tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72457270976865748012024-03-26T16:57:39.480-05:00Clergy SpiritReflections, Resources & Hard Won WisdomScott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.comBlogger456125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-20522136046381852812024-03-25T06:00:00.025-05:002024-03-26T16:56:51.965-05:00 Amazing Comments on Methodism from The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* <p style="text-align: justify;">From AP American History (High School) to Afro-American History (Trinity University) to Black Church History (Duke Divinity School) to Doctoral Studies (Perkins School of Theology), the fact that Frederick Douglass' biography was not required was a monumental omission of the curriculum and leadership. Especially when Douglass' statements on religion, Methodists and Christian leaders are considered. I include two notable excerpts referenced below.</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">In August, 1832, my master attended a Methodist camp-meeting. held in the Bay-side, Talbot county, and there experienced religion. I indulged a faint hope that his conversion would lead him to emancipate his slaves, and that, if he did not do this, it would, at any rate, make him more kind and humane. I was disappointed in both respects. It neither made him more humane to his slaves, nor to emancipate them. If it had any effect on his character, it and him more cruel and hateful in all his ways; for I believe him to have been a much worse man after his conversion than before. Prior to his conversion, he relied upon his own depravity to shield and sustain him in his savage barbarity; but after his conversion, he found religious sanction and support for his slaveholding cruelty. He made the greatest pretentions to piety. His house was a house of prayer. He prayed morning, noon, and night. He very soon distinguished himself among his brethren and was soon made a class- leader and exhorter. p. 56</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>I assert most unhesitatingly, that the religion of the south is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes- a justifier of the most appalling barbarity,- a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds,- and a dark shelter under which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find the strongest protection. Were I to be again reduced to the chains of slavery, next to that enslavement, I should regard being a slave of a religious master the greatest calamity that could befall me. For of all slaveholders with whom I have ever met, religious slaveholders are the worst. I have ever found them the meanest and basest, the most cruel and cowardly, of all others. <span style="text-align: left;">pp. 72-3</span></blockquote><p>Comment</p><p>In my classrooms, any consideration of the nature of American human enslavement based solely on race, or Blackness, was overlooked. Prior to 1865, to be Black was to be enslaved. Those born into slavery, like Douglass, had no hope of freedom. Douglass' father was a white enslaver. It paid to multiply the enslaved through Black mothers.</p><p>Most of my education stopped with a cursory mention of indentured servants and slavery of the colonial era and pre-Civil War.. With no critical exploration of the workings of human enslavement, conclusions one could draw were wrong. For example, there is no comparison between indentured servanthood and human enslavement. </p><p>Douglass suggests that the holidays were used to inebriate slaves into thinking they would forget about their hopelessness and think their lot not so bad after all. A drunken stupor was required to think the slave's life was acceptable. </p><p>There were other vast shortcomings in my formal education. The institutional racism which was established before, during and after the Civil War was rarely, if ever, explored. What about the systemic inequalities that persisted because of race? What about the violence and lynchings that were perpetrated to support that system in the Jim Crow era?**</p><p>Whether it was the major labor unions excluding blacks from membership or banks systemically denying credit and home mortgages in the north, or requiring black children to be transported in worn down vehicles many miles from town to dilapidated, rural school houses in the south, why were these things not explored in my studies? We had debates about slavery vs. abolition, but had no exploration of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts of the 1960's, why these Acts of Congress were necessary. </p><p>There is great resistance to learning of the black experience and history today, of course. State and local school boards attempt to limit or define which Black history can be taught and what should be excluded. For the most part, the outcry, or better, the backlash is about what Black history whites are most comfortable with. The resistance is hardened in our churches. Sunday morning in the U.S. remains the most segregated time of the week. </p><p>Douglass' words can be discounted by white congregations today because, after all, enslavement is dead as an institution. The challenge of most congregations of the cultural middle would be to explore why, historically, inequities exist in generational wealth and educational attainment. The Pandemic exposed inequalities on a massive scale. *** </p><p>Instead of seizing this as an historic teachable moment, the terrible dualism between material and spiritual, the corporate and individual continues to be a dominant theme in preaching and teaching. The Advent Gospel is reduced to inner, individual peace. Lent is reduced to how Jesus and I feel about my sin. Easter is all about my private, individual eternal life, not entering more fully into God's rule and realm. </p><p><span style="text-align: left;">*Originally published in 1845 by the Anti-Slavery Office. For pages cited, see </span><a href="#" style="text-align: left;">Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Barnes and Noble,</a>2003.</p><p>**James Cone, <a href="https://orbisbooks.com/products/the-cross-and-the-lynching-tree">The Cross and the Lynching Tree</a>, offers a rigorous analysis of the history of lynchings in Jim Crow, and their absence in the writings of Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr is still considered one of the leading social ethicists of the 20th Century. </p><p>**See <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/20/1106256068/how-covid-exposed-racial-disparities-in-all-aspects-of-the-healthcare-system">How Covid Exposed Racial Disparity in all Aspects of the Health Care System</a>, NPR, 2022.</p></div><p></p><div class="widget Text" data-version="1" id="Text2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 30px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div class="clear" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></div></div><div class="widget Text" data-version="1" id="Text1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 30px 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-39061770458024447352024-03-07T13:05:00.014-06:002024-03-24T22:00:52.226-05:00Is it possible or necessary to recreate the mythical past?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NqcBH2tuAxo3hmFfRcWpeeM7CqtiOYV-lfC9fBZmtnxRaFGzZ_NBiwE5gBPzhmIxDwxe4nE8c6TW9woDZdTFhT1vdOxVlZXk-wQ80er6N5Wecfcx9s_h_-JVyh4wt538LUr7Jaedna_hnv8y8B6mXx4F8pTDMj5axFxtz6X6qBInR0ntSisLLfwwi1Pk/s1024/2005-Cadillac-STS-SAE-100-Rear-View-Mirror-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NqcBH2tuAxo3hmFfRcWpeeM7CqtiOYV-lfC9fBZmtnxRaFGzZ_NBiwE5gBPzhmIxDwxe4nE8c6TW9woDZdTFhT1vdOxVlZXk-wQ80er6N5Wecfcx9s_h_-JVyh4wt538LUr7Jaedna_hnv8y8B6mXx4F8pTDMj5axFxtz6X6qBInR0ntSisLLfwwi1Pk/s320/2005-Cadillac-STS-SAE-100-Rear-View-Mirror-1024x768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We came to believe that a Higher Power could restore us to sanity.* But what if sanity or clarity was always, from day one, the rarity? Recovery is a journey where I discover a new way of living sanely, safely, and with clarity about boundaries and inner resources-reserves.<p></p>1. It is impossible to change without a decision to do honest, searching, and blameless inner work.<div><div>2. Do I need restoring to a mythical past that never existed? Is it possible? **</div><div>3. Doing differently requires practice and patience, and a willingness to be a beginner.</div><div>4. Find a fellow-traveler. <span style="text-align: justify;">The disruptive forces- the ones we choose and - those we don't - are too powerful</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> to work with alone. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;">*I speak for my own experience only, and I certainly to do not represent any 12 -Step program. I am sharing my strength, hope, and experience and that is all.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;">**Religion portrays a mythical perfect beginning for humankind, starting with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, in Genesis 1-2. Is it total bliss? The presence of the serpent is part of the story. The serpent was part of God’s creation but also represents, to me, that as humans, we are a mixture of good and harmful intentions. I do not believe in talking serpents. </span></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;">***I used to think addiction involved only substances that are consumed. I now realize the the "inner drug store" (ACA terminology) is another source of addiction and dysfunction. Jim Jackson defines these as "ambient addictions," in A Guide to Behavioral Change," Banlican House Publishers, 2022. See chapters 15 and following. </p></div></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-309491997978187122024-02-16T18:37:00.002-06:002024-02-16T18:37:21.804-06:00Why Not Make Human Flourishing- Not Degradation- the Standard?<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ3yKzV1P7y2g-zThSUeFHYRVnyg_GoeW-GwsfIvyvXd3pq_1Fa6HlXKMg4U0teVuDWXX9XOr5UN4S58rsxbTpLV7AV7nNCV__jRLjKFISLCBsBa5XfN8eDKB-vVhYIbhhUxTPFW1x0nCRh0NeFMhVStJJKkJPaYMwUoaKGerymKYiIz7yuIY3pxZB_k2/s720/tree_in_field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ3yKzV1P7y2g-zThSUeFHYRVnyg_GoeW-GwsfIvyvXd3pq_1Fa6HlXKMg4U0teVuDWXX9XOr5UN4S58rsxbTpLV7AV7nNCV__jRLjKFISLCBsBa5XfN8eDKB-vVhYIbhhUxTPFW1x0nCRh0NeFMhVStJJKkJPaYMwUoaKGerymKYiIz7yuIY3pxZB_k2/s320/tree_in_field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Human beings are capable of anything great and terrible. Hear the words of the Indian Jesuit, Anthony DeMello: "I am no great improvement on the men who killed the Savior." (1) I once heard Martin Marty suggest that Original Sin is the only empirically verifiable doctrine of Christianity. (2) We see it play out every day in murders and mayhem, violence and destruction, and in every harm we perpetrate on others. </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">But is the doctrine itself a self-fulfilling prophecy? Further along, if everyone is a sinner- inclining to reject love at every turn, and only randomly-or by God's help- choose the good, why should a more a loving and just world be possible- or even an aspiration? Why expect anyone or any nation to share? Why hope for anything better? Do miserable sinners deserve to flourish?</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">But if all humanity is created in God's likeness and image, and is very good as created, and further, if the whole creation is good, then everyone and everything fulfills their purpose just by being. Intrinsic worth is the baseline, not the exception. We love because we are capable of both loving God- and others. We are capable of covenant love because God created us. </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Original Sin is normative in Christianity. (2) It's the rule, the standard for sound doctrine. Candidates for ministry preach it before boards and committees, hoping for the passing grade on orthodoxy (right belief). Humanity is condemned, helpless, and deserve whatever it is we get. </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">But really, why is degrading humanity so important? For educational purposes, telling people they are sinners is, in practice, mere indoctrination. What if we understood our brokenness as descriptive, exposing the harm we do to each other and the creation? And what if we, by faith, believed in the goodness of creation and the God-likeness of humanity, the norm for belief and practice, teaching and preaching? </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">(1) De Mello, Wellsprings, 1986, p. 51<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">(2) Article VII states, "Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually." <a href="https://www.umc.org/en/content/articles-of-religion">The Articles of Religion of the United Methodist Church.</a> The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(3) Even though the doctrine of the goodness of God, creation and of humankind is implied throughout Scripture, Original Sin as a doctrine, and all creation and humankind as "fallen," is the rule. The invitation of faith, young and old, is to explore the importance and meaning of the doctrine of Creation as primary, not secondary. </div></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-2339170356314031832023-12-05T10:09:00.041-06:002023-12-18T18:13:55.183-06:00Talking to Myself about Faith and Ministry in December<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXsWvlLSwz0ncYHFRFIkeLLtmwnf0PftfA6HKWvD2eH7tY-8NAK7EdKZMs6z8WKWOPcNLsOtdu4FtrwKsD9QePsjwgCjjin_asNdfbiwOjr59eHAlCoLNw6IjjBbI6g1P6QV271_hKhbe6Y67NCkZ0tf7W9_k1LlTZSWpgZesjbA4kOpk-j9exzwMhky-/s300/Talkingtoself.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXsWvlLSwz0ncYHFRFIkeLLtmwnf0PftfA6HKWvD2eH7tY-8NAK7EdKZMs6z8WKWOPcNLsOtdu4FtrwKsD9QePsjwgCjjin_asNdfbiwOjr59eHAlCoLNw6IjjBbI6g1P6QV271_hKhbe6Y67NCkZ0tf7W9_k1LlTZSWpgZesjbA4kOpk-j9exzwMhky-/w320-h185/Talkingtoself.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Aren't you tired of people asking "Are you ready for Christmas?"</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>They're just making conversation. It's like December's way of asking "how's it going?"</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>You mean to be a little less serious about everything. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Yes, and give everyone a break, including yourself. We all have a lot on our minds, and everyone is doing the best we can.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Christmas has changed for me. I'm not doing ministry anymore. This whole month used to be really crazy, like adding another full time job.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>If someone has never had to work overtime during the holidays, then you can't expect them to understand. The more you look around, the more you'll see that most people have to work on or over a major holiday or two. I'm interested in your first comment, about how Christmas has changed for you.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Our parents and family members have died. Most of our younger family has moved far away. I wanted to make a big Christmas meal, but that's hard to do for three. I feel alone.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>You could consider yourself lucky you don't have to plan for 15 or 20. Be creative. You are free to do some things a little differently if you want. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>What do you mean?