"All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."(Matthew 5:37)
Has anyone ever said to you, "it's just a simple yes or no answer?". Perhaps your own thinking is it isn't that simple. You'd like some time to think about it. Perhaps you believe there are factors that could alter the answer.
I will readily admit that I tend to be a "yes" person. I'm often persuaded more by a desire to please than an actual desire to do. This is probably why I need to take this passage more to heart. The "yes" that is followed by a not doing or a doing so grudgingly does come from the evil one. A "no" just to avoid doing something or out of spite also comes from the evil one.
I'd like to spend more time saying yes, with no strings attach and be able to say no because I really can't. My sense is that Jesus is more interested in an honest commitment than one that was meant to avoid or to get people off my back.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
Reflection for January 4, 2016
"The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them"
Communication is often the key to getting something done. If we understand each other, we have a better chance of knowing what is expected of us and what the plan might be. When I have know idea what you are talking about I may lose interest in the conversation or just dismiss it out of my confusion.
Sometimes when something is very familiar to us and we try to explain we might get asked to put it in terms everyone can understand. Even with many people being multi-lingual and with translators often accessible when people from different languages are trying to communicate, there are things that still get lost in the translation. Even when speaking English there are phrases that don't mean the same thing from one country to another.
While the Tower of Babel story is just as much about human pride as anything it is telling how God knows that if we take the time to listen, communicate and understand each other, there's nothing we can't do. Sadly we often find the effort not worth it.
Blessings,
Ed
Communication is often the key to getting something done. If we understand each other, we have a better chance of knowing what is expected of us and what the plan might be. When I have know idea what you are talking about I may lose interest in the conversation or just dismiss it out of my confusion.
Sometimes when something is very familiar to us and we try to explain we might get asked to put it in terms everyone can understand. Even with many people being multi-lingual and with translators often accessible when people from different languages are trying to communicate, there are things that still get lost in the translation. Even when speaking English there are phrases that don't mean the same thing from one country to another.
While the Tower of Babel story is just as much about human pride as anything it is telling how God knows that if we take the time to listen, communicate and understand each other, there's nothing we can't do. Sadly we often find the effort not worth it.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Reflection for January 3, 2016
" Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life."(Genesis 9:14-15)
With the level of business that most of us have, reminders can be important. We get them in all sorts of ways, we have our datebooks, calendars on our phones that beep at us. It used to be that some might tie a string on their finger, of course you had to remember why you did that for it to be useful.
There are signs to remind us to do things, or to be careful of hazards ahead. Whenever someone tells me something orally I tell them to remind me of what was said by emailing me or texting me.
Today's passage is the familiar story of the rainbow. All of us have seen a rainbow after a storm, but we don't see them as reminders necessarily. Most of us even know the science of why a rainbow occurs. They are still inspiring to see.
The best part is the rainbow in Genesis is a reminder for God, not for us. When God sees it he will remember. There is a comfort to me that even God needs reminders, and if it is something as beautiful as a rainbow all the better.
Blessings,
Ed
With the level of business that most of us have, reminders can be important. We get them in all sorts of ways, we have our datebooks, calendars on our phones that beep at us. It used to be that some might tie a string on their finger, of course you had to remember why you did that for it to be useful.
There are signs to remind us to do things, or to be careful of hazards ahead. Whenever someone tells me something orally I tell them to remind me of what was said by emailing me or texting me.
Today's passage is the familiar story of the rainbow. All of us have seen a rainbow after a storm, but we don't see them as reminders necessarily. Most of us even know the science of why a rainbow occurs. They are still inspiring to see.
The best part is the rainbow in Genesis is a reminder for God, not for us. When God sees it he will remember. There is a comfort to me that even God needs reminders, and if it is something as beautiful as a rainbow all the better.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Reflection for January 2, 2016
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."(Matthew 2:12)
When I take a trip these days I use an app on my phone called Waze. It is a GPS type app, but it also utilizes information provided by other drivers. I find it interesting that it has from time to time taken back to a familiar place by a route I would not have chosen. That I have driven the same way to some places for many years can be a little disorienting when you have to go a different way.
Any journey through life including faith often takes turns we don't expect and sometimes we have to get to our destinations through ways that are not always familiar. The most important thing is of course that we arrive where we had hoped. How we get there is what seems to change. And sometimes the change is the very thing we need to reach our goal.
