Christ Episcopal Church

1. Take up your cross and follow me
Scripture: Matt 16:25 Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Meditation: Throughout twenty years of priestly ministry I’ve been able to see people in very difficult positions: e.g. in deaths of loved ones, financial and marital disasters, issues with aging parents and disobedient children. . . . So often I have heard of the difficulties of this world as “my cross to bear.” Today, as we celebrate Holy Cross Day, let’s take a look at what “taking up one’s cross” is really about. We live in a fallen world that throws at us disappointments, sorrows, conflict and stress each and every day. But let me suggest that toting around the baggage of this world isn’t what Jesus meant by “take up your cross and follow me.” The taking up of a cross is a conscious choice. Jesus did not have His life taken from Him, rather He chose to give it freely. Similarly, when we “take up a cross,” it’s something we choose to do and not something thrust upon us. And in the Scriptures, Jesus prefaces the concept of “taking up a cross” with “let him deny himself.” Legitimate “crosses” are chosen. Always. In order to take up His Cross, Jesus had to bend over, place Himself in a difficult physical condition, and expose Himself to ridicule and pain. Only after picking up His Holy Cross could He carry it. What have you sacrificed lately in order to follow Jesus? What have you “done without” in order that others may be recipients of Jesus working through you? Time? Talent? Treasure? All of us “give” something to God, but how many are willing to “do without” to give it. If you can’t remember the last time you really sacrificed something to serve Christ, His Church, or one of His children . . . . .
Prayer Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that He might draw the whole world to Himself: Mercifully grant that I, who glory in the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and my redemption, may have grace consciously to take up my cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
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2. Miracles in the midst of tragedy
“Never neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angles unaware.”
Meditation. For every horror story about Hurricane Katrina, there is a miracle. I’ve been at Dallas’ Reunion Arena and the Convention Center and, in the midst of the “Blame Game” and others who are trying to make political advantage of this disaster, I’ve seen my share of miracles. I’d like to share two with you, very briefly. The first miracle: It’s naturally for those who are in pain to voice that pain. But much of the complaining I hear on TV and in the paper is not coming from those displaced. In a week at shelters in Dallas, I’ve heard sadness and pain, but have not heard one complain from anyone displaced from the hurricane. The second miracle: Elena, displaced, in her 70s and looking for her sons, has been displaced before. Her stories as a Slav under Nazi occupation defy imagination. Through the Super Dome, with donated men’s clothes on her back, her strength and her faith made it possible for her to say, with her thick Slavic accent, with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, “I’ll be just fine. If I can live through Adolph Hitler, I can live through anything!” We can all entertain angles in one way or another. Through donations or through volunteering, go out and find your own angel!
Prayer. Lord Jesus, grant us to to be so overwhelmed by adversity that we slip into the temptations to blame and complain. Help us find our own angel, and then give us the strength to sacrifice for his/her own good. Amen.
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3. Fidelity
Scripture: Luke 1 Mary said, “Let it be unto me, according to Thy word.”
Meditation The Blessed Virgin Mary, perhaps best known for her unflagging loyalty to her Son, gives us something to think about. From the moment of His conception to His death on a cross, Mary was was present with Him. She took Him to the Temple as a child, listed to His teaching as an adult, and was with Him even to the “end.” Whenever I think of the Blessed Virgin, I think about my ability to be loyal, and how well I’m doing with respect to fidelity. Join me this week is evaluating how loyal we are to our God (e.g., in weekly worship and in giving of time, talent, and treasure), to our families (especially our spouses), to our employers/employees, to our Country, and to our friends. Can we rightly be accused of being “fair-weather” friends, being faithful to God when convenient and/our without sacrifice, and to all the promises we have made? These are hard questions to ask, but worth the asking. God, even thought we don’t deserve it, is faithful to us; how faithful are we in return?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, in whom we find perfect loyalty and fidelity. Drive far from us any manifestations of our fickle, fallen nature. Make us faithful to our promises, our families and friends, and most especially to You. And, when we fall into sins of infidelity, remind us of Your faithfulness to us, that we may amend our lives following Your example. Amen.
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4. Stress Management
Scripture: John 14:1 Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled...”
Meditation We’ve meditated on this Scripture text before in the context of “worry.” This time, “stress.” My favorite definition of stress is “the distance between expectation and reality.” Lots of books and articles have been written about the elimination of stress from our lives. This, however well-intentioned, only adds to the stress! We live in a fallen world; stress is a reality that we will have until we enter Heaven. So stress management comes down to this: try to make your “expectations” as close to “reality” as possible. What do we “expect” from spouses, children, friends, employers, employees, etc.? And what is the “reality” present that we must live with. When our expectations are closer to reality, stress decreases. Try it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, in whom there is no worry nor stress: Give us peace through being willing to see things as they are, and then, give us the wisdom to measure our expectations more carefully and realistically. Amen.
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5. Worry
Scripture: John 14:1 Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled...”
Meditation: Lots of us spend lots of time in worry. We fret about this, lose sleep about that.... A friend of mine recently reminded me of one of Ben Franklin’s quotes with respect to worrying. It’s consistent with Jesus’ admonition to trust in God and “let not your hearts be troubled.” This week, short and sweet. Intellectually, we know that worry cannot change reality and that it drains us of energy that can be better used. When you are tempted to worry, remember that, as Franklin said, “Worry is interest paid, in advance, on a debt you may never owe!”
Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
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6. Obedience to God
Scripture: Psalm 119:7 “I will praise you with an upright heart, as I learn your righteous laws.”
Meditation: When I was a child, I learned that rules had to be followed so that I could “stay safe and have a good time.” This was not an original thought of my parents; God wrote Ten Commandments that, if followed by everyone, would make our world a great deal safer and more joyful. Jesus came because we could NOT live by God’s Law, but that doesn’t give us license to disregard them. St. Paul said “no” to those who asked, “Shall we sin all the more so that Grace may be more abundant?” The Psalmist is more of a scholar than a poet. There is nothing more important for him than the pursuit of the knowledge of God which, according to him, is the only knowledge worth having. Learning as much as possible about God allows him to participate in God’s righteousness and makes his life more godly and fulfilled. Note the use of the word “as.” Knowledge of God is a process. “As” more knowledge of God is gained, our very being becomes more righteous (upright), and we show our increased joy in gratitude and praise. Let’s not forget that knowing and obeying God’s Law is inseparable from the joy and peace that comes from righteousness. That’s why we often feel good for doing the “right” thing! True joy in life comes through Divine obedience.