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Getting together is the important thing. So plan things that everyone can do and enjoy. The main thing is you do it together.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It will be different, but maybe you're right.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>You're always making memories for yourself and the people you love. They can bring a smile. Sharing stories- make that your priority. That's the bread and butter of the gathering.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>To change the subject, when I was in full time ministry, I ploughed ahead without much thought to those who question the Christmas Gospel. I realize that I have questions too.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>If you have your doubts about how things happened in the Christmas Story, then you're certainly not alone. God comes to all of us, especially to those who have been disregarded or judged because they can't or don't believe in a literal reading.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Go on, you have my attention.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The point is, you can still believe in the story as literal and also hear a deeper message. And you can still believe in the teaching within the story even though you question the words as scientifically verifiable. They are Gospels, not hard journalism, a reality series, or twitter posts. </i><i>Their meaning then and for today is what's important. </i><i>And after all, Mark wrote his Gospel first-- and skipped the birth stories altogether! </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The meaning? You mean, that God actually loves us, even in the mess we're in? W</b><b>hat about the Israel and Hamas War? </b><i>Everyone is choosing sides as if there's a moral equivalency with terrorists. I don't think there is, just my opinion. Pray for peace, believe the Christmas message. Pray for the release of all the hostages as soon as possible. Pray and support those people and organizations who are trying to supply food, water, medicine and shelter. And for those who are negotiating a fair and just settlement. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Part of what overwhelms me this time of year is everyone's hardship, even locally. There are so many calls for financial gifts.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Ask God to help you make a decision on supporting one or two worthy causes, then let go.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>What about those who are counting on what I did last year. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>That was last year. Again, ask God about it.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>When did the amount I spend on people start to be so important?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Since before you were born. Joyful giving is possible within limits. There's so much guilt in wondering if you did enough and stress in overspending too.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>That's helpful to hear, I guess. There's just so much pressure to perform. I don't think I will ever finish my to do list.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Now you're worrying me. Don't be afraid to ask for help now and then.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There are just some things I needed to get off my chest.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Then do it, and let it go downstream.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-32842884856043010472023-12-04T06:32:00.007-06:002023-12-21T08:48:36.676-06:00Deconstructing Perfectionism<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://collinsdictionary.com"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://collinsdictionary.com"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ca7zhUFFhDJD_h0AfUw9cG9ZpXmdYNb80GDHuhu3DkDm1-IuMnIcH-uGYDC3fkoBmz7SkQd90fwHqR3mCifVpN_YJmlho28E4cttR1W4HeFwIxw2fEosnBXfLFsraH2HiO6R0gksgesRp8xH4A5cZSkw3YUdRSy2ialjwB6oaK4Wtd60qLuSccHk5-3/s329/candle-flame.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ca7zhUFFhDJD_h0AfUw9cG9ZpXmdYNb80GDHuhu3DkDm1-IuMnIcH-uGYDC3fkoBmz7SkQd90fwHqR3mCifVpN_YJmlho28E4cttR1W4HeFwIxw2fEosnBXfLFsraH2HiO6R0gksgesRp8xH4A5cZSkw3YUdRSy2ialjwB6oaK4Wtd60qLuSccHk5-3/s320/candle-flame.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/myth">Myth:</a> <span>(5) an unproven or false collective belief that is used to justify a social institution.</span></div></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span><span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The myth of perfectionism can make leaders and their communities havens of toxicity and control, instead of freedom and growth. In groups espousing Christian faith, the perfectionist myth is sometimes referenced by an imperative of Jesus: "You shall be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect." *</span></div><span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>For me, perfection is an ideal and exists only in the eye of the beholder. It can project an image of being in control and in-touch. But the the dark passengers of the perfectionist are fear and self-disdain. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Aspiration and idealism are worthy attributes. Self-improvement and pursuing excellence are not perfectionism. The core belief underlying excellence is that I am created and equipped to better myself and my world. Not so with perfectionism. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Perfectionism is older brother to hypocrisy. Clergy fulfill a necessary role in communities of faith. But if image management is my default, I may be overlooking a rotting spiritual center. The perfectionist as a spiritual leader is a positive hindrance to the flourishing of others.</div></span><span><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="text-align: left;"><b>Perfectionist Myths</b></u></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">1. "I'm a lot harder on myself than I am on others." Really? However, we end up treating others as we treat ourselves (or worse). <span style="text-align: left;">Claiming the perfectionist tag can be a red flag for self-delusion and grandiosity. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. "They would like me if I try harder." Is living to impress others a worthy goal, and is it really possible? Being and doing your best is not the same as people-pleasing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">3. "I am not enough." Instead of being created in the image and likeness of God, the perfectionist is not enough. R</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">esources like God's love and peace are scarce. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Recovery from Perfectionism</u></b></div></span></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Deconstruct the myth of perfectionism.</div></span></span></span></span><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><blockquote><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> What is the source of perfectionism within? Fear, shame, guilt?</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span> What does perfectionism promise and are these promises true?</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> In what ways do I benefit from image control?</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> In what ways has perfectionism drained, hurt me?</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> How is it affecting my family and friendships? </span></span></div></blockquote><div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; text-align: justify;">2. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I can affirm that I am created in the image and likeness of God. Can I begin to learn compassionate love of self and neighbor? I deal with my self- hate without projecting it onto others.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">3. I accept that I am capable of a God-relationship that doesn't diminish or hinder others. In light of this, all labels are constructions of the ego, the false self. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Things I have found helpful</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">1. Find a helpful psychotherapist who is a good fit. The objective here is too explore my own perfectionism, without fear of judgement- or "fixing." </span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">2. Recovery from perfectionism requires my ongoing inner work- learning a new way beginning with honesty and self acceptance, and self-love. Perfectionism is a core issue for recovery groups, such as <a href="https://workaholics-anonymous.org/">Workaholics Anonymous</a>, <a href="https://coda.org/">Codependents Anonymous</a>, and <a href="https://coda.org/">Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families</a>. </span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">3. A spiritual director helps to explore my God-relationship and God-image. Why? Because I often treat myself and others in the same way I envision God treating me. A spiritual director can listen to me in a way others close to me- or others I serve- can't. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span>*See Matthew 5:48, NRSV. Another translation of "perfect" is helpful too. New Testament Greek scholar Clarence Jordan translates the same verse this way: "Now you, all of you, must be mature, as your spiritual Father is mature." The text can be found online at </span><a href="http://kenanderson.net/bible/html/matthew.">kenanderson.net/bible/html/matthew.</a><span> </span></span></div></div><div align="right" style="color: #440000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-22582558619350308592023-08-17T13:15:00.034-05:002023-08-20T11:00:56.933-05:00The Gospel Reading and Reflection, Sunday, August 23<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK9KlsIuamvezhJ1bCCkildQw99iv0i9finPs9svKhomA6mNsWV6AG8UzNute9PUcBz4ocp5JTW7D3zSE8WUGwsrg4PFidX5T4rONsdLfloJBciTbd9c3IUe4ZxFBFe86UDNZHYgreWfrzaD0GilxaTXVngPzRwhFu2jB5At6plAo2SR3_gizme0Hnz_y/s307/Canaanite%20woman.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK9KlsIuamvezhJ1bCCkildQw99iv0i9finPs9svKhomA6mNsWV6AG8UzNute9PUcBz4ocp5JTW7D3zSE8WUGwsrg4PFidX5T4rONsdLfloJBciTbd9c3IUe4ZxFBFe86UDNZHYgreWfrzaD0GilxaTXVngPzRwhFu2jB5At6plAo2SR3_gizme0Hnz_y/s1600/Canaanite%20woman.gif" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28</u></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">15:10 Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, "Listen and understand:<br /><br />15:11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles."<br /><br />15:12 Then the disciples approached and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?"<br /><br />15:13 He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.<br /><br />15:14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit."<br /><br />15:15 But Peter said to him, "Explain this parable to us."<br /><br />15:16 Then he said, "Are you also still without understanding?<br /><br />15:17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?<br /><br />15:18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles.<br /><br />15:19 For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.<br /><br />15:20 These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile."<br /><br />15:21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon.<br /><br />15:22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon."<br /><br />15:23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us."<br /><br />15:24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."<br /><br />15:25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."<br /><br />15:26 He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs."<br /><br />15:27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."<br /><br />15:28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Why is this story included in Matthew's Gospel? Matthew's Jewish audience would be familiar with the Canaanites given their frequent mention in the Old Testament. It strikes at the heart of the most ancient of animosities in the Old Testament. As the narrative in Joshua and Judges goes, the land of the Canaanites was inhabited by indigenous peoples that the Israelites displaced by murder and mayhem, in order to take the land God had promised Israel. *</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Recall that Matthew is a missionary text. According to Luke-Acts, the mission has already traversed many improbable cultural boundaries, such as the development of the Gentile-Greek communities. Matthew adds a contributing story out of Jesus' ministry. Even though an Israelite healing a Canaanite's daughter is improbable, still, with God, all things are possible.**</div><br /><u>Consider the Following Surprises</u><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The woman is the exemplar in the story (not the disciples, again). She shows the pure, undiluted motivation of love, acting for the best interests of another. What else could explain her action?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">It's the Canaanite woman first speaking faith where there was complete dismissal. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">It's the Canaanite woman who actually does God's will and proves to be a true disciple. Recall Matthew 7:21-24. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Whom do I dismiss and whom do I deem undeserving or outside of God's blessings? </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The faith of my enemy (or those I have labeled as "other") is, according to this story, authentic. Maybe more so than mine. I resist this because it exposes my entitlement and privilege.</span></li></ul></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>*According to the biblical narrative in Joshua, Israel was directed by Moses to take Canaanite land and livestock, but chase down the fleeing Canaanites and kill them. Judges notes, in somewhat conflicting fashion, that Israel was unsuccessful in driving out the Canaanites entirely. While most of the surviving Canaanite people were enslaved, Sidon is mentioned in Judges 1:31-32 as one of few settlements where the inhabitants were neither conquered nor subject to forced labor.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>**This is one explanation why this story of a Canaanite and her daughter is presented in Matthew. </i></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-31183009246255067292023-08-06T14:18:00.011-05:002023-08-07T08:11:39.629-05:00Surviving Ministry: Choose to Finish Well<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcWOEBmCE9F79D5M9POoWj0DneJR76S3s9l-qdWMqJCs3qqzb1AenHRDG0SrdsUhDUc_b2Uv34TaFe_1YBXaY8cakTM4LeBxfNLeieKvwN2ck7c32hKGRbK7J4LSWgitW1y41gFRiCSCbrhJFJNHkbdfmtparuGOHHrqocQqpAXtfwZJGu00NM2qcxbVA/s227/imagesCAFWVOL6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="227" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcWOEBmCE9F79D5M9POoWj0DneJR76S3s9l-qdWMqJCs3qqzb1AenHRDG0SrdsUhDUc_b2Uv34TaFe_1YBXaY8cakTM4LeBxfNLeieKvwN2ck7c32hKGRbK7J4LSWgitW1y41gFRiCSCbrhJFJNHkbdfmtparuGOHHrqocQqpAXtfwZJGu00NM2qcxbVA/w320-h289/imagesCAFWVOL6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As the page turned to the last 18 months of full time ministry, I felt a real sense of freedom to create something new and needed. Initiative played a big part. I consulted with an expert in geriatric social work.