Blessings,
Ed
When I take a trip these days I use an app on my phone called Waze. It is a GPS type app, but it also utilizes information provided by other drivers. I find it interesting that it has from time to time taken back to a familiar place by a route I would not have chosen. That I have driven the same way to some places for many years can be a little disorienting when you have to go a different way.
Any journey through life including faith often takes turns we don't expect and sometimes we have to get to our destinations through ways that are not always familiar. The most important thing is of course that we arrive where we had hoped. How we get there is what seems to change. And sometimes the change is the very thing we need to reach our goal.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for January 1, 2016
"Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness, was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."(Genesis 1:2)
It has been quite some time since I've written one of my reflections. I had big changes in my life and in the adjustment to that change I fell out of habit. One resolution that I've made is to be consistent with this blog. So I'm starting the Bible Challenge again and will reflect on some verse out of the readings for that day.
How appropriate to begin a new year with the first Chapter of Genesis. Each new year brings with it the potential for something to happen. While some may have an idea what the new year has in store for them, most of us don't. We may have hopes, but rarely certainties. But no matter what the Spirit of God seems to be hovering.
While it is always best to take it one day at a time, I know that I am looking forward to a year that perhaps is a little more settled than last year. But I also know that my hope is that at the end of most if not all days is that I can look back before shutting my eyes and say "it was good."
Blessings,
Ed
It has been quite some time since I've written one of my reflections. I had big changes in my life and in the adjustment to that change I fell out of habit. One resolution that I've made is to be consistent with this blog. So I'm starting the Bible Challenge again and will reflect on some verse out of the readings for that day.
How appropriate to begin a new year with the first Chapter of Genesis. Each new year brings with it the potential for something to happen. While some may have an idea what the new year has in store for them, most of us don't. We may have hopes, but rarely certainties. But no matter what the Spirit of God seems to be hovering.
While it is always best to take it one day at a time, I know that I am looking forward to a year that perhaps is a little more settled than last year. But I also know that my hope is that at the end of most if not all days is that I can look back before shutting my eyes and say "it was good."
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 20, 2015
Reflection for July 20, 2015
"However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."(Matthew 17:27)
Yesterday I went to a Phillies' game. And like most baseball games it started with the National Anthem and I stood removed my hat etc. During the 7th inning stretch they for some reason played God Bless America. This has been going on since the 9/11 attacks and frankly I don't care for it. During the 7th inning stretch I want to sing Take me out to the ballgame. But I stood anyway, because I'm not interested in making a spectacle of myself. I won't sing along however.
I think there are many things we do in life so as not to give offense to others. I think there are times when we have to take stands that might be offensive to some. But I'd like to use those moments for something really important.
I sense that was what Jesus meant with this. The temple tax not something he was interested in getting into an argument about. If people were going to be mad at him, it was going to be for something that was important to him.
How do you know when the something is worth standing up for and risking offending some people? When is it better just to play along?
Blessings,
Ed
Yesterday I went to a Phillies' game. And like most baseball games it started with the National Anthem and I stood removed my hat etc. During the 7th inning stretch they for some reason played God Bless America. This has been going on since the 9/11 attacks and frankly I don't care for it. During the 7th inning stretch I want to sing Take me out to the ballgame. But I stood anyway, because I'm not interested in making a spectacle of myself. I won't sing along however.
I think there are many things we do in life so as not to give offense to others. I think there are times when we have to take stands that might be offensive to some. But I'd like to use those moments for something really important.
I sense that was what Jesus meant with this. The temple tax not something he was interested in getting into an argument about. If people were going to be mad at him, it was going to be for something that was important to him.
How do you know when the something is worth standing up for and risking offending some people? When is it better just to play along?
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Reflection for July 18, 2015
" He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'” (Matthew 16:15)
I am a member of the Committee on the Priesthood here in the Diocese of New Jersey. The purpose of this group is to help people who feel called to the priesthood, to discern whether there is a call or not. One of my favorite questions to asks these folks is "who do you say Jesus is?" I ask it so much that it has become known as the Zelley question.
I don't think it is an unfair question, though I will say that it often takes people by surprise. The fear of course is that I have an answer and if I don't like your answer or if it isn't my answer I might vote no. The reality is that I just want an answer. I'd prefer one that avoids pious platitudes and other jargon. I'd like to hear how that answer has been experienced or lived out.
