"They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."(Micah 4:3) "I am for peace, but when I speak they are for war."(Psalm 120:7) "Then Jesus said to him 'Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword."(Matthew 27:52)
My blog for most of the year has been based on the readings from what is called the Bible Challenge. Usually I choose a verse from one of the three assigned readings for the day. Today though I noticed some verses that seemed to have a connection
As we reflect on the news each day, it is not hard to see how these verses might have something for us to consider. Whether we reflect on the ongoing conflict between the Israeli army and Hamas; the violence in the Ukraine, civil war in the Sudan, kidnapping of young girls in Nigeria, ISIS running over Iraq, and the continuing conflict in Afghanistan. Even locally we have car jackings, school shootings, domestic disputes, and other forms of violence. There seems no end.
Yet there are the verses in scripture that should point us in a different direction. The idea in Micah of repurposing our implements of destruction and violence, into devices that sustain life and create community. What would that be like in our world. To not learn or engage in war any more.
To think of being the voice that tries to be reasonable in all this chaos, calling forth for a different way of settling our differences. Very lonely place to be once everyone has gotten sucked into the hostile energy.
But the most sobering our Jesus' own words warning that violence will come right back at you like a boomerang. You want to take up a sword, gun or raise your fist, it will eventually come back to haunt you or be your own demise.
It is very hard to maintain an inner peace with this much violence in the world, even if it isn't actually any more than has ever been. The difference we are saturated with news of it even if it isn't right on our front door.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Reflections for July 30, 2014
"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, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."(Matthew 25:35-36)
The Episcopal Church has an ongoing program called the Millenium Development Goals. It is in partnership with the UN goals and it does address many of the things Jesus said were what we should be doing.
While I am generally for the goals and actually would say that these verses are almost a personal mission statement for me, I wish we would call them the Matthew 25 goals. Let the UN have its program and let the church name it with something that claims its source.
I also love how the folks who are doing these things wonder when was it they served Jesus who said you did it to me. And of course Jesus saying this is who you are to help, everyone who needs it, no exceptions.
To those who claim that they would have done it if they were serving Jesus himself, he clearly says wrong. You don't get to choose who is worthy of food, drink clothes, proper medical care and compassion.
In my ministry I look for those opportunities and have in fact even visited folks in prison. And I do these things because that is where my faith in Jesus Christ leads me.
Blessings,
Ed
The Episcopal Church has an ongoing program called the Millenium Development Goals. It is in partnership with the UN goals and it does address many of the things Jesus said were what we should be doing.
While I am generally for the goals and actually would say that these verses are almost a personal mission statement for me, I wish we would call them the Matthew 25 goals. Let the UN have its program and let the church name it with something that claims its source.
I also love how the folks who are doing these things wonder when was it they served Jesus who said you did it to me. And of course Jesus saying this is who you are to help, everyone who needs it, no exceptions.
To those who claim that they would have done it if they were serving Jesus himself, he clearly says wrong. You don't get to choose who is worthy of food, drink clothes, proper medical care and compassion.
In my ministry I look for those opportunities and have in fact even visited folks in prison. And I do these things because that is where my faith in Jesus Christ leads me.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Reflections for July 29, 2014
"Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."(Matthew 24:44)
We are switching our internet provider this week. I am told that the tech should arrive between 1 and 3 pm. So I'll need to be ready for that arrival. That's not a huge window of arrival time, I was told once that I could expect the technician between 9 am and 9 pm. That of course tied up the day.
There is always a level of expectancy in life. I also remember waiting for the birth of my son Michael. He was supposed to show up late September but he delayed his arrival a couple of weeks. It is hard to keep doing other things while you're waiting for something you need or long for.
While I may like company, I'm not big on drop in guests, usually because I haven't had a chance to clean. And like many people I go into overdrive when an expected arrival is the next day, want to look prepared. Wonder how much easier it would be if I was always ready.
The same is true for the second coming of Christ. We are told to be ready but we are not told when. Yes there are people out there claiming to know and they are never right because they ignore the clear message of scripture, you don't get to know. I suppose we are kept in ignorance to the exact date so that we are compelled to do the things we should be doing, because if we knew the date we might get busy closer to that time.
I don't spend time worrying about when Christ will come again, I believe it will happen some time. In my life time, maybe, maybe not. But I do know that the challenge is to be doing the things my faith tells me to do, so that if it should be today, I'm ready.