Prayer O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of Your people who call upon You, and grant that we may know and understand what things we ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who live and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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7. Defense Against Temptation
Scripture: Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered Satan by saying, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Meditation All of us encounter temptation from time to time. Keep in mind that temptation is not a sin; what we do with the temptation can either be virtuous or sinful. Jesus, being fully human, was “tempted in every way as we are, but did not sin.” In the Bible verse above, Jesus responds to the first of the three temptations offered to him by Satan in the wilderness, immediately after His baptism. But there’s something special about this verse. In each of the three temptations, Jesus quotes Holy Scripture (what we now call the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament). This verse is a direct quote from Deuteronomy 8:3. Here’s the point: When Jesus faced temptation, He turned to the Word of God for help. The Scriptures “armed” Jesus with what He needed to resist temptation. And they can do the same for us. Involve yourself in a daily Bible reading. It can be structured, or it can be as simple as randomly opening the Bible and reading the chapter you see. Scripture can’t help us if we don’t know it. “Arm” yourself!
Prayer: Blessed Lord, who as caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. Amen.
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8. The Holiness of Freedom
Scripture: Psalm 8:1 “O Lord, our Governor: How exalted is Thy Name in all the earth!”.”
Meditation: God is referred to as “governor” as well as other titles of authority throughout Holy Scripture. God’s act in freeing the Israelites from Egyptian slavery shows us, among other things, that God is interested in the political order as well as the physical and spiritual. Freedom is what God is all about! Freedom is such a huge deal for God because, without it, one has no liberty to pursue the working out of his/her vocation as a child of God. That’s why July 4 is a Holy Day in the calendar of the Episcopal Church. We thank God for liberty and freedom, not only because of what happened in AD 1776, but because freedom is essential to our service of Him who is Lord of all. This July 4, amidst the firecrackers and Sousa marches, remember the holiness of freedom, and pray that we all, individually, nationally, and globally, might use our freedom to the service of others in God’s Name. For, as St. Paul put it, “Service to God is perfect freedom!”
Prayer: Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we beseech Thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace, and make possible this Divine Gift for others, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns in that celestial country, world without end. Amen.
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9. Justice
Scripture: Matthew 9:23-25 “When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd (around the ruler’s daughter who was thought to be dead), Jesus said, ‘Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at Him. After the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.”
Meditation: No matter what the situation, when Jesus was laughed at, He always “got the last laugh.” I believe, and trust, that God has a profound sense of humor. Were it not so, then why would people, created in His image, be able to laugh at something funny? Each year, at about this time, the “Darwin Awards” are presented to the “least evolved” among us. This week, instead of a “a profoundly spiritual meditation,” I’ve taken the liberty of relating “Award No. 10” that, I believe, shows the Divine sense of humor in the administration of justice. The story follows. In our list of things for which we are thankful, let us never forget that we are given the ability to enjoy the world, and laugh occasionally about what happens to us! “. . . . . When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a parked motor home, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline but plugged his siphon hose into the motor home’s sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle, convinced that justice had already been done, declined to press charges. . . .”
Prayer: O Heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty and laughter: Open our eyes to behold Thy gracious Hand in all Thy works; that we, rejoicing in Thy whole creation, we may learn to serve Thee with gladness, for the sake of Him through whom all things were made; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
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10. Getting on with your life
Scripture: Psalm 37:3 “Put your trust in the LORD and do good. . . . “
Meditation: Blessed Evelyn Underhill, one of the lesser-known saints, was a profoundly wise and wonderful mystic. My favorite Underhill quote is “Every minute you are thinking of evil, you might have been thinking of good instead. Refuse to pander to a morbid interest in your own misdeeds. Pick yourself up, be sorry, shake yourself off, and go on again.” It’s natural for Christians to think of repentance and forgiveness, for so much of Jesus’ words are centered around these concepts. But most of us see forgiveness as something we are called to do with respect to others. As well as forgiving others, God wants us to forgive us! I cannot be the only Christian who has allowed himself to almost drown in guilt. When I have trouble forgiving myself for something (often much more difficult than forgiving others for wrongs done to me), I try to remind myself that I cannot give away anything I do not have. This goes for forgiveness as well. We cannot forgive others adequately unless we have forgiven ourselves. We must remind ourselves, no matter how heinous the sin, that God’s forgiveness is for “me” as well as others. Then and only then can we do what Blessed Evelyn suggests: Refuse to pander to a morbid interest in your own misdeeds. Pick yourself up, be sorry, shake yourself off, and go on again.
Prayer: Grant us, O Lord, to consider ourselves sheep of Your own fold and sinners of Your own redeeming. Let us acknowledge and bewail our own sins and wickedness, but not wallow in them. Remind us that many of the most well-known saints were, once, counted with the worst of sinners. And then, help us to leap out of the hole that our sin has created, and rush across the landscape to spread what we have received -- perfect forgiveness -- through Your love to others. Through Him who died for us and defeated sin, once for all, Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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11. What’s really important?
Scripture: “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’”
Meditation: St. Columba, the missionary who brought Christianity to the people of Scotland, received many honors as a missionary and as a priest, as he was instrumental in bringing the Christian Faith to Iona, where his boat landed in Scotland, and to the rest of the country. He was a “high-visibility” Christian, often finding himself in the limelight, and frequently the center of attention. His death, however, showed what was really important to him. After waking one Sunday morning, while working on a translation of the Psalms into the native tongue, Columba lay down his pen, and died. According to his sixth- century biographer, his last words were: “Sunday is called in the sacred Scriptures a day of rest, and truly to me it will be such, for it is the last day of my life, and I shall enter into rest after the fatigues of my labors.” Columba understood profoundly the Gospel quotation above. In all the good he did, that of which he was most proud was that his name was to be written in heaven. Like Blessed Columba, let’s not strive so much as to be important in this life, as to be present in the next!
