Psalm 135 – Praise the Lord for He is good; He is kind and greater than all the gods. He move the clouds, makes the lightning flash and the wind blow. In Egypt, God “performed miracles and wonders.” It is God who brings down nations and opens space for His people. The God of the Jews, creator of nature and the power behind all history is not like the “gods of the nations,” gods made of silver or gold. Those who worship such gods – may they all become like these gods - like nothing. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 136 – Give thanks to the Lord, “the greatest of all gods; his love is eternal” (136:2). This refrain follows every verse. God’s glories are repeated – the earth, the sun and moon, his work in the history of his people, his conquest of the kings defeated by the Jews. And even when the Jews were defeated, He did not forget them. His love is eternal. He freed them from their enemies.
Matthew 19 – This chapter follows closely Mark 10. Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to the other side of the Jordan in Judea, followed by large crowds. The Pharisees try to test him. They ask about the lawfulness of divorce (Why do they ask Jesus this? What are they hoping he will say? What may they have heard about him that leads them to think he will say something scandalous? Why is his teaching scandalous to them?) He tells them that the joining of man and woman reflects an intention on God’s part to see man and woman joined in a mutual and steadfast relationship. They challenge him by reminding him that Moses gave them a way to divorce. Jesus tells them Moses allowed it because they “were so hard-hearted” [“hard to teach” in Today’s English Version]. But Jesus is here to teach about God’s intention, God’s will, and that will is that marriages be permanent unless “unchastity” or “unfaithfulness” is involved.
It's interesting that this OUT is not present in Mark. Apparently, there was an issue in the early church about whether you needed to stay married to a spouse when that spouse was not a convert to Christianity, but that precise concern does not seem to be reflected in his words here. There seem to be other things in mind here. Jesus seems to be saying here that marriage is not an ultimate destiny for people as it seems that Jesus is teaching here. In Matthew, Jesus says, “This teaching does not apply to everyone, but only to those to whom God has given it. Some are not born to marry or not raised to it, and others do not marry “for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven” [because they thing marriage will interfere in some way with their service to the church?] It remains a little mysterious. I wonder what “not raised to it” means?
Next, people try to bring little children to Jesus for him to touch them and pray. The disciples try to keep them away, but Jesus protests. “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (19:14).
Then “a man” (a “young man” according to verse 22) comes to Jesus and says, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus asks him about the commandments, and he knows and follows them all. He asks, “What do I still lack?” (19:20). Jesus says, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (19:21). The young man grieves when he hears this, “for he had many possessions” (19:22).
Jesus observes to his disciples that it is hard for the rich to get into the kingdom of heaven, easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. The disciples recoil in amazement—then who can be saved? (19:25) “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (19:26) The disciples remind him that they have left everything and he acknowledges it. Their reward will be great and will include eternal life.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 128-134 and Matthew 18:21-3518:21-
Sticking to a fairly demanding schedule of scripture readings can seem a bit challenging. I am trying to stick to a schedule that has worked for me over the years since I discovered it. It was first published in 1952 and is published by the Liturgical Press of St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota. I am not a scripture literalist, but I have found over the years that the advice given by the "cloud of witnesses" that have gone before us - from the earliest years to the present day - is true: that a close knowledge and meditation on the biblical narrative is very nourishing for the spiritual life.
One of the "draws" of Quakerism to me over my whole life has been the sense that the "theology" of Friends provides a way of seeing our daily lives, our daily steps in faith as a way of "consecrating" our lives. In the Catholic Church, the idea of consecration has typically been the province of the "religious" - those who dedicate their lives wholly to the spiritual. They have always been around from the earliest years of Christianity, but over the years, came to be seen mostly as those who do not marry, who do not involve themselves in the secular world on a day to day basis. But I am involved in all the affairs of human life - marriage, children, grandchildren, work, politics, etc. Yet I still seek a way of making my life "consecrated" to Christ. Consecration is defined as a formal dedication of one's life to a divine purpose. Quaker worship and Quaker practice is a way I have found helps me to do this.
Most of the people who have chosen the consecrated life have developed a "rule" that helps them further the practical sense of achieving that purpose. After nearly 30 years, I am still working on the rule I need to adopt. I do not have a neat and tidy set of habits, but the scripture reading is probably the one thing that has been a constant with me - fairly constant, not perfectly constant. I hope it helps others as it has helped me. But it can be a lot to fit into the day. I am finding that it helps to break it down - reading the Old Testament readings at night and taking a few notes on them, reflecting on what I find meaningful in it. Then in the morning, I read the New Testament reading. But the notes I post here are from both. With all of this in mind, here is the post for today - January 10, 2012:
Psalm 128 – “Happy are those who obey the Lord, who live by his commands” (128:1). You will work and your needs will be met; you will be prosperous and happy. Your wife will give you children and “your children will be like young olive trees around your table”
Psalm 129 – The story of Israel’s persecutions. They have cut deep but the Lord has freed them from slavery. May all Zion’s enemies be defeated and may they not prosper at all.
