Lord's Prayer 1 Notes "Our Father"

Supplemental Notes to Teaching on-line

Prayers shape us. 

The practice of prayer is difficult. Most of us are told to pray at an early age. I remember our meal prayer: Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. No one ever explained to me what a bounty was (TV shows with bounty hunters only muddied the waters). In honesty, I do not think I was terribly curious about it. I was supposed to thank God for food and I did. I figured God liked hard to decipher wording, lots of adult prayers were confusing. Some were even a little terrifying. For example, Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. I had two take-aways from this nightly practice. One was my absolute dependence on God's mercy. The other was going to sleep was a dangerous thing, there seemed to be a good chance I wasn't waking up. Saying these prayers impacted my understanding of myself, my God, and my world.

"Our Father"

Our

The plural of the Greek ''ego" (I) In the sermon on the Mount Jesus uses the singular "your" in reference to the Father. In prayer we are part of a community. Even when alone, we pray corporately as the one Body of Christ--His church.

In John 20 Jesus tells Mary He must ascend (anabaino-go up) "To My Father and your (plural) Father, to My God and your (plural) God." Most scholars think He is contrasting His relationship with theirs. 

Here are important uses of term "Father" applied to God from Jewish Bible. In addition, I have included several New Testament verses. It is my hope this helps in deepening the 

Psalm 68:5 "Sing to God, chant hymns to His Name; extol Him who rides the clouds; the Lord is His name. Exult in His presence--the father of orphans, the champion of widows, God in His holy habitation. This was the first reference to Divine Fatherhood and it is telling that it is in relationship to the most helpless. If God is Father of all humanity, the revelation here is that it begins with the poorest of the poor.

Psalm 89 a prayer for the restoration of David's dynasty, which reflects God choosing and promising fidelity to David. God says (of David) "He shall say to Me, 'You are my father, my God, the rock of my deliverance.' [we did a reflection on Psalm 95:1-2 recently looking at 'rock']. The connection of YHWH's fatherhood to Messiah is foundational for Jesus' relationship. So the Father of the poorest of the poor is also the Father of the King as well!

Isaiah 9:6 part of the liturgical Christmas readings.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

The immediate reference is the birth of a prince and this is the throne name. Therefore, the focus is God, but Christian interpretation applies the reading to Jesus.

Malachi 2:10

One of my favorite prophetic books (not named Isaiah or Jeremiah), Malachi's prophecy is filled with dozens and dozens of questions. It is an invitation to to go deeper with God in conversation. Verse ten begins a reflection on Israel's embrace of idols, foreign gods, and leaving Jewish wives for pagan ones. Malachi (which literally means Messenger) asks, "Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? why do you break faith with one another, profaning the covennat of our ancestors?"  Here we see the covenant relationship in parent-child terms. Hundreds of times the word "father" is used in the phrase "God of our father/s" and refers to Abraham, or Jacob/Israel, or all three Patriarchs. There are many others attribuited to Solomon who calls to "the God of my father David."

In response to His Jewish adversaries, Jesus says, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on My own, but He sent Me." [He goes on  to tell them that they are from their "father, the devil" and they embrace the devil's desires--murder and lies.] Those who are children of God are children of the truth. They believe Jesus, they trust Jesus and they love Jesus. (John 8:39-47)]

1 John 1:9 "Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." Once again, from a slightly different angle, the reflection on truth, in this case overtly the teaching of Christ, determines one's relationship with God. Here we see the close relationship (Father and Son) is embodies in the word God.

Powers and The Power.

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 8:1--13

Mark 1:21--28

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 

Humans have always known that there is more to the world than the naked eye can see. We know about molecules and atoms, cells and viruses, microwaves, x-rays, and radio waves. Much of the physical world is "invisible" and sometimes it is not very physical. 

If scientists tell us that the world is a strange place, is it unreasonable to think there is an unseen, spiritual world? For example, what is a thought or a feeling? What is human consciousness? How are the mind and the brain different? Calling spirits energy or the soul an animating principle does not explain the mystery away. 

The New Testament assumes the reality of the spiritual realm. St. Paul understands idols and pagan gods. Paul had read the Hebrew Bible, particularly Isaiah, which sees the idols as blocks of wood. Paul identifies the principalities and powers behind the pagan gods as demons. Jesus knew demons were real because He had dealt with them. His mission is against the dark powers which rule humans and nations. This is part of the church’s ministry. 

Mark 1 tells of such an encounter. Jesus was teaching in Capernaum (the synagogue is the same size as our church). He was amazing. Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit begins screaming at Him. The demon accuses Jesus of being the Holy One who has come to destroy the demons. Jesus commands it to leave. The Greek word sparasso (to mangle, to rend, to spasm) describes the violent departure. Jesus is victorious in that battle, but it was a battle.