Prayer: Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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12. Those lost in War
Scripture: John 15:13 Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, but ot lay down his life for his friends.”
Meditation: Memorial Day is a day when these United States remember and honor those who have given their lives in the service of their Country. During times of war, as the national focus is centered on battles and sieges each day, Memorial Day can get lost in the shuffle or can focus on those who have fallen in current conflict. But we need to remember that, while we pray for and mourn those who have died in Iraq and it’s environs, current combat victims are not alone in the Role of National Honor. Memorial Day also honors those who have “made the ultimate sacrifice” in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the French and Indian War, the War Between the States, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the War in Vietnam, the Cold War and in the Gulf War as well. There are also those who honor, on Memorial Day, those who have died in the War on Crime, the Drug War, and other domestic and foreign conflicts. This year, as we picnic, swim, and celebrate on Monday next, let’s make sure we take time to say our prayers and thank God for those, who in this fallen world, have fallen themselves in the service of God and Country. May I suggest the following prayer which can be used at any Memorial Day Festivity: a prayer that will not only bless those now in Paradise, but that will share your faith and allow you to serve as an evangelist to family and friends . . . .
Prayer: Almighty God, the King of Saints, we praise and glorify Your Holy Name for all Your servants who have finished their course in this life in Your faith and fear: for the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the holy patriarchs, prophets, apostles and martyrs, and especially (on this day) all those who have given their lives in armed conflict for this nation, founded upon Your principles, known to us and unknown; and we pray that, encouraged by their examples, aided by their prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we may also have the courage to stand firm in Your gifts of liberty and freedom for ourselves and for others, and finally abide with them in Your presence with all the saints in light; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
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13. Support for Clergy
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus said, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Meditation: After Seminary graduation, countless priests and ministers go into the world to spread the Gospel. The life of an ordained minister is not an easy one: clergy are misunderstood frequently, make countless sacrifices, and live in a fish bowl. Some clergy handle this better than others — and it’s all worth it when you consider the joy of serving God in answering the call to ordination — but all clergy need support and prayer. Please pray for your minister every day, and especially for those new ministers who enter the world from Seminary, on fire with the love of Christ, ready to spread the Kingdom of God.
Prayer: Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to You through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to Him, that all may know the power of His forgiveness and the hope of His resurrection. Bless the seminaries who train men and women to spread Your Gospel, and be with those new clerics who graduate, that they me be filled with zeal to minister in Your Name; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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14. Hope in suffering
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-24 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds......
Meditation: Blessed Julian of Norich (AD 1382-1417), a deeply spiritual, holy and saintly woman, desired three gifts from God: (1) the obedient mind of Jesus’ passion; (2) bodily sickness in youth and Jesus’ three wounds on the Cross; (3) a never-ending devotion to the Love and Mind of Christ. At age 30, Julian fell gravely ill and was given last rites. Miraculously, the sickness left her and only to be replaced by the Stigmata (the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and feet from the Cross). Her sickness and recovery brought her the first two longed-for items, which then passed from her mind. The third, the divinely inspired longing for Christ, never left her. In perhaps her most famous quotation, Julian wrote that faith and trust in God was all that one needed to get through anything that happens to us, no matter how hopeless it might seem. She wrote the words that Jesus spoke to her in her journal: “I can make all things well; I will make all things well; I shall make all things well; and as thou canst see for thyself, all manner of things shall be well.” Our world, filled with it’s obligations and distractions, is sometimes overwhelming. This may well lead us to hopelessness. It is then that the Divinely-revealed words (above) can be called upon to remind us of something St. Paul wrote: Suffering builds endurance, which produces character, that leads us to Hope, which shall never disappoint us. The time to pray for simplicity and quiet is when things are simple and quiet, not complicated and noisy. In hopeful prayer in the context of quiet, we build up our reserves of faith so that, if properly stored up, will sustain us through the “noise” that surrounds us.
Prayer: Lord God, in your compassion you granted to the Lady Julian many revelations of your nurturing and sustaining love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek You above all things, for in giving us Yourself, You give us all. Through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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15. Punctuality
Scripture: Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has past.....
Meditation: A thousand years may seem like a day to God, but not to human beings who live in time. Until we reach Heaven, we are bound by time and stewards of it. In our modern society we “spend” money and “spend” time, as if they were a commodity to be treasured. They are! But the commodity time is not exclusive to the person who is “spending it.” The way you are I use time effects others and shows how we value others’ time and. in a real sense, how we value them. How many of us have been frustrated by by endless stays in waiting rooms, but are constantly late ourselves to social events, movies, parties, appointments and worship services? Such tardiness interrupts events and distracts attentions, and is profoundly distracting and annoying to those who are on-time. There is no such thing as fashionable late. Everyone runs late now and then, but those who constantly arrive late demonstrate the belief that their time is more valuable than others’. Perpetual tardiness is not only demonstrative of carelessness; it shows disrespect and sinful pride as it frustrates and inconveniences others. Our real selves are revealed when we look at what we “spend”, and upon what/whom we “spend” it. That is especially true of God’s gift of time. Do you have sufficient humility to respect others by being on time?
Prayer: Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the use of time, that we may use it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek to be treated with respect and dignity, grant us also the humility to treat others’ time in like manner in which we would have them treat ours; through Jesus Christ our Lord who, through His use of time, sanctified it and made it holy.

