Dear Family,
In "Dead Poet's Society," the teacher, played by Robin Williams, helps his students, who are doing what they can to make a future for themselves, understand that there is more to life than the future. In truth the future is something they can't control or anticipate, so they should change their focus. They should reorient their ships and their lives in a way that embraces the day, the now, the immediate. he teaches them the mantra: "Carpe Diem..." Seize the day! And from that point on, they are unleashed to embrace the beauty, the mystery, the pain, and the craziness that is life, abundant life.
There may be bumps in the journey, as the movie illustrates, but only embracing the day and making the most of this, the only day we are promised, can we be free to enjoy the promise of abundant life. That's what Robin William's character wants his students to grasp, only a life that engages the here and now is true life, any thing other is simply a shell of what life has to offer. And William's character is not alone in teaching people to live in the here and now.
Jesus taught this too.
In yet another conversation with the religious folks, Jesus answers a question about life in heaven, post resurrection. The Sadducees, the ones who interpret the Law and make legal decisions for the community, cornered Jesus and asked him about the Mosaic Law of levirate marriage. Levirate marriage is the practice, as ordained by the Torah, of brothers marrying their older brother's widow, with the intent of furthering the older brother's inheritance and lineage. The Sadducees think they have Jesus backed into a theological/legal corner, when Jesus spins it back on them.
Jesus makes it clear that at the Resurrection no one will be married, because we will be like the angels. He has answered their question, right?
But he doesn't stop there. He adds, and i am paraphrasing here, who cares about what happens then, God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but also the God of Kay, Michael, Kendra, and Joshua. Jesus makes it clear, like William's character from "Dead Poet's Society," God is a God of the living, of the here and now. Why look to the future, when today is pleading with us to make the most of it?
Jesus wants them to know that to experience God in all God's glory, one must make the most of this life, of this day, of this time. Then we will know what it means when Jesus says, "God is the God of the living." God requires us to quit looking to the skies and begin looking at the highways and biways of this world, making each day count.
But count for what? You see, sisters and brothers, that is the other part of Jesus' statement. If we are only looking towards heaven, worrying about our 'salvation,' then we are free to ignore the sufferings of our neighbors. Put another way, if i only care about if i get to heaven, through some systematic process or faith statement, then why should i worry about the plight of those struggling to get by? Once i have my keys to the gates of heaven, nothing else matters, right?
Wrong.
To be like Jesus, to be followers of Jesus, and to be disciples of Jesus requires two things: (well actually requires a litany of things, but i need to keep this short...)
Anyway.
To be like Jesus demands two things: make today count by loving God and make today count by loving our neighbors. What does it mean to love God and love our neighbors? I don't have a clear answer, but i know how we can find out. We have to get together and do the hard work of discerning God's will, but we also must think of the other before we think about ourselves. And the only way we can think of someone else, especially before considering our own wants and needs, we have to take our eyes off the sky and the by and by, and refocus our attention on the world around us.
When we do, we understand what it means to 'Carpe Diem,' and we also come to fully understand what abundant life is. Amen.
Shalom/salam/peace,
jerry
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
God or Caesar? Matthew 22: 15-22
Dear Folks,
Life can be polarizing. Often times in our journey, we are faced with making difficult decisions. Will we vote for candidate A or candidate B? Will we cheer for Bengals or the Browns? Which ice cream do we get with our wonderful pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving Dinner, vanilla or chocolate? And perhaps the most challenging dilemma we often face, in trying to find direction in our narratives, do we Apples or PCs? Whether we are just beginning our exciting adventures, or we are on the final chapters of a beautiful expedition, life is full of choices.
Many times the choices are much more difficult than flavor of ice cream or computers.
Friends and foe alike can complicate our path, can't they? Friend might ask us to choose between time studying for that final exam over going skiing in the Rockies, proclaiming that one can study on the road, but the snow covered peaks will not always be so inviting. Skiing, obviously, won out.