Psalm 130 – “From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord” (1). Hear my cry, please. Our sins are endless but you are a forgiving God and we are in awe of you. I wait in hope that the Lord will respond to my cry. Trust in God. His love is constant.
Psalm 131 – I have turned away from my pride. “Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me.”
Psalm 132 – Do not forget David and all he endured, all he promised and did the “provide a place for the Lord” (132:5). In Bethlehem they learned of the “Covenant Box” [the Ark of the Covenant]. It was found in the “fields of Jearim.” I read that this psalm is called a “song of ascent” because it was read or recited as people went up the hill to the Temple at Jerusalem. It is about David’s devotion to getting the Ark installed in the Temple. Though he himself was not permitted to build the Temple, his son Solomon fulfilled the promise and hope of David. “The Lord has chosen Zion; he want to make it his home: ‘This is where I will live forever; this is where I want to rule” (132:13-14).
Psalm 133 – This psalm celebrates the wonders of peace – God’s people living in eternal harmony.
Psalm 134 – Raise your hands in praise of God – everyone who serves him in his Temple. Raise your hands in prayer.
Matthew 18:21-35 - Peter asks how many times he should be willing to forgive a member of the church who sins against him—seven times? Jesus says, “’No, not seven times, . . .but seventy times seven’” (18:22). Jesus compares the kingdom of God with an earthly kingdom where the king deals with people who owe him money in a generous way: one man who owes the king 10,000 talents is brought to him, and when he tells the king he cannot pay and begs the king to be patient with him, the king forgives him the debt. But then this same man goes out and deals with a man who owes HIM money in a ruthless way – having him thrown into prison. When the king hears of this, he becomes furious and says “’You worthless slave! . . . I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you’” (18:33). Jesus says, “’That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother form your heart.’” (18:35).
Most of the people who have chosen the consecrated life have developed a "rule" that helps them further the practical sense of achieving that purpose. After nearly 30 years, I am still working on the rule I need to adopt. I do not have a neat and tidy set of habits, but the scripture reading is probably the one thing that has been a constant with me - fairly constant, not perfectly constant. I hope it helps others as it has helped me. But it can be a lot to fit into the day. I am finding that it helps to break it down - reading the Old Testament readings at night and taking a few notes on them, reflecting on what I find meaningful in it. Then in the morning, I read the New Testament reading. But the notes I post here are from both. With all of this in mind, here is the post for today - January 10, 2012:
Psalm 128 – “Happy are those who obey the Lord, who live by his commands” (128:1). You will work and your needs will be met; you will be prosperous and happy. Your wife will give you children and “your children will be like young olive trees around your table”
Psalm 129 – The story of Israel’s persecutions. They have cut deep but the Lord has freed them from slavery. May all Zion’s enemies be defeated and may they not prosper at all.
Psalm 130 – “From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord” (1). Hear my cry, please. Our sins are endless but you are a forgiving God and we are in awe of you. I wait in hope that the Lord will respond to my cry. Trust in God. His love is constant.
Psalm 131 – I have turned away from my pride. “Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me.”
Psalm 132 – Do not forget David and all he endured, all he promised and did the “provide a place for the Lord” (132:5). In Bethlehem they learned of the “Covenant Box” [the Ark of the Covenant]. It was found in the “fields of Jearim.” I read that this psalm is called a “song of ascent” because it was read or recited as people went up the hill to the Temple at Jerusalem. It is about David’s devotion to getting the Ark installed in the Temple. Though he himself was not permitted to build the Temple, his son Solomon fulfilled the promise and hope of David. “The Lord has chosen Zion; he want to make it his home: ‘This is where I will live forever; this is where I want to rule” (132:13-14).
Psalm 133 – This psalm celebrates the wonders of peace – God’s people living in eternal harmony.
Psalm 134 – Raise your hands in praise of God – everyone who serves him in his Temple. Raise your hands in prayer.