Blessings,
Ed
We are switching our internet provider this week. I am told that the tech should arrive between 1 and 3 pm. So I'll need to be ready for that arrival. That's not a huge window of arrival time, I was told once that I could expect the technician between 9 am and 9 pm. That of course tied up the day.
There is always a level of expectancy in life. I also remember waiting for the birth of my son Michael. He was supposed to show up late September but he delayed his arrival a couple of weeks. It is hard to keep doing other things while you're waiting for something you need or long for.
While I may like company, I'm not big on drop in guests, usually because I haven't had a chance to clean. And like many people I go into overdrive when an expected arrival is the next day, want to look prepared. Wonder how much easier it would be if I was always ready.
The same is true for the second coming of Christ. We are told to be ready but we are not told when. Yes there are people out there claiming to know and they are never right because they ignore the clear message of scripture, you don't get to know. I suppose we are kept in ignorance to the exact date so that we are compelled to do the things we should be doing, because if we knew the date we might get busy closer to that time.
I don't spend time worrying about when Christ will come again, I believe it will happen some time. In my life time, maybe, maybe not. But I do know that the challenge is to be doing the things my faith tells me to do, so that if it should be today, I'm ready.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 28, 2014
Reflection for July 28,2014
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others."(Matthew 23:23)
Jesus is certainly not holding back in Matthew 23. A repetition of calling the leaders of his time hypocrites! That name can sting because it calls you out for saying one thing while doing another. Giving lip service but no heart service. Doing the flashy things, but not the things that actually matter.
It isn't hard to get caught up in the small things while ignoring the bigger picture. The smaller things tend to be easier and don't demand much of us. The bigger picture is harder to grapple with and can often feel overwhelming.
While Jesus lets them have it for ignoring the bigger picture, justice, mercy and faith, I do like that he says those little things shouldn't be ignored either. They just need to know their place in the grand scheme of things.
So what would attending to those weightier matters involve. First and foremost risk on our part, to seek justice might mean taking a very unpopular stand. To give mercy might mean someone getting away with something that might have also been punished. To work on faith takes time.
Are we ready to take that bold step while still doing small things that also have some importance.
Blessings,
Ed
Jesus is certainly not holding back in Matthew 23. A repetition of calling the leaders of his time hypocrites! That name can sting because it calls you out for saying one thing while doing another. Giving lip service but no heart service. Doing the flashy things, but not the things that actually matter.
It isn't hard to get caught up in the small things while ignoring the bigger picture. The smaller things tend to be easier and don't demand much of us. The bigger picture is harder to grapple with and can often feel overwhelming.
While Jesus lets them have it for ignoring the bigger picture, justice, mercy and faith, I do like that he says those little things shouldn't be ignored either. They just need to know their place in the grand scheme of things.
So what would attending to those weightier matters involve. First and foremost risk on our part, to seek justice might mean taking a very unpopular stand. To give mercy might mean someone getting away with something that might have also been punished. To work on faith takes time.
Are we ready to take that bold step while still doing small things that also have some importance.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Reflection for July 26, 2014
"But God said to Jonah, 'Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?' And he said, 'Yes, angry enough to die.'"(Jonah 4:9)
"I'm so angry I can't see straight." I've heard this said when someone has gotten so ticked off that they have lost all sense of reason and cannot seem to calm down. It's frightening to be around that kind of anger. It is also frightening to be that angry.
The problem for Jonah and for many is the things that get us that angry are often incredibly trivial, for Jonah it is the loss of a bush that had kept him comfortable. For others perhaps it is something not going our way. Or an insult or hurt that has occurred that takes so much by surprise that we don't know what to do with it. And suddenly we are not only hurt, but have lost control.
God tells Jonah his anger is misplaced. He didn't say never be angry by the way. If all we do in response to every little thing is be "angry enough to die," we will eventually get to a point where that is all we ever are, angry.
And in doing so we will not be able to channel our anger at events or circumstances that really should make us angry and to take that energy and put it into a creative solution.
Blessings,
Ed
"I'm so angry I can't see straight." I've heard this said when someone has gotten so ticked off that they have lost all sense of reason and cannot seem to calm down. It's frightening to be around that kind of anger. It is also frightening to be that angry.