* Then I reached out to CarePartners, a local group that was already resourcing a long standing social ministry in the congregation.** </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The new "Caregiver Relief Ministry" would, after a year of recruiting and equipping, begin serving its first clients. In fact, shorty before I left the congregation, the team partnered with its first two families to offer its ministry. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Following through on such a project gave me at least two saving features of ending things well. First, it kept me focused, centered, and aligned with my core values. Second, it was an opportunity to leave behind a functioning ministry team. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>What else did I learn in the last 18 months of ministry?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I learned the importance of remembrance. </b>One, it is important to claim the power of your ministry narrative. This is about both the last year but, more importantly, the longer witness of your service. The most meaningful ways of marking my retirement was the observance at annual conference. Those who are leaving light the candles of the those who will be newly ordained- then extinguish theirs. It was a telling event, marking both an ending and beginning. I discounted this observance in years past, until I was the one retiring! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Too, the congregation's reception was a great opportunity to share. I was lifted by the simple and sincere words of gratitude and blessing. There were many honest words of encouragement. from those I had worked with for all or part of 16 years. (3)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I learned that ageism is alive in churches and their </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>bureaucracy. </b></span><b>All the more, resist it and claim the truth of your story.</b> One of the drawbacks of downsizing tenured clergy staff (which I was) is that it minimizes the previous years of collaboration and accomplishment. For the downscaling motif to be credible, your story is overlooked, marginalized. (4) When your story is diminished, so is the congregation's. Our work together was shared and never a solo accomplishment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your leaving may be couched in terms of "stewardship" or "faithfulness," or "family needs." However, your life's work too is an example of stewardship and faithfulness. There was time well shared and given, there were gifts employed for the good of others, there were opportunities to love and be loved. And, yes, there is faithful management of resources in all of that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tell your story, with honesty and encouragement. </b>The official church media or gatherings are probably not the best venues- and they may not be open to you. I threw a dinner party at a favorite restaurant. I invited those with whom I had close connections in ministry and life: former colleagues, friends, family, mentors, etc. It was my best chance to express gratitude and appreciation. I will long remember the stories, joy, and laughter we shared. Your celebration will be different from mine. Still, discover what is a unique theme in your work and find ways to affirm it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally, retirement is difficult work and can't be done (well) alone</b>. Welcome the help and support of people who know you and care for you: friends, family, a spiritual director, a therapist. Ironically, we who teach and preach about God's love and peace are tempted to go it alone. Don't do it. Live out the truth that God's mercy, hope and faithfulness are available to you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It's up to you to finish well:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li>Focus on one important thing you can accomplish with the time you have left in full time ministry.</li><li>Participate in the official observances provided by the larger church and the reception the congregation offers. </li><li>Witness to your core values. With gratitude, tell your ministry story by celebrating with those most important to you.</li><li>At all costs, resist the default to endure this passage alone. Keep reaching out to God and to those who know and care. </li></ol></div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">(1) I am indebted to classes and conversations with the late <i>Suzanna Waters Castillo, </i>who, at the time was <i>the Distinguished Faculty Associate, The University of Wisconsin, Madison.</i> The certification program that she directed, "Mental Health and the Older Adult," was unique in its research-based, best practices approach to geriatric care. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">(2) <a href="https://carepartnerstexas.org/">CarePartners</a> worked with us to tailor a ministry to provide limited, trained, and congregational care givers for our parishioners. In the best way, we became partners in ministry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(3) I will long remember one member telling me, in essence, "The time before my retirement was harder than I could have imagined."</div><div>(4) There is scant research on finishing well in ministry. A piece that raises good questions is <i>Ageism: The Real Struggle for Church Staff Close to Retirement</i>, <a href="https://churchanswers.com/blog/ageism-the-real-struggle-for-church-staff-close-to-retirement/">Church Answers</a>,<a href="https://churchanswers.com/blog/ageism-the-real-struggle-for-church-staff-close-to-retirement/"> featuring Thom Rainer</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-72977449504784653912023-08-04T14:15:00.002-05:002023-08-07T08:16:46.553-05:00Teaching and Preaching the Gospel for Sunday, August 6<p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Effective Gospel studies or sermons</u></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><u> </u>begin (and perhaps end !) with questions that open doors of hope and creativity. Here are some suggestions, using Jesus' Feeding of the Five Thousand in Matthew 14:13-41. </span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">How do you think the first audiences of Christians would have heard this feeding story?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">What, for you, is a key word or phrase in this passage? Why?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Note that Jesus tells the disciples, "You give them something to eat." How do you hear this directive?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">What do you make of the passage when it states "all ate and were filled?" (14:20a)? </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">How might this story's message be heard among those living in poverty vs. those living in relative wealth? Does it really matter? Why? </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">What does it mean for you to have enough? For our life together?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">How might the bread and fish that Jesus Christ gives fill you? </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">How might your life be changed as a result of hearing this story? How would we live and share differently? </span></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is always a great temptation in answering these questions as you would a Bible quiz, such as listing what one must or should believe about Jesus and miracles. Try to resist this approach for yourself- and invite others to think for themselves too. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">List as many possible responses as you can for each question. The open-endedness will allow more space for the Spirit to speak- and so that everyone may see entirely new and different possibilities for fruitful and faithful action moving forward. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupyUPW-ipvz0jw2lcr9C1_JHweJ_f02jf2RE2HZTa2YdlfQWoQ6vhP3razDt1E2VrerWPCjBo5y9uaivK6lQCx1u-WfeysXGmwqqRk_r-OGQryDETmwdHdaENBH7KF5H1trmTiWnHHT_tP_8tFvzkzYcunELv0_0DUosXbeB9xiSmxf52L0byNVlTjxSZ/s720/tree_in_field.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupyUPW-ipvz0jw2lcr9C1_JHweJ_f02jf2RE2HZTa2YdlfQWoQ6vhP3razDt1E2VrerWPCjBo5y9uaivK6lQCx1u-WfeysXGmwqqRk_r-OGQryDETmwdHdaENBH7KF5H1trmTiWnHHT_tP_8tFvzkzYcunELv0_0DUosXbeB9xiSmxf52L0byNVlTjxSZ/w400-h266/tree_in_field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> <p></p>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-24620863503542109112023-08-03T11:59:00.002-05:002023-08-03T11:59:46.875-05:00The Gospel Reading and Reflection for Sunday, August 6<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH2H2lc84sTHUU91xOwb4iSH2R2VurB9qznC58pHDU8p7AOxuGcyZooViGEtPL4jQDI4aKnv_p6ovBIc22pTe1-Nc4j_slRov7VhqLG3AbnKkrb8k0jHAaKMKtv3b6llzvifOhQen1bgPr7MJJKQmrrKDVIWu8ZSerQbWu6EPi5Vc_Wc-pTEsFr_7EncP/s800/88f02a65a1f45f0f74ada33dc2440f02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH2H2lc84sTHUU91xOwb4iSH2R2VurB9qznC58pHDU8p7AOxuGcyZooViGEtPL4jQDI4aKnv_p6ovBIc22pTe1-Nc4j_slRov7VhqLG3AbnKkrb8k0jHAaKMKtv3b6llzvifOhQen1bgPr7MJJKQmrrKDVIWu8ZSerQbWu6EPi5Vc_Wc-pTEsFr_7EncP/s320/88f02a65a1f45f0f74ada33dc2440f02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span></div></blockquote><div><u><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Matthew 14:13-21</span></u></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">14:13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.<br /><br />14:14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick.<br /><br />14:15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves."<br /><br />14:16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."<br /><br />14:17 They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish."<br /><br />14:18 And he said, "Bring them here to me."<br /><br />14:19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.<br /><br />14:20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.<br /><br />14:21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> </span><u><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Guided
Meditation</span></span></u></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I invite you to reflect
on the Gospel story, as if you were one of Jesus’ disciples. It may help to
read it slowly, pausing whenever it feels right. It can also be read in a group setting.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It’s a sunny,
breezy, late morning on the lake. It’s almost mealtime and I am looking forward
to breaking bread with Jesus and the others. It will be the first time since we
all heard the disturbing news of John’s beheading. John and Jesus were very close; the two respected
and emulated each other. Where is Jesus?” I run out to see Jesus, who wading out to one of boats
anchored off the beach. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Quickly, he climbs in, then sails farther and farther
offshore. I call to him and track him from the shoreline. I trot along the crest of the slope and stop
at a lookout point. A huge, hidden cove opens-up before me and I see a beach
teaming with people. They have gathered, from the water all the way up the
sandy slopes.. I stop in quiet amazement…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I walk down through
the sand and rocks to get a closer look. I spot Jesus at the water’s edge, healing
and curing everyone he can touch. He takes time to be with each person. From
the youngest to the oldest, in families or by themselves, they come. Surely
there is no one in whole world with Jesus’ compassion and dogged determination
to love people. He is like a good shepherd who loves and protects his sheep no
matter what. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">As the afternoon
light wanes, I hear someone say “It’s almost evening now.” Another one wants Jesus
to send everyone away. I overhear Jesus’ reply, “Don’t send anyone away just
yet. You give them something to eat.” I notice
a few around him gather a small serving of smoked fish and bread, enough to
feed a small family. They hand Jesus what they have collected. I hear Jesus’
words to the crowd, “Free people sit down to eat. We are a people delivered
from slavery and captivity. Everyone, please find a place on the green grass. There is room for
everyone.” Today, even though it seems
everything is against us, I sense the presence of the Lord, and a peace deep
down in my soul…</span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: "Californian FB",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I see Jesus giving
thanks over the food. He then starts to break the bread and says, “Blessed are
you when you are kind and merciful to others.” He then tells us to share as God
has shared with us. When I receive my piece of bread, I pass it along. The pace quickens as more and more bread is
passed. As far as I can see, people are eating to their contentment and in quiet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">As the crowd begins
to break up and walk into the waning light, I join the volunteers collecting
any leftover bread. There’s enough for me but right now, that doesn’t seem
important. I’m bursting with thanksgiving for Jesus. Somehow this day has made
me feel renewed, like it was the first day of my life! I dedicate myself to