I suppose it would be only fair for me to give my answer. So here we go. Jesus for me has been a constant companion on my journey through life. Sometimes he's in front of me saying follow me. Sometimes he's behind me pushing me along. But most often he's walking side by side with me, talking with me, listening to me whine, and I'm sure wondering if I'm listening to him.
I'm glad for this relationship it has sustained me since I was born. And it has ebbed and flowed but never ceased. So who do you say he is?
Blessings,
Ed
I am a member of the Committee on the Priesthood here in the Diocese of New Jersey. The purpose of this group is to help people who feel called to the priesthood, to discern whether there is a call or not. One of my favorite questions to asks these folks is "who do you say Jesus is?" I ask it so much that it has become known as the Zelley question.
I don't think it is an unfair question, though I will say that it often takes people by surprise. The fear of course is that I have an answer and if I don't like your answer or if it isn't my answer I might vote no. The reality is that I just want an answer. I'd prefer one that avoids pious platitudes and other jargon. I'd like to hear how that answer has been experienced or lived out.
I suppose it would be only fair for me to give my answer. So here we go. Jesus for me has been a constant companion on my journey through life. Sometimes he's in front of me saying follow me. Sometimes he's behind me pushing me along. But most often he's walking side by side with me, talking with me, listening to me whine, and I'm sure wondering if I'm listening to him.
I'm glad for this relationship it has sustained me since I was born. And it has ebbed and flowed but never ceased. So who do you say he is?
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, July 17, 2015
Reflection for July 17, 2015
"She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.'"(Matthew 13:27)
Prejudice. We never want to be told we have them. Yet somehow engrained in our culture is always some kind of prejudice. Usually it is towards people who are different from us. We may never have actually encountered such folk, but somehow we've figured out that they aren't like us, and something strange is always a little frightening.
Even Jesus of Nazareth, seems to have had a bias. This encounter with a Caananite woman shows it. She asks for help and Jesus' first response is to basically call her a dog. Not worth his time. Now she could have gone away just like a kicked dog, but instead she fired back about even dogs get some crumbs. That response was an aha moment for Jesus. And he saw her faith, a faith that at first the who she was had blocked him from seeing.
What would it take for us to have that kind of aha moment? I know for me it has always been in encountering someone who doesn't fit my poorly conceived biases. I choose to make that positive encounter with someone different from the norm rather than the exception. But make no mistake without choosing to go that way, I could also take the lazy way of stereotyping every non white, straight male so that I don't actually have to listen or deal with them. Thank you God for not letting me get away with that.
Blessings,
Ed
Prejudice. We never want to be told we have them. Yet somehow engrained in our culture is always some kind of prejudice. Usually it is towards people who are different from us. We may never have actually encountered such folk, but somehow we've figured out that they aren't like us, and something strange is always a little frightening.
Even Jesus of Nazareth, seems to have had a bias. This encounter with a Caananite woman shows it. She asks for help and Jesus' first response is to basically call her a dog. Not worth his time. Now she could have gone away just like a kicked dog, but instead she fired back about even dogs get some crumbs. That response was an aha moment for Jesus. And he saw her faith, a faith that at first the who she was had blocked him from seeing.
What would it take for us to have that kind of aha moment? I know for me it has always been in encountering someone who doesn't fit my poorly conceived biases. I choose to make that positive encounter with someone different from the norm rather than the exception. But make no mistake without choosing to go that way, I could also take the lazy way of stereotyping every non white, straight male so that I don't actually have to listen or deal with them. Thank you God for not letting me get away with that.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Reflection for July 16, 2015
"But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord save me!'"(Matthew 14:30)
I'm not sure really which disciple I identify with the most, but Peter, who I'm sure is an extrovert is one. He always seems to think with his mouth first. In the scene from which the verse is taken, Jesus is walking on the water. The disciples think it is a ghost. Jesus says no it is him and Peter says if it is you command me to come to you.
Why does Peter do this? Basically he is speaking from a place of doubt, if it is you. Then when Jesus says come, he doesn't hesitate, even though as a fisherman he should know that you don't walk on water. And while the euphoria of doing the impossible is great at first he suddenly notices that the wind was still there, the aspects of nature that make life hard and he starts to sink. Jesus literally has to pull him up.