Jesus' Kingdom is love, mercy, repentance, unity and peace. Satan desires the opposite—the vicious sins which divide us and create chaos and violence. The work of demons has never ceased, but three years ago the Vatican reported* a dramatic increase in demonic activity. The mental health issues, political turmoil and violence infecting our land are hardly fruits of the Holy Spirit, would you agree? 

If the darkness discourages us, then we must remember that Jesus is phosphoros (literally one who carries light). Epiphany is a celebration of the Eternal Light become incarnate and manifesting the Salvation of God. We who believe in Jesus are filled with His Spirit and carry His light.

So believe, repent and love the Lord and one another. Be aware of the demonic powers at work among us, especially in our minds, hearts, bodies and politics. Worry less, trust more. Pray, study and serve more, worry, fear, and fight less. Jesus came to destroy the demonic and set us free, if we suffer some spasms in this earthly sojourn, we do it with hope. Jesus is victorious.

  

 

*https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-trains-exorcists-as-demonic-possession-claims-rise-37263

Samuel Hear God (2 Epiphany)

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)               1 corinthians 6:12-20                 John 1:43-51

It is helpful to read Samuel in light of Judges. The failures of all the judges are recapitulated in the story of Samson. He is also a bridge into todays reading. For example,  Samson’s troubles begin when he sees a pagan woman and tells his parents. “Get her for me, she is right in my eyes.” In the end, Samson dies with both of his eyes blinded. The Book ends by saying : “There was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

This is not a positive assessment but a reference to Eve, who did what was right in her eyes, and ate the forbidden fruit. The priest Eli will also have issues with his “eye/ayin” and what he “sees/ ra’ah.” Eli is accused of not seeing the blasphemy and abuses of his sons as priests. We read that Eli’s eyes are darkened—spiritually as well as physically, just like Samson.

Samuel’s mother needed a miracle to get pregnant. While she is at prayer, Eli thinks she is drunk; another illustration that his “eyes are dim.” Hannah dedicated to God, a connection to the same nazirite vows Samson failed to keep.

One could say the nation of Israel was in darkness: “The word of YHWH is rare. There are no visions.” However, there is a glimmer of hope for “the lamp had not gone out.” A small boy who tends that lamp is about to be called to bring light to Israel.

God called Adam and Eve, who hid, now He Samuel, who responds. The old priest instructs the boy to answer, and the third time he is called he says, “Speak, your servant is listening.” The Hebrew word for listen is shama, the root of Samuel’s name. His name is “The one who hears God.”

Samuel will listen to and obey God. After King Saul fails, God will send Samuel to find David—a man after God’s heart. God’s covenant with David includes a promise of an heir and an everlasting kingdom.

These are some of the links in that long chain of salvation history which culminates in the Messiah King Jesus. We are links in the same chain. We are called to be disciples of Jesus. We must all be a SAMUEL—one who (shama) ‘hears God.’ If are few visions and the Word of God seems rare in our world, If more and more people do “what is right in their own eyes,” if our eyes grow dim and the lamp burns low—remember, the words of God’s prophets. Judgement Days are upon us. Fear not! Judgment is also salvation.

When Jesus warned Jerusalem of its impending doom, He made an offer of peace. If we repent and turn to the Lord, then whatever befalls our world, the shalom peace of Messiah Jesus will abide in us. Leave hatred and violence to others, carry the mercy love of Jesus to friend and foe alike. Do not be seduced by self-righteousness, doing what looks right in your own eyes. Instead, Love the Lord and serve Him, Love and forgive your neighbor. We are not the first to face hard days. The Lord is faithful. All will be well.

4 Epiphany

Deuteronomy 18:15-20       1 Corinthians 8:1-13      Mark 1:21-28

Remnants and Salvation! (Christmas 2)

Jeremiah 31:7--14   Ephesians 1:3--6, 15--19    Mt 2:13--15, 19--23

Jeremiah reveals the glorious side of judgement today: deliverance. Sin causes suffering and death by cutting us off from God, salvation is the restoration of His people in new life. We will sing with joy and praise our God, for YHWH saves His people and preserves a remnant!

Remnant (Hebrew: She-a-rith) is a recurring pattern in the Bible. It begins in Genesis 45:7, where Joseph explains to his brothers how God redeemed their evil act. ''God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant," he says, "and keep alive for you many survivors." This is the first of many times that God preserves a remnant to save His people!

In Jeremiah today, we hear that the remnant includes the poor and weak: “gather and bring the blind, the lame, the mothers with young babies, even pregnant women in labor.” Those who weep will be consoled, for YHWH is a Father to Israel, and they are His firstborn. We are told to listen; God is a shepherd who will gather and keep His flock. God ransoms and delivers His family. The Lord promises food and drink, joy and dancing. We will live in a garden paradise.

