, or the role of women in any of the gospels and thus for me they are not issues I identify with the Good News. They do describe some of the issues among those designated as political evangelists. I do not question the political evangelist’s sincerity in belief or their right as a USA citizen to pursue those interest within the rule of law on which our government was founded.

This is not uncommon. The same thing happens with fundamentalist who claim to follow the literal meaning of the Bible and those who adhere to strict adherence to the original language of our constitution, without the recognition that “literal and strict” are open to interpretation which moves us back into power politics in faith as well as government which then become intermingled.

I believe the summation of the Good News is that God loves each of us and we are thus called to love God and to love one another. We are not assigned the job of judging one another. Jesus is our ultimate judge and his indications seem to be that he will judge us on how well we care for the poor, the thirsty, the sick, prisoners, and strangers. (See Matthew 25) Thus these are the faith subjects that drive my political viewpoints.

Followers of Christ are also called to be one in Christ. We defeat becoming one, when we actively drive wedges of beliefs between each other. One way to address this conundrum is to dedicate ourselves to identifying the things on which we can agree in principle and address them together. For example, reducing poverty is at some level in most faith group’s purposes. Reducing poverty is a proven way of reducing abortions.

Prayer: Lord, you indicated that when two or more of your followers are gathered together in your name you are present with us. Heal our dividedness and bring us together in your presence to be your hands and feet throughout the world. Amen.

*See Ephesians 4:20. definition from http://biblehub.com/greek/2099.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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Becoming One

Eastertide
May 7, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ –Acts 1:15-17

I do not know if we will ever know why Judas did what he did. There have been all kinds of speculations.  Was his betrayal an assigned mission from God? Was he just greedy? Did he think he should force Jesus’ hand? His actions clearly illustrate that even followers of Jesus can miss the mark regarding Jesus. That still happens today as we fail to become the One people Jesus calls us to be.

I am deeply bothered by the assignment of the word “evangelical” by the media and others to describe a political segment of our society based on a set of principles that are unrelated to evangelism. All of Christ’s followers are called to be Evangelists.

An Evangelist is someone with a vocational calling from God to announce the good news of the Gospel*. Evangelist of Christ are sharers of information by spoken words, deeds, and lives modeled after Jesus’.

Our problem is that all of God’s followers do not share the interpretation of what that good news is. To my knowledge there is no mention of abortion, homosexuality, pray in school, appropriate attire, guns, immigrants, or the role of women in any of the gospels and thus for me they are not issues I identify with the Good News. They do describe some of the issues among those designated as political evangelists. I do not question the political evangelist’s sincerity in belief or their right as a USA citizen to pursue those interest within the rule of law on which our government was founded.

This is not uncommon. The same thing happens with fundamentalist who claim to follow the literal meaning of the Bible and those who adhere to strict adherence to the original language of our constitution, without the recognition that “literal and strict” are open to interpretation which moves us back into power politics in faith as well as government which can become intermingled.

I believe the summation of the Good News is that God loves each of us and we are thus called to love God and to love one another. We are not assigned the job of judging one another. Jesus is our ultimate judge and his indications seem to be that he will judge us on how well we care for the poor, the thirsty, the sick, prisoners, and strangers. (See Matthew 25) Thus these are the subjects that drive my political viewpoints.

Followers of Christ are also called to be One in Christ. We defeat becoming One when we actively drive wedges of beliefs between each other. One way to address this conundrum is to dedicate ourselves to identifying the things on which we can agree in principle and address them together. For example, reducing poverty is a purpose at some level in most faith groups. Reducing poverty is a proven way of reducing abortions.

Prayer: Lord, you indicated that when two or more of your followers are gathered together in your name you are present with us. Heal our dividedness and bring us together in your presence to be your hands and feet throughout the world. Amen.

*See Ephesians 4:20. definition from http://biblehub.com/greek/2099.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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

How do I Love Thee, O God?

Eastertide
May 5, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 15:9-17

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. –John 15:9-11

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem, How do I Love Thee? popped into my head when I read our scripture for today. Her poem most likely was written about her husband Robert Browning but I think it is interesting to read regarding our love relationship with God as the poem flows with Ms. Barrett Browning’s faith.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death*.

A very successful 19th-century poet, Miss Barrett was an abolitionist and a strong supporter of ending child labor. She did justice with a pen. Her marriage to Robert Browning, also a poet, grew secretly from their common careers for fear her father would not approve. When she married Mr. Browning anyway, she was disinherited. Perhaps that is a testament to the level of her love for Robert.

