Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 26

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32

This parable is one of the favorites of the Christian community.  It is well-known even beyond church-goers.  

It is a scary proposition
to be lost!

The Prodigal Son is masterful because we can see our own behavior in both the younger and older sons.  Ideally, we should emulate the father, but that may not come as often.

I like the story Fred Craddock used to tell about this scripture.  He was preaching on it and afterward, a congregant was unhappy with the parable.  Fred asked, "What do you think should have happened to the prodigal?"  

The man matter-of-factly answered, "I think he should have been arrested!"

Fred was shocked at this answer but then had the awareness to ask, "What kind of sentence would you have given the prodigal?"

He said, "Six years."

This story about the story is a parable in itself.  It reminds us that we have trouble really processing grace in our lives.  Within the parable Jesus tells, the younger son is clearly in the wrong.  There's no debate about it and he would deserve the wrath of the father.

But then the older son is also shown in the wrong in how he doesn't defer to the father's wishes.  He treats his father disrespectfully and now he is the one in need of forgiveness.  He can't see his blessed status in remaining with the father throughout his life.

Is it possible that we have a blessed status that we aren't paying attention to?  If we were to realize this, would it take the edge off our resentment?  If we were to realize our favor by God, would we be able to let others off the hook more easily?

What do you think the older brother does in response to his father's statement in verses 31-32?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, you offer us new life continuously.  Sometimes we stray from life with you and we squander our blessing.  Sometimes we remain with you and we take for granted the life you offer us.  Regardless, we are thankful that you continue to remain in relationship with us.  Help this realization influence how we are in relationship with others.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 25

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-10

There is an important detail at the beginning of these parables today (and tomorrow).  In the first verse, Luke shares that the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to listen to Jesus.  Who is grumbling?  The Pharisees and the scribes.

Why would this be so?

In that culture, positioning is important.  Those who were considered righteous would have the closest seats for discussion to the learned rabbi.  Jesus allows the seemingly unrighteous to usurp the entitled rightful place of those who had earned it.  

If we are honest with ourselves, we wouldn't like it either.  No one likes it when you have worked hard, and a Johnny-come-lately steals your spotlight.  How many of you have ever worked on a group project?  How did you feel when the slacker got the same grade as you?

Some sheep may be 
outsiders of their own accord!

It may be easier for us to be egalitarian in the abstract as we think of God's love coming to all no matter if they deserve it or not.  But what about concrete actions such as reputed sinners getting the best seats in the house?  What happens when someone takes the chair we thought was ours?  And takes it without waiting for us to offer it?  What about when they take it without acknowledging that it was ours?  It begins to sting a little bit.

Do we see why the Pharisees and scribes were grumbling?

Now as we hear those parables, we may find that we are called by God not to grumble at the lost but to seek them out.

As we move through Lent, where does resentment rise up in you?

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we are thankful for the times we have been on the inside.  We are thankful for the families and communities to which we belong.  Help us to remember the times when we've not been so fortunate.  And give us compassion for those who make their homes on the outside.  We pray this in Jesus' name, who teaches us to seek out the lost.  Amen.

 

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 24

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-35

This is not what Jesus was 
talking about with regards to discipleship!

Today's reading moves us past what reasonable people are willing to do.  If following Jesus meant losing your family, would you do it?

In Jesus' day and time, the family was the largest identifier of a person in society.  It gave you your social position in the community as well as your employment.  Loyalty to the family was highly prized and you may see yourself aligned against another family in the community.

Carrying the cross was a statement that meant you were willing to go against Roman rule.  This is a more revolutionary stance as plenty of wannabe Messiahs were crucified along with other rabble rousers.

Finally, Jesus mentions giving up one's material goods.  These would be the things that tie us down.  If you are going on the road, you won't need them.  You can basically take what you can easily carry with you.

Jesus seems to be asking us, "Are you all-in?"

Now that the movement of Jesus is an established religion, it has gone through many shake-ups, revivals, and reformations.  Some argue that we are in the midst of one right now.  