16. Is every prayer answered? Scripture: Psalm 123:2-3 "As the eyes of a servant look to his master...so our eyes look to Thee, O Lord of Hosts." Meditation: How do you and I handle trouble or pain when it comes? We all have our own “coping mechanisms,” and for many, one of those mechanisms is prayer. As a pastor, I’ve had lots of folks pray for help in time of need, and then come to me asking why “God hasn’t answered my prayer?” The quote from the Psalter above gives us a glimpse into this question. Look at the last phrase (above in Ps 123) and notice the part so often missed: UNTIL He shows mercy upon us.” God, being eternal, transcends time: time is not an issue for God, while it clearly is for us. Most people who wonder why God “hasn’t answered my prayers” have stopped praying due to frustration associated with not seeing God’s action in their issues. The trick is to continue praying, even though frustrated by time, “UNTIL He shows mercy upon us.” Jesus tells us that God answers all prayers offered to Him. Knowing that, let’s take some advice from King David’s Psalms: persevere in prayer! Answers will come! Never stop offering your concerns to God before He chooses a way to answer them Prayer: Almighty God, You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we can desire or deserve: Help me not to be blinded by my concept of time, so that through persevering in prayer, I may be the recipient of Your answer and a beneficiary of Your Grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

17. The poor with us Matthew 25:31 Jesus said, “The poor you will have always....” Meditation: Remember last Christmas when you couldn’t watch TV without seeing something about the Tsumani every five minutes? And just weeks ago, the media was dominated completely by coverage of Katrina and Rita. As time passes, we hear increasingly less and less about these disasters, while the people and lives affected by them still suffer profoundly under their devastating wrath. The old saying, “out of sight,out of mind,” is more true than we would like to admit! So many people have acted with generosity and compassion, witnessing to the power of Christ in and among us. But we can’t fall into the trap of being content by having done our part by having written a check or having volunteered our time. The problems created by Rita and Katrina will be real for years, and can be handled only with dedication and generosity over the “long haul.” We can think and talk about the hurricanes in the past tense, but not the people. They will, as the poor to whom Jesus referred, be with us for a long, long time. “What plans do I have for Katrina and Rita survivors for today? For the future?” We must live in the imitation of the God in whose image we were created: constantly offering love and help, not just yesterday, but today and forever. Prayer: Almighty God, Your life-giving love never ends. Help me to so hold those who suffer in my heart, that I might continue to act with generosity in their interest today, but in the months and years to come. Amen.