I know that experience of being at first willing to take the risk of getting out of my "boat" or comfort zone if you will. And when I take that risk I'm often surprised by the positive things that begin to happen. I can do things I didn't think possible, but I went forth in trust that God was calling.
But it is also true that when things get a little a shaky I may begin to doubt that first decision. And things start to sink. But if I recall that initial trust, I can get pulled back on track. Of course the question is still the same, why did I doubt.
Trusting the presence of Christ is what Christians are called to do, especially when we choose to leave our comfort zones and take some risks. But if we keep our eye on the goal, the winds and doubts might not be so distracting.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm not sure really which disciple I identify with the most, but Peter, who I'm sure is an extrovert is one. He always seems to think with his mouth first. In the scene from which the verse is taken, Jesus is walking on the water. The disciples think it is a ghost. Jesus says no it is him and Peter says if it is you command me to come to you.
Why does Peter do this? Basically he is speaking from a place of doubt, if it is you. Then when Jesus says come, he doesn't hesitate, even though as a fisherman he should know that you don't walk on water. And while the euphoria of doing the impossible is great at first he suddenly notices that the wind was still there, the aspects of nature that make life hard and he starts to sink. Jesus literally has to pull him up.
I know that experience of being at first willing to take the risk of getting out of my "boat" or comfort zone if you will. And when I take that risk I'm often surprised by the positive things that begin to happen. I can do things I didn't think possible, but I went forth in trust that God was calling.
But it is also true that when things get a little a shaky I may begin to doubt that first decision. And things start to sink. But if I recall that initial trust, I can get pulled back on track. Of course the question is still the same, why did I doubt.
Trusting the presence of Christ is what Christians are called to do, especially when we choose to leave our comfort zones and take some risks. But if we keep our eye on the goal, the winds and doubts might not be so distracting.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Reflection for July 15, 2015
"And he said to them, 'Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.'"(Matthew 13:52)
One of the poles of people that I've noticed are those who love every new thing and every new way and those who only appreciate old things and ways.
There is certainly something said to keeping current. Knowing how to use technology to further oneself or one's passions. I certainly like the new gadgets that I can afford, but I'm not likely to be one of the first to get something. I know in my own vocation there are new ways to do ministry and some I've incorporated and others I won't go near.
As a history major and a bit of a traditionalist in some ways. I have a deep appreciation for old traditions and historical artifacts and antiques. I know that they can hearken me back to a place in my past or a place that I didn't know. It also keeps me connected to the communion of saints.
The best gift is when we can discern what is valuable in the new and the old. And also what is just a passing fad that can only bring us a second of happiness and what is a ball and chain that keeps us from progressing and makes us stuck.
When we can get that right, perhaps we are closer to being trained to live and move in the Kingdom of God. When we put all our loyalty and devotion into an either or choice, we may be creating an idol.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the poles of people that I've noticed are those who love every new thing and every new way and those who only appreciate old things and ways.
There is certainly something said to keeping current. Knowing how to use technology to further oneself or one's passions. I certainly like the new gadgets that I can afford, but I'm not likely to be one of the first to get something. I know in my own vocation there are new ways to do ministry and some I've incorporated and others I won't go near.
As a history major and a bit of a traditionalist in some ways. I have a deep appreciation for old traditions and historical artifacts and antiques. I know that they can hearken me back to a place in my past or a place that I didn't know. It also keeps me connected to the communion of saints.
The best gift is when we can discern what is valuable in the new and the old. And also what is just a passing fad that can only bring us a second of happiness and what is a ball and chain that keeps us from progressing and makes us stuck.
When we can get that right, perhaps we are closer to being trained to live and move in the Kingdom of God. When we put all our loyalty and devotion into an either or choice, we may be creating an idol.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Reflection for July 14, 2015
"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 had to give an account for every mistake and hurtful thing you ever did, would you be able to? Probably not. Now if that seems hard, imagine how much harder to be held accountable for every hurtful, careless word you ever uttered. And yet Jesus says in this passage that is exactly what will be required of us.
We know our mouths can get us in trouble. How often do we say something spur of the moment in response to someone or something and later wish we had kept silent. Sometimes we get to enamored with the sound of our own voice.
