Category: Lectionary Notes

Acts 16:9-15

Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

John 14:23-29

Dear Friends,

In Chapter 14 of John’s Gospel, Jesus explains the new relationship his disciples will have with him as the risen Lord.  To those who love him and continue with his teaching, Jesus says that he and the Father will come and make their home with them.  Even more is promised: the Father will send the Holy Spirit to come as a guiding presence.

Chapters 21 and 22 of The Revelation to John contain a great vision of the City of God.  Contrary to our usual thinking of “going up to heaven,” the City of God comes down to the earth.  Vivid images are used to describe this city: it is built and adorned with the most precious, valuable stones and metals; filled with the perfect light of God; healed and sustained by life giving trees and crystal pure water.  Nothing unclean or impure can be there.  All is well.

In Acts 16, we hear of a vision given Paul to take the message of Jesus Christ into Greece rather than continue in modern day Turkey.  Paul makes his first contact and first converts to faith in Christ in the Greek city of Philippi.

Comment: The scriptures contain several images/visions of heaven, the throne of God, the presence of God, the city of God – some of which may seem to contradict one another.  Do we “go up” to heaven, or does God “bring down” his presence among us?  As often is the case, it may be the answer is, “yes, both.”  I am comforted by my awareness of God’s presence coming into my life just as Jesus describes – the Spirit coming to be with me to guide me (even if I often don’t listen or follow poorly).  And the visions of Revelation, of which this is the final, describe both the experience of people gathered into God’s presence “away from this life” (see Revelation 7) in line with our usual understanding of “heaven”, and this final vision of God coming down to be with us in perfection. In this way, I have hope for those who have died, and I have hope for an unpredictable future “day” when God’s light and presence will fill the earth.

David S. Robinson, Rector

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church

Maple Glen, PA 19002

· Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)

· Revelation 5:11-14

· John 21:1-19

Dear Friends,

John’s Gospel continues the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection appearances with a scene on the shore of Lake Galilee.  While the disciples are fishing, an unrecognized Jesus directs them to a catch of fish.  Upon recognizing the Lord, they come ashore and join him for a breakfast.  This is followed by the intense conversation between Jesus and Peter, where Peter is asked three times, “Peter, do you love me?”  Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep and to follow him.

The Revelation to John contains visions both strange and wonderful.  This vision is of the praise being given to the lamb that was slain- the crucified and risen Jesus – by those who are gathered at the throne of God.

The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the church as it moves out from Easter, proclaiming the risen Christ.  Here we come to the dramatic story of the Pharisee Saul who is hunting down these followers of Jesus, when he is confronted by Christ on the way to Damascus.  Jesus recruits the man who is renamed Paul and will take the faith from Palestine to Rome.

Comment: People come to faith in the risen Christ – to praise Jesus as the lamb who was crucified and risen – in a great variety of ways. When that happens, whether our name is changed (Saul to Paul or Simon to Peter) we really do begin a new kind of identity.  From that day on we will know of a love that challenges us to the core of our being: “Do you love me?” is not only a question to Peter, but to me and you.  How far will we go to honor and praise the crucified and Risen Lamb of God? In one way or another, He asks us to care for his sheep and tend his lambs – and ultimately that means every human being we meet .David S. Robinson, Rector Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church Maple Glen, PA 19002

· Isaiah 43:16-21

· Philippians 3:4b-14

· John 12:1-8

Dear Friends,

The prophet Isaiah describes the promise of the Lord who prepares for the restoration of his people by making a way for them in the desert.  The Lord will do a new thing that refreshes and restores a people who had been defeated and exiled.

In John’s Gospel we hear of the time, about one week before the death of Jesus, that Mary (the sister of Martha and Lazarus) anoints his feet with a costly oil.  Mary displays her love for the one who had welcomed her to sit at his feet as a disciple, and the one who had wept with her over the death of her brother Lazarus before restoring him to life.  Now the gospel hints that Mary wants to honor her friend and master, and prepare him for his own burial.