The problem for Jonah and for many is the things that get us that angry are often incredibly trivial, for Jonah it is the loss of a bush that had kept him comfortable. For others perhaps it is something not going our way. Or an insult or hurt that has occurred that takes so much by surprise that we don't know what to do with it. And suddenly we are not only hurt, but have lost control.
God tells Jonah his anger is misplaced. He didn't say never be angry by the way. If all we do in response to every little thing is be "angry enough to die," we will eventually get to a point where that is all we ever are, angry.
And in doing so we will not be able to channel our anger at events or circumstances that really should make us angry and to take that energy and put it into a creative solution.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Reflection for July 24, 2014
"So the last will be first and the first will be last."(Matthew 20:16)
Having a last name of Zelley, I've never been a big fan of going in alphabetical order. 9 out of 10 times you wind up being last. I always wondered if the person choosing might consider starting with Z and ending with A but that would require too much thinking I suppose.
Nobody really likes to be last. As a kid being the last one chosen for a team gave you the message that nobody really wanted you. To be the last one to know something makes you feel out of the loop or perhaps again not very important.
Sometimes we do have to wait our turn, and we may be the last in line. However as long as I get my turn it shouldn't be the end of my world.
There will be times when I am first, though probably not as often as I would like. And it is also possible that in the realm of God, we're all first on his list, no matter where we stand in earthly comparison.
Blessings,
Ed
Having a last name of Zelley, I've never been a big fan of going in alphabetical order. 9 out of 10 times you wind up being last. I always wondered if the person choosing might consider starting with Z and ending with A but that would require too much thinking I suppose.
Nobody really likes to be last. As a kid being the last one chosen for a team gave you the message that nobody really wanted you. To be the last one to know something makes you feel out of the loop or perhaps again not very important.
Sometimes we do have to wait our turn, and we may be the last in line. However as long as I get my turn it shouldn't be the end of my world.
There will be times when I am first, though probably not as often as I would like. And it is also possible that in the realm of God, we're all first on his list, no matter where we stand in earthly comparison.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Reflection for July 23, 2014
"But the Lord provided a large fish to swallow up Jonah; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."(Jonah 1:17)
When my sons were younger, we had as many parents at the time had a punishment known as a time out. Similar to being sent to your room, except you don't want their room to be seen as place you go when you're in trouble.
The Jonah in the belly of the fish is one of those Bible stories that everyone seems to know. Heck even Jesus liked it enough to refer to it. Great pictures in Children's Bibles with a whale spewing Jonah up onto the beach. Funny how the Bible doesn't actually call it a whale, at least my translation doesn't. Disney must have been a huge fan of the story since he put Pinocchio in a similar position.
What kind of a "great fish" it was isn't actually important. Whether fish would swallow a whole human being is also to miss the point. What the story shows to me is that when we are going the wrong way or doing the opposite of what we are supposed to be doing, God might give us a time out.
A chance to reflect on the choice we've made and whether we might want to reconsider that decision.
These timeouts are not usually as spectacular as this, usually more like a gut feeling that makes you pause and consider what you are doing or where you are going. Gives you a chance to calm down, get centered and hopefully make the right choice.
Blessings,
Ed
When my sons were younger, we had as many parents at the time had a punishment known as a time out. Similar to being sent to your room, except you don't want their room to be seen as place you go when you're in trouble.
The Jonah in the belly of the fish is one of those Bible stories that everyone seems to know. Heck even Jesus liked it enough to refer to it. Great pictures in Children's Bibles with a whale spewing Jonah up onto the beach. Funny how the Bible doesn't actually call it a whale, at least my translation doesn't. Disney must have been a huge fan of the story since he put Pinocchio in a similar position.
What kind of a "great fish" it was isn't actually important. Whether fish would swallow a whole human being is also to miss the point. What the story shows to me is that when we are going the wrong way or doing the opposite of what we are supposed to be doing, God might give us a time out.
A chance to reflect on the choice we've made and whether we might want to reconsider that decision.
These timeouts are not usually as spectacular as this, usually more like a gut feeling that makes you pause and consider what you are doing or where you are going. Gives you a chance to calm down, get centered and hopefully make the right choice.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Reflections for July 22, 2014
"So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."(Matthew 18:35)
I have probably forgiven someone at some point in my life and probably from the heart. I will also have to admit that it was probably easy to do because I have never had someone hurt me so deeply that forgiveness seemed almost impossible.
