(For the four previous Sundays in this series, please scroll down. For weeks prior to that date please use the 'Contact Me' facility to obtain an email attachment or hard copy of the required week.)
Sunday 6 July 2008
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Zechariah 9:9-10
Psalm 144 “I will bless your name forever, O God, my King”
Romans 8: 9. 11-13
Matthew 11: 25-30
“Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest”
In God’s kingdom it was never going to be the strong, mighty and warlike who would create a society fit for God’s people and today’s first reading confirms this. We are encouraged to rejoice because of the triumph of humility and integrity which will bring the peace for which all sincere people long. Humility, because it is on a donkey that our Saviour will appear, not a warhorse (or in a tank!); and not even a strong, mature donkey, but a mild, uncertain foal. Nevertheless, it is in such simplicity that real peace is to be achieved. No peace was ever created or maintained by warriors, not even in a “peace-keeping” capacity. It is worrying that so many of our world leaders claim some religious affiliation – and all the great religions share the Christian belief that peace can be achieved through methods other than war - but that their faith is so easily swayed by other financial and political arguments.
Our Saviour did, of course, enter the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, just as foretold by Zechariah around 520-518 BCE . These were not just pretty words to pacify or console an anxious people, then or now, but a solid fact. Think of all the conflicts which might have been prevented with more of what Winston Churchill described as “Jaw-jaw is [being] better than war-war”.
But Jesus talked less to nations in their conflicts, but to individuals in our conflicts; our very human interior difficulties and external practical circumstances. This is why he healed individuals, not huge numbers in one go; why he spoke to people in a way that, even within crowds, made them feel that no-one else mattered at that moment. Jesus is interested in each of us as separate entities, even though collectively created and all united under the mercy and care of God. He is interested in relationships, ours with him and, through him, with God. But the message remains the same. It is in simplicity, [as in the choice of a donkey for transport], that makes him one of us; and us a part of the poorer world with whom we are related through our loving God, who created each one of us, rich or poor.
It is to us as individuals that he offers today’s invitation to go to him when we are troubled and over-burdened with the complexities of life today. When relationships let us down, when conflict arises in our homes, or nations; when we are exhausted by the needs of others, or jaded by the consumerist society in which the expectation is to ‘keep up’.
What Jesus offers is not just some smaltzy, fluffy consolation, or interim rest, or sabbatical, from what troubles us and after which we find ourselves sent back into the fray. No, Jesus offers us a lasting peace, an enduring change of life; one in which keeping things more simple, living according to his guidelines, on a daily basis will bring a level of all-encompassing peace we perhaps have never experienced before.
I can almost hear the complaints: “Oh well, it is alright for her”. But adopting Jesus’ way for us does mean to simplify certain aspects of life, which will lighten the load. Trying to live more simply, giving more away, guarding the environment, taking time for our neighbours and friends, watching over those less fortunate than ourselves, resisting all attempts to make us compete, either with each other, or with the accepted norm. The rules are pretty simple too; love God and love others as best we can. His yoke is easy and the responsibilities are not heavy because each of these aspects of life-change bring their own satisfaction and reward. Never be drawn into thinking that one person cannot make a difference to the world. Every huge change for the better has emerged from the actions of a few good people, trying to live out today’s message [whatever religion they hold]. If you want to be one of them, read today’s readings again. Zechariah was correct in his prophesy, all those years ago and Jesus is telling us something we need to know for today. How many times do we need telling that the way the world behaves today is not working ? Maybe for a handful of people in the arms trade or on Wall Street, but not for the starving and hurting people in the Darfur or Zimbabwe, etc. To repeat the old advertising jingle “you know it makes sense”.
To carry the yoke which Jesus offers means dropping much of what hurts and confuses us and which complicates our lives; this cannot be bad. It also adds us to the growing number of people who are sick of leaders advocating war for reasons of power and at whose hands the poor become yet poorer and sunk into even greater agony. Closer to home, to maintain our personal lives in terms of the expectations of our society, adds to the burdens we already carry. But by adopting Jesus’ terms: “you will find rest for your souls”. That is such a lovely line and so seductive and a great deal easier than we might believe. There can be a deep pleasure in living well, facing outwards with grace and love, rather than inwards with fearful [and possibly selfish] anxiety. The choice is ours.