Paul speaks to the Philippian Church about the “surpassing value of knowing Christ as my Lord.”   The only thing that matters to him is the “call of God in Christ Jesus.” In light of the relationship and purpose he has with the living, risen Christ, Paul considers everything else disposable. 

Comment: Mary and Paul show me how much they feel connected to Jesus.  Because they belong to him, this new reality in their lives shapes everything else.  To whom would I say I belong?  I often act like I belong only to myself.  But we all belong to others, and this belonging really shapes my life and decisions. How does my life show that I belong to Jesus, who in spite of myself, has made me His own!  Mary and Paul respond to Jesus with great generosity. I am thankful for the times my life truly reflects that I belong to Jesus.  When I lack this generosity toward my Lord, it usually means I’m focused on myself. David S. Robinson, Rector Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church Maple Glen, PA 19002

 Exodus 3:1-15

  1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 Luke 13:1-9

 Dear Friends,

In Exodus 3, Moses “turns aside” to see the burning bush, and comes into the presence of the Holy God.  In this encounter God reveals his awareness of Israel’s suffering, and sends Moses to set them free.  Faced with his inadequacy for this intimidating task, Moses is assured that God will be with him, and is given the sacred name of God.

Jesus challenges a common misconception in these verses of Luke’s Gospel. People who die from accidents or violence were considered to be struck down by God for exceptional sins.  Jesus warns rather that all people must come to terms with sin, to “repent or perish.”  There is patience in God for us, as in a gardener who tends to a fruitless tree in hopes it will bear fruit.  But at some point, a fruitless tree in the orchard is cut down!

Paul’s words to the Corinthians clearly reinforces the belief that God strikes down sinners, as he recounts the deaths of thousands who had rebelled against God in various ways and physically perished.  For Paul, this is an example from which we learn that it is not enough to be baptized people who are participants in the sacrament of the Lord’s table.  Our daily living must reflect faith and trust in God.  And it is our trust in God’s help that lets us overcome temptations that would destroy us.

Comment: We find it easy to dismiss Paul’s teaching and warnings as extreme, but what he says is in line with the warning of Jesus that all must repent or perish. I find I cannot explain this away, but we need not take this literally.  We know many violent, immoral and unrepentant people who live long lives.  It seems Paul and Jesus talk rather of spiritual death, of a uselessness to God, a dismissal of God’s life and calling.  Is this not deadly?  Are we not lost, ultimately, without God’s grace and spirit? Can we become cut off from God forever? I really can only look to myself in this, and not presume to judge the sins of others.  I am invited to turn my hearts in trust to God every morning, and come home to Lord every day.

 Genesis 15:1-12,17-18

Philippians 3:17-4:1

 Luke 13:31-35

Dear Friends,

In Genesis 15, The Lord comes to Abram in a vision and offers encouragement: “Do not be afraid…I am your shield…your reward will be very great.” But Abram laments to the Lord that he continues childless in spite of God’s promises to him.  In response, he is shown the stars and told his descendants shall be equally uncountable in number, and it says that Abram believes (trusts) the promise. As a further reassurance – this time about land – the Lord confirms his commitment to Abram in a covenant ceremony. The ceremony is a rather gory event that basically means, “may I be cut in half if I do not keep my promise” in the spirit of the modern day child’s promise: “cross my heart and hope to die!”

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus gets word that Herod wants to kill him.  In response, Jesus weeps for the city that persecutes and kills those who are sent by God to save it.  As a result of refusing God’s help, they are “on their own.”

Paul talks to the Christians in Philippi about those who do not accept and follow the way of Christ and his cross.  Living for physical and earthly gratification, “their end is destruction” as they chose their own fulfillment in temporary things that do not last.  Paul encourages the Philippian church to live differently, after his own example of following Christ (who has been raised into lasting life).