Matthew 18:21-35 - Peter asks how many times he should be willing to forgive a member of the church who sins against him—seven times? Jesus says, “’No, not seven times, . . .but seventy times seven’” (18:22). Jesus compares the kingdom of God with an earthly kingdom where the king deals with people who owe him money in a generous way: one man who owes the king 10,000 talents is brought to him, and when he tells the king he cannot pay and begs the king to be patient with him, the king forgives him the debt. But then this same man goes out and deals with a man who owes HIM money in a ruthless way – having him thrown into prison. When the king hears of this, he becomes furious and says “’You worthless slave! . . . I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you’” (18:33). Jesus says, “’That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother form your heart.’” (18:35).
Monday, January 9, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 120 - 127 and Matthew 18:1-20
Psalm 120 – Save me Lord from liars and deceivers. David speaks of the people around him as people who hate peace. Just imagine what it would be like to be a ruler in these days with attacks coming from all sides and having to deal with them. If you loved God and wanted to live in peace, how torturous would that be.
Psalm 121 – Famous words: “I look to the mountains where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord who made heaven and earth” (121:1-2). The Lord is our protection and our refuge.
Psalm 122 – Jerusalem – a city restored and harmonious, a city where all the Jewish tribes come to give thanks and where the king sits to judge his people. The writer prays for the prosperity of all who live there.
Psalm 123 – We look up to the heavens to encounter the Lord. We beg for his mercy so that we may be comforted when we have been treated ill by others.
Psalm 124 – After a furious attack by enemies, the people look to the Lord with thanksgiving. He has preserved them, like a bird who finds an opening in its cage to fly to freedom.
Psalm 125 – “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever” (125:1-2). We must take comfort in the fact that even when the wicked do rule, their time will not last forever.
Psalm 126 – When we (the Jews) were permitted to return to Jerusalem, “we laughed. . .we sang for joy and the people around them noticed how happy they were for the great salvation the Lord had given them. “Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy as they bring in the harvest” (126:6).
Psalm 127 – “If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless, if the Lord does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard” (127:1).
And having children is a great joy; they are “like arrows in a soldier’s hand. Happy is the man who has many such arrows. He will never be defeated when he meets his enemies in the place of judgment” (127:5). I am not sure I understand the last phrase, but I get how we can see our children as a way of defeating death.
I can relate to a good deal that is in these prayers. People often criticize the psalms for containing several things they have trouble with: 1) the assumption that God will bless all those who are faithful with prosperity; and 2) the appeal to God for help in vanquishing enemies in time of war. While I GET what people find difficult, these prayers and expectations are deeply in me as well. I know - and the psalms also testify to this - that there is a lot of suffering and deprivation that all people have to deal with, the faithful no less than the wicked. But the resiliency of faith in me amazes me. When I think back over my life there have been many times when I have had a lot to overcome, and sometimes I do doubt that faith will benefit me, but I cannot live without faith and even in my darkest hours, it always gives me hope that I will be able to pull something good out of the hard things. "Carrying the seed" means we carry the source of resurrection within.
Matt 18 – The disciples come and ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven - they are SO COMPETITIVE as to status in Jesus' eyes. I see in this something the different Christian denominations might listen to. Jesus shows them a child and says unless they change and become like this child they will not even enter the kingdom of heaven. They must be humble. They must welcome people like that child in Jesus’ name. He teaches them too that they may not set up stumbling blocks to innocent believers. “Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks” (18:7) Don’t be the occasion of such stumbling blocks.
If your right hand offends [Today’s English Version says “makes you lose your faith”], cut if off. It “is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than the have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire” (18:8).
Do not despise the simple, “for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” (18:11) If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one goes astray, does he not leave the 99 and go after the one? The finding of one lost causes him more pleasure than the having of 99 who never have gone astray.
If a member of the church (some translations use “brother”) sins against you, go and point out the fault when you are alone. Friends saw in these words an admonition against spreading rumors - talking about someone you have problems with behind their back. You can't rely on your own judgment alone especially in matters of faith. If you go to him and he listens you have regained that one (like the lost sheep), but if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you. If he still refuses to listen “to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (18:17). And then we hear these words AGAIN: “Truly, I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (18:18). If two or three of you agree and ask the father, it will be given you. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (18:20).
Interesting – here again as in Jesus’ words to Peter in 16:17-19, people [church members? leaders?] are given an interesting power – the power to make moral decisions on earth that will be accepted by God in heaven. Now we know from that story that Jesus’ discernment of what his disciples should do and how they should convey his message can be sharply different. It takes Peter about five minutes to show that his vision of how things should be is sharply different from Jesus'. But here again, Jesus seems to stick to his original message, that we do have a power to decide, but maybe it should not be a power given to just one. In the second articulation of the power, in 18:18-19, Jesus seems to revise it a little and speaks of “two or three” deciding.