18. The Holy Bible
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Meditation: Once upon a time, a man with financial trouble went to his pastor for counsel, who told him that everything he needed to know was in the Holy Bible. The next Sunday the man greeted the pastor with a huge smile and said, “It’s amazing, Pastor! All I did was open the Bible and found the answer to all my financial problems.” When asked what he found, the man said, “I closed my eyes, opened the Book, and there it was: Chapter 11!” While the pastor’s advise was true, not all of us know how to find what we need in Holy Writ to address our problems. Here are two ideas, accessible on the web: htpp://www.BibleGateway.com contains the whole Bible, cataloged by book, chapter and verse, and thematically as well. http://www.missionstclare.com has a lectionary (a systematic, day-by-day reading of the Bible, that will cover all major Biblical themes in two years, if read daily.) Do check them out. St. Timothy is right: all scripture is valuable for what we face everyday. But you have to read if you want to access its wisdom!
Prayer: Blessed Lord, You caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learing: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. Amen.

19, The Departed Scripture: The Souls of the righteous are in the hands of God.... The faithful will abide with Him, because grace and mercy are upon His elect, and He watches over His holy ones. (From The Wisdom of Solomon, Chapter 3) Meditation: Today the traditional Church remembers the souls of the faithful departed (All Souls' Day). This is the day when we remember and pray for those whom we have known, but who have passed to greater life. Sometimes folks ask, "Why do we pray for the dead?" We pray for people we love all the time. Eternal life begins at the moment of our Baptism, and never ends. Just because someone is dead (for the moment!) doesn't mean that he/she is beyond the reach of God's notice through prayer. At the General Resurrection of the Dead, we pray that we will join them, and live in eternal peace and felicity. Don't be afraid of praying for the dead: St. Paul tells us to pray without ceasing for those we love. He doesn't say that we should stop those prayers at the moment of their death. Prayer: Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer, especially…………….. Grant them your peace and let light perpetual shine upon them. In Your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of Your perfect will, and finally bring us, with them, into Your perfect presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

20. Being Yourself Scripture: Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them.” Meditation: We are not clones. The first humans were individuals and unique: one male and one female and, doubtless, with other physical, emotional, and psychological differences. And so are we! But our modern world preaches that if we’re not richer, thinner, better-dressed, in the right car, etc., there must be something wrong with us. While we’re always called to more righteous behavior in our uniqueness, God wants us to be ourselves. There’s an old cowboy saying, “You can’t put a boot in an oven and take out a biscuit!” God has a plan for our lives predicated on the gifts and graces He gave us. I’m at our best when I recognize and rejoice in how God created me, when I strive to be more fully who I was created to be by repentance and amendment of life, and when I serve God as only I can. I’m at my worst when I, struggling to conform to the daily-changing trends of the world around me, jeopardize my uniqueness and debilitate the life and ministry God intended when He made me who I am. Prayer: Dearest Lord, give me the strength to accept myself for who and what I am and, at the same time, the wisdom to never “use” who I believe myself to be as an excuse for unrighteous and sinful behavior. Remind me daily that You have a plan for my life that is debilitated when I pretend to be someone I’m not. And finally, give me the grace to use who I am, where I am, to Your honor and glory through serving You as only I am able. Amen.