In our age of social media where little is said but much is shared I wonder if Jesus' teaching could be applied? You will have to give an account for every stupid, false or hurtful meme you chose to share. Every polemic you chose to forward. Maybe we might take some time before hitting send or share.
Blessings,
Ed
If you had to give an account for every mistake and hurtful thing you ever did, would you be able to? Probably not. Now if that seems hard, imagine how much harder to be held accountable for every hurtful, careless word you ever uttered. And yet Jesus says in this passage that is exactly what will be required of us.
We know our mouths can get us in trouble. How often do we say something spur of the moment in response to someone or something and later wish we had kept silent. Sometimes we get to enamored with the sound of our own voice.
In our age of social media where little is said but much is shared I wonder if Jesus' teaching could be applied? You will have to give an account for every stupid, false or hurtful meme you chose to share. Every polemic you chose to forward. Maybe we might take some time before hitting send or share.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 13, 2015
Reflection for July 13, 2015
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest."(Matthew 11:28)
In the Episcopal Rite I service we have what are called the comfortable words. The above verse is one of them.
There is an invitation first and foremost to come. So many of us need a come to Jesus moment. That time when we face the truth about ourselves. And one of those truths may be that we feel weary and that our lives are burdened. I have certainly bad moments when I've felt that way. Too much on my plate, so many demands on my time and feeling like there is no end in sight. Be burdened by worries about my family, my finances, what is going on in the world around me. All of it piling on and weighing heavily.
The first come to Jesus moment can be to let some of those burdens go. Not all of them because we have a friend not a slave in Jesus. The invitation is to put some things down for a moment and rest. And in that resting we can start to prioritize what is essential to us, and what are responsibilities that we need to take on.
Jesus later in this chapter invites us to take his yoke upon us. We're not freed from a yoke, but it isn't as heavy as the yoke we put on ourselves or that others place upon us.
Blessings,
Ed
In the Episcopal Rite I service we have what are called the comfortable words. The above verse is one of them.
There is an invitation first and foremost to come. So many of us need a come to Jesus moment. That time when we face the truth about ourselves. And one of those truths may be that we feel weary and that our lives are burdened. I have certainly bad moments when I've felt that way. Too much on my plate, so many demands on my time and feeling like there is no end in sight. Be burdened by worries about my family, my finances, what is going on in the world around me. All of it piling on and weighing heavily.
The first come to Jesus moment can be to let some of those burdens go. Not all of them because we have a friend not a slave in Jesus. The invitation is to put some things down for a moment and rest. And in that resting we can start to prioritize what is essential to us, and what are responsibilities that we need to take on.
Jesus later in this chapter invites us to take his yoke upon us. We're not freed from a yoke, but it isn't as heavy as the yoke we put on ourselves or that others place upon us.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Reflection for July 11, 2015
"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town."(Matthew 10:14)
I'm going to be moving in about a month. I will be leaving a town I've called home for about 19.5 years. The one thing I won't be doing is shaking the dust off my feet. The reason of course is that I've been welcomed here and people have listened to my words. I'm moving from one good place to another, so there isn't anything to shake off.
But I do understand how that passage can be applied to everyday life. There are situations from which we must move on. Where we do need to shake the dust off our feet. Those kinds of situations that make us feel dirty that something unnecessary is clinging to us. How do you shake it off?
Those times when I've had to move on, when I'm no longer welcome, loved or listened to, I have tried to have some kind of ritual around letting go. I offer up the pain of it to God and leave the dust of the memory of it where it belongs.
That symbolic gesture of shaking the dust off is pretty powerful, you are saying to that situation nothing about it will be a part of me anymore.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm going to be moving in about a month. I will be leaving a town I've called home for about 19.5 years. The one thing I won't be doing is shaking the dust off my feet. The reason of course is that I've been welcomed here and people have listened to my words. I'm moving from one good place to another, so there isn't anything to shake off.
But I do understand how that passage can be applied to everyday life. There are situations from which we must move on. Where we do need to shake the dust off our feet. Those kinds of situations that make us feel dirty that something unnecessary is clinging to us. How do you shake it off?
Those times when I've had to move on, when I'm no longer welcome, loved or listened to, I have tried to have some kind of ritual around letting go. I offer up the pain of it to God and leave the dust of the memory of it where it belongs.