How would I know if I've succeeded in doing this? I think the first sign would be that the words came out easily. I didn't have to swallow as I said it, there was not tension in my body. I could look the person in the eye if we were face to face.
A second sign that it had worked would be that whatever had been done to need forgiving in the first place was no longer taking center stage in my mind. I no longer felt any need to recall it, bring it back up later as a weapon to be used in a future fight.
How would I know if I've been forgiven from heart? Much of what was said above holds true. I would also add that if I and the person that forgave me are able to start a new, then it may have. I don't think it can go back to what it was, but might be a from this day forward moment.
I certainly am glad God has a big enough heart to forgive me when I mess up in my relationship with God, others and myself.
Blessings,
Ed
I have probably forgiven someone at some point in my life and probably from the heart. I will also have to admit that it was probably easy to do because I have never had someone hurt me so deeply that forgiveness seemed almost impossible.
How would I know if I've succeeded in doing this? I think the first sign would be that the words came out easily. I didn't have to swallow as I said it, there was not tension in my body. I could look the person in the eye if we were face to face.
A second sign that it had worked would be that whatever had been done to need forgiving in the first place was no longer taking center stage in my mind. I no longer felt any need to recall it, bring it back up later as a weapon to be used in a future fight.
How would I know if I've been forgiven from heart? Much of what was said above holds true. I would also add that if I and the person that forgave me are able to start a new, then it may have. I don't think it can go back to what it was, but might be a from this day forward moment.
I certainly am glad God has a big enough heart to forgive me when I mess up in my relationship with God, others and myself.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 21, 2014
Reflection for July 21, 2014
"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."(Matthew 17:20)
I haven't ever considered telling mountains to move, at least not literally. I certainly have had obstacles in my way that at first glance I thought were insurmountable. It was at those moments that I had to tap into my faith. In doing so I've often found that what I thought was insurmountable was in fact nothing more than a speed bump along the way.
I don't need a huge faith to be able to do this. Mustard seeds are very small. It is tapping into that smallest of faith moments that bigger faith, energy and confidence sprout.
Jesus ends by saying that nothing will be impossible for me. While that may be true, there are things I don't need to do. Where I need to heed that compliment is in the things that I am called to do. That help me fulfill my actual purpose. And while I can name things that are currently impossible for me to do, eg. give birth, I don't know that Jesus needs me to do that. But in those places where I should be attempting the seemingly impossible, I need to start believing.
Blessings,
Ed
I haven't ever considered telling mountains to move, at least not literally. I certainly have had obstacles in my way that at first glance I thought were insurmountable. It was at those moments that I had to tap into my faith. In doing so I've often found that what I thought was insurmountable was in fact nothing more than a speed bump along the way.
I don't need a huge faith to be able to do this. Mustard seeds are very small. It is tapping into that smallest of faith moments that bigger faith, energy and confidence sprout.
Jesus ends by saying that nothing will be impossible for me. While that may be true, there are things I don't need to do. Where I need to heed that compliment is in the things that I am called to do. That help me fulfill my actual purpose. And while I can name things that are currently impossible for me to do, eg. give birth, I don't know that Jesus needs me to do that. But in those places where I should be attempting the seemingly impossible, I need to start believing.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Reflection for July 19, 2014
"He said to them, 'but who do you say that I am?'"(Matthew 16:16)
.
One of my ministries in the Diocese is serving on the Committee on the Priesthood. This group interviews people who are discerning a call to the priesthood and makes recommendations to the Bishop on these people at various stages of their journey. A question that I've become infamous for asking is "Who do you say Jesus is?"
The question feels like a trap, but it actually isn't. I don't have a particular answer that I am looking for, but I would like to hear some kind of answer. I think it is important for future and current priests to have an answer to that question.
Actually it is important for anyone who claims to follow Jesus. Who is he for you? What does that statement mean to you? How does it impact your life?
I think the question could also be asked of us individually, who do we say that we are? What do others say about us? And which is really the truth?
Blessings,
Ed
.
One of my ministries in the Diocese is serving on the Committee on the Priesthood. This group interviews people who are discerning a call to the priesthood and makes recommendations to the Bishop on these people at various stages of their journey. A question that I've become infamous for asking is "Who do you say Jesus is?"