As a Catholic I wonder if this might be seen as bearing on the issue of papal infallibility – maybe it is a power that should be not solely held by the pope. I know this question and this thinking is not anything a Quaker might see as meaningful, but even within a Quaker context, it could be that it bears on the decision making process. No decision should be made without some degree of consensus.
And the other thing my mind goes to when I consider these words is that maybe we are given here some latitude in deciding things like permitting "gay unions." If we faithful decide with some unanimity that this should be approved of in heaven.
Psalm 121 – Famous words: “I look to the mountains where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord who made heaven and earth” (121:1-2). The Lord is our protection and our refuge.
Psalm 122 – Jerusalem – a city restored and harmonious, a city where all the Jewish tribes come to give thanks and where the king sits to judge his people. The writer prays for the prosperity of all who live there.
Psalm 123 – We look up to the heavens to encounter the Lord. We beg for his mercy so that we may be comforted when we have been treated ill by others.
Psalm 124 – After a furious attack by enemies, the people look to the Lord with thanksgiving. He has preserved them, like a bird who finds an opening in its cage to fly to freedom.
Psalm 125 – “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever” (125:1-2). We must take comfort in the fact that even when the wicked do rule, their time will not last forever.
Psalm 126 – When we (the Jews) were permitted to return to Jerusalem, “we laughed. . .we sang for joy and the people around them noticed how happy they were for the great salvation the Lord had given them. “Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy as they bring in the harvest” (126:6).
Psalm 127 – “If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless, if the Lord does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard” (127:1).
And having children is a great joy; they are “like arrows in a soldier’s hand. Happy is the man who has many such arrows. He will never be defeated when he meets his enemies in the place of judgment” (127:5). I am not sure I understand the last phrase, but I get how we can see our children as a way of defeating death.
I can relate to a good deal that is in these prayers. People often criticize the psalms for containing several things they have trouble with: 1) the assumption that God will bless all those who are faithful with prosperity; and 2) the appeal to God for help in vanquishing enemies in time of war. While I GET what people find difficult, these prayers and expectations are deeply in me as well. I know - and the psalms also testify to this - that there is a lot of suffering and deprivation that all people have to deal with, the faithful no less than the wicked. But the resiliency of faith in me amazes me. When I think back over my life there have been many times when I have had a lot to overcome, and sometimes I do doubt that faith will benefit me, but I cannot live without faith and even in my darkest hours, it always gives me hope that I will be able to pull something good out of the hard things. "Carrying the seed" means we carry the source of resurrection within.
Matt 18 – The disciples come and ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven - they are SO COMPETITIVE as to status in Jesus' eyes. I see in this something the different Christian denominations might listen to. Jesus shows them a child and says unless they change and become like this child they will not even enter the kingdom of heaven. They must be humble. They must welcome people like that child in Jesus’ name. He teaches them too that they may not set up stumbling blocks to innocent believers. “Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks” (18:7) Don’t be the occasion of such stumbling blocks.
If your right hand offends [Today’s English Version says “makes you lose your faith”], cut if off. It “is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than the have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire” (18:8).
Do not despise the simple, “for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” (18:11) If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one goes astray, does he not leave the 99 and go after the one? The finding of one lost causes him more pleasure than the having of 99 who never have gone astray.
If a member of the church (some translations use “brother”) sins against you, go and point out the fault when you are alone. Friends saw in these words an admonition against spreading rumors - talking about someone you have problems with behind their back. You can't rely on your own judgment alone especially in matters of faith. If you go to him and he listens you have regained that one (like the lost sheep), but if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you. If he still refuses to listen “to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (18:17). And then we hear these words AGAIN: “Truly, I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (18:18). If two or three of you agree and ask the father, it will be given you. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (18:20).
Interesting – here again as in Jesus’ words to Peter in 16:17-19, people [church members? leaders?] are given an interesting power – the power to make moral decisions on earth that will be accepted by God in heaven. Now we know from that story that Jesus’ discernment of what his disciples should do and how they should convey his message can be sharply different. It takes Peter about five minutes to show that his vision of how things should be is sharply different from Jesus'. But here again, Jesus seems to stick to his original message, that we do have a power to decide, but maybe it should not be a power given to just one. In the second articulation of the power, in 18:18-19, Jesus seems to revise it a little and speaks of “two or three” deciding.