That symbolic gesture of shaking the dust off is pretty powerful, you are saying to that situation nothing about it will be a part of me anymore.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, July 10, 2015
Reflection for July 10, 2015
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."(Matthew 9:36)
When I was ordained my dad preached. What I recall most about that sermon was his emphasis on the word compassion. To feel with others. Compassion for me flows from empathy and sympathy. But it certainly indicates a relationship that exists and where help is coming forth.
As a Christian I believe Jesus to be that shepherd who sees us harassed and helpless and longs to help. As a priest I try to model my ministry after Jesus. When I notice folks harassed and helpless and perhaps just plain lost, that I look to be that shepherd who keeps things moving in a safe and loving way.
When you feel harassed and helpless, where and to whom do you turn? When you encounter folks who are harassed and helpless, can you be the living incarnation of the Good Shepherd?
Blessings
Ed
When I was ordained my dad preached. What I recall most about that sermon was his emphasis on the word compassion. To feel with others. Compassion for me flows from empathy and sympathy. But it certainly indicates a relationship that exists and where help is coming forth.
As a Christian I believe Jesus to be that shepherd who sees us harassed and helpless and longs to help. As a priest I try to model my ministry after Jesus. When I notice folks harassed and helpless and perhaps just plain lost, that I look to be that shepherd who keeps things moving in a safe and loving way.
When you feel harassed and helpless, where and to whom do you turn? When you encounter folks who are harassed and helpless, can you be the living incarnation of the Good Shepherd?
Blessings
Ed
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Reflection for July 9, 2015
"For they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke words that were rash."(Psalm 106:33)
There seems to me at least two things that we do when we are angry or annoyed. We either go silent or we start running off at the mouth, speaking before we think.
When someone has pushed your buttons, pushed you to your limit, the mouth often leads the push back. And when things have calmed down you realize that you just said something you wish you could take back but it is now too late.
For Moses the people's whining in the wilderness got him to that point. And instead of trusting that God would provide he made his rash statement "can God do this?" get water out of a rock. That one moment of rashness caused him to not be able to enter the promised land.
How do we get to amend for the words that we speak in the heat of the moment? The first step is of course to recognize our rashness and then to seek forgiveness from those whom our words hurt. It is really amazing how much our words can become our own undoing.
Blessings,
Ed
There seems to me at least two things that we do when we are angry or annoyed. We either go silent or we start running off at the mouth, speaking before we think.
When someone has pushed your buttons, pushed you to your limit, the mouth often leads the push back. And when things have calmed down you realize that you just said something you wish you could take back but it is now too late.
For Moses the people's whining in the wilderness got him to that point. And instead of trusting that God would provide he made his rash statement "can God do this?" get water out of a rock. That one moment of rashness caused him to not be able to enter the promised land.
How do we get to amend for the words that we speak in the heat of the moment? The first step is of course to recognize our rashness and then to seek forgiveness from those whom our words hurt. It is really amazing how much our words can become our own undoing.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Reflection for July 8, 2015
"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye."(Matthew 7:5)
With so much change happening in our world and especially in the world of morals and ethics a new rise in righteous indignation and judgmental behavior is happening along with it.
While I firmly believe that dialogue on issues is important, especially if we are to gain a better understanding of where others who may not see it the same way, that is not the same thing as making pronouncements of my being right and you being wrong.
When we talk of personal relationships with Jesus I believe it is important to consider the invitation to self examination before I decide to become judge of the world. The problem of course is that I can't see what others have wrong in their lives if I'm not clear about what is wrong with my own. The log keeps me from seeing and in fact may be so huge that I just give up and move onto focusing on other people's behavior. That's much easier but because I really can't see I'll probably wind up doing more harm than good.
A little further in this chapter Jesus gives us his version of the Golden Rule "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." I'd rather work on my own logs and will allow others to do the same.
Blessings,
Ed
With so much change happening in our world and especially in the world of morals and ethics a new rise in righteous indignation and judgmental behavior is happening along with it.
While I firmly believe that dialogue on issues is important, especially if we are to gain a better understanding of where others who may not see it the same way, that is not the same thing as making pronouncements of my being right and you being wrong.
When we talk of personal relationships with Jesus I believe it is important to consider the invitation to self examination before I decide to become judge of the world. The problem of course is that I can't see what others have wrong in their lives if I'm not clear about what is wrong with my own. The log keeps me from seeing and in fact may be so huge that I just give up and move onto focusing on other people's behavior. That's much easier but because I really can't see I'll probably wind up doing more harm than good.