God is the very essence of love. Accepting the wholeness of God’s love enables our ability to love in all circumstances whether the love of parents, family, spouse, the folks next door or our neighbors at the ends of the earth. We meet them where they are, and where we are and grow together in the bonds of God’s love.

Prayer: Gracious Lord,
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace. Amen.

*How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43) by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. See at https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/how-do-i-love-thee-sonnet-43

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.

Loving without Judging

Eastertide
May 1, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 10:44-48

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

It seems to be difficult for humans to love one another without judging one another. There is no link between the two. Ultimate judgment lies only in God’s purview, delegated to Jesus Christ. Society has identified a need to judge people who may cause harm to others and thus we have an extensive judicial system based on the rule of laws that were developed over time and experience and are updated as experience dictates change. There was a time when it was illegal for persons of color to eat in public restaurants; now it is against the law to forbid persons of color from eating in public restaurants. Of course, we as individuals, families, and groups make formal and informal judgments all the time. Some organizations restrict membership based on where one lives as in a home owner’s organization, how people dress, and so forth. Such judgments are limited at times by civil law and for persons of faith by their religious tenets. While such acts of judging are necessitated by culture and protecting the Common Good, they should in no way restrict our ability to love one another.

The problem is such judgments do often get in the way of our loving one another. For example, the law restricting people of color from eating in public restaurants was overturned because many citizens saw such a law as infringing on other rights and unrelated to any harm that might be done to white people. The Bible was and is used to justify all kinds of discrimination based on human judgments that are counter to the commandment to love one another.

In our scripture today Peter is talking about the laws of his faith system that said only Jews could know the Holy Spirit but his own eyes saw that was not the case and he called his audience to account for continuing this exclusion practice when he said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’

We need to follow the example of Peter and recognize when our love is failing because we are judging when it is not our job.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see the hypocrisy of our judgments when considered in the light of your commandment to love one another. Not only help us see but help we overcome. Amen.

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.

Telling the Story of Jesus

Eastertide
April 24, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 8:26-40

The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. —Acts 8:34-40

A theology class I attended had a requirement that each participant writes his or her own creed. What did we believe? It was a challenging and interesting experience. One well worth doing. Who is the man Jesus Christ and what does he mean to me? Son of God, God Incarnate, Messiah, loaded word steeped in religious tradition and meaning role off our tongues. Our scripture today simply says that Jesus was good news. Philip did back this statement up with scriptures probably because he was talking to a man reading scriptures. I wonder how he expressed it to less educated seekers?

When I toured Turkey a few years ago, I visited the conical landscape of Cappadocia where the Apostle Paul established one of his first churches. The conical geological wonders were put to good use. We visited one home that was created from a cone. There was one area where several of the conical shapes were honed out and used as churches created several hundred years after Paul’ visit. They were of varying ages resting in a semi-circle. The oldest was covered with basic stick figures on the walls telling the stories of Jesus in pictures. As we climbed through each church the art grew more and more ornate and sophisticated. These churches were created for people who could not read. They were taught the stories that went with the pictures and each time they entered one of the churches they could review the message.

Sharing our creed, our stories is an important part of our faith, but we must remember we share them to enhance the understanding of the hearer. After all, we are describing one of the best storytellers of all.

Prayer: Teacher, guide us to discern the needs of the people with whom we share our experiences of following you. Amen.

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.

God’s Love

Eastertide
April 22, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18

I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’ –John 10:16-18

The sheep that do not belong to this fold is most likely a reference to Gentiles, people who were not Jews, people who were not of the original covenant perhaps, people who were the other. Who are our Gentiles today? Who do we not accept as included in the love of God that we value so very much?

We leave a door slightly ajar for people not like us who make every attempt to be like us, worship like else, share our values, maybe even look like us. We are less inclusive of those who may love the Lord but do not meet our criteria of acceptance.

There are no doors, bars, walls, or borders in the Kingdom of God. All are welcomed just as they are and as they grow in their relationship with God whether they fit our mold or not. We are called to be one by the all-powerful God and Jesus Christ drew the assignment to bring us together even if it killed him.

Even though Jesus died on the cross, he arose and lives today to guide and direct us in the formation of a world ruled by his love. The thing about God’s love is it grows exponentially when we give it away. We are blessed by loving the other whoever they may be.

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be*.

Prayer: Thank you for loving me despite my failures to love all your other children. Forgive me and grant me the wisdom and the nature to love like you. Amen.

*First verse of O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go by George Matheson, See at http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/l/t/oltwnlmg.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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.