21. Advent Scripture: Mark 13:37 Jesus said, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch.” Meditation: Advent has begun and, with it, has brought the new year in the Christian calendar. Happy New year to you all! Most of us use Advent as a time to prepare for the celebrations of Christmas: i.e., buying presents, having parties, taking out new credit cards!.... But the Church reminds us that Advent is also a season where we not only await the celebration of the coming of Christ at the First Christmas, but “His coming again in power and great glory to judge the living and the dead.” How ready are we to meet Jesus face to face? That’s what we need to work on during Advent! Ask yourself these questions, and if you answer in the negative to any of them, think about changing things in your life — with or without the help of a friend, a counselor, or a priest — so that your response can become a profound YES! (1) Is my heart a suitable manger in which Jesus can be born today? (2) Is my response to the poor as charitable as the Innkeeper’s response to homeless Mary and Joseph? (3) Am I, like the Wise Men, willing to make sacrifices in the gifts we give? (4) Am I, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, willing to rejoice first in good (the birth of a Son) rather than to complain first about the bad (delivering Him in a manger)? May God send you a pensive heart and a Holy Advent, that you will take the time to use this Holy Season to prepare to meet the Risen Christ face to face. Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that, in the last day, when He shall come again in glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

22. Giving thanks in all things Scripture: I Thes 5:18 “...give thanks in all things, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Meditation: Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go — or not — to give thanks, as Paul suggests above, to God in all things. Alone or with others, tomorrow is a day when we should all stop and thank The Almighty for His bounty and loving care. I recommend the “General Thanksgiving” (below) to you as suitable for use for Thanksgiving Day. Whether at grace before a meal or some other time during the day, it’s a wonderful _expression of the gratitude that everyone ought to have. May God give you a grateful heart this week, and allow that gratitude to spill over into the rest of your lives. A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Prayer: General Thanksgiving: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give You humble thanks for your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom You have made. We bless You for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for Your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to Your service, and by walking before You in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

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23. St. Nicholas Scripture: 1 John 4:7-14: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."

Meditation: Known as Klaus, Mikulas, Niklas and Santa Claus, Bishop of Myra, (in modern Turkey) was generous to the poor, and special protector of the innocent and wronged. Many stories grew up around him prior to his becoming Santa Claus.For example: Upon hearing that a local man had fallen on such hard times that he was planning to sell his daughters into prostitution, Nicholas went by night to the house and threw three bags of gold in through the window, saving the girls from an evil life. These three bags, gold generously given in time of trouble, became the three golden balls that indicate a pawn broker's shop, of whom he is also a patron saint. It is also said that he raised to life three young boys who had been murdered and pickled in a barrel of brine to hide the crime. These stories led to his patronage of children in general, and of barrel-makers besides. Factual or legendary, his care of those who cannot care for themselves is famous and celebrated throughout the world. His example is worthy of emulation at any time, but especially now as we prepare for how we will use our time, talent, and treasure as we prepare for Christmas. When you shop and spend, as yourself, WWSND (What Would St. Nicholas Do)?

Prayer: Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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24. Mend Relationships
Scripture: John 20:24-5 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" Meditation: The Scriptures don't tell us WHY Thomas wasn't with the other Disciples when they saw Him after the Resurrection. But we DO know that, because he wasn't with the others, he missed his first chance to see Jesus risen from the dead. Community is important. As Christians, our relationship with Christ is not "me and Jesus," rather "us and Jesus" (which includes me as well). The holidays are a good time to check on your "community relationships." Is there someone from whom you are estranged -- a family member, a co-worker, a friend you "done ya' wrong," etc.? [Christmas is guaranteed to do one of the following: it provides an opportunity for you to do what you can to heal the brokenness of that relationship, or it will make you so mindful of that brokenness that the hurt will be intensified as the rest of the world celebrates "peace, good will to men."] Swallow the pride; lose face; admit a wrong; apologize; take the first step; do all that you can and leave the results to God. As Jesus became one of us and made "communion" possible, do what you can to restore "communion" with at least one person this Holy Season. Prayer: O God, I have an opportunity today. I know not what the road to reconciliation will bring, but make me eager and ready to start the process. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently, And if I am to take a risk and even suffer, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, O Lord, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