A little further in this chapter Jesus gives us his version of the Golden Rule "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." I'd rather work on my own logs and will allow others to do the same.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Reflection for July 7, 2015
"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."(Matthew 6:34)
Matthew 6 has always been one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It was hard to pick just one verse to reflect on. This verse concludes the section about worrying. Worrying is something all of us do. We worry about ourselves, we worry about our families, we worry about our country, we worry about the world.
And while I'm not saying we should just be Alfred E Neumann about what is happening in and around us, I do wonder about how much time is wasted in worrying. This is especially true when I worry about things I can do nothing about. When I worry so much that it keeps me from doing anything. When I worry about something when I should be trying to go to sleep. It is a very counter productive use of time.
I try to take things one day and one step at a time. And I do find that there is enough going on each day to occupy my time in hopefully productive ways in addition to the usual concerns.
Blessings,
Ed
Matthew 6 has always been one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It was hard to pick just one verse to reflect on. This verse concludes the section about worrying. Worrying is something all of us do. We worry about ourselves, we worry about our families, we worry about our country, we worry about the world.
And while I'm not saying we should just be Alfred E Neumann about what is happening in and around us, I do wonder about how much time is wasted in worrying. This is especially true when I worry about things I can do nothing about. When I worry so much that it keeps me from doing anything. When I worry about something when I should be trying to go to sleep. It is a very counter productive use of time.
I try to take things one day and one step at a time. And I do find that there is enough going on each day to occupy my time in hopefully productive ways in addition to the usual concerns.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 6, 2015
Reflection for July 6, 2015
"But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister you will be liable to judgment and if you insult a brother or sister you will be liable to the council and if you say, 'You fool!' you will be liable to the hell of fire."(Matthew 5:22)
One of the ten commandments as we know is you shall not murder. And most of us are pretty good at keeping that commandment. The problem is that Jesus, as he often does goes below the surface of the words and points us to a greater truth.
When we are angry with someone, we have to an extent murdered them. We have robbed them of their dignity and we waste a lot of emotional energy as well. It is hard not to get angry with people and situations. How long we hold onto our anger and what we do with it will say a lot.
I have met people who only seem happy if they are angry about something. What a waste of time and eventually oneself. I can't take perpetually angry people seriously. How can you gage whether something is worth the anger if that's the only mood ever displayed.
Insulting others is another form of murder because you are taking away their dignity. On top of the insult itself is the underlying belief that the other person doesn't matter at all.
If I am called to respect the dignity of every human being I need to check my anger and my quick wit at the door.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the ten commandments as we know is you shall not murder. And most of us are pretty good at keeping that commandment. The problem is that Jesus, as he often does goes below the surface of the words and points us to a greater truth.
When we are angry with someone, we have to an extent murdered them. We have robbed them of their dignity and we waste a lot of emotional energy as well. It is hard not to get angry with people and situations. How long we hold onto our anger and what we do with it will say a lot.
I have met people who only seem happy if they are angry about something. What a waste of time and eventually oneself. I can't take perpetually angry people seriously. How can you gage whether something is worth the anger if that's the only mood ever displayed.
Insulting others is another form of murder because you are taking away their dignity. On top of the insult itself is the underlying belief that the other person doesn't matter at all.
If I am called to respect the dignity of every human being I need to check my anger and my quick wit at the door.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Reflection for July 4, 2015
"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."(Hosea 10:12)
Yesterday's reading from Hosea had sowing wind and reaping a whirlwind, today we move in a more positive direction sowing righteousness and reaping steadfast love.
What does it mean to sow righteousness? For me it is an invitation to do the right thing. It is not an invitation to be self-righteous. In doing the right thing, even if it isn't the popular or the safe thing the promise is to reap steadfast love. The kind of love that is consistent and will sustain even when we aren't feeling it from others.
But sometimes we have to begin that sowing of righteousness anew. To tap into ourselves something that has perhaps gone unattended. Breaking up the fallow ground of indifference. It doesn't have to be about changing from being a horrible person into a good person, though that's not a bad idea. But when we don't seem to care, when we say it isn't my problem. When we ask, how does this affect me?