The question feels like a trap, but it actually isn't. I don't have a particular answer that I am looking for, but I would like to hear some kind of answer. I think it is important for future and current priests to have an answer to that question.
Actually it is important for anyone who claims to follow Jesus. Who is he for you? What does that statement mean to you? How does it impact your life?
I think the question could also be asked of us individually, who do we say that we are? What do others say about us? And which is really the truth?
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, July 18, 2014
Reflection for July 18, 2014
"It is not fair to take the children's bread and feed it to the dogs. She said 'Yes Lord , yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table."(Matthew 15:26-27)
Point, counter point. How much life feels that way. This is one of several classic conversations that Jesus gets into. While I may not like the condescending tone that comes across in his reply to her initial request for help, her response is perfect. Call me a dog if you want to, but I still need your help.
I love a snappy come back, especially when I get to give it. But I also know that I've been just as likely to be on the receiving end of one, and had to, as a result, change my mind just like Jesus.
Sometimes to get what we need we have to be quick thinking. And even if we've been treated in condescending manner, or just outright dismissed, when it's important we gotta keep coming.
Blessings,
Ed
Point, counter point. How much life feels that way. This is one of several classic conversations that Jesus gets into. While I may not like the condescending tone that comes across in his reply to her initial request for help, her response is perfect. Call me a dog if you want to, but I still need your help.
I love a snappy come back, especially when I get to give it. But I also know that I've been just as likely to be on the receiving end of one, and had to, as a result, change my mind just like Jesus.
Sometimes to get what we need we have to be quick thinking. And even if we've been treated in condescending manner, or just outright dismissed, when it's important we gotta keep coming.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Reflection for July 17, 2014
"Peter answered him, ' Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."(Matthew 14:28)
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus walking on the water and ultimately leading to Peter wanting proof that it is really Jesus by asking to be commanded to walk to Jesus on the water. This of course is something that normally most of us don't do. And ultimately Peter sinks as well.
The story isn't really there to teach us to defy the laws of nature. The first thing I notice was a desire to get out of the boat, to leave the safety of our current situation and risk doing something that might not work. Peter and we do this from a place of faith. We hope we are hearing the call of Christ to do so. But I think Peter's first mistake was making it into a mini test "if it is you."
Because it really was the Jesus, Peter is able to walk on water. That initial trust was there helping him to do something that most of us wouldn't attempt. We probably would talk ourselves out of. Easier to stay in the boat.
What causes Peter to sink, and in many ways what causes us to not reach our own goals and the following our individual callings, is when we see that attaining them will not be without some risk, some "strong wind," that is working against us. When Peter noticed that wind, the doubts of his abilities and the pursuit of what he had asked for and longed for fell apart and he sank.
Doubts are strong inhibters and many times can stop us from even getting out of the safety of our boats. But if you ask Jesus for guidance and you get, better to keep walking.
Blessings,
Ed
Most of us have heard the story of Jesus walking on the water and ultimately leading to Peter wanting proof that it is really Jesus by asking to be commanded to walk to Jesus on the water. This of course is something that normally most of us don't do. And ultimately Peter sinks as well.
The story isn't really there to teach us to defy the laws of nature. The first thing I notice was a desire to get out of the boat, to leave the safety of our current situation and risk doing something that might not work. Peter and we do this from a place of faith. We hope we are hearing the call of Christ to do so. But I think Peter's first mistake was making it into a mini test "if it is you."
Because it really was the Jesus, Peter is able to walk on water. That initial trust was there helping him to do something that most of us wouldn't attempt. We probably would talk ourselves out of. Easier to stay in the boat.
What causes Peter to sink, and in many ways what causes us to not reach our own goals and the following our individual callings, is when we see that attaining them will not be without some risk, some "strong wind," that is working against us. When Peter noticed that wind, the doubts of his abilities and the pursuit of what he had asked for and longed for fell apart and he sank.
Doubts are strong inhibters and many times can stop us from even getting out of the safety of our boats. But if you ask Jesus for guidance and you get, better to keep walking.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Reflection for July 16, 2014
"Let anyone with ears listen."(Matthew 13:9)
Is hearing the same thing as listening? I asked that question last Sunday in my homily. For me they are not. I often hear things, but that doesn't mean I'm actually listening.
Sometimes I will hear my name being called at home, it breaks through whatever else I'm doing. I hear the tone of the voice but I don't get the message. Only when I've focused in am I listening.