loving God, even my enemies. My heart overflows with love... </span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-42253062725791883512023-07-29T08:58:00.039-05:002023-08-02T11:34:00.847-05:00How I Survived Ministry: Clarity<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH3PhJPFvI046EnQuE3Z6qZk9r96UrS0IdOuG4Q_GqAyNvAB0iNpXQv2tQ1ivsYangVJRfLZqzM_qPfurX6IHKVrfmWoJSbrGoGVtvyokwH9UTxJGiyJ9-16D8j59pRm80BiRaKpKNXCKMZ9-WQPB3CBlPb8ayuQGeu0bP1RUNhI0wfS3-r-0OocvGoLg/s329/candle-flame.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH3PhJPFvI046EnQuE3Z6qZk9r96UrS0IdOuG4Q_GqAyNvAB0iNpXQv2tQ1ivsYangVJRfLZqzM_qPfurX6IHKVrfmWoJSbrGoGVtvyokwH9UTxJGiyJ9-16D8j59pRm80BiRaKpKNXCKMZ9-WQPB3CBlPb8ayuQGeu0bP1RUNhI0wfS3-r-0OocvGoLg/s320/candle-flame.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">By the age of 60, I had been working full time for 37 years. Sometimes it helps to take a look at the mileage not just chronological age. (1) </span></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">About that time, there was an episode that has become a benchmark. I was sharing Holy Communion with a parishioner, a resident of an Assisted Living home, and a hospice patient.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As I greeted the patient, there was the remains of a meal that surely had been served hours before. The meal tray was covered with ants. I couldn't miss it as I prepared the Sacrament. I also saw ants on the patient's bedding and tee shirt. Where was the Nursing Staff, Meal Service, the Director? (2) </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Soon after, I contacted the Hospice Chaplain. I also called the facility's manager/director, who was out when I visited. The Assisted Living Manager said that the room would be fumigated soon, and thanked me for letting them know. (How could fumigation be done with the hospice patient in the room.?! I was assured that it could be done safely). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Amidst the shock, sadness, and disillusionment, I sensed that something was ending. The idea that I was making a difference seemed far fetched, an illusion. The notion that I had the right to know the impact of my work seemed more about my hubris and entitlement. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A new clarity had been forming for awhile. From the beginning of the ordination process and well into full time ministry, the most important measurables in ministry were external: budgets, buildings, and bodies in pews. But what was the measurable for the inner person, the spirit? Institutionally, it's a secondary question. But it should matter. The practice of Christian ministry should, one would think, bring one closer, not farther from, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course it's not a bad thing to take care of your spirit and to care for your soul while caring for others. But all the personal sabbaths, journaling, devotions, and fasts will not change the system to value the measurements less. sure, everyone needs skills that are useful. But this is not the argument for more and better effectiveness, economy, and efficiency. All the technique in the world does not lead to sustainability and creativity, and transformation. To do that, one needs to love deeply and often. And, drilling down, one needs to be known and loved. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Under the long testing of full time ministry, my hopes and ideals of pleasing others were disintegrating. Was gratifying others a worth my best self anyway? I began to let go of the notion that I could fulfill the expectations of myself, others, the church, and the exhaustive pastoral role. In grief and wonder, part of my life's journey was ending.and a new season was calling. </p><p>(1) In the UMC, the clergy pension program is based on years of service- not age.<br />(2) After serving as Chaplain in a continuing care facility, I was trained as a volunteer Ombudsman (advocate) in Long term Care by the State of Texas. At the time, there was stringent State oversight of Long Term Care facilities, but not so with Assisted Living.<br /></p>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-3871259737205710832023-07-28T12:23:00.006-05:002023-07-28T22:08:32.861-05:00The Gospel Reading and Reflection for Sunday, July 30<span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u></u></div></span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VTdpSwbnd8cZ0Xy4DPmdU6plc7Vh2jtFHcY8a4pMjyNbmefgbiSBbiYDCVx616jC9R6GQTPieNIRXb-lrUMe7IiYEjcjmuKiPQvxvT2dwwGYqQFXVMyyExcg5jduLs77BJ8V9OEmIvUXeGKaOOtB8g1oPC5KnnhWM1hj1BZvd-krEgO4skuMwSIH9rtG/s4032/IMG_1967.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VTdpSwbnd8cZ0Xy4DPmdU6plc7Vh2jtFHcY8a4pMjyNbmefgbiSBbiYDCVx616jC9R6GQTPieNIRXb-lrUMe7IiYEjcjmuKiPQvxvT2dwwGYqQFXVMyyExcg5jduLs77BJ8V9OEmIvUXeGKaOOtB8g1oPC5KnnhWM1hj1BZvd-krEgO4skuMwSIH9rtG/s320/IMG_1967.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></u></div></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">13:31 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;<br /><br />13:32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."<br /><br />13:33 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."<br /><br />13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.<br /><br />13:45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls;<br /><br />13:46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.<br /><br />13:47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind;<br /><br />13:48 when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad.<br /><br />13:49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous<br /><br />13:50 and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />13:51 "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes."<br /><br />13:52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i><u>Unbridled Hope, Joy, and...Gnashing of Teeth?!* </u></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i><u>What I Learn from this Lesson</u></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">1. The nature of God's work is hard to see or notice amidst inner and outer noise</span></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I want the silver bullet of spirituality (and of life). Who doesn't? But so much of what is offered is the clanging bell, the noise of the sizzling, crashing cymbal.* Big Box church has its way of offering excitement, spectacle and escape. But does it facilitate listening to God, who speaks in whispers and sheer silence? Not for me.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">In contrast, these parables lead me to noticing something in the common things that speak of God. There is simple hope and joy in witnessing a tiny seed grow into a tree, hunting down and finding the lost coin. There's the way of yeast popping its way into the dough, a simple happening, but transformational. If you want to know more about God's kingdom, be ready to find the star- power of enduring hope, joy and transformation through these understated and accessible metaphors.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I once consulted with a Spiritual Director, a Sister, who asked me to explore what moved me to pray. For example, what was I doing and thinking and feeling immediately before I was moved to pray. So many little things to name, things that led me to a deeper communion with God. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">It was a formidable, analytical assignment, because my default is to overlook the micro- mustard seeds or the small measure of yeast, transforming its way to something new and different. My temptation is lethargy, it seems. What's yours? Also called the "noonday devil," it's not always at noon that I encounter it.** It hinders the movement of hope and wonderment and joy. Lethargy blocks the inbreaking movement of God's love in and through me.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. I learn that God's love is overwhelming and priceless.</span></b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What moves me to joy but the over-abundant love of God? Christian faith tells me that I am created out of love in order to love my neighbor as myself. I am, and everyone who shares this earth, created as a result of God's love. We are God's, made in God's likeness. Bet the house o</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">n that! Sell the house for that treasure. Sell the office for that pearl. All springing from joy, the fruit of being loved.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Throughout my journey I have been forced to look at my intentions. Why am I on the Christian journey? What, in the lost coin, do I really need to rediscover? How can any joy, service and kindness <b>not </b>be sustained by the One whose nature and name is Love. *** Without Love, there is no lasting hope or joy or service. When I am driven by guilt, shame, and a persecution complex , I create my own kind of hell (for me and others). </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">3. I learn what to keep and what to throw away. </span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">In the readings for this Sunday and last, Jesus teaches that a furnace of fire, weeping, and gnashing of teeth will be the fate of evil and evildoers. These verses from Matthew are a stumbling block to many and rightly so. Even if<i> metaphors</i> of judgement, having the angels sorting out the harvest or separating the good from bad fish is without subtlety or grace. For today, I have a just thought or two.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I believe that part of our life review in this life and perhaps in the world to come, offers me a chance to review my life, choices, actions, and intentions in the light of God's love. In essence such an inventory is the final harvest, the separation of the good and bad fish. But, it's about me and only me, not about judging anyone else. I have come to believe that t</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">he real gnashing of teeth is here- on earth- in my refusal to live in love and clinging to what does not last and what cannot guarantee happiness. ****</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*Drummers, wear earplugs early on when drumming. Take it from me, cymbals cause hearing loss. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">**The term "noonday devil" appears in Macrina Wederkehr's <i>Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully through the Hours of the Day,</i> Ave Maria Press, 2010.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">***<i>Come, Thou Traveler Unknown, </i>hymn by Charles Wesley, Hymn #386, <i>The United Methodist Hymnal,</i> 1990.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">****I only speak for myself; a life review is akin to the 4th and 5th Steps in Recovery. In my recovery, these Steps cover what was done to me by others as well as what I have done to others. Step 5 is telling that story, in compassion, to another human being, as well as my Higher Power. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-20859362721214101212023-07-21T07:20:00.009-05:002023-07-24T16:01:02.450-05:00Gospel Reading and Reflection for July 23<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><u>Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43</u></span><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiqh8U_Gy7eN4IguQIcvTUb5fqQSVsXH8s75Z0ODfywSvyOKz0-tyA5omWM1Swn0Bqgm6wP2grV4jefFU4J9ZTwUWzU340GSqNe_Pd_SW4mvO-gTlNJCQ_jReZjWfpq681j4KeWEiruS2GmE2iXmgKkLAAWlfGjYLPoyJQ02rGDKus9IKjkVWvKegR_e_/s1024/557159396_037e02c62b_b.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiqh8U_Gy7eN4IguQIcvTUb5fqQSVsXH8s75Z0ODfywSvyOKz0-tyA5omWM1Swn0Bqgm6wP2grV4jefFU4J9ZTwUWzU340GSqNe_Pd_SW4mvO-gTlNJCQ_jReZjWfpq681j4KeWEiruS2GmE2iXmgKkLAAWlfGjYLPoyJQ02rGDKus9IKjkVWvKegR_e_/w400-h300/557159396_037e02c62b_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">13:24 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field;<br /><br />13:25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away.<br /><br />13:26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">13:27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?'<br /><br />13:28 He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?'<br /><br />13:29 But he replied, 'No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them.<br /><br />13:30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"<br /><br />13:36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."<br /><br />13:37 He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man;<br /><br />13:38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one,<br /><br />13:39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.<br /><br />13:40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.<br /><br />13:41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers,<br /><br />13:42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />13:43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>The Story</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">In God's kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, God rules. God's realm is everywhere and there is no place where God is not present.* </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The brilliant metaphor in this reading is the wheat field invaded with a pernatious weed that has become a threat to the harvest. The interloper cannot be distinguished from the wheat plants. How do the workers make sure that the wheat is not choked out?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The default is to try to fix the situation by weeding the field. In South Texas, the time to weed lawns is in the spring. If you don't do it when the weeds first appear, you will have missed your chance to stop them. If you wait until summer, you will end up pulling up the lawn, or the weed killer will burn the grass. The weeds can overtake the lawn very quickly. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span>The harvest in Jesus' time was the process of separating wheat from chaff. </span><span>The crop was collected and pitched onto the threshing floor. Here the gatherings were cut under the weight of a sledge. Once thrashed, the mixture was winnowed, a process that separated the grain from other debris. This process was repeated as needed.** </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The explanation of the parable is a brief but clear commentary on the nature of moral evil and the threat it poses to God's rule and reign on earth, which includes all humankind. Consider this working definition of moral evil: doing harm, intentionally. With that as a given, here some points to consider.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><u>Evil is a Liar</u> </span>Wh<span>at better image than the story of the weeds looking just like the wheat? </span><span>For evil to progress, lies are told as truth. We can tell lies to ourselves and each other. I often believe what I want to believe, hear what I want to hear, and I prefer whatever casts me in a positive light. </span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>Evil is an Escape Artist</u> Through finger pointing, blaming, accusing, or shaming, I can project evil on another person, race, or religion. "They" are cast as non-persons, undeserving of kindness or respect. Scapegoating causes great harm and is another way evil thrives. </span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>Evil Multiplies.</u> Unfortunately, evil can have a field day in people and institutions whose official mission statements provide cover for the harm they may cause, even in the name of religious faith. The hypocrisy can be covered by more and more lies. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>Evil Hides Out</u>. The weeds are planted under cover of the night. The destructive weeds hide in the wheat. Because evil intentions exist in the mind, no one can know the true motivations of another human being. The hiddenness of evil is suggested in the word "den" in Scripture, as in a "a den of thieves, a den of iniquity," etc.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><u>Evil Can Be Outlasted.</u> B</span><span>ecause the weeds threaten the crop, we are tempted to multiply the harm. When I try to fix the troublemakers, I end up being like them. In what world does Christ call me to judge others without mercy just because I happen to attend church or pray more often?*** </span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><u>Evil is Judged.</u> Evil will not only be exposed for what it is, but once unmasked, the truth will be shouted from the rooftops. A</span><span>t the end of the harvest, the angels serve God best by doing the hard work. My job is to resist evil without becoming evil and to do no harm. My calling is to wait for God's deliverance in God's time in God's way. </span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>Our Decisions are Made in Gray Areas.</u> Our lives are lived amidst good and evil. We live in the gray areas, that sphere where we decide the way that leads to greater evil or greater good. That's why our sense of wisdom and discernment of spirits is so important. We make our ethical decisions among the wheat and weeds. </span></li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">* See Psalm 139: 7-12</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">**See Ferrell Jenkins, <a href="https://ferrelljenkins.blog/2012/04/30/grinding-grain-in-bible-times/">"Grinding Grain in Biblical Time</a>s," April 30, 2012. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">***My friend and mentor, Jim Jackson, has often said that God has given us the ministry of promotion, not quality control.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></div><div><br /></div></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-92112777913807131722023-07-12T13:37:00.015-05:002023-07-24T15:52:40.052-05:00The Gospel Reading and Reflection for Sunday, July 16<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK05ANbGyH36lOPgGEnAdHQ71CV_8s4PC7WgV3e-RxYuZTGYnoLyq0UBUZ0Yipy4ROvlK7OIKd7I46vhsqMuz5e8MsW-YpeYGmS-UrBjJlJ9gX4VAn6a8_fe49Lp5vIexBJPKs8NUtzARIu_R1VL5FG6yLEhJNxKCqGdCSDrNRuFtiBbKPFFKgsDlzmgTm/s4032/IMG_1851.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK05ANbGyH36lOPgGEnAdHQ71CV_8s4PC7WgV3e-RxYuZTGYnoLyq0UBUZ0Yipy4ROvlK7OIKd7I46vhsqMuz5e8MsW-YpeYGmS-UrBjJlJ9gX4VAn6a8_fe49Lp5vIexBJPKs8NUtzARIu_R1VL5FG6yLEhJNxKCqGdCSDrNRuFtiBbKPFFKgsDlzmgTm/w400-h300/IMG_1851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23<br /></span></u><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><br /><span>13:2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.</span><br /><br /><span>13:3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow.</span><br /><br /><span>13:4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.</span><br /><br /><span>13:5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil.</span><br /><br /><span>13:6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away.</span><br /><br /><span>13:7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.</span><br /><br /><span>13:8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.</span><br /><br /><span>13:9 Let anyone with ears listen!"</span><br /><br /><span>13:18 "Hear then the parable of the sower.</span><br /><br /><span>13:19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.</span><br /><br /><span>13:20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;</span><br /><br /><span>13:21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.</span><br /><br /><span>13:22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.</span><br /><br /><span>13:23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.</span><br /><br /><span><u>Reflection </u></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>I love gardening. There's nothing more encouraging than to see seeds make it to maturity. It's also full of surprizes: seeds from a throwaway plant sprout and flower a year later. Who knows where these seeds will end up?! </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>While the beginning of the reading tells of a sower throwing seed which lands everywhere, the parable comes in the explanation. The responses to the seed of the word are realistic, varied, and memorable.* The responses that Jesus describes could be considered valid for everyone who has ever heard the good news of the inbreaking kingdom of God. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Available also in Mark and Luke, the story and its parable must have been very useful as well as popular among the earliest believers. Due to the crowds pressing in, Jesus delivers his message from a boat, away from the beach.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Maybe another, "this is the one" is in order, that of a mixture of all four responses. Each one can challenge the maturation of the word to fruition and completion. I can report seasons, weeks, even days, when I was all four of the seeds. </span>As I write this today, one seems to dominate, that of lacking understanding because what was planted in the heart was lost or stolen.**</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What robs your spirit of fruition and maturity? For me, the evil comes in my thoughts, ruminations, fears, terrors, and catastrophizing. The panic demands my attention. The long recovery lies in relearning how to think, pray, and breath again. I learn to focus my mind on taming the panicky thoughts, to pray the Examen, and to engage the practice of relaxing breaths. The outcome is that I am freer to respond to the Gospel, in all of its fullness. I have choices. </div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>A life-giving theology which teaches God's unconditional love in all circumstances not only promotes hearing with understanding, but also, to revel and wonder at the miracle of life sustaining life, to enjoy the outrageous generosity of the sower, who throws the seed with little regard for success. I learn to enjoy growing in love and charity with God and others in m y life. I Learn to celebrate small but real progress. I don't get weighted-down in hopelessness.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>No, the parable does not allow me to pretend that wrong, injustice, and harm do not exist, but rather, to see things, myself, others, God, with a greater sense of hope, clarity, and insight. That hope is the implanted word of the coming rule and reign of God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Where do you find yourself?</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">*"Understanding" has 163 appearances in Scripture and Apocrypha. See<a href="https://bible.oremus.org/"> Oremus Bible Browser.</a> Understanding comes from God but is also the fruit of study, meditation, and a gift of God. The way of understanding is the way of wisdom and wonder in God's world. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom." James 3:13</div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span>**The evil one is not capitalized in the text. Satan is translated also as Accuser. See Job 1-2, Zechariah 3:1-2. Self-hate, self-doubt, self-accusation, and hopelessness thwart our flourishing? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7yWpXj_R83YR4Ic7aFGjZ27DyvI-vumWKO9RUZ91sVdq8MbiLR7xuQaOHfoJp5xY0_yab8_vaF8AiQZjg4HdJ1JIC228jp0ZzvciOwE9d4YJcqSLdQA16jwJ-BOGN3PfZL3yrEeeUPjGM6U9lKcZtFAnjZ4RwtO5dtmRLQTguRabRWKdlY5PIC2rPyBz/s4032/IMG_1895%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7yWpXj_R83YR4Ic7aFGjZ27DyvI-vumWKO9RUZ91sVdq8MbiLR7xuQaOHfoJp5xY0_yab8_vaF8AiQZjg4HdJ1JIC228jp0ZzvciOwE9d4YJcqSLdQA16jwJ-BOGN3PfZL3yrEeeUPjGM6U9lKcZtFAnjZ4RwtO5dtmRLQTguRabRWKdlY5PIC2rPyBz/s320/IMG_1895%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-78337362610764581632023-07-06T15:03:00.005-05:002023-07-12T10:51:40.066-05:00The Gospel Reading and Reflection for Sunday, July 9<u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZsrDRyyZf5HGoEnN0sE4_OS2QAMfCcbIcd1_58e3J93Iw-nljLe-332urxgoKS0q9Lp7LJ7s2skm9Fj7gOb8XoKGw50y5irMXhHWIPcuAjLXkd_LMoRntC2eBSPOl1fuWwBLq5kYt9a-GzXfPLpxaTHzqVHF88qE0gYymN6doVmDPplTXbj9VN1u1d0Z/s600/enlighten-sally-van-driest.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZsrDRyyZf5HGoEnN0sE4_OS2QAMfCcbIcd1_58e3J93Iw-nljLe-332urxgoKS0q9Lp7LJ7s2skm9Fj7gOb8XoKGw50y5irMXhHWIPcuAjLXkd_LMoRntC2eBSPOl1fuWwBLq5kYt9a-GzXfPLpxaTHzqVHF88qE0gYymN6doVmDPplTXbj9VN1u1d0Z/s320/enlighten-sally-van-driest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30</span></u><div><u><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">16 "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,<br /><br />11:17 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.'<br /><br />11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon';<br /><br />11:19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."<br /><br />11:25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;<br /><br />11:26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.<br /><br />11:27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.<br /><br />11:28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.<br /><br />11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.<br /><br />11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><u><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Reflection</span></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>The subheading for vv. 16-19 could read "The Story of the Petulant Children." </b>The children refuse to play the game of sadness or gladness. Here, Jesus likens his generation to unhappy children who are impossible to please. Parents can be very creative in cajoling a child, but a temper tantrum is sometimes hard to avoid. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Matthew's theme has jumped from the proclamation and works of the Kingdom of God to commentary on its reception.</b> The focus is now on providing explanation-- why have the majority of the people- "the wise and intelligent ones" - why have they rejected the proclamation of the Kingdom? Jesus will continue to offer explanations throughout the remaining chapters of Matthew. The children in story comprise the generation who refuse to see and acknowledge God's Kingdom, whether in John's monasticism or in Jesus' wide open, come as you are, table fellowship. The message is revealed to "infants" (not children). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>What then is the third way, the way of wisdom, vindicated by her children?</b> It's the way of receiving with "understanding." Matthew 13: 23. Gratitude and trust sustain the ministry of proclamation and its reception. To contrast with the ingratitude of the children in the story, the way of wisdom is marked with gratitude for being apart of what God is doing in our midst. The way of wisdom is also the way of trusting God, who is immediately accessible. Those who take up the ministry of teaching and proclaiming the Gospel learn to trust the results to God. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>The whole point of the oft quoted passage of 11:28-30 is that the invitation and gift to live in response to God's kingdom is here and now, always.</b> God can be trusted as the One who created me in love, and I'm capable of trusting God as one created in God's likeness and image.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-67903310824467837882023-06-30T07:51:00.049-05:002023-07-12T10:53:37.584-05:00Gospel Reading and Reflection for Sunday, June 30<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR8M_7Bqb5oAL3EG_vDrd-rIPaG279XFM1vr_KVmVpXJR84_-OBd6hJ5W6SAO5vGmJMJZhDtSLz7T8eogVkY4NeS1_SbKFsPtnz5JzZXYeqT4XTs--6w3FSMqzCQRe6ZYLhWaHsLKXghYIAzWSBAvLww9BgfkhG3glfb7W73WbiR9Ph98xiNOLRJp7cF7/s1225/jesus-smiles.%20jpg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1225" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR8M_7Bqb5oAL3EG_vDrd-rIPaG279XFM1vr_KVmVpXJR84_-OBd6hJ5W6SAO5vGmJMJZhDtSLz7T8eogVkY4NeS1_SbKFsPtnz5JzZXYeqT4XTs--6w3FSMqzCQRe6ZYLhWaHsLKXghYIAzWSBAvLww9BgfkhG3glfb7W73WbiR9Ph98xiNOLRJp7cF7/w200-h141/jesus-smiles.%20jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; text-size-adjust: auto;">Matthew 10:40-42</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">10:40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">10:41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous;</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">10:42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>Reflection</u></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">As Jesus continues the instructions to those he is sending out, there’s an eerie parallel with Matthew 25: 35, “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">It’s easy to overlook the act of welcoming another into our lives. The twist is that the immediate presence of Jesus Christ is the One being welcomed.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">How different would my life be if I reflected on this amazing teaching? What if i made room for this Jesus? The message of God’s in-breaking kingdom is matched with how i welcome others into my life.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Choices are made in light of the Christ who is here and now, embodied in those welcomed. Not in terms of my convenience or preference or privilege. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The examples of receiving a prophet and giving a cup of cold water could relate to experiences of missionaries prior to Matthew’s Gospel. Did he look at examples of welcome and hostility to Paul and his message? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Welcoming others in the name of another prophet or disciple was the practice of the earliest church , witness the story of Paul and Ananias in Acts 9. In this case Ananias may have become the disciple vouching for Paul, the disciple in whose name Paul is welcomed by the church. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Jesus sometimes called his followers “little ones.” They are not, in this context, the privileged few. Those at the top of the food chain “have their reward,” but those making welcome for the little ones will find a different kind of reward, one that comes in almost invisible acts of kindness and welcome. *</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">What could possibly be the “reward” for welcoming <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“little ones,” or Christ, or God!?** Integrity. I get to fulfill my ministry and calling. I live into my purpose and potential as a human being, made in God’s image and likeness. I don’t have to honor the animal, instinctual brain. I can choose! </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">This welcoming, receiving, and giving are their own reward, ends in themselves, and nothing more or less. Sounds like a chance for both inner and outer repentance and change. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Repentance offers the church -which is anyone who claims Christ’s name- a chance to live by the alternative vision of God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom announced in Jesus and his missioners prizes actual welcome, receiving and sharing. Words just sugar coat the real failures and the positive hindrances I have created and perpetuate for others. For preachers and teachers, our words are empty if the repentance and alternative are not explicitly presented for others to hear.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Without repentance I do not change and without change, there is only the default of flying to Jesus but silencing his words of welcoming, receiving, and sharing his kingdom.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">*For hypocrites having their reward, see Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2">**See the many references to “little ones” in Albert Nolan’s classic, </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Jesus Before Christianity</span><span class="s2"> (1976, 2001).</span></span></p>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-52349943110767197022023-06-21T12:40:00.010-05:002023-07-12T13:03:05.192-05:00Gospel Reading and Reflection for Sunday, June 25 <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihetw7qGk81eDRZm0PKjLAOqUjLomBH_fjwx2OqCsGs6zxn6EN2aVJvQ-jcSp39ftccKdp5HBoTr-gmteOOFJnkEwYTk7lknUre03L2-9YwL5hAvtfW-g97Wm_GNX7KaJSG5Su6qrlHFGvfMFfPhIRjZ2uHn-3HN3HfZJBWEk8RKFHw5Vt7gN1TPpc0g28/s275/imagesCA12JJ6I.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihetw7qGk81eDRZm0PKjLAOqUjLomBH_fjwx2OqCsGs6zxn6EN2aVJvQ-jcSp39ftccKdp5HBoTr-gmteOOFJnkEwYTk7lknUre03L2-9YwL5hAvtfW-g97Wm_GNX7KaJSG5Su6qrlHFGvfMFfPhIRjZ2uHn-3HN3HfZJBWEk8RKFHw5Vt7gN1TPpc0g28/s1600/imagesCA12JJ6I.jpg" width="275" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Matthew 10:24-39</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">10:24 "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master;<br /><br />10:25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!