And sometimes even for those of us who believe in God, we may have to seek him in ways we hadn't before, that way the righteousness that comes from God and his presence with us, can be steadfast and lead us to acts of mercy and compassion and love.
Blessings,
Ed
for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."(Hosea 10:12)
Yesterday's reading from Hosea had sowing wind and reaping a whirlwind, today we move in a more positive direction sowing righteousness and reaping steadfast love.
What does it mean to sow righteousness? For me it is an invitation to do the right thing. It is not an invitation to be self-righteous. In doing the right thing, even if it isn't the popular or the safe thing the promise is to reap steadfast love. The kind of love that is consistent and will sustain even when we aren't feeling it from others.
But sometimes we have to begin that sowing of righteousness anew. To tap into ourselves something that has perhaps gone unattended. Breaking up the fallow ground of indifference. It doesn't have to be about changing from being a horrible person into a good person, though that's not a bad idea. But when we don't seem to care, when we say it isn't my problem. When we ask, how does this affect me?
And sometimes even for those of us who believe in God, we may have to seek him in ways we hadn't before, that way the righteousness that comes from God and his presence with us, can be steadfast and lead us to acts of mercy and compassion and love.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, July 3, 2015
Reflection for July 3, 2015
"For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads,
it shall yield no meal; if it were to yield, foreigners would devour it."(Hosea 8:7)
Have you ever made what you thought was a harmless mistake? Just got something wrong and someone calls you on it. Instead of admitting it and fixing the problem or just moving on to something else you have to keep justifying it and defending the decision and suddenly what probably was nothing spins out of control and grows bigger than it ever needed to be.
That for me this is like sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. An example of this lately for me has been the defense of the Confederate Flag. In its beginning it was just the symbol of the Confederate army. An army that some of my ancestors fought for and by the way lost more than just a war, since they exchanged their money for Confederate currency. But almost 150 years later this flag has become a whirlwind of bizarreness. With the advent of the KKK it went from being about soldiers in a long ago ended war to a symbol linked with a terrorist organization. And with racism being taken very seriously these days cries for it to be gone from public display have gotten louder. And the flag should be gone. The wildness of this whirlwind is the cancellation of showing reruns of a fairly unimportant and frankly not well written 70's TV show Dukes of Hazzard because one of the two things anyone remembers about the show, the car called the General Lee, has a Confederate Flag painted on its roof. To watch the apoplexy of defense for this show is hysterical to me. But it continues to keep the whirlwind going. It begs the question why so many people many who have never lived in what was once the Confederacy and whose ancestors probably came to this country in the 20th century and for whom the KKK would have had not tolerance for either.
Sadly when a whirlwind gets going all kinds of things get blown away and a lot of hot air blows. Maybe it is time to sow something a little more productive.
Blessings,
Ed
it shall yield no meal; if it were to yield, foreigners would devour it."(Hosea 8:7)
Have you ever made what you thought was a harmless mistake? Just got something wrong and someone calls you on it. Instead of admitting it and fixing the problem or just moving on to something else you have to keep justifying it and defending the decision and suddenly what probably was nothing spins out of control and grows bigger than it ever needed to be.
That for me this is like sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. An example of this lately for me has been the defense of the Confederate Flag. In its beginning it was just the symbol of the Confederate army. An army that some of my ancestors fought for and by the way lost more than just a war, since they exchanged their money for Confederate currency. But almost 150 years later this flag has become a whirlwind of bizarreness. With the advent of the KKK it went from being about soldiers in a long ago ended war to a symbol linked with a terrorist organization. And with racism being taken very seriously these days cries for it to be gone from public display have gotten louder. And the flag should be gone. The wildness of this whirlwind is the cancellation of showing reruns of a fairly unimportant and frankly not well written 70's TV show Dukes of Hazzard because one of the two things anyone remembers about the show, the car called the General Lee, has a Confederate Flag painted on its roof. To watch the apoplexy of defense for this show is hysterical to me. But it continues to keep the whirlwind going. It begs the question why so many people many who have never lived in what was once the Confederacy and whose ancestors probably came to this country in the 20th century and for whom the KKK would have had not tolerance for either.
Sadly when a whirlwind gets going all kinds of things get blown away and a lot of hot air blows. Maybe it is time to sow something a little more productive.
Blessings,
Ed
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