Beloved Jesus, the world can be a seductive place. Help me to hear your message of simplicity and integrity, with your offer of help and peace and rest. Let me lean on you and lighten my load. Help me to live according to your call and to know the fullness of relationship with God through you; and in your name I make this prayer. Amen.
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Sunday 29th June 2008
Acts 12: 1-11
Psalm 33 (34) The Angel of the Lord rescues those who believe in God
2 Timothy 4:6-8. 17-18
Isn’t it interesting that the Church puts together on the same day two disciples who were often at each other’s throats? Or should we say rather, had cause for considerable disagreement! But every organisation needs its heroes and the Church is the same. We have our great hero, Jesus of Nazareth, but who can compare with him? Some of us need the ‘ordinary’ blokes who may incorporate less divine features with whom we relate more easily.
Peter was once described to me as “being called the rock, because he was so thick”. A bit unfair, perhaps, in view of the circumstances of the disciples’ lives, but also an understandable criticism when we remember all the times that Peter prevaricated, said the wrong thing or let Jesus down. All very human, all very US, in our less inspired moments!
But, when the ‘chips were down’ Peter was a sustained and inspiring presence within the early Church and went to his death for his Lord. He might be described as the ‘rough diamond’, the fisherman, the practical man. But when Herod Agrippa 1 had him incarcerated, planning to hold his trial (and presumably execute him) after Passover, the local Church loved him so much that they prayed throughout the days and nights for his release. Peter’s release at the wish of God and the hand of the Angel proving, as many a similar occasion has proved, even for people like us when we have been reprieved from death, that his work on earth was not yet complete. Being Peter, we hear him say after the event that “Now I know it is all true……” Peter doing what we love him for – taking his time to absorb what was happening, being not quite ‘with it’ until after the event. These days we could describe this as “a senior moment”. But related to the rock upon which God would build the Church we might rather call it “a Peter moment”. Peter wasn’t a great thinker, but when Jesus asked his disciples the question of his identity, it was Peter who provided the right answer. This admission probably cost him a lot because although it clarified Jesus’ identity, it also confirmed his own. In other words, [since he could never leave Jesus], in identifying Jesus so accurately he was prescribing his own future, as a follower, with all the consequences entailed in that; and it was not a comfortable thought. But, nevertheless, he didn’t hesitate.
Paul never quite got past the fact that he was not a part of the Twelve; that he didn’t work alongside Jesus in his earthly ministry. He never saw Jesus but, of course, he heard him on the road to Damascus. He then spent every waking moment after that doing God’s bidding; all very brave and steadfast and a little like us in our more inspired moments! Paul was the intellectual and, although they had strong disagreements about the way the Church should develop, as a couple of leaders Peter and Paul were, what the therapists now call, in a relationship of ‘complimentarity’. In other words, they filled each other’s gaps, they were opposites which, when acting for the common good in the Church, provided the strongest possible base upon which to build its foundations, [just like a good marriage]. Paul was unrelenting in his pressure upon himself to develop the Church and to spread the Word as far and for as long as possible. Nothing diverted him. We can learn much from his stalwart nature and his courage in the face of opposition, physical and verbal. At the end of his life in the letter we read today his life is described as a ‘libation’ a sacrifice, but not in a miserable way, but with a triumphant tone. His life was not wasted, as he saw it, but filled with God’s power, which was what had enabled him to make so bold in all that he did and said. He was completely sure that his efforts would be rewarded with heaven and his example to us is our assurance too. Everything we do with God and the Kingdom in mind will be rewarded in the same way.
This was a great pair of disciples, each with their particular way of understanding the world, the Church and the use of their gifts in the service of the Kingdom of God. Good examples, not just in the great acts of heroism about which we read in the Gospels, but in the day-to-day steadfastness they exhibited and in the faithfulness to all the teaching and promises of Jesus. Let us salute them today……….
But this does go to show something of the rigours of Christianity. We can argue, feel disgruntled, or even enmity for another and then find ourselves banged up against them for all eternity; (no wonder Jesus instructed us to go and make peace with our brothers and sisters before engaging in worship)! Demonstrably for Peter and Paul on 29th June every year, for the rest us, in the heaven we shall all undoubtedly share!
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Sunday 22nd June 2008
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 20: 10-13
Psalm 68 (69) In your great love answer me, O God.
Romans 5:12-15
Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: “do not be afraid”….
