A Progression of Reading

I was not much of a reader when I was a kid. I had too much to do -- playing outside, running off to visit the neighbors, getting into mischief, like any kid. I did get sick a lot, though, and Mama would spend extra time reading to me, so I learned that books were good. When I was about eight, I caught almost every childhood disease that came down the pike: chicken pox, measles, bronchitis, the works. I spent much time at home instead of school, mostly on the bed or couch. TV, a relatively new thing, didn't have a lot of stuff interesting to an eight-year-old, so I learned to enjoy books.

I never stopped reading just about any book I could get my hands on, though, and it did not really matter the subject. I still loved the King Arthur tales, but I was beginning to run out of fiction books for kids 15 and over, even if I were only twelve or thirteen. My parents had bought me a set of encyclopedias. I remember running home after school to pick a volume, open it up, and start flipping pages until I found something that attracted my attention. I'm fully grown now, but I still jump from subject to subject. It's my way of learning more about different topics.

Did I ever read the Bible when I was young? Yes, I did. In my early teens, I would walk to the local Victory Monument on a high bluff overlooking the river I considered mine. There was a huge pine tree on the bluff's edge, and I felt that was mine too. I would take out the little white Bible I was given when I was baptized and read the psalms or stories from the gospels. I honestly felt like God was sitting there with me, and although I could not hear a voice, it felt like we were having conversations. I do not remember any of them in particular now. Still, I felt good when I left the pine tree to go back home and do my homework – and possibly get some more reading done simply for pleasure.

The time came when I read more books on spirituality, biblical interpretation, and theology. Some of those books radically changed my view of scripture and religion in general, while others just confused me more than I had been. One spark of clarification was learning that I could not read the Bible as a literal account of everything that could be assumed to be just like life now. I had to learn about the geography, history, and cultural anthropology of life at that time and how similar things were happening in the surrounding areas. It was utterly fascinating and informative as well.

I learned that Bible Study was not simply about making verses in one part of the Bible point to other verses elsewhere, often in another testament. Granted, it does happen, especially words from the prophets applying to the coming Messiah. The ancient prophecies were often about events and behaviors much closer in time. Often they were about how the people's behaviors of that time would affect the future, like the exiles in Babylon and Assyria.

I am still reading and learning, and I do not think I will ever stop unless my eyes fail or my brain no longer functions as I need it to. Meanwhile, I can pass on things I have learned through reading (and writing) to another generation. Hopefully, they will learn to read the Bible in a way that brings the past to life and illuminates the stories in a way that shows what their life was like and how modern readers can find parallels in modern times.

Now, after I have read my lesson for today, do I want to read a DCI Gamache mystery or reread a book I read decades ago about building a cathedral?

Sacrifices

 

A tent was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies.

But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God! – Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14

Saul of Tarsus was born a Jew of the house of Benjamin and a Pharisee. He studied under the famous and revered Gamaliel, a very learned rabbi and teacher. Under him, Paul learned all he needed to know to function as a Pharisee—observing strict practices and ceremonies, faithfully practicing the oral traditions and laws, believing in the afterlife and the coming of the long-promised Messiah. When he converted to become a follower of Jesus, it did not cancel his Pharisaism but turned it in a different direction.

In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul reminded them of some ancient history about the first holy place that the Temple in Jerusalem would eventually replace. Exodus 25 refers to Moses constructing the "first tent of meeting" or the tabernacle. This tent would hold sacred objects in front and a curtain separating the second section or the "Holy of Holies." This second section contained the Ark of the Covenant and what was known as the "Mercy Seat." During the exodus from Egypt, Moses received the Ten Commandments. The ark was built to hold the two tablets, considered the most sacred objects in Judaism. The tent was used until Solomon built the first Temple in Jerusalem, where the ark lay in the new Holy of Holies until the fall of the second Temple in 70 A.D.