But our 'foes' can invite many hurdles to our life journeys, ones that aren't so easily overlooked or laughed off. Life and death? Do we report the abuse of a young boy, in a shower? Or do we remain silent? Is reporting to our superior enough? Should we go to the police? These are questions that make life more than challenging; they make life nearly impossible. Because to choose one often means that other areas of our lives will be adveresly impacted, we might even lose our jobs, our lives, our reputations. When we face these trying questions, rarely is the answer quick to come or so easily made.
This is the nature of life in general, right? We, at times in our story, will face two forks in a road, and we will have to choose the one that appears less damaging. Or we will tell ourselves that we are choosing the path that seems 'better' as a whole. But this lesser of two evil theology leaves a gaping question in my being. What if it is not about what is the lesser of two evils? But the question is truly about right and just versus what is easy and safe?
Jesus faced this dilemma.
When the leaders wanted to corner and question and catch Jesus in a quandary, they finally figured they had a question Jesus couldn't 'ignore.' They asked him about the Roman Imperial Tax, and whether it was right or not to give to the Roman Empire. Jesus asked them to pull out a coin, and he asked them whose inscription was on the coin. They did so and said, "Caesar." Jesus looked at them, and in a statement about as clear as mud, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar, and give to God what is God."
Without any explanation of what Jesus meant, the others were simply amazed.
So what did Jesus mean? This is the thousand dollar question, and it is one that i put to you. What does this statement say to you?
I will only add these caveats: It was against Jewish Law to carry/hold false idols, so to have a coin with the image of Caesar on it, an image that suggest that Caesar was God/Savior/Messiah, it would put the Jewish leaders in a precarious situation. They were carrying a false god. They were violating the Torah. Jesus' question makes them face their breaking of God's law. So knowing this, what does Jesus' words say to you now?
----Or. With the understanding of Caesar being 'savior' of the world and 'son of God,' Jesus seems to put the two kingdom at odds with each other, doesn't he? Which kingdom will the people choose? God's? Caesar's? What are your thoughts?
-----And finally the Roman Empire was, in many cases, taxing the people to death, and Jesus wanted to end this injustice. They pulled out the coin, and Jesus makes a point to ask them, will they continue to follow an empire that punishes, crushes, and murders their own people, or will they stand with the Divine who comes to liberate? Jesus came proclaiming the year of Jubilee, (go to your Old Testaments to understand what that means), so Caesar's image stands in the way of freedom from bondage.
Knowing some of the complications involved in Jesus' statement, what does this say to you? What is your most gut reaction to Jesus having the leaders hold the coin saying, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar and give to God what is God's?"
Then the question needs to have relevance today, so what does this mean for us today? Which 'false god' are we following, pledging allegiance to? And where is God in our lives?
Be ready for a great conversation on Sunday, and may the FACE OF THE ONE TRUE GOD, shine upon you all... Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
PS: there is another question that can be asked, who decides what the "ONE TRUE GOD" is?
Life can be polarizing. Often times in our journey, we are faced with making difficult decisions. Will we vote for candidate A or candidate B? Will we cheer for Bengals or the Browns? Which ice cream do we get with our wonderful pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving Dinner, vanilla or chocolate? And perhaps the most challenging dilemma we often face, in trying to find direction in our narratives, do we Apples or PCs? Whether we are just beginning our exciting adventures, or we are on the final chapters of a beautiful expedition, life is full of choices.
Many times the choices are much more difficult than flavor of ice cream or computers.
Friends and foe alike can complicate our path, can't they? Friend might ask us to choose between time studying for that final exam over going skiing in the Rockies, proclaiming that one can study on the road, but the snow covered peaks will not always be so inviting. Skiing, obviously, won out.
But our 'foes' can invite many hurdles to our life journeys, ones that aren't so easily overlooked or laughed off. Life and death? Do we report the abuse of a young boy, in a shower? Or do we remain silent? Is reporting to our superior enough? Should we go to the police? These are questions that make life more than challenging; they make life nearly impossible. Because to choose one often means that other areas of our lives will be adveresly impacted, we might even lose our jobs, our lives, our reputations. When we face these trying questions, rarely is the answer quick to come or so easily made.
This is the nature of life in general, right? We, at times in our story, will face two forks in a road, and we will have to choose the one that appears less damaging. Or we will tell ourselves that we are choosing the path that seems 'better' as a whole. But this lesser of two evil theology leaves a gaping question in my being. What if it is not about what is the lesser of two evils? But the question is truly about right and just versus what is easy and safe?