The reading today ends in joy, but I want to look at the next verse which is also an omission from today’s Gospel reading. Jeremiah 31:15 says, “a voice heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children.” Then a word of hope in v16, “keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears for there is reward for your work and they shall come back... your children shall come back to their own country.”

Matthew 2:16-18 is missing from our Gospel reading today, which focuses on Jesus’ escape to Egypt, rather than Herod killing the babies and Rachel weeping. Yet I hope you see that Jesus is the remnant. He survives when a new Joseph takes Him into Egypt. By preserving, God can save us. The Herodian pattern of evil is continually repeated, but always God preserves a remnant. The Heavenly Father redeems human evil and saves His people.

So, fear not. Whatever threat might worry you, do not be afraid. Our Father is faithful. At stories end, we will all dance and sing. Each of us be filled with joy and praise God. So let's start today! 

Christmas 2020

Luke 2:1-20

 

The birth of Jesus, Christmas, replaced the pagan celebration of the birth of the Sun god on the Winter solstice. It is the shortest, darkest day of the year. Monday, December 21, was the Winter solstice. On that dark day we were told all worship services will be limited to ten people. Dark news, we canceled our services. Yet that evening we also saw “the Christmas star” in all its glory. Light shines in the darkness.

 

Monday morning, I had a baptized an adorable baby girl. Last Saturday, I buried a friend from our parish. Tuesday, I administered last rites. Praying the baptism I was struck by the wording: Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of His resurrection and look for Him to come in glory…”

 

Christianity is centered on death and new life. This Advent has felt particularly dark to me—our national unrest, the collapsing world economy, and now living in the recently declared “World’s Worst Place for Covid-19.” I anxiously looked forward to our Christmas services this year, instead, more darkness.

 

But Luke is clear that darkness is part of the Jesus story from the beginning. Emperor Augustus’ is mentioned, a reminder of Roman oppression. Jesus is born at night, laid in a feeding trough because there is no room for Him in this world. Only the lowest level of society, shepherds, are present. Remember that Jesus is born into a world where child morality rates could reach fifty percent or more. Most people were unbelievably poor.

 

So the angel message is important: do not be afraid. Good news. Great joy. To you is born a Savior. A Messiah. The Lord.

 

Whatever your pain, your frustration, your loss, or your worry…this baby shares in our existence. He shares our burdens. He is born to save and heal us all.

 

Jesus is the bright light who shines even in the darkness of the darkest night. Jesus is the love of God, sent to heal our broken hearts. He is the Savior, who leads us through our own death into resurrection life eternal. That is our hope.

 

So whatever you feel now, watching this video, will you pray in faith with me these words?

 

Glory to God in highest heaven

Peace upon all those whom God favors.

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADVENT 4

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

Luke begins his Gospel with parallel stories of  Zechariah and Mary. Zechariah was offering incense, a once in a lifetime opportunity for a priest, and the people prayed for God to send His Messiah and establish the Kingdom on earth. Suddenly an angel appears and tells him that this prayer was heard. He and his barren wife will have a son who is part of God's saving work. Luke echoes the Jewish Bible, most importantly Malachi 3:24 and the return of Elijah to herald Messiah.

The biblical salvation stories frequently recount miraculous birth stories: Isaac, Jacob, Samson and Samuel; and the pregnancy of Elizabeth is just the beginning. Six months later the angel visits Mary, declaring that she is favored of God. She is dietarasso--very distressed and troubled--by this word and she ponders what it could mean. 

Clearly these human encounter with the divine realm are terrifying and confusing. Even holy people are overwhelmed by the experience. 

The angel tells Mary (and us) that the Holy Spirit has filled the womb with God's own son. He name is Jesus (Yeshuah--God saves). He will receive the throne of David and reign as Messiah, the king of Israel, forever. 

Unfortunately, we are so familiar with the story that our hearts are not moved and our minds are not amazed. "Yes," we (almost) yawn, "I know this." We need an angelic presence to scare us out of our complacency. We believe in Jesus the King, but too often in some vague sense disconnected from our real lives--Christmas presents, meals and other distractions.

Today let us each become Mary!

We can meditate on God's word and ponder its meaning.

We can say, "Behold your servant, O Lord. Do with me as you desire"?

In this service we shall offer our own body and soul to the Father and receive Jesus in the eucharist. Each of us, like Mary's womb, is a dwelling place of the Lord.

We live in dark and troubling times. Let our response to toxic politics be  the proclamation that Jesus is the eternal King. Let us remember in the face of pandemics and social maladies that He redeems us from all calamity and saves us from every evil. Let us live, like that poor third world virgin, as one who believes the greeting--you are highly favored by God!