The Temple was where sacrifices were made, the only place where this was allowed according to God's command. There were four kinds of sacrifices, with burnt offerings being the oldest and most common. With the destruction of the second Temple, sacrifices were no longer able to be made, ending the practice until a third Temple could be built in Jerusalem on Temple Mount. Jews are still waiting for that to happen, but strife and resentment in that part of the world seem to make a new Temple far-off or even impossible.

Christians believe that Christ made the final necessary sacrifice. We are taught that the blood he shed on the cross atoned for the sins of humankind so that no further blood sacrifices would be needed. Some denominations teach that all humans are responsible for Jesus's sacrifice and that we must all be constantly aware that each sin is like another nail in Jesus's flesh. Other denominations remind their adherents that they commit sins for which they must repent but that Jesus's atonement was all-encompassing.

That is the good news that Christians have relied on for millennia. Just as we teach children to say "I'm sorry" when they do something bad, we adults need to acknowledge when we hurt others in some way, mistreat the environment, or break one of God's laws. If we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8b), it is much less likely we will break one or more of the Ten Commandments given to Moses. It would help heal the earth (Tikkun Olam) and bring the Kingdom of God back to the world and its people.

We do not need a tent or an altar for sacrifice to acknowledge our gratitude to God or repent of our wrongdoings. We must remember to be grateful to God and honor Jesus's sacrifice. Living in gratitude and seeking to bring justice would be a great start. Can we give it a chance, especially with Lent coming in the not-too-distant future?

Originally published on Episcopal Café as part of Episcopal Journal, Saturday, January 21, 2023.

God, Grant Me...

 

I remember an old song by Luther Dixon: “Mama said there’d be days like this.”  The lyrics seemed to talk about good and bad days, but it always came back to Mama saying, “Don’t worry.” No matter what comes, there will always be good and bad days.

Today is one of those days, the “Don’t worry” kind, even though I know in my bones that worrying is a waste of time. I used to worry about everything, and you know what? It did not do a single bit of good. Good and bad happened, and I lived through all of it. Tomorrow will come, good or bad, regardless of how much or how little I fret about it.

Today is one day when I can identify with Jesus, specifically Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was coming, and he dreaded it. I cannot think of him not being somewhat fearful, anxious, or full of dread. He understood that the next day would bring his death, coupled with anguish and feelings of desertion. He knew there would be unbearable pain and that he would have to endure it. He asked God to take this burden from him but knew that this prayer would not be answered.

 Ok, I am not facing crucifixion, scourging, betrayal, or humiliation. Well, maybe a bit of embarrassment. I am facing a “procedure” that is unpleasant in preparation for it, and then, tomorrow, having to go through with the actual procedure itself. It seems to be the one way to find out if I have something that is lowering my blood cell count, thus making me tired and short of breath after brief exertion. It could possibly tell if it is severe enough to compromise my immune system. Therefore, I have been trying to keep busy, forgetting about food (I am not allowed to eat today and until the procedure is over tomorrow), and hydrating like mad. I think Phoebe, my cat, knows I am stressed as she has been a bit clingy, which is unusual for her.

Like Jesus, I’ve been praying quite a bit as I do household things that need doing and that I have put off. The prayers fly out like arrows from a taut bow, asking for reassurance, courage, patience, and relief from dread. Usually, my favorite prayer, the Serenity Prayer, credited to Reinhold Niebuhr, does the trick. “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change” usually gives me a sense of calm and, oddly enough, the very serenity I ask for. Over the years that I have used it as my go-to prayer, I have become much calmer, less anxious, not as worried, and more able to cope with things that come my way. Today, believe me, that prayer is earning its keep in terms of helping me forget the dread I have experienced off and on.

It is no wonder that the Serenity Prayer is such a cornerstone for those suffering from addiction or watching a friend or loved one go through it. Sometimes medication is needed, and I know it can be helpful in my life. Still, I use a connection to God almost like a mantra or perhaps a bead on a rosary.