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25. Want vs. Need Scripture: John 20:26-28 A week later Jesus’ disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'.” Meditation: [Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? Or, should I ask, “Did you get everything you needed for Christmas?”. Modern marketing is successful when it changes “wants” into “needs.”] Was Thomas a victim of this same dynamic? Thomas wanted to believe in the Resurrection. He wanted to touch Jesus’ wounds and insert his hand into His side. He wanted proof. But that’s not what he needed. A week later Jesus appeared to Thomas again, and told him he could have his wants satisfied. But nowhere does it say Thomas “took Him up” on His offer. Thomas saw Him, heard his own words repeated, and without the “proof” of actually touching Jesus — getting what he wanted — Thomas came to faith and declared Him “Lord and God.” No matter what presents we opened, if we remembered that Christ was sent to us at Christmas by a loving Father to make eternal life possible, then we got what we needed for Christmas. [As we contemplate the coming of the new year,] let’s take some time to think about what it is we “want” and what it is we “need.” There might be a difference! Acknowledging that difference might well help us realign our priorities and make more possible the “abundant life” that Jesus has in store for us in this world, as well as in the future. Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than I am to pray, and to give more than I either desire or deserve: Pour upon me the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving me those things of which my conscience is afraid, and supplying my needs by giving me those good things for which I am not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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26. Faith and Doubt
Scripture: John 20:26-28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Meditation: Thomas gets a “bad rap” as “Doubting Thomas,” but is that really fair? And beyond that, is doubting a sin? Think about this: Initially, when Thomas missed Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearance, he said he wouldn’t believe until he put his hands in the wounds of Christ. Now he’s back, sees Jesus, and immediately after Jesus offers an invitation to him to do just that, Thomas makes the most profound proclamation of Jesus’ Being in the whole of the Bible: “My Lord and My God!” But note this: at no time does Thomas ever take Jesus up on his offer to touch Him. At the end of the day, Thomas’ faith leads him to the same conclusion as the other Disciples, to wit, “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas engages his mind in the exercise of his faith. Through questioning (the real meaning of the English word “doubt” in the New Testament) Thomas comes to a more profound faith than those who questioned not! There’s something to be learned in that. It’s not necessary to check your brain with your hat as you enter the Church! God gave us minds to use; why shouldn’t we use those minds in the understanding and application of faith?! We must if we are going to grow beyond what I like to call “Sunday School Faith,” appropriate to a child and not an adult. Doubt, in Bible language, is a virtue, NOT a sin. Appropriate use of “doubt” means serious contemplation about that which you believe, and education to understand it better. Looking for a New Year’s resolution: adopt a plan of contemplation and education to help you “doubt” better. If doubt led Thomas to proclaim Jesus’ true identity, then doubt away! Prayer: Everliving God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in Your Son’s Resurrection: Grant me the ability and the desire to use the mind You gave me as I strengthen my believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God, that my faith may never be found wanting in Your sight; through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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27. Avoiding Temptation
Scripture: I Corinthians 10:13 “...But when you are tempted, God will also provide a way out, so that you can stand up under it.”
Meditation: You and I are tempted to sin and violate our identity as Christians each day. Temptation may come in the form of stealing, adultery, lying, or in more subtle ways such as gossiping, being unforgiving, or not giving credit where credit is due. One of the simplest ways to keep temptation from turning into sin is to remember the “Golden Rule: Due unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Sometimes temptation takes us unaware, but much more often, we have time to think between when we are tempted and when we act. On those latter occasions, ask yourself the Golden Rule’s question: “would I want .... to do this to me?” Sometimes the simplest of tools can be the most profound!
Prayer: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are Yours, now and forever. Amen.

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28. Stubbornness as Science!
Scripture: Acts 26:14 (On Saul’s way to Damascus to persecute Christians, Jesus said to him,) “Saul, Saul: Why do you persecute Me? It’s hard to kick against the goads.”
Meditation: In the rural, agrarian Old World, oxen were
used extensively. A “goad,” an often-pointed stick, controlled by the farmer, was placed in a particularly sensitive area of the ox’s flesh, to “motivate” the performance of the commanded task. When the ox was stubborn, the pressure of the goad increased, causing “discomfort” for the ox, against which he would kick. Kicking only exerted more pressure on the goad and more pain for the ox. Hence the _expression, “it’s hard to kick against the goads.” Oxen, however, are not alone in God’s creation with respect to “kicking against the goads.” We, too, when we experience the pain or failure of rebelling against God’s commands (in marriages, family life, employment, personal relationships, etc.) often stubbornly try to manage that pain by pushing our agenda further, with the vain hope that our will might win out against God’s, or that He might let us slip through, exempt from His commands. News flash: It doesn’t work! We might experience temporary relief, but the goad is still there, felt even more when we push or kick against it. God uses goads so that we might experience a foretaste of Heaven before we enter it fully by living righteous lives, and to protect that same foretaste for others. Rebelling against God’s plan might be attractive, but it’s doomed to fail! Rebellion against God and His commands for our life only brings the goad nearer, and the pain associated with it “closer to home.” Guaranteed!
Prayer: Almighty God, once again I offer and present unto Thee my will, my soul and my body, to be a holy, reasonable, and living sacrifice unto Thy plan for my life. Grant that, as I attempt to repent from my own stubborn agenda and embrace Thine, I might be filled with Thy Grace and Heavenly benediction, and be made one body with Christ, that He may dwell in me, and I in Him. And when I err, judge me not by weighing my merits, but by pardoning my offenses; through Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God. Amen.