Jesus faced this dilemma.
When the leaders wanted to corner and question and catch Jesus in a quandary, they finally figured they had a question Jesus couldn't 'ignore.' They asked him about the Roman Imperial Tax, and whether it was right or not to give to the Roman Empire. Jesus asked them to pull out a coin, and he asked them whose inscription was on the coin. They did so and said, "Caesar." Jesus looked at them, and in a statement about as clear as mud, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar, and give to God what is God."
Without any explanation of what Jesus meant, the others were simply amazed.
So what did Jesus mean? This is the thousand dollar question, and it is one that i put to you. What does this statement say to you?
I will only add these caveats: It was against Jewish Law to carry/hold false idols, so to have a coin with the image of Caesar on it, an image that suggest that Caesar was God/Savior/Messiah, it would put the Jewish leaders in a precarious situation. They were carrying a false god. They were violating the Torah. Jesus' question makes them face their breaking of God's law. So knowing this, what does Jesus' words say to you now?
----Or. With the understanding of Caesar being 'savior' of the world and 'son of God,' Jesus seems to put the two kingdom at odds with each other, doesn't he? Which kingdom will the people choose? God's? Caesar's? What are your thoughts?
-----And finally the Roman Empire was, in many cases, taxing the people to death, and Jesus wanted to end this injustice. They pulled out the coin, and Jesus makes a point to ask them, will they continue to follow an empire that punishes, crushes, and murders their own people, or will they stand with the Divine who comes to liberate? Jesus came proclaiming the year of Jubilee, (go to your Old Testaments to understand what that means), so Caesar's image stands in the way of freedom from bondage.
Knowing some of the complications involved in Jesus' statement, what does this say to you? What is your most gut reaction to Jesus having the leaders hold the coin saying, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar and give to God what is God's?"
Then the question needs to have relevance today, so what does this mean for us today? Which 'false god' are we following, pledging allegiance to? And where is God in our lives?
Be ready for a great conversation on Sunday, and may the FACE OF THE ONE TRUE GOD, shine upon you all... Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
PS: there is another question that can be asked, who decides what the "ONE TRUE GOD" is?
Friday, November 4, 2011
All This Food (Matthew 22: 1-14)
Fellow Followers of Jesus:
The last birthday party i remember, as a kid, came in the sixth grade. Grade school, first through fifth, brought many great birthday parties, and i often had many friends attend. Little did i know what would happen when we all got to the sixth grade. I had a skate party, and i did that because i figured, why not? I had had a huge fifth grade birthday party, invited all my friends, and most of them came.
But in sixth grade, very few came. Some were busy. Others had family gatherings. And as painful as it is to admit, in the sixth grade friendship disappear. We rented the skate rink. We ordered all the food. We had a huge birthday cake. But we were missing attendees. Sure there were some, but we were left with more food than we knew waht to do with. The feelings of rejection were rather signficant.
I should have been thankful for the people that came, but when we go to a lot of trouble to open our doors, expecting huge numbers, and only a few enter, well its natural for us to be disappointed, when we should be thanking those who did come. And it is not only birthday parties where this happens, is it?
Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet, and it would have been a festive event too. Why? Because the king was throwing it, and he would have wanted to host all the important people, catering to them, celebrating with them. This was a chance for the king to spoil people and garner their support and love from then on. The king wanted to show his thanks, but he also wanted to build stronger ties to his 'colleagues.'
But the important people were too busy to come. Everything was ready. The best cow roasting on the stick. The best wine pouring from the vats. And the best music flowing from the banquet halls. This was the party to end all parties. The chosen ones were too busy. Too focused on their own lives to be bothered going out of their way to celebrate with the king. And too selfish to come, and in fact when the king sent out reminders; the chosen people, probably not wanting to deal with their own guilt, acted on in violent ways against the messengers.
So the king kicked them out of his kingdom. The chosen would have to face life/eternity in another realm. The party, though, was still ready to go. What should the king do with all that party stuff?
Throw a party.