Sometimes I will say I hear what you are saying, but does that mean that I'm listening? I wonder if in some ways I use that phrase to defuse a situation.
For me the test of whether I'm listening would be, can I repeat what was said, does it cause me to reflect, and if I'd been asked to do something, does it get done.
We've been given ears to hear with, but only when that stimulation triggers the working of the mind does it become listening.
Blessings,
Ed
Is hearing the same thing as listening? I asked that question last Sunday in my homily. For me they are not. I often hear things, but that doesn't mean I'm actually listening.
Sometimes I will hear my name being called at home, it breaks through whatever else I'm doing. I hear the tone of the voice but I don't get the message. Only when I've focused in am I listening.
Sometimes I will say I hear what you are saying, but does that mean that I'm listening? I wonder if in some ways I use that phrase to defuse a situation.
For me the test of whether I'm listening would be, can I repeat what was said, does it cause me to reflect, and if I'd been asked to do something, does it get done.
We've been given ears to hear with, but only when that stimulation triggers the working of the mind does it become listening.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Reflection for July 15, 2014
"I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter."(Matthew 12:36)
If you are a normal human being, you have probably more than once said something that you later regretted. An offhanded comment, a word spoken in the heat of the moment. You've said something to a person you love dearly that hurt them greatly and the relationship was never the same.
Those sort of careless words we know all too well. Yet we sometimes miss how often in our culture of instant communication and social media how we also continue a trend of careless words. Sharing things that are not truly reflective of who we are. Or even worse show folks who we really are.
I don't know what I'll do when I have to give an account for every careless word I've ever uttered. I can't even recall most of them. But before I get to a place where that accounting could take a really long time, I might want to consider my words, the flipness that sometimes catches me in the moment. And decide what do I really want to be remembered for. And what can I be unashamed for having said.
Blessings,
Ed
If you are a normal human being, you have probably more than once said something that you later regretted. An offhanded comment, a word spoken in the heat of the moment. You've said something to a person you love dearly that hurt them greatly and the relationship was never the same.
Those sort of careless words we know all too well. Yet we sometimes miss how often in our culture of instant communication and social media how we also continue a trend of careless words. Sharing things that are not truly reflective of who we are. Or even worse show folks who we really are.
I don't know what I'll do when I have to give an account for every careless word I've ever uttered. I can't even recall most of them. But before I get to a place where that accounting could take a really long time, I might want to consider my words, the flipness that sometimes catches me in the moment. And decide what do I really want to be remembered for. And what can I be unashamed for having said.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 14, 2014
Reflection for July 14, 2014
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."(Matthew 11:28)
In the Rite I Eucharist of the Episcopal Church, this verse is said right before the Peace is exchanged in what are known as the comfortable words.
I've thought a lot about being weary lately. Yes part of it is all the moving and transitioning of children to the next chapter of life. Part of it is that I rise early and stay up too late. There is also a weariness and a burden that I sometimes feel when I think about my own future. Not about dying, but about if I will ever have a chance to do a different type of ministry or am I destined to retire from my current position?
I am not unhappy, just restless. I carry a heavy burden of uncertainty that I have placed on myself. Maybe that's what is meant by a come to Jesus moment. I need to let go of things that tire me out mentally and spiritually. The physical weariness will take care of itself. To give some of these burdens that I sense on me, over to the one who can handle them. And after a while, if they are burdens I really need to bare, then I can take that yoke back on.
Blessings,
Ed
In the Rite I Eucharist of the Episcopal Church, this verse is said right before the Peace is exchanged in what are known as the comfortable words.
I've thought a lot about being weary lately. Yes part of it is all the moving and transitioning of children to the next chapter of life. Part of it is that I rise early and stay up too late. There is also a weariness and a burden that I sometimes feel when I think about my own future. Not about dying, but about if I will ever have a chance to do a different type of ministry or am I destined to retire from my current position?
I am not unhappy, just restless. I carry a heavy burden of uncertainty that I have placed on myself. Maybe that's what is meant by a come to Jesus moment. I need to let go of things that tire me out mentally and spiritually. The physical weariness will take care of itself. To give some of these burdens that I sense on me, over to the one who can handle them. And after a while, if they are burdens I really need to bare, then I can take that yoke back on.
Blessings,
Ed
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