As a Catholic I wonder if this might be seen as bearing on the issue of papal infallibility – maybe it is a power that should be not solely held by the pope. I know this question and this thinking is not anything a Quaker might see as meaningful, but even within a Quaker context, it could be that it bears on the decision making process. No decision should be made without some degree of consensus.
And the other thing my mind goes to when I consider these words is that maybe we are given here some latitude in deciding things like permitting "gay unions." If we faithful decide with some unanimity that this should be approved of in heaven.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Daily Reading: Psalm 119:89 through 176 and Matthew 17
Psalm 119:89-176 - The word of the Lord, His faithfulness, His law - while never experienced without sufferings and doubts - are the most precious things the psalmist - thought by many to have been King David - has in his life. God is our teacher, and "how sweet is the taste" of all He imparts to us. Again, as I said yesterday, this psalm sounds to me as if it were really written by a king or political leader who wants so badly to be faithful, obedient and appreciative of God, but who is also surrounded by temptations - of power, of worldliness and paranoia: "Powerful people attack me unjustly, but I respect your law. How happy I am because of your promises. . ." (119:161-162).
I can so identify. Even in my simple day to day life, I get the greatest pleasure and feeling of meaningfulness when I feel God's presence, but as hard as I try, as much will power as I bring to the task, I can never be completely without ego, without impatience, without judgment. I can never be wholly what I think God wants me to be. "Give me life, so that I may praise you; may your instructions help me. I wander about like a lost sheep; so come and look for me, your servant because I have not neglected your laws" (119:175-176).
Matthew 17 - Jesus leads disciples Peter, James and John up a high mountain, and while they are there, Jesus seems to undergo a complete change of appearance. His face shines like the sun and his clothes are dazzling white. The disciples experience the presence of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Of course, it is the ever eager Peter who rushes to say something, offering to make three tents for them. From a cloud over Jesus, the three disciples hear a voice saying, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased - listen to him!" (17:5). This event in Jesus' life is referred to as the "transfiguration" - or the complete change in how he is seen, a vision of his spiritual reality. Jesus doesn't want them to speak of what they have seen and heard. When they ask Jesus about why the teachers of the Law always say Elijah must come before the Messiah, Jesus says he has come in the person of John the Baptist.
The chapter moves on to the healing of a boy who is epileptic and when his disciples ask him why they couldn't heal him - drive the demon out - Jesus tells them it is because they do not have enough faith. All they need is faith the size of a mustard see, but they don't even have that. They are very sad when Jesus tells them he is going to be killed, even when he reassures them he will be brought to life again after three days.
Then there is the little anecdote about Jesus paying the Temple tax and finding the coin in the first fish they take from the lake.
In all these stories, Jesus is clearly being seen by his disciples as other-worldly and trying to prepare them for his coming death and resurrection.
I can so identify. Even in my simple day to day life, I get the greatest pleasure and feeling of meaningfulness when I feel God's presence, but as hard as I try, as much will power as I bring to the task, I can never be completely without ego, without impatience, without judgment. I can never be wholly what I think God wants me to be. "Give me life, so that I may praise you; may your instructions help me. I wander about like a lost sheep; so come and look for me, your servant because I have not neglected your laws" (119:175-176).
Matthew 17 - Jesus leads disciples Peter, James and John up a high mountain, and while they are there, Jesus seems to undergo a complete change of appearance. His face shines like the sun and his clothes are dazzling white. The disciples experience the presence of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Of course, it is the ever eager Peter who rushes to say something, offering to make three tents for them. From a cloud over Jesus, the three disciples hear a voice saying, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased - listen to him!" (17:5). This event in Jesus' life is referred to as the "transfiguration" - or the complete change in how he is seen, a vision of his spiritual reality. Jesus doesn't want them to speak of what they have seen and heard. When they ask Jesus about why the teachers of the Law always say Elijah must come before the Messiah, Jesus says he has come in the person of John the Baptist.
The chapter moves on to the healing of a boy who is epileptic and when his disciples ask him why they couldn't heal him - drive the demon out - Jesus tells them it is because they do not have enough faith. All they need is faith the size of a mustard see, but they don't even have that. They are very sad when Jesus tells them he is going to be killed, even when he reassures them he will be brought to life again after three days.
Then there is the little anecdote about Jesus paying the Temple tax and finding the coin in the first fish they take from the lake.