No-one knew better than Jesus just what the disciples would be facing when they adopted and tried to conduct their new lives as his followers. After all, didn’t he tell them they would be “as sheep among wolves” (Chap.10:16) From the outset until this very day being a Christian would always go against the commonly held beliefs and practices of the world and sometimes leading to serious consequences. So why Jesus did tell us that we needn’t worry? This is a scary prospect. Most of us have to deal with the world; we earn our living, raise our children and have responsibilities towards our communities and the law of the land. We are engaged with the world, a part of it, we don’t live in our own little bubble, the world is our natural context. How can we risk being different? I can hear readers saying “it’s all right for the Son of God, he knows what it is all about, he has the proof that all will be well, how can I be convinced?”
If you cannot bring yourself to believe the words of Jesus’ consolation then, yes, there is a BIG problem here. But still, if you don’t believe these words, it is unlikely that living according to his two great Commandments holds much truth for you either. Or perhaps you just need a bit of encouragement to give this extra dimension of meaning to your life.
The consolation comes in a clear form. If you have to fear anything or anyone, then fear that which undermines all your natural goodness, your impulses towards what you know to be moral behaviour; anything which dulls or goes against your conscience, which stops you from caring. Describe these impulses however you like; early training, what you know in your heart and mind to be inappropriate for a civilised person, your best philosophical standpoint…..etc… That which directs you towards goodness comes from your soul, which is a gift from God; and Jesus wants you to protect this part of yourself. Look around you, there are many people who have left their consciences on a shelf somewhere and proceed through the world causing havoc and mayhem for individuals and nations – think of some of the leaders of any conflict area in the world and you’ll see what I mean.
If you are wondering why you should bother remember this: that sparrows are pretty inconsequential creatures in the grand scheme of things, while we are (supposed to be) the peak of evolution and kid ourselves that that means civilisation! “Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing” The proper translation of this passage is not “falls” but “lights” (as in lands). Think how many times sparrows land and take off in their busy little lives. If God notices every single time each sparrow does this, how much more will God attend to the well being and events in the lives of the peak of creation? How many hairs have you got on your head and body? Can you count them? If you believe that God managed to create all that is, then consider how much love is involved in being able to count each small part of the created one. If you have children, remember how you combed their hair and oiled their scalps as babies? How the slower growing heads of hair were subjected to almost the counting of every new hair which emerged, we knew every tiny change in our beloved children. If God is our parent, albeit as Spirit, this is precisely how we are held in God’s love, forever.
Jesus obviously thought that if we knew our importance to God and the world then this would give us the courage and reassurance we need to go out in the name of Christ and offer to others the joy and, if you like, satisfaction of living according to rules which aim to
improve the quota of justice, fairness, equality of opportunity as well as status in a world which has always needed them, and goes on doing so.
We won’t be popular; anything which reduces what some other people regard as their “rights” raises objections. Anyone who speaks words of peace when the prevailing atmosphere is warlike will be dismissed as “not understanding the real world”. Unenlightened self-interest has become the custom and practice of western society. Christians, (that is, those who haven’t alienated others with their Bible literalism), do not get much of a hearing. Indeed, we seem to be becoming largely ignored, they don’t even bother to persecute us any more! But this doesn’t excuse our trying to promote the best of Christ’s teaching and then, if necessary, taking the consequences. Perhaps it is the battle with apathy we are engaged to fight in this generation?
We do what we can, where we can and whenever we can and, most importantly, we live out what we say we believe. Example is better than any amount of words. Then we leave the rest to God. But in moment of the weakness from which we all sometimes suffer, remember Jesus: “Do not be afraid” . And the next time you pass a sparrow, remember your shared value in God’s sight.
Lord God, save me from the infectious apathy of the world. Support me when I weaken, uphold me when I fail in being the best Christian I can be. Teach me again my value to you and send me forth in the name of Jesus to extend your kingdom just a fraction more each day. Amen.