<br /><br />10:26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.<br /><br />10:27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.<br /><br />10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<br /><br />10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.<br /><br />10:30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted.<br /><br />10:31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.<br /><br />10:32 "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven;<br /><br />10:33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.<br /><br />10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.<br /><br />10:35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;<br /><br />10:36 and one's foes will be members of one's own household.<br /><br />10:37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;<br /><br />10:38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<br /><br />10:39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><u>Reflection: More Words of Warning to Church Leaders</u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">This week's reading adds more cautions for those proclaiming God's kingdom. Remember that Matthew regarded the teaching of Jesus as revelatory, comparable to the Torah, revealed by God through Moses.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The Gospel does not need special cover of darkness or whispering tones. Its validity is not due to its popularity. The temptation is to find what sells and do it. This may be peculiar to my context of American consumerism, but still, this approach does not always encourage the freedom for people to choose the alternative vision of Jesus Christ, his new way of loving and living. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I can't expect that people will be handing out silver stars or accolades for my ministry. The message will be received as Jesus was received. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Given the message (see Matthew 5-7), there will be harsh resistance. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">People</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> I thought I trusted will become adversaries.* Instead I need to trust that God, the Lord of all the powers in the universe and the Giver of life- knows and cares for me.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Not everyone resisted the message, but many did. Not everyone who was faithful died as a martyr. After all, how was the message to survive if everyone was martyred? Thus, the church understood taking up the cross in other ways, such as faith, patience and endurance amidst evil. Churches also realized the importance of "white martyrdom," that is, the purity of total commitment to the way of Christ and renunciation of empires that actively and violently stood against God's kingdom and rule. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span>About worthiness: h</span>ere's the definition from Cam<span>bridge Dictionary: "<a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/deserving">deserving</a> <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/respect">respect</a>, <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/admiration">admiration</a>, or <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/support">support</a>." Worthy is translated as "fit" in the <i>CEV</i> and the <i>GNT.</i> Fitness has an entirely different connotation. Is Jesus shaming people for their unworthiness? In context, these verses are warnings to the teachers and preachers (and Matthew's church leaders?). They are not intended to shame or diminish people, but to lay out, truthfully, who and who is not well equipped or able to do the job. I believe Jesus' instructions came as warnings, akin to "If you're not able to last in this ministry, get out while you can."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The brutal truth is that I have both denied Christ and refused the cross in word and action.** There are also times when I have confessed Christ and avoided becoming a total hypocrite. I am a mixed bag, just like everyone I have taught or will teach. The object isn't to measure unfaithfulness. The point is to gladly proclaim God's kingdom and to invite others to make faith choices, all because God reigns, now and forever. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">*Consider this blessing: May God grant you the gift of knowing who your true friends are.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">**Denial could have been an official proceeding of the state, one that included a three-fold denial, including a pledge to worship the gods of the Empire. The three-fold denial was required in case the accused decided to "repent" of being a Christian and thus save themselves from execution. See E. Boring,<b> Revelation</b>, 1989, pp.14-15. Even though Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus apparently does not excommunicate Peter from the disciples. See especially Luke 22:31-34 and John 21:15-19. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-29473485069381581092023-06-17T08:16:00.201-05:002023-06-20T06:29:58.216-05:00How I Survived Ministry: Knowing and Leveraging Gifts<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESg7VDapt2TbtoYwnBde-LHZzOnu-pDFIuz4UF1bszmrlOPwzCOUGFzQMg_gyPjK0q-KQYpwsJGz5rApeItkqvi2TCMAoxF5WoY5oRFMpHywJijlPV_yrbeXjV_mQgKOwNduZ9yDrZmC5iQSo0Pu7Fc3qFKdNCtVyCFyXCMC9N1Zu3udw_cM66qA_gOlB/s600/greenleaves_18c0d9645a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESg7VDapt2TbtoYwnBde-LHZzOnu-pDFIuz4UF1bszmrlOPwzCOUGFzQMg_gyPjK0q-KQYpwsJGz5rApeItkqvi2TCMAoxF5WoY5oRFMpHywJijlPV_yrbeXjV_mQgKOwNduZ9yDrZmC5iQSo0Pu7Fc3qFKdNCtVyCFyXCMC9N1Zu3udw_cM66qA_gOlB/s320/greenleaves_18c0d9645a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My seasons in ordained ministry mirrored the invitations and challenges of aging. The questions of my second- half of life are related to spiritual depth and discovering interconnections within Scripture, and faithful action. How can I discover joy? A couple of experiences illustrate the dynamics of my second-half of ministry and life. (1) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the age 48, I enrolled in a three year Spiritual Direction Institute of the Cenacle. Classes, having a spiritual director, and the practicum, supervision, and project all took place near my Houston home, and most of the meetings were on my off day. The second year, which examined the lives of the Saints, was the most meaningful for me. It was an immersion in the witness of the Christian monastics and mystics. Having a Spiritual Director throughout the program was a source of wisdom, discernment and spiritual clarity. I can't imagine how I offered pastoral ministry for all of those years without it! (2)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As apart of the program, I began blogging, initially to offer support and resources for clergy. I discovered a hidden gift! I wrote mostly on trends in ministry and reflections on Scripture. (3) Vociferous reading and writing combined to form a life-giving spiritual discipline. When I employed my strengths, instead of merely making weaknesses less glaring, I found joy- and a new, deeper engagement with life and ministry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the first half of ministry is about doing and achieving, its second half can be a time of greater reflection and discernment. Whereas the first half of ministry concerns itself with accomplishing institutional goals, the second half adds another component, that is, what is the best course of action and why. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Questions to Consider</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li>What brings me true joy?</li><li>What are my gifts, here and now? </li><li>How may those gifts inform my work?</li><li>How are those gifts realized in my work?</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(1) Roughly the decade beginning at 50 yrs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(2) The three year program graduated its last cohort several years ago and the retreat campus was destroyed in 2017, due to Hurricane Harvey. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">(3) <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/104191">Please Understand Me</a>, David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, 1984. Using the Meyers-Briggs Inventory and based on Jung's theory of types, identifies "Author" as my type. See also <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Buckingham-Clifton-Discover-Strengths-Hardcover/dp/B0037QYTN8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2RCWBLUMX3BNR&keywords=now+discover+your+strengths+first+edition&qid=1687006214&sprefix=now+discover+your+strengths+first+edition%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-3">Now Discover Your Strengths,</a> Marcus Buckingham and Don Clifton, 2001. I have also used both volumes for couples in marriage preparation and clergy groups.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-50854376922954709912023-06-15T09:16:00.033-05:002023-06-15T19:45:02.569-05:00Sunday Gospel Reading and Reflection (June 18)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdfAvVn5yCld5HttZXci1IyQnWgj2Qm34A2BNc2v0GZm8zYQU8ioXHLN2N7agFyZRKzDPQrtHq8b0PB5Jo7eXESFySl-0XNb8wBt4eQf00dTMSK54WkOQ1pNyv2iT6eCgaW4CaOl2Riro__x_1CnPj-1ypaI57GIs8c3Q70ERXoAjXOZxqXx_PvjrQw/s225/article-page-main_ehow_images_a07_rt_7p_shock-corn-800x800.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="225" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdfAvVn5yCld5HttZXci1IyQnWgj2Qm34A2BNc2v0GZm8zYQU8ioXHLN2N7agFyZRKzDPQrtHq8b0PB5Jo7eXESFySl-0XNb8wBt4eQf00dTMSK54WkOQ1pNyv2iT6eCgaW4CaOl2Riro__x_1CnPj-1ypaI57GIs8c3Q70ERXoAjXOZxqXx_PvjrQw/w312-h332/article-page-main_ehow_images_a07_rt_7p_shock-corn-800x800.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>Matthew 9:35-10:8</u><div><div>9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.<br /><br />9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.<br /><br />9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;<br /><br />9:38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."<br /><br />10:1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.<br /><br />10:2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;<br /><br />10:3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;<br /><br />10:4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.<br /><br />10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans,<br /><br />10:6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.<br /><br />10:7 As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'<br /><br />10:8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.<br /><br />10:9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts,<br /><br />10:10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food.<br /><br />10:11 Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave.<br /><br />10:12 As you enter the house, greet it.<br /><br />10:13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.<br /><br />10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.<br /><br />10:15 Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.<br /><br />10:16 "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.<br /><br />10:17 Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues;<br /><br />10:18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles.<br /><br />10:19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time;<br /><br />10:20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<br /><br />10:21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death;<br /><br />10:22 and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.<br /><br />10:23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Reflection</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The First Century was a violent time in Judea. A series of Roman rulers spent decades stamping out rebellions against the occupation. Well before the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in the year 70, there were major factions within the Jewish community. There was unrest among Jews who vied on the question of how to exist with each other and the Roman occupation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One group active before, during, and after Jesus, the Zealots, directed assassinations of Roman officials and urged that large scale war was needed to finally purify the Temple and free its priesthood of pagan influence. Jesus and his followers were not insignificant but a small sect within Jewish religion, worthy of one brief mention in the volumes of the major historian of the time, Flavius Josephus.*</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the Matthew text, Jesus sets forth the boundaries for those sent out. One, the mission is empowered by Jesus' compassion for the lost sheep of Israel. Two, it is limited to Jewish homes and towns. Jesus plainly instructed his team to avoid Gentile areas. (This will change in Matthew 28:19-20) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are Jesus' instructions to the missioners.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li>Do what Jesus does: proclaim the nearness of God's rule, and heal sicknesses.</li><li>Don't take advantage of others' hospitality or generosity- don't push your luck. </li><li>Don't react violently when you are treated with disrespect and rejection.</li><li>Expect fierce, organized resistance, expect threats, betrayal, punishment, and violence. </li><li>The subtext: Jesus was betrayed and handed over to the authorities.</li><li>Learn to survive: go to the next town for safety and to continue the mission. Be wise and gentle.</li><li>Your salvation lies in endurance and waiting things out. </li></ol></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We live in a time when anger, hostility, and violence has hit the roof- and this is the baseline, the norm. The greatest threat to our freedom and peace seems to come from within our citizenry. Mass shootings happen several times a day. America, the land of the free and home of the brave, if once an ideal, leads the world in mass shootings. It seems we are not free to choose a better way. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among our children and youth. Not drugs or car accidents or disease or suicide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our willful refusal to clamp down on weapons of war loosed on our fellow citizens is appalling, disgusting, harrowing. Churches provide no escape or safety, because so many of our national denominations refuse to get along and instead choose to hurl insults, divide, dismember, and disaffiliate. Hopelessness, powerlessness, and neglect are having their day. It seems no one really cares unless it's our family or neighborhood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I bring the mission of teaching. What does the nearness of God's rule mean?? There are opportunities, choices, faith, hope, patience. That mission includes my faithful action for healing the spiritual blight surrounding me and within me. Not because it works but because I am commissioned by the greatest power. I pray the Lord's Prayer regularly. How can I be a faithful participant with others in God's deliverance from evil? My faith without works is a dead end- powerless and purposeless and depressing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">John Wesley, the English clergyman and founder of Methodism, in the General Rules, stated the mission of the people called Methodist. Here is the first Rule:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><b>First, by doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced...</b></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Paul also had a mission to the Jews. It, too, was marked by betrayals and conflict, false accusations and imprisonment. This makes his benediction of peace all the more amazing: "<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; text-align: left;">For</span><a style="background-color: white; color: #0000bb; text-align: left;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; text-align: left;"> neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; text-align: left;">As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Galatians 6:15-16</span></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span>*"</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet;"><i>Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; (64) and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.<b>" </b></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet; text-align: left;"><i><b>The Antiquities of the Jews</b>, Book 18, Chapter 3, </i></span></span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet; text-align: left;"><b>The Works of Josephus</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet; text-align: left;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet; text-align: left;">translated by William Whiston, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet; text-align: left;">Hendrickson Publishers, 1987.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-34627001435557718632023-06-07T06:30:00.294-05:002023-06-10T09:24:02.099-05:00Sunday Gospel Reading and Reflection (June 11)<u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ5cXjpTDLWDWAbYl9EEqPIju2jPYbGLsO2PHupvPxRfc0tyVz85DoTolngRPVKpuft0sYTMpVTUCsD9G41pwnNeouAYyKaSU70r2fyPPLt4hoioldgux8MPPGMUZdOyo0cKyOPFkXSFh3wE3kHVHtQDeHSQwjNNSbLlBd359UHcgeu3bFnnuFIMqnA/s329/candle-flame.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ5cXjpTDLWDWAbYl9EEqPIju2jPYbGLsO2PHupvPxRfc0tyVz85DoTolngRPVKpuft0sYTMpVTUCsD9G41pwnNeouAYyKaSU70r2fyPPLt4hoioldgux8MPPGMUZdOyo0cKyOPFkXSFh3wE3kHVHtQDeHSQwjNNSbLlBd359UHcgeu3bFnnuFIMqnA/s320/candle-flame.jpg" width="308" /></a></div></u><u>Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26</u><div>9:9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.<br /><br />9:10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples.<br /><br />9:11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"<br /><br />9:12 But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.<br /><br />9:13 Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."<br /><br />9:18 While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live."<br /><br />9:19 And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples.<br /><br />9:20 Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak,<br /><br />9:21 for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well."<br /><br />9:22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." and instantly the woman was made well.<br /><br />9:23 When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion,<br /><br />9:24 he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him.<br /><br />9:25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.</div><br />9:26 And the report of this spread throughout that district.<div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I want to follow Jesus, I need to listen hard: "God desires mercy not sacrifice." Class dismissed. My homework? Learn what it means that God is merciful. Compassion is the source of Jesus' ministry.* The essence of mercy is compassion, kindness, forgiveness. Biblically, mercy is exhibited by a superior to an inferior. For example, it is within one's power to punish, but one chooses to show mercy instead. Another meaning is tied to compassion, similar to a mother's visceral love for her children. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jesus shows his compassion to tax collectors and sinners, a women with the issue of blood, and a young girl thought to be dead. (Jesus says that "she is sleeping.") "<span style="text-align: left;">Suddenly," occurs twice in the reading, to show how consistently Jesus embodies the mercy he teaches: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Matthew, the first references to "church" appear. Have the leaders in the church of Matthew's time replaced the Pharisees of Jesus' ministry? Think of the barriers that Matthew's church must have negotiated in sharing the Gospel of God's mercy and compassion. The split between churches and synagogues is happening large scale, but the rifts in communities also divorces families from each other, as most Jews followed the way of the Rabbis, while only a few of Jewish heritage choose the way of Jesus. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Often those outside the church see more clearly when self- identified Christians fail to love and behave mercifully. Jesus' words to Pharisees apply to anyone who claims to love God: "Go and learn about God's mercy." I cannot be both self-righteous and merciful. I must choose.**</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are no people outside of the mercy of the Lord. There are no less-than-human persons, nor those deemed deserving while others are not. There are no barriers to God's love in Jesus Christ. If I claim to follow Jesus, the main thing that makes me holy and distinct is not the purity of my worship, who I include and exclude, who is right and who is wrong, but rather, having been a recipient of God's unearned unfailing mercy embodied in Jesus, how am I pursued by mercy? How will I pursue mercy?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*See also, Matthew 12:7. This particular phrase is unique to Matthew. Matthew mentions Jesus' "compassion" eight times in his Gospel. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">**The Parable of the Unforgiving Steward (Matthew 18:23-35) seems to be a explanation, in story form, of "Blessed are the merciful." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-30076889669244032852023-06-01T06:00:00.043-05:002023-07-13T20:21:12.475-05:00Sunday Gospel Reading and Reflection<u>The Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20</u><div><br /></div><div>28:16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.<br /><br />28:17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.<br /><br />28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.<br /><br />28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,<br /><br />28:20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Church as Teacher</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Matthew is a missionary Gospel, with all of its instructions for missioners (Matthew 9-10). In what we call the Great Commission above, Jesus "apostles" his disciples by sending: "Go therefore." But the content of that teaching is "all I have commanded you." That's a large part of Matthew, starting with Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Qx2k2SsUFlulPVKGon3i4MwhBmToLqAW_sRZLAvl8qFiTGZH7IbNli4i72lvTBxqWUlDekdCtS4mfK_ThO4vTWsJS7NPPfDc9rRV37u04geYt6HGRn2zVPfnvVYzZ6UvMlHeysurbA9435A_6zwcf7vKO4TksCO3hrdIGGm0dg1coqheH4bB3-MbQ/s320/jesus%20ascension.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="218" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Qx2k2SsUFlulPVKGon3i4MwhBmToLqAW_sRZLAvl8qFiTGZH7IbNli4i72lvTBxqWUlDekdCtS4mfK_ThO4vTWsJS7NPPfDc9rRV37u04geYt6HGRn2zVPfnvVYzZ6UvMlHeysurbA9435A_6zwcf7vKO4TksCO3hrdIGGm0dg1coqheH4bB3-MbQ/w218-h303/jesus%20ascension.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>Glossing over Jesus' teaching is convenient to do. But preaching Jesus' teaching is the standard content of Gospel preaching.* It seems many on the outside of Christianity have judged churches and Christians for our failures to follow Jesus' teachings and I own that. However, is that the excuse to discount the way of Jesus Christ when commissioned to do so?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is this another session on works-righteousness? Let's get the tired law vs. grace dichotomy out of our minds for a minute. The existence of Jesus' teaching saves me. Full stop. The covenant Christ offers comes by God's initiative and grace, as surely as our being created in God's own image and likeness. As surely as the Torah is given by God's grace. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whatever eternal life is, I am going to find it very difficult to claim Jesus when, at the same time, I refuse to meet him in my vulnerable neighbors.** In Jesus' parable of the Last Judgment (Matthew 25:21-33), I really do meet the risen Christ in the imprisoned, unsheltered, hungry, thirsty, alien, and sick. What about those huddled families, children, parents, grandparents at our Texas borders? And those who will cross my path today and tomorrow? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*John Wesley, the founder of Methodism in England, in the 33 Standard Sermons he preached and required of his itinerants, 14 are on the Sermon of the Mount.</div><div>**Although some read Matthew 25:21-35 as referring to brothers and sisters in Christ, that is, the Church, I err on the side of generosity. Tipping the scales for me are the questions of Scripture, such as (1) Who is my neighbor? (Luke 10) and, (2) Am I my brother's keeper? (Genesis 4). </div><div><br /></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-20258350778393594682023-05-25T14:00:00.013-05:002023-05-26T17:06:44.262-05:00Sunday Gospel Reading and Reflection <div><u>Gospel Reading</u></div><u><div><u><br /></u></div>John 20:19-23; 20:19 </u><div>When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."<br /><br />20:20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.<br /><br />20:21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."<br /><br />20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."<br /><br /><u>John 7:37-39</u><br />7:37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,<br /><br />7:38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'"<br /><br />7:39 Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>The Point of Pentecost<br /></u><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0HqSVkYYLLc5olydnEGPsoBVRarzIii70WBnULWHU0c_vlttrps7iPJOiN87WF7MbJO910830_re_ESG6IcRsmHDwMPqsC_MsBK1tIX_l3Kec20RHTSxXm5rJ9DAC_gQp68rF7o1cBYVgosHbU7ynO5aCp-tPb3I2xgnGPayHtp99z6cV9MZjn-p4A/s809/BPDaybw-medium%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0HqSVkYYLLc5olydnEGPsoBVRarzIii70WBnULWHU0c_vlttrps7iPJOiN87WF7MbJO910830_re_ESG6IcRsmHDwMPqsC_MsBK1tIX_l3Kec20RHTSxXm5rJ9DAC_gQp68rF7o1cBYVgosHbU7ynO5aCp-tPb3I2xgnGPayHtp99z6cV9MZjn-p4A/s320/BPDaybw-medium%20(1).jpg" width="256" /></a></div>While the Acts narrative favors the orderly, detailed and careful accounting of the coming of Holy Spirit, John's Gospel tells a different story.* John surely knew Luke's account, but presents another promise and possibility. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While Acts 2 tells the story in metaphor, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; text-align: left;">a sound like the rush of a violent wind,</span>" or "tongues as of fire" coming upon those gathered, John 20 presents the breath of the risen Christ as the Spirit. Jesus Christ is alive and we experience that through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not only the breath of the risen Christ, but also, closer than our next breath! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Holy Spirit issues forth from the Father (Acts 2) and the Son (John 20). John implies what later became known as the doctrine of the Trinity. The Spirit coming from the Son as well the Father was a source of long and sharp differences between church leaders in Rome and Constantinople, until the Great Schism of 1054 and the formation of The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. **</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the differences between Acts and John are great resources for presenting the whole Gospel of the Holy Spirit. John's Gospel is the result of a full generation of church life beyond Luke-Acts. The Holy Spirit sustains us in our journey, not for a momentary event, but for long endurance in the faith. The walk is one step at a time and is impossible and pointless without closeness and intimacy with Source of life (see reading of Psalm 104) and the Source of the Church.*** This is the depth of insight in John's witness.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday's reading proclaims that walking with Christ cannot be achieved by checking off boxes, attaining goals, being good enough, longer prayers, or what pleasing God involves. Walking with Jesus is possible with the gift and grace, and God- infused joy and love, peace and patience, justice and compassion, the "living waters" of God's people in Jesus Christ. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Acts 2 is an orderly account of God acting in the history of the church. But God and our life with Jesus is not. Life is full of messy decisions and people. Acts 2 is also a look back. Many churches attempt to recreate the Acts - Pentecost with a sound and light show, perhaps foreign languages for added effect. The point of Pentecost is to participate in God's work of re-creation, not to resort to theatre. The reenactment is within us. We are the re-creation of Pentecost in and for the world. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Only Luke uses "orderly account" to describe his Luke-Acts He uses the term twice in Luke 1, I assume, for emphasis. However, God working in orderly ways is not the point John.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">** Rome taught that the Spirit comes from both the Father and Son, or the<i> filioque clause.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>***</i>Pentecost is also known as the birthday of the Church.</div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-71639491538714589122023-05-25T07:00:00.052-05:002023-06-17T06:58:34.800-05:00How I Survived Ministry: Endurance and Lasting Good<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7fzsNpL29WVLbuS6x-7Y02qpsItveVzwTozqSRsK6khRKWGkk-HZHXs6ZlBh2ZNpyIkKHBgtjqXCQ5yIgN6LWE6vXKbrgu6pT-DNqAWoc10zjvNEHmxyf65Hwmt1mnHgvlQcKn3Z98QzX5HKZLHr1ZwSoszHR3x9MoBC0zYIcmEg9_J94VGAGySA6g/s600/enlighten-sally-van-driest.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7fzsNpL29WVLbuS6x-7Y02qpsItveVzwTozqSRsK6khRKWGkk-HZHXs6ZlBh2ZNpyIkKHBgtjqXCQ5yIgN6LWE6vXKbrgu6pT-DNqAWoc10zjvNEHmxyf65Hwmt1mnHgvlQcKn3Z98QzX5HKZLHr1ZwSoszHR3x9MoBC0zYIcmEg9_J94VGAGySA6g/w400-h213/enlighten-sally-van-driest.jpg" width="400" /></a>Just last year, while in the process of fully retiring from active ministry, my Spiritual Director at the time asked, "Looking back, you did what God wanted you to do, didn't you?" The question has lingered. How do you measure the genuineness of one's calling. Really, it's always a good question to ask, whether in active ministry or not. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have I done what God wanted me to do? I approach it with some wonder, uncertainty, and honestly, resignation. God only knows.