In all these stories, Jesus is clearly being seen by his disciples as other-worldly and trying to prepare them for his coming death and resurrection.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Daily Reading of Scripture - Psalms 118 through 119:88 and Matthew 16
Psalm 118 - "Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good, and his love is eternal" (118:1). Everyone should have these words on their lips. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to depend on people. . . on human leaders" (118:8-9). The very famous words that Jesus repeats in Matthew are here: "The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all"(118:22).
I wasn't sure what the psalmist was talking about here, so I googled around and found a very interesting blog at http://thinkhebrew.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/the-stone-the-builders-rejected/ - in the post I found there, the blogger talks about how the psalm is part of the Hallel, a Jewish song of praise (psalms 113 through 118) that is recited during Passover. In brief, what he says is that there was a story in Jewish tradition that explained the words of the psalm as follows: when the Temple was being constructed, builders had to shape the stones that were used at a distance from the Temple so that worshippers would not be disturbed by the noise. The most important stone was the capstone, which had to be put in last, but it was made at the beginning and then "set aside" (or rejected) until they had finished the building. It was always the LAST stone to be put in place. By the time they were ready to put it in place, they had to find it under years of overgrown grass. Ultimately, it would be put in its place of honor.
Psalm 119:1-88 - This is an extremely long psalm, so it is divided between today and tomorrow. It starts with praise for all those who live their lives according to the law God has given through Moses. It is intended to inspire young people. It is wonderful to learn how to serve God with our whole heart. "Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law. I am here on earth for just a little while; do not hide your commands from me" (119:18-19).
When I read psalms like this one that pray so earnestly for God's guidance and presence and favor, I remember how stressful it must have been to be a king in these days - the pressures, the threats, the incredible political, military and personal challenges they must have faced every day; so I am not really bothered by the earnest please for favor and help. "Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised" (119:37). He says that the law God gave "means more to me than all the money in the world" (119:72). When he suffers defeats or pain, he ascribes it to just punishment imposed by God for his failures to obey the laws. And he sometimes expresses frustration at how long he seems to have to wait for God's help.
Matthew 16 - The Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Jesus by asking him to perform a miracle to show how much God favored him. But he tells them that the "only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah" (16:4). Then we go to the disciples of Jesus; they forget to bring any bread with them when they crossed the lake. When Jesus says to them, "be on y our guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees," they think it's because they forgot the bread. He get annoyed with them because they don't GET what he's saying. He is not talking about bread; he's talking about the influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
When they come near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asks his disciple, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (16:13). Simon Peter says, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (17:16). And Jesus praises him and says, "this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven" (16:17-19). Weighty words! Meaningful to me as a Roman Catholic and a proponent of Quaker spiritual insights.
After trying his disciples and finding them worthy, he speaks to them more plainly and openly about what he must endure. "I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life" (16:21). Peter can't accept that this is going to happen, so here - three verses away from having been made the pillar of the church Jesus intends to found, he is told he is "Satan" and Jesus says, "Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thought of yours don't come from God, but from human nature" (16:23). What about what he says on earth will be validated in heaven???? The dilemma of the church from the very beginning - the dilemma of all who try to live purely according to the will of God. We're too entangled in the limitations of our human condition. Jesus tells us that we must carry our cross and follow him (16:24). Easier said than done, but we will try.
I wasn't sure what the psalmist was talking about here, so I googled around and found a very interesting blog at http://thinkhebrew.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/the-stone-the-builders-rejected/ - in the post I found there, the blogger talks about how the psalm is part of the Hallel, a Jewish song of praise (psalms 113 through 118) that is recited during Passover. In brief, what he says is that there was a story in Jewish tradition that explained the words of the psalm as follows: when the Temple was being constructed, builders had to shape the stones that were used at a distance from the Temple so that worshippers would not be disturbed by the noise. The most important stone was the capstone, which had to be put in last, but it was made at the beginning and then "set aside" (or rejected) until they had finished the building. It was always the LAST stone to be put in place. By the time they were ready to put it in place, they had to find it under years of overgrown grass. Ultimately, it would be put in its place of honor.
Psalm 119:1-88 - This is an extremely long psalm, so it is divided between today and tomorrow. It starts with praise for all those who live their lives according to the law God has given through Moses. It is intended to inspire young people. It is wonderful to learn how to serve God with our whole heart. "Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law. I am here on earth for just a little while; do not hide your commands from me" (119:18-19).
When I read psalms like this one that pray so earnestly for God's guidance and presence and favor, I remember how stressful it must have been to be a king in these days - the pressures, the threats, the incredible political, military and personal challenges they must have faced every day; so I am not really bothered by the earnest please for favor and help. "Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised" (119:37). He says that the law God gave "means more to me than all the money in the world" (119:72). When he suffers defeats or pain, he ascribes it to just punishment imposed by God for his failures to obey the laws. And he sometimes expresses frustration at how long he seems to have to wait for God's help.