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Sunday 15th June 2008
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Psalm 99 (100)
Romans 5:6-11
Matthew 9:6 – 10:8
Immediately we understand to what extent Jesus is a shepherd of his people because he does not want to leave his flock unattended when he must depart. He gives his “disciples” a share in his power, so that they may be properly equipped from the beginning of the emerging Church with the appropriate skills leaders would need. They would be basing their future words and actions upon Jesus’ teaching and not distracted by any of the numerous and powerful sects which were around, and grew up, in those first years.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry his primary concern was for the people of Israel. However, by the time Matthew wrote his Gospel it was clear that this would spread far; and wider than the narrow confines of Israel. But God had first called the Chosen People out of Egypt to give them the benefit of personal divine attention, but they had gone astray so many times, ignoring the prophets but yearning for the Messiah. The coming of Jesus was, when you think about it, God’s last attempt to bring the People ‘home’ in that intimate and personal relationship promised forever. When you have sent your child, what or who else is there left? So, of course the People of Israel would be the first to know the Messiah, they had waited long enough! Jesus’ commission to his disciples was clear, tell them what they want and need to know for salvation. Beware of any temptation to make any profit from what God gives freely. [A lesson for TV evangelists who pressure the viewers for money, perhaps?]
Have you noticed how many people today look harassed and dejected, how many seem to need the care of a good shepherd? Jesus called a very disparate group of people, those named in this Gospel. He did not go to the Pharisees, or the intellectuals, nor the rich and powerful to provide the leaders for his new movement. They were unlikely to listen to him, they would be inclined to ‘know everything’ and Jesus needed people with clear minds and great vision; those who would first believe what he told them and then be open enough to receive the powers he would offer to empower them to impart his teaching to the world. Obviously Jesus chose the people he did for good solid reasons but, let’s face it, the disciples were ‘ordinary’ people, much like you and me. But this is exactly why Jesus chose them. They were faithful, eager to learn, and utterly dedicated to Jesus and the salvation he promised; they were not cynical nor power-mongers.
Just because Jesus called twelve men in the first instance does not signify and should not determine the gender of Church leaders in this present age. In first century Palestine women never spoke publicly and could not travel alone and their words could not be used as evidence in court, it would have been silly and self-defeating to award women leadership so early on. However, within a generation those who followed Christ understood the value of human beings differently and women took their places among the whole body of the Church, including leadership. St Paul recognised and highly valued the leadership of women in the communities he visited throughout his journeys. Now, of course with the increased liberation of women from the shackles of restrictive roles they are now free to be fully what Jesus intended where discipleship and leadership is concerned.
The important element in the shepherd-like leadership is a willingness to give all for the Lord, to desire only the furtherance of the Gospel values in the way we live and in our dealings with the world. We need a clear vision, humility, a compassionate heart, some wisdom and stamina, in order to cope with the rigours of the job and to withstand the intransigence and mockery of the modern world. This is how Jesus measured the worth of his potential Church leaders then and is the only criteria we should use now.
The harvest is even more short of labourers in these present days and the fact that the Holy Spirit is calling many more, and different, people to minister to the People of God in all manner of ways, is a testament to God’s determination that the world will receive the benefit of the promises made through Jesus – whether the present-day Church authorities like it or not! Millions of people still do not receive the Sacraments, Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage, etc because of outdated notions of what constitutes a ‘proper’ priest. We have no right to deny the world God’s divine gifts because of human-made rules. The disciples of Jesus time were mostly married men, many illiterate, who would not have met the requirements of today’s Church. Perhaps it is time that we listened again to what Jesus wants in his disciples and to his definition of good leadership and then trust the Holy Spirit who is speaking to the hearts of those who yearn to serve God’s people. There are millions of “huddled masses”, “harassed and dejected” people out there not receiving what is due to them. It is our responsibility to provide it and pathetic moaning about lack of vocations [according to irrelevant doctrinal excuses] is no longer enough to avoid the urgent need for change.
But, perhaps the Holy Spirit is calling for another kind of ministry; one which operates outside of the limiting structures of institutions? The Holy Spirit can only be thwarted for so long; after which another way will be found and Jesus will again call to the task [possibly equally “unsuitable”] people as he did the first disciples. Now there is a thought!
Beloved Lord, make us all shepherds, eager to seek out and support those who are in need of your love. Give us leaders with compassion and courage, prepared to take risks so that all your people may be fed with word, example and Eucharist. Amen.
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Sunday 8th June 2008
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hosea 6: 3-36
Psalm 49 (50)
Romans 4: 18-25
Do you remember, as I do, how worrying were those days at school when people were
called out of the classroom to join in games, or quiz, teams or a groups to show visitors round the establishment because they were doing an inspection, or likely to fund some project, or new equipment? It was even worse when it was the other children doing the choosing. Who was ‘in’, who was ‘out’? Who had the right skills, who had the most handsome/pretty face? Who owned the latest ‘gear’ [which might get to be borrowed if we chose her/him?] What were the criteria for popularity in your school, or gang? How did you feel about that? Has it affected you then, or since?