The image of Jesus in Gethsemane keeps flashing through my mind quite often today. As close as he was to God, I wonder what words he used in his prayer. What did he say to try to come to grips with what he was facing? I know that he felt pain, loss, and desertion on the cross by someone he had always counted on. How devastating that must have been, knowing the closeness he and God had always shared. I think, in a way, I will be feeling something of that total aloneness as I go into the hospital. I will be surrounded by strangers, even though I will have support waiting for me when I get out of the operating room. Jesus had women friends and family with him at the cross, but the main person he needed was not there – or was God there, weeping with the women? Even though I am a person who cannot seem to cry at appropriate times, I feel the pain and loss every bit as deeply as one who stands over a loved one’s casket.

So I will reflect on my “Mama said” tonight, keep reciting the Serenity Prayer, do some much-needed chores around the house, and then go to bed. I will be repeating the prayer once again before I hopefully fall asleep.

Tomorrow is another day.

Originally published on Episcopal Café as part of Episcopal Journal, Saturday, January 14,  2023.

Peace and Justice

 

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
'Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
   on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness
   have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
   light has dawned.'
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'  

-- Matthew 12:4-17

Jesus's cousin, John the Baptizer, had been arrested. Maybe they hadn't seen or heard from each other for some time or possibly had lived near each other during John's early ministry, it would still be a shock to hear that a close relative had been arrested and taken to jail. What family is ready to hear news like that? Today, it is much more common than it used to be in many parts of the world, but the shock is still there, even and especially if the person is innocent.

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved to Capernaum after John's arrest. The two places were not far from each other, but it still would have taken at least a few days, if not a week, to walk that far. Why would Jesus move there other than to fulfill a scriptural prophecy from Isaiah? Perhaps it was time to leave home and start his ministry in new places, or maybe it was to identify himself with John's ministry and continue it. Whatever the reason, Jesus took John's message of repentance and proclaimed it. It was an identification that the kingdom of God was coming soon and the Messiah was near.

We may not have a Jesus or John proclaiming the kingdom or the coming of the Messiah. Still, we have seen more often where someone is accused, arrested, or even killed for something they were suspected of doing or because of what they said in public. We do not have to look far to see examples such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s arrest in Birmingham, Alabama, for protesting the treatment of Blacks. He took the message all over the country. That message spread worldwide and was often adapted to cover local concerns.

There have been protests for voting rights, rights to health care, justice for minorities, and all types of social issues. There have been local, national, and international spokespersons who have suffered arrest, imprisonment, and even death to preach the social gospel of justice for those whose voices were silenced because of who they were or what race, cultural, or religious group to which they belonged.    

Jesus preached about loving one another, helping neighbors and aliens alike, doing good, and loving God above all. It did not make him popular with those who disagreed with his interpretation of scripture, but he continued preaching his message anyway. Ultimately, he, too, was arrested and put on trial. He was sent to Pilate with blasphemy charges and crimes against the Roman government. He was subsequently executed by crucifixion that same day. Unlike today, where often something like this might happen, only women followers were present at his execution.

In contrast, others hid to escape arrest as Jesus's accomplices. These days, there are often demonstrations, protests, and sometimes riots to protest similar circumstances and charges. Sometimes protesters are caught and jailed, then put on trial for their expression of protest. Many of them are imprisoned, fairly or not.

We do not usually expect religious expression by crowds to be disrupted, hampered, or even stopped by civil authorities. Just because we do not expect them does not mean they do not happen. Still, we exercise our right to protest and carry our message to those for whom the matter is not a solid "yea" or "nay."

Jesus taught love and respect for others and demonstrated kindness and faith. He expects us to follow those teachings, even as those like MLK Jr, Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez. Members of groups representing Jews or Muslims, LGBTQ+, Asian and Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and others struggle for acceptance. Those who fight with them to preserve their rights and ability to live safely are helping to bring the kingdom of God to all, not just this or that group.

It is a new year, and perhaps this year is the time for new resolutions to follow Jesus in loving our neighbors, whoever they may be.  To know peace and grow the kingdom on earth, let us work to learn justice.