Matthew 16 - The Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Jesus by asking him to perform a miracle to show how much God favored him. But he tells them that the "only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah" (16:4). Then we go to the disciples of Jesus; they forget to bring any bread with them when they crossed the lake. When Jesus says to them, "be on y our guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees," they think it's because they forgot the bread. He get annoyed with them because they don't GET what he's saying. He is not talking about bread; he's talking about the influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
When they come near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asks his disciple, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (16:13). Simon Peter says, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (17:16). And Jesus praises him and says, "this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven" (16:17-19). Weighty words! Meaningful to me as a Roman Catholic and a proponent of Quaker spiritual insights.
After trying his disciples and finding them worthy, he speaks to them more plainly and openly about what he must endure. "I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life" (16:21). Peter can't accept that this is going to happen, so here - three verses away from having been made the pillar of the church Jesus intends to found, he is told he is "Satan" and Jesus says, "Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thought of yours don't come from God, but from human nature" (16:23). What about what he says on earth will be validated in heaven???? The dilemma of the church from the very beginning - the dilemma of all who try to live purely according to the will of God. We're too entangled in the limitations of our human condition. Jesus tells us that we must carry our cross and follow him (16:24). Easier said than done, but we will try.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Daily Readings - Psalms 115-117 and Matthew 15:21-39
Psalm 114 - The liberation of God's people from slavery and their dedication to Him made all of nature change - the sea "ran" from them, the river stopped flowing, the mountains "skipped like goats." Transformative - that is a word that captures what commitment to God's "leadings" in one's soul is like.
Psalm 115 - Trust in the Lord - trust. Do not be afraid of anything. That is not a problem for me, mostly. There are times when I go through turmoil, but mostly I have found these words to be true. Then, later in the psalm, I read "Heaven belongs to the Lord alone, but he gave the earth to us humans" (115:16). So the Lord trusts us too. No wonder He created us to be "like Him." May we be worthy of His trust.
Psalm 116 - Beautiful words:"The Lord saved me from death, he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living. I kept on believing, even when I said, 'I am completely crushed,' even when I was afraid and said, 'No one can be trusted'" (116:8-11). This is the God I have known.
Psalm 117 - A very short praise verse, thanking the Lord for the great love He has for us.
Matthew 15:21-39 - Two stories here: one of the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter of a "demon." This is followed by the story of Jesus healing the infirm and feeding four thousand + people on a mere 7 loaves and a few small fish. I think the stories are related because in the first account, the foreign woman, whom the disciples of Jesus want him to dismiss as a pain in the neck, tells Jesus even though she may be considered as a "dog" to those who think his mission should be to the Jews only, that she can be helped even with the crumbs left behind by those whom he has come to feed. I had an insight into the "feeding of the four thousand" story when I realized how very little of God's presence and support I need. The tiniest crumb of His love, of His presence in my life is SO GREAT and so nourishing, it does not surprise me he could feed so many and still have so much left over. He is not like any other food.
Psalm 115 - Trust in the Lord - trust. Do not be afraid of anything. That is not a problem for me, mostly. There are times when I go through turmoil, but mostly I have found these words to be true. Then, later in the psalm, I read "Heaven belongs to the Lord alone, but he gave the earth to us humans" (115:16). So the Lord trusts us too. No wonder He created us to be "like Him." May we be worthy of His trust.
Psalm 116 - Beautiful words:"The Lord saved me from death, he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living. I kept on believing, even when I said, 'I am completely crushed,' even when I was afraid and said, 'No one can be trusted'" (116:8-11). This is the God I have known.
Psalm 117 - A very short praise verse, thanking the Lord for the great love He has for us.
Matthew 15:21-39 - Two stories here: one of the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter of a "demon." This is followed by the story of Jesus healing the infirm and feeding four thousand + people on a mere 7 loaves and a few small fish. I think the stories are related because in the first account, the foreign woman, whom the disciples of Jesus want him to dismiss as a pain in the neck, tells Jesus even though she may be considered as a "dog" to those who think his mission should be to the Jews only, that she can be helped even with the crumbs left behind by those whom he has come to feed. I had an insight into the "feeding of the four thousand" story when I realized how very little of God's presence and support I need. The tiniest crumb of His love, of His presence in my life is SO GREAT and so nourishing, it does not surprise me he could feed so many and still have so much left over. He is not like any other food.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Daily Scripture And Thoughts on It
I am going to try to get back to this space for my scripture meditations. THings have gotten too complicated trying to do a scripture blog on Quaker Quaker and a separate one here AND on the WMM Narrative of Scripture. Plus there is the Thursday Bible Study we have here. Too many going in too many different directions.