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29. Plenty or Poverty?
Scripture: Ezekiel 12:3,6 God said, “Therefore, son of man, pack your belongings for exile . . . . Put them on your shoulder and carry them out at dusk.
Meditation: Bettie, Robert and I have moved into a new house (thus explaining the absence of an E-pistle last week). How much easier it would have been were we simply to have put our possessions in a bag, hoisted it on our shoulders, and headed off for our new home! But we were and are encumbered by many “things.” It wasn’t all that long ago that we opened Christmas presents — things — and rejoiced in them. But when it comes to moving, “things” take on a different flavor. I think a lot of the often compulsive desire to hang onto “stuff” come from living with a stewardship of scarcity. Beyond special keepsakes, “I have to keep this, because I may never get another;” or “I can’t throw/give this away because I paid for it,” might represent a lack of faith in God’s ability and willingness to provide us with what we need. The result: we have too much, and those who might better use our “stuff” continue in want. Living a stewardship of abundance involves keeping those things that we need, and those that hold a special place in our hearts, and trusting God to provide us with “our daily bread.” “Stuff” understood this way de-clutters our lives and benefits others as we’re more ready to give of God’s plenty than to hoard it. Here’s a suggestion: By Ash Wednesday, make a commitment to give away 10-20 things to those who need them. For extra credit, click the following: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=12&verse=26&end_verse=28&version=31&context=context
Prayer: O merciful Creator, Your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for Your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of Your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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30. Loyalty and Fidelity
Scripture: Ruth 1:16-18 Ruth said to Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”
Meditation: Some people are loyal and some people are not. After Naomi’s husband and sons died, she was left a widow as was her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Wanting to return to her homeland after a long absence, Naomi set out for Israel. Ruth, a gentile, against all of Naomi’s attempts to dissuade her, insisted on accompanying her mother-in-law. As a gentile, Ruth would receive no widow’s pension in Naomi’s Promised Land, no rights nor privileges, and virtually no hope of finding another husband among the Jews. Nonetheless, her loyalty to Naomi trumped any gain she might have received by staying in her own town and letting Naomi fend for herself. Little wonder we hear this reading often at weddings. We live in a society where loyalty is often short-lived. “Friends” often disappear in times of trouble; fidelity often is maintained only until a better offer comes along. But it doesn’t have to be that way with us as Christians! Ruth, as a result of her loyalty, did marry, and became the great-grandmother of King David. Jesus, in His loyalty to His Father’s will, even unto death, was raised to new life. Staying loyal often involves a cost, but the prize is always worth the price!
Prayer: Almighty God, grant us Thy gift of loyalty. For our homes, give us love and obedience; for our country, sacrifice and service; for our Church, reverence and devotion; and in everything make us true to Thee; through Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (From the Anglican Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors)

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31. Energy and Vitality Scripture: Colossians 1:27-29 (excerpted) "To the saints , God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of His truth, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, so that everyone may be presented to the Father. To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."

Meditation: Energy comes from God. The same energy present at Creation -- that which organized and invigorated the earth -- is present with us. And it doesn't make any difference whether we're gregarious or shy, rested or tired, happy or sad. The secret to functioning as a "person of energy" is to realize what Paul understood: it is God's energy that works through us, and not our energy working with God! Dependent on "my energy," I lose effectiveness when I'm not rested, frustrated or simply disinterested. But dependent on Divine Energy, God channels His energy through my actions, weak as they often may be, to present to others the vitality that (at Creation, through darkness and chaos) was able to energize the world! When you're "up" and able to do great things, don't lose your humility by gazing upon that which "you" have done. And when you're "down," place yourself at the foot of the Cross, the source of Ultimate Energy, and keep going. By so doing, the contagious energy of the Resurrection will show itself to the world, winning souls to and changing lives through Christ. Prayer: Almighty God, Thou art energy, give me energy; Thou art fullness, give me fullness; Thou art strength, give me strength; Thou art vigor, give me vigor; Thou art conquering power, give me conquering power. And through the power that raised Jesus from the dead, let Thy fullness, strength, vigor and conquering power be contagious through me. Amen.