Did you get chosen often? I didn’t! I often felt ‘on the edge’ [Which is probably why I tend to work now with other people who are ‘on the edge’]. Perhaps you were among the lucky ones, often chosen. Maybe this amazing, early confidence building has led to your becoming wonderfully successful – good for you! It is great to use the advantages we have had, especially when we channel the strength this brings into work which enhances life for others, in the Church or in business or in your particular work team and in a practical ‘hands-on’ job in any sphere.
We were rarely told the criteria by which the teachers judged us; did you want to know? I think I now understand the criteria of the other students in my case; mostly that I was a bit ‘odd’; I didn’t quite fit the (then) current model of popularity. I certainly didn’t fit the model of attractiveness in my primary school years. You cannot make Shirley Temple curls and sweet, bubbly personality out of the poker-straight head of hair atop the rather serious head. This caused me pain at the time because I didn’t really understand it – did you understand your exclusions? Do we now use the measurements on others which were used for, or against, us? I wonder how deep these go into our psyche and subsequent behaviour?
One thing we learn from today’s Gospel is, basically, that no-one is excluded from Jesus’ area of activity or in the building of the Church on earth, or of creating the Kingdom of God among us. Never, indeed, on any of the bases which seemed apparent at our schools, that is for sure. Put simply, if Jesus could not only accept, but specifically call, someone who was so loathed by the Jews as were tax collectors, I tell you, anyone can be accepted. They extorted money, ‘creamed’ off their own slice; intimidated, harassed, threatened and could be said to have virtually robbed their own compatriots. Worst of all they were believed to be committing sacrilege. The Romans were very clever in instigating the gathering of taxes from among the existing (greedy and immoral) members of the population of the lands which they colonised. But this didn’t stop Jesus from calling Matthew, in spite of all he knew about his chosen profession. This puts just being ‘the fat one with the glasses’ into a different league doesn’t it?
This ‘being chosen’, or rejected, continues long after we leave school too, but it becomes seemingly more subtle as we move in ever more sophisticated circles – but it is still there. Even within Churches, it can still prevent wonderful skills from emerging into the light and being used for the good of the community. It can reward the power-mongers and deny the willing and able, those who need just a bit of enthusiasm and confidence [perhaps from us] to build their sense of self worth and to allow their gifts to pour out of them for the benefit of everyone around them. Jesus reminded the Pharisees that what a person does for a living, or their gender, or the colour of their skin, or the waist size of their trousersis no guide to their innate value, because all are valued in God’s eyes and in God’s heart.
Jesus didn’t come for the clever clogs, because of their brains, but for their humanity; the fact of their creation of by God’s own hand. Jesus didn’t come for the Shirley Temple curls but for the heart and mind of the little girl who loved ‘gentle Jesus’ and believed he loved her. Jesus didn’t come for the slim and elegant because of their appearance but for their honesty, integrity and willingness to help others less well-endowed, less fortunate in the physical stakes.
And the truth of the matter is that Jesus goes on calling people who have horrible or empty lives, or who work in ghastly jobs, of which they would be ashamed if they had known Jesus and had been able to accurately assess what they were doing through his eyes. Jesus wants to rescue those caught in every maelstrom of awfulness, like Matthew. And, when they hear him, they too will get up, leave the embarrassing or damaging job, or screwed up lives behind, allow themselves to change, and follow him. Just like the changes we made when we realised that being on his team was the best invitation we have ever had and leads to the best possible game, set and final match.
Lord Jesus, you look beneath the surface of everyone to see the good heart beating inside. You know the potential of us all as the people of God’s creation, made for love and for happiness. Show us the way to value each and everyone we meet, that our warmth will raise in them a renewed confidence and sense of self-worth, such as trusting you has given to me. I ask this in your name, your team, in whose member I am and will remain. Amen
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Deuteronomy 11:18. 26-28
Psalm 30 (31)
Romans 3: 21-25. 28
A Rock and a soft place!
Hurray for clichés, they provide good headings, even when they are modified to fit! This sounds like a real finger-wagging exercise by Jesus, doesn’t it? But, actually, I think he was giving us both the warning and the blessing, which basically underpinned all his teaching and much of his life.