And he did. But he invited people that would appreciate the party. He opened the doors to people who were hungry, homeless, forgotten, and never invited to any kind of Hollywood red carpet affair. With his new group of invitees, something amazing happens: they show up. They show up with such a fervor that the king must have been humbled by their appreciation to the invitation. Funny thing about taking God/Jesus/the Church for granted, God will find someone who appreciates Him.
The church, as the king's party, was never meant to be a place for the elite only. Jesus built the church as a place for those who need Him to show their appreciation at His invitation to life, freedom, and healing. However for some reason, all too often, those who are used to being there mirror more of the first group in Jesus' parable. We appreciate the invite, but we are too busy to really come. We find other things to do. We prefer our own cliques and entertainment. Or we simply don't like whats being offered. I dont know. But invitation after invitation to come to the throne of God goes out, and time and time again, Jesus followers say, "We cannot come."
So God will, eventually, open the doors to others. And then where will we be?
Many of us have felt the sting of throwing a party for others only to have a small few show up, so why don't we come running to God's invitation? God's still throwing a party, He just needs people to show up and enjoy. Will we come running? Or will we make excuses? The party happens with or without us, why not accept the invite and go drink His wine? Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
The last birthday party i remember, as a kid, came in the sixth grade. Grade school, first through fifth, brought many great birthday parties, and i often had many friends attend. Little did i know what would happen when we all got to the sixth grade. I had a skate party, and i did that because i figured, why not? I had had a huge fifth grade birthday party, invited all my friends, and most of them came.
But in sixth grade, very few came. Some were busy. Others had family gatherings. And as painful as it is to admit, in the sixth grade friendship disappear. We rented the skate rink. We ordered all the food. We had a huge birthday cake. But we were missing attendees. Sure there were some, but we were left with more food than we knew waht to do with. The feelings of rejection were rather signficant.
I should have been thankful for the people that came, but when we go to a lot of trouble to open our doors, expecting huge numbers, and only a few enter, well its natural for us to be disappointed, when we should be thanking those who did come. And it is not only birthday parties where this happens, is it?
Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet, and it would have been a festive event too. Why? Because the king was throwing it, and he would have wanted to host all the important people, catering to them, celebrating with them. This was a chance for the king to spoil people and garner their support and love from then on. The king wanted to show his thanks, but he also wanted to build stronger ties to his 'colleagues.'
But the important people were too busy to come. Everything was ready. The best cow roasting on the stick. The best wine pouring from the vats. And the best music flowing from the banquet halls. This was the party to end all parties. The chosen ones were too busy. Too focused on their own lives to be bothered going out of their way to celebrate with the king. And too selfish to come, and in fact when the king sent out reminders; the chosen people, probably not wanting to deal with their own guilt, acted on in violent ways against the messengers.
So the king kicked them out of his kingdom. The chosen would have to face life/eternity in another realm. The party, though, was still ready to go. What should the king do with all that party stuff?
Throw a party.
And he did. But he invited people that would appreciate the party. He opened the doors to people who were hungry, homeless, forgotten, and never invited to any kind of Hollywood red carpet affair. With his new group of invitees, something amazing happens: they show up. They show up with such a fervor that the king must have been humbled by their appreciation to the invitation. Funny thing about taking God/Jesus/the Church for granted, God will find someone who appreciates Him.
The church, as the king's party, was never meant to be a place for the elite only. Jesus built the church as a place for those who need Him to show their appreciation at His invitation to life, freedom, and healing. However for some reason, all too often, those who are used to being there mirror more of the first group in Jesus' parable. We appreciate the invite, but we are too busy to really come. We find other things to do. We prefer our own cliques and entertainment. Or we simply don't like whats being offered. I dont know. But invitation after invitation to come to the throne of God goes out, and time and time again, Jesus followers say, "We cannot come."
So God will, eventually, open the doors to others. And then where will we be?
Many of us have felt the sting of throwing a party for others only to have a small few show up, so why don't we come running to God's invitation? God's still throwing a party, He just needs people to show up and enjoy. Will we come running? Or will we make excuses? The party happens with or without us, why not accept the invite and go drink His wine? Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
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