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's important to discern if I am accomplishing my purpose and to affirm why I am on this earth. But that comes down to the concrete acts of faith not limited to ordained ministry. As I began ministry, I was driven to be a success, to be accomplished, an achiever. It was about my ministry, my calling, my gifts. I was spent by the short term, the measurable, and the check-list of pastoral tasks.* </div><p style="text-align: justify;">As important as the validity and credibility of one's ministry is, the high of achieving each success wears off in a matter of days. The cycle of addiction is run by the inner drug store. The next success must be bigger and better. The adrenalin highs and lows was exhausting and corrosive of my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sustainability and endurance needs to be explored in every facet of the ordination process, as well after ordination, especially in the first ten years of full-time ministry. What will make churches grow and flourish is not disconnected from the parish context and history, lay ministry partners, my gifts and those closest to me- my family.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If I only lived from the high of the next achievement, how could I expect anyone in the parish not to follow a path to burn-out and purposelessness. How could I expect to leave something of continuing value?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>What I'm Learning</u></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sustainability in life-long ministry requires endurance and resilience, even though I'm pulled into the vortex of proving my value in the short term. </span></p><ol><li><span style="text-align: left;">Important as small successes are, when I live and die by them, the season of brown-out is sure to follow. </span></li><li>Regularly, consider usefulness and purpose in ministry as an inoculation against burn-out.</li><li>Let time-management be guided not by estimated hours or tasks, but flow of energy- when full presence may drop. </li><li>Consider in reflection: What long-term good will my work serve? </li><li>How can I find mutual support with others? Who are the people in my support system? </li></ol><div>*See The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (2016), pp. 331-335 for the exhaustive (and exhausting) job description for a Clergy-Pastor. </div><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-14240983192393755022023-05-15T06:00:00.086-05:002023-06-17T06:50:46.427-05:00How I Survived Ministry: Usefulness<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOLxYSve-PcnRujs9oe9oFTC5S47eLqiDliC3-5RjsLVjF7ht_w8B5zENItSeP3Llw5Nz2mcaWj1ZNLRk6lpCHtPBrQ5ZsI9Ps7pZ0jbXkl1uttShwWLwbkRrzsgIHbpUOiqlfmcsiBhICvJ86kW6Az4t5AcnMvpL-GLzejnCP4osx-oQ2VunCbxB_g/s595/SDIGrad47.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="595" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOLxYSve-PcnRujs9oe9oFTC5S47eLqiDliC3-5RjsLVjF7ht_w8B5zENItSeP3Llw5Nz2mcaWj1ZNLRk6lpCHtPBrQ5ZsI9Ps7pZ0jbXkl1uttShwWLwbkRrzsgIHbpUOiqlfmcsiBhICvJ86kW6Az4t5AcnMvpL-GLzejnCP4osx-oQ2VunCbxB_g/s320/SDIGrad47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The book of Deuteronomy calls Moses the greatest prophet in all of Israel. He received his true vocation from God around age 80 while also a fugitive from justice. On the age front, that should be encouraging to those who seem to be passed over for that promotion because younger people and part-timers will be hired for much less. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Moses' destiny would not be to hang around the Egyptian court as an advisor to the king like Joseph did generations before. His vocation literally saved him from a death sentence. For Moses, it was a matter of survival.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Most churches are drawn to the young and energetic clergy thinking that they will in turn attract younger generations Because churches have budgets and are cost conscious, entry level clergy often fill this function, whether or not their spiritual gifts and abilities fit this role.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was the youngest of three brothers, so I have naturally have been drawn to older people all of my life. Because of their wisdom or knowledge or experience, I learn when I am with chosen mentors. I remember front porch visits with my neighbor's grandfather when I was around 5 yrs. old. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. John Lennon, my youth minister (Minister of Christian Education in those days), was the one who served as my spiritual director before I knew what one was. Under his guidance, I was confirmed and explored vocation. I could always count on getting an honest answer from him and I trusted him as a person and friend. John retired at 65, the same year I graduated from High School. We had one of the more dynamic youth ministries around. He remained active. For example, he consulted in Christian Education in the U. S. and Australia, and held church staff positions in retirement.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was chaplain at a retirement community for several years. This ministry, which I dearly loved, required dealing honestly with the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional onslaughts of aging. The frequent question in spiritual counseling seemed to be: "Why am I still alive?" It was a question of vocation, purpose: " What am I now here for?" The search for and the fulfilling of that purpose is a holy one at any age; it also saved my life by bringing a continuity, a sense of wholeness that God is never finished with us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After being an R.N. during W.W. II, Mom went back to college when I was in High School, graduated with the R.N. when I was in college, then started work in a free clinic before teaching childbirth classes. She was 85 when she fully retired. When she was in grade school, her church had a vocation day and the children were asked to wear the clothing of whatever their chosen vocation would have been at the time. They processed down the church, as if to offer these dreams to God and to declare themselves to the world. She dressed as a nurse.</div><br />How did was I sustained in my calling? I did it by the grace that God is not finished. Purpose and usefulness saved me.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Here are some ideas to consider:</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Remember and name, in gratitude, the people and events that have brought you to this point. </li><li>Resist the norm of defining your call as something in the past. Define meaning and purpose now.</li><li>Reflect on your identity. Apart from all the roles and labels and titles, who are you? This may time longer than you think. </li></ol></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-60731833395121507652023-04-21T14:36:00.005-05:002023-04-23T19:07:14.029-05:00White Too Long: A Review<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I will flatly say that the bulk of this country's white population impresses me, and has so impressed me for a very long time, as being beyond any conceivable hope of moral rehabilitation. They have been white, if I may so put it, too long. James Baldwin, 1969 ( <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/White-Too-Long/Robert-P-Jones/9781982122874">White Too Long</a>, p. 233)</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep_CBLqRriTzNG4k_5OZxMdnZM9UagWuy9vcbHlD_nsS_BExsUeFFGlnPCX1_g5-wJnaPu9RqyyxZlhoW-WhUmQj6o1Lecbgdrpu5pLUuYdGh2l35G_bRvbRZUE_F4vRGGdUoY20RNFpXQ6WrG0E4xAvB86VsgaMseyYi-TCYuBHyPJ9ozPpjhBW4BQ/s500/41sxIh7yPAS.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep_CBLqRriTzNG4k_5OZxMdnZM9UagWuy9vcbHlD_nsS_BExsUeFFGlnPCX1_g5-wJnaPu9RqyyxZlhoW-WhUmQj6o1Lecbgdrpu5pLUuYdGh2l35G_bRvbRZUE_F4vRGGdUoY20RNFpXQ6WrG0E4xAvB86VsgaMseyYi-TCYuBHyPJ9ozPpjhBW4BQ/s320/41sxIh7yPAS.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Robert P. Jones' <b>White Too Long</b> (2020) is a cutting analysis of racist attitudes in white Christianity. Although it's not a new book, I wonder if things have changed. It's a lingering question after reading the book. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The book's strength lies in the author's statistical explanation of a basic contradiction: why white Christians* have highly warm feelings toward African-Americans while scoring much higher on measurements of racist attitudes.** Also, those who identify as white Christians score higher in racist attitudes than the unaffiliated. A better measurement of white supremacist attitudes is The Racism Index. It measures, argues Jones, attitudes on systemic and institutional racism, using: 1) Confederate symbols 2)Inequality and African-American mobility 3) Racial inequality and the treatment of African Americans in the criminal justice system 4) Perceptions of race, racism, and racial discrimination. </p><div style="text-align: justify;">Jones' more searing analysis comes in Chapter 8 ("Mapping"). A clear path is set forth, from hypothesis to statistics to conclusion. It constitutes a sociological mapping of the "genome" of white Christianity. Have white supremacist attitudes integrated into [White Christianity's] DNA as part of what it means to be a white Christian in America? "If the correlations we see between white supremacist attitudes and white Christianity cannot be explained away by other factors, white Christians have some serious soul-searching to do." (p. 166.) The analysis, Jones argues, will measure "how much holding racist attitudes <i>predicts independently </i>the probability of identifying as a white Christian," as well as the reverse: "measuring how much identifying as a white Christian <i>predicts independently </i>the likelihood of holding racist attitudes." (pp. 171-172)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the most devastating conclusions of this book is the deconstruction of church attendance. Church attendance is always very prominent in the measurables of a successful, growing church. Attendance is always one part of the holy trinity of successful Christian churches. (The other two are budget and buildings). My calling as a Christian Educator-teacher and clergyperson in the United Methodist Church was based, in part, on the assumption that regular, better Adult Education in the church enlivened a generous and just love of neighbor. However, Jones concludes that the opposite is true: "White evangelical Protestants, white mainline Protestants, and white Catholics who attend church regularly are <b><i>as likely</i></b> as their less-frequently-attending counterparts to hold racist attitudes." (p. 183- italics added for review)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another conclusion that challenges the popular wisdom is that the unaffiliated (those who don't identify as a white Christian ) score <b>lower</b> on the RI. White churches do not deconstruct white supremacist attitudes. Instead, they "dress it up in theological garb, giving it a home in a respected institution, and calibrating it to local cultural sensibilities." (p. 182) Why would an unaffiliated person think that church would equip me to be kinder and more just toward our African American neighbors? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although signs of hope for white Protestants are offered (Chapter 9), descriptive sociology is limited to statistical conclusions. The book cannot easily proceed to the normative. So the question, what must white Protestants do in order to be saved, remains.This drawback does not minimize the importance of Jones' work. We are still free to act and respond to his uncomfortable, inconvenient conclusions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are free to ask of our churches and ourselves: what purposes do our ministries serve? Does our preaching and teaching of the whole Bible omit its call for justice? How can we preach the entire Lectionary Cycle- or- the Gospels for that matter- without even one reference to- let alone a sermon on- racial injustice? How are the words of cognitive dissonance in Jesus' teachings minimized or discounted? How can we stop fleeing to Jesus and flying to heaven just because facing the truth ourselves is uncomfortable. How do we best challenge the rise of hate, anger, and resentment in white churches and in America- and build a better future? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Those who identify as white Christians are categorized by evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants, and Catholics. The findings are based on research of the <i>Public Religion Research Institute</i>, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that conducts research on issues at the intersection of religion culture and politics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">**A finding from the study is that white Christians score much higher on racist attitudes (resentment, bitterness, anger) than those who are unaffiliated, though they are not the focus of the book.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245727097686574801.post-1276026896996301392023-04-12T06:00:00.001-05:002023-04-12T06:00:00.201-05:00The Gospel Calls for Faith- Not Certainty<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPAPDOd3BgY/Tbb_lZcJd0I/AAAAAAAAAl8/ZrE0Vyel3og/s1600/Eastercross2photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599944204630980418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPAPDOd3BgY/Tbb_lZcJd0I/AAAAAAAAAl8/ZrE0Vyel3og/s320/Eastercross2photo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 240px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The angel of the Lord said to the women: "Do not be afraid! I know you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said.</span>" Matthew 28:5b-6a.</div>
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Do you find it interesting that, even though no one saw the central event of our faith, we, like the women at the empty tomb, are still invited to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? We read it like seeing an empty tomb would have been a good thing. Jesus' total absence begins the story. It's only with the word of the angel, God's servant, that there is a change in narrative. It's an invitation to trust and rely on God's love, grace and faithfulness.<br />
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"The desire for certitude is an obstacle to launching full sail on the ocean of trust," wrote Thomas Keating. For anxious, terror-struck disciples not knowing how Jesus left the tomb, the only way forward is to consent not to know, to trust the words of God's messenger. The voices are many who declare otherwise. Our program for security seeks an end to mystery and unknowing. As the gospel Easter song declares we indeed like the idea of "all fear" being gone. But is that the measure of our spiritual life? I hope not. If all fear being gone is what it's about, then I've missed the bus!<br />
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Faith accepts the unknown. From Abraham to Moses, from Mary to Peter, we take the next step in the journey not because all our questions have been answered, but because God gives us enough faith to take the next step. It's God's goodness and mercy that chases after us as long as we live- the real measure of faith.<br />
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Scott Endresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05329824590752344862noreply@blogger.com0