So I am going back to my two year plan - year two on OT.
Today the NT reading was Matthew 15:1-20: Jesus is trying to teach people - especially the REALLY religious people of his time, the Pharisees, that TRUE religion is what you DO from your heart, NOT what you do to obey religious laws that are fundamentally human in origin. "These people. . .honor me with their words, but their hearts are really far away from me." When I stand in Mass as we are getting ready to hear the Gospel of the day, we make the sign of the cross on our heads, our lips, and our hearts so that we remember the love of God we have should be in our thinking, in our testimony to the world and in our hearts. I usually add a cross on my leg too so that I remember that the love of God MUST ultimately be expressed in what I do - how I walk in the world. The Church is an ancient institution. It has gone through every kind of human experience, and it is true that sometimes all the solutions it has come up with to deal with problems lead some to be too focused on the "rules" - the "doctrines." I pray for those in leadership that they focus on what is core - how we live our lives and testify to the place of God in our lives.
The OT readings were three psalms - 111 through 113: They all focus on the happiness of those who truly follow the commandments of the Lord, the commandments he has given through his prophets, but especially those commandments that he places on our hearts. "How wonderful are the things the Lord does. All who are delighted with them want to understand them." The psalms all reiterate how those who do God's will and love his presence will be rewarded in this life, and I confess I do not see that this is always true in the material way the psalms seem to promise: "He provides food for those who honor him" (111:3). "A good person will never fail. . .he is certain to see his enemies defeated" (112:6-8). "He raises the poor from the dust, he lifts the needy from their misery and makes them companions of princes" (113:7-8). Certainly on an inward level he rewards his faithful, but the prosperity part does not always seem to hold. I think there is a tension, in the Old Testament especially, between the conviction that those who are faithful will always be rewarded by God in a worldly way - with prosperity or victory on the battlefield - and the realization that this is not always the case - Job's story. It is a debate that continues to this day with ministers out there who insist that God will reward faithfulness with prosperity and success in all things, and those who simply know it isn't always true. Sometimes the faithful die struggling for justice or even peacefully testifying for a justice that others in control resist with all the power they can muster.
So I am going back to my two year plan - year two on OT.
Today the NT reading was Matthew 15:1-20: Jesus is trying to teach people - especially the REALLY religious people of his time, the Pharisees, that TRUE religion is what you DO from your heart, NOT what you do to obey religious laws that are fundamentally human in origin. "These people. . .honor me with their words, but their hearts are really far away from me." When I stand in Mass as we are getting ready to hear the Gospel of the day, we make the sign of the cross on our heads, our lips, and our hearts so that we remember the love of God we have should be in our thinking, in our testimony to the world and in our hearts. I usually add a cross on my leg too so that I remember that the love of God MUST ultimately be expressed in what I do - how I walk in the world. The Church is an ancient institution. It has gone through every kind of human experience, and it is true that sometimes all the solutions it has come up with to deal with problems lead some to be too focused on the "rules" - the "doctrines." I pray for those in leadership that they focus on what is core - how we live our lives and testify to the place of God in our lives.
The OT readings were three psalms - 111 through 113: They all focus on the happiness of those who truly follow the commandments of the Lord, the commandments he has given through his prophets, but especially those commandments that he places on our hearts. "How wonderful are the things the Lord does. All who are delighted with them want to understand them." The psalms all reiterate how those who do God's will and love his presence will be rewarded in this life, and I confess I do not see that this is always true in the material way the psalms seem to promise: "He provides food for those who honor him" (111:3). "A good person will never fail. . .he is certain to see his enemies defeated" (112:6-8). "He raises the poor from the dust, he lifts the needy from their misery and makes them companions of princes" (113:7-8). Certainly on an inward level he rewards his faithful, but the prosperity part does not always seem to hold. I think there is a tension, in the Old Testament especially, between the conviction that those who are faithful will always be rewarded by God in a worldly way - with prosperity or victory on the battlefield - and the realization that this is not always the case - Job's story. It is a debate that continues to this day with ministers out there who insist that God will reward faithfulness with prosperity and success in all things, and those who simply know it isn't always true. Sometimes the faithful die struggling for justice or even peacefully testifying for a justice that others in control resist with all the power they can muster.
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