There is an old Jewish story, which tells of a wonderful rabbi, who was wise and kind and whom everyone loved; and his students begged him that when he died he would return to give them advice based on his experience beyond the grave. So he died, and his students prayed and prayed to him to help them. The old man did return and after consoling them listened to their questions. The students wanted to know what was the greatest sin, obviously so that they could avoid it at all costs. Was it weakness in their faith; was it their lack of diligence in studying the Torah, or was it the sins of their youth? The old man laughed and said that God understood and forgave all sins immediately on repentance, except one. Eagerly they await his pronouncement. Very slowly he said: “The sin which God finds it very hard to forgive is the sin of false piety” and after registering their surprise, he left them. Today’s Gospel is about false piety.
Jesus wasn’t really finger-wagging he was telling us just how much he loves and respects those who make every attempt to do his will, through the teaching and example that he gave us. So much so, that when we do, we shall be able to cope with anything that happens to us.
A little bit of proof of this is in those people who face untold risks or dangers or losses, far beyond which we feel we would ever be able to cope; but who have held on to their faith throughout and which has helped them to survive – it doesn’t happen to everyone, but enough to be significant. When the going gets tough and we can manage to remain faithful, God won’t let us down.
The world is a difficult place in which to be good in the Christian sense. It is so hard to follow Christ when surrounded by all the temptations attracting us every day. It is so easy to fail, or to think we are failing [even when God is actually rather pleased with every attempt we make, especially when carried out in God’s own name]. It is tempting to judge ourselves harshly when the judgement rightly belongs to God, who probably judges us much more leniently than we do ourselves! Don’t forget, it is the studying and understanding of Jesus’ message and incorporating it into our ordinary old day-to-day lives; it is the sincere intention of our hearts which then produces the actions we do get right, which call forth God’s delight in us and a further strengthening to sustain us. Then we are armed against any onslaught. This doesn’t mean that we always get it right – it is the persistent, dogged attempts to do so which win heaven for us.
But it is not people who struggle to do this that Jesus is warning. It is those who talk about faith and/or religion [not the same thing], who proclaim for God, who lay down rules for others, who believe that they know the heart and mind of God, when patently they don’t; or, if they do, they have forgotten the one about treating one’s neighbour as God would. It is so easy to “talk the talk” about faith in God, and adherence to so-called ‘religious’ beliefs and is habit too many clergy have got into, while living and behaving in a way which refutes the message which comes out of their mouths.
You know who I mean; religious people who proclaim that all life is sacred when marching against abortion, and yet will vote for the death penalty. People who campaign for a change in attitudes regarding climate change and yet flit around the world by aeroplane and drive huge cars. Preaching piously the message of Christ’s peace, and then justifying war. Preaching charity, consideration and love while bullying or abusing those in their care; especially iniquitous when these are priests, employed to be an example and to supposed to be dedicated to living out Jesus’ message. Those church congregations which will shun someone, or turn them out, because they have had an affair, or their marriage has broken up for reasons only the couple involved will know. Those who preach equality for all, except Gay people; who would deny Gay people love in their lives or who give them descriptions like “intrinsically disordered”, when they [and their orientation] are as much created by God as everything else. [Just because we don’t yet fully understand God’s plan in gifting the world with such a high proportion of Gay people does not make interim discrimination acceptable].
So it could go on…..you can think of many more examples from your own experience than I have written here. But they all involve false piety. People who believe that they know better than God, who regard the two great Commandments [to love God and to love each other as we love ourselves] as open to their own interpretation, rather than Jesus’. The whole Gospel is shot through with the teaching to elucidate these rules. To claim to know them and then to do otherwise – whatever our clerical status – is, according to Jesus today, not only wrong, wrong, wrong, but will incur God’s displeasure until they learn otherwise. Tough? Yes! But we are building a kingdom here and we cannot allow people who should know better to sully the pure message of Our Lord. The kingdom is for everyone who wants to listen, who wants to understand and who makes some attempt to use both in their actions. The reward is, as always, LOVE; which, in the end, is all most of us ever really want or need. Well, it is here, Love has come to earth. It is both for now, because Jesus promised us he would never leave us; and it is for the future when we meet him face-to-face. Promises upon which we can rely.
Lord God, although I hear the warnings, although I do try, sometimes I fail to live up to my convictions; help me with a deeper understanding and a clearer vision so that I may only ever act according to your Word and receive the reward of love I need in order to live, and to live well. Amen.