Comment: When we struggle, we wonder if God’s promise to love and help us is real.  Abram needed reassurance, and God gave it to him. But in my life, I often look for comfort to places other than God’s promises, let along the invitation to find life in following a crucified Jesus!  Yet this is the way that will make me whole, as I find time and time again.  Let us encourage one another to “stand firm” and keep the faith!

[With St. Patrick’s Day falling on this Sunday, we see a great example.  Captured by Irish raiders and sold into slavery, Patrick persevered for many years until he could escape and recross the Irish sea to his family in north England.  Out of this came his call to priesthood, and eventually the call to return to Ireland to share with them a new way of life in Jesus Christ.  Amazing Grace!]

David S. Robinson, Rector

  Deuteronomy 26:1-11

  Romans 10:8b-13

  Luke 4:1-13

  Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

  Dear Friends,

Deuteronomy 26 describes a liturgy in which the worshiper presents the first fruits of the harvest in the promised land, reciting the story of Israel’s historic travels and escape from Egypt. Today this is observed among Jewish people as part of the feast of weeks or booths.  It celebrates the Lord who keeps his promises and cares for his people.

Luke’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus, fresh from the affirmation of his baptism, being tempted by the devil in the wilderness.  If he is the beloved Son, will not God provide for him richly, allowing him to use divine power to make bread from stones?  Will the Lord not protect Jesus from all harm, even if he were to leap from a great height onto the rocks below?  Would not God want him to rule over all the kingdoms of the earth?  Jesus has a different sense of what it means to be the Beloved of God.  Rather than presume upon this relationship to provide material power, prosperity, and safety, Jesus is determined to be faithful and obedient, trusting above all else God’s word to him and wherever it leads him.

Speaking to the Christian community in Rome, Paul describes a relationship of trusting Jesus Christ: by calling upon his name we are saved.  Here, to be saved is to believe and trust Jesus as the one who has been raised from the dead.  Those who trust will not be “put to shame.”  Their trust will be rewarded by the love and power of God, just as Jesus’ own trust in God was rewarded with resurrection.

Comment: What does it mean to be “saved?” It means here and now that I have a relationship with God, who has made known his love in Christ Jesus and shares his life and purpose with me.  My side of this is to listen to and trust God’s word, letting his Spirit lead me as I make my way in this world to serve God.  What it does not mean is that I will be spared all difficulty and struggle, living in a “bubble” of divine protection.  The Lord may ask me to do hard things, and it is almost inevitable that opposition will arise. And we all face the reality that we are “dust” – fragile beings who are subject to illness and death.  In the face of all this, Lord, help us to trust you!

Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

In the lesson from Deuteronomy, Moses challenges the people to be faithful and careful in keeping the commandments of the Lord their God.  He notes that to do so makes a powerful living witness to the surrounding nations, who will see the wisdom and truth of God’s ways being followed.

 

In Mark 7, Jesus replies to the challenge of religious leaders who observed the failure of some of his disciples to carefully observe the purity rituals (hand washing) commanded in the law of Moses.  Having pointed out the failure of these same leaders to keep major commandments (in the verses omitted for this week and elsewhere), Jesus declares that what is important is not outward ritual purity but the inner purity of the heart.

 

James 1:17-27 describes how a holy or clean life is characterized by actions that reflect and fulfill the intentions of God. We are not to be “hearers who forget” but “doers who act” – much like the saying that we must “walk the talk.”  He gives an example: to care for the weakest and most vulnerable people among you (in this case widows and orphans) reflects the word and heart of God.

 

Comment: I am moved by the penitential phrase from the Prayer Book during the recitation of the Ten Commandments:  “Lord Have Mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.”  It is all about the heart, and my heart is fickle.  Saint Paul described this so well when he confesses in Romans 7, “The very thing I know is good, I find that I don’t do…and the thing I know is wrong, I find that I do it” (my paraphrase).  In the end, your and my hope is in Christ who offers us his own purity of heart and ready obedience to the Father.  It is for us to receive this gift and allow it to grow ever more active in us, even as we recognize and confess the ways we fail!