But for the established church, we offer grace to all but do not receive the same level of commitment from all.  What happens when we are called to give more of our time, our money, and our abilities? It may be that we go back to the beginning of the chapter (yesterday's reading) and begin to offer excuses.

As a pastor, my goal is to deepen the discipleship of the people called United Methodists.  I don't feel like we have lost our "saltiness" and that our unique understanding of prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace is an important way for us to relate to God and one another.

I feel like there are many right now who are trying to cast doubts on our identity as United Methodists.  If someone starting a new thing has to tear down the old thing in order to form their own identity, it may be good to question the foundations of this new thing.

But for those seeking to remain, how can we begin to renew our commitment to our faith through our church?  What's preventing us from being "all-in"?

Prayer for the day:

God, help us to rest in you.  And help us to know that true rest comes from you.  For the things that wear on us, let us see them in their proper place.  For the things that bring us your peace, let them flourish in us and through us.  Help us renew our commitment to you.  We pray these things in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 23

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1-24

We would like to come but we have some very good excuses...

What does it mean to miss out on the banquet?  I feel like Jesus was telling this from a 21st century rather than a 1st century perspective.  As I think about worship attendance, we've got a lot of excuses going on and this was prior to the pandemic!

So, the good news for us is that this has been happening for a long time.  The bad news is that it seems to be a chronic issue for us.

What is the consequence of missing out on the invitation?  While we could say, "Well, you don't make it into heaven", I think the less obvious conclusion is that we miss out on relationships.  Before you say that you have more relationships than you can handle, it also means that we are likely to be less healthy in the relationships that we do have.

Take the previous story of Jesus telling us to sit in the lowest place.  When we don't access what Jesus is telling us on a regular basis, we may be more likely to sit where we want.

Jesus emphasizes those who are not normally thought of in today's reading.  We start with a reminder that a man in need of healing should be thought of in the same priority as your own child or animal in need.  Then he goes on to lift up the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind in the next two passages.  

The difficulty of this is that we can probably think of reasons we don't have time to include them in our lives.  Maybe this gets back to the reasons the Pharisees didn't want the man healed on the Sabbath.  Maybe this gets to the idea of why people made excuses to come to the banquet.  

All of a sudden, this hits painfully close to home.

Prayer for the day:

God, we must confess that we often let our own interests hold sway in our lives.  And when other things begin to interfere with our time, we quickly put them in their place.  Help us to see beyond our selves.  Let us begin to understand your invitation and what it means for our lives.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 22

Scripture Reading: Luke 13

Today's passage moves us beyond some of the assumptions of the day such as bad things in this life occur because of our bad behavior.  Another treasured belief was that God only attends to God's acknowledged people.  Luke was preaching to a congregation that contained many Gentiles and was moving Christianity to become a religion of the world.

As we think about the various sayings and stories of Jesus, we see how Luke pairs them to shape his narrative.

He begins this chapter with Jesus refuting the idea that bad things only happen to bad people and reminds us that if we wake up now, then this moment becomes our second chance!  This seems to be the message of the barren fig tree.

Why not start today?

We all have a limited amount of time in this life - why not sow as much good as we can while we're here?

To continue the refutation of the old theology, Jesus cures a woman on the Sabbath who had been crippled for 18 years.  The old theology would say that surely God is displeased with this woman to beset her with this painful existence for so many years.  By curing on the Sabbath, the day devoted to God, Jesus indicates that God is not displeased with her at all or God would not have allowed the healing.

Of course, this doesn't make the holders of the old way happy and they complain on the technicality of equating healing with work.

The mustard seed and the leaven are parables dealing with borderline unclean elements.  God works though them to create abundance.  This can also be a nod to working among the Gentiles.

We see this confirmed through the summary of the narrow door.  People from far beyond the bounds of Jerusalem will come to know God.  Then Jesus foreshadows his death and resurrection once more.

We see a transformation of what it means to be a Messiah.  Before it was for the restoration of the Jewish people.  Now it means something more.  The resurrection for Luke goes beyond one area or people or nation.  It is world transforming.

Just as they did in Jesus' day (and Luke's), we limit our world to those with whom we are comfortable.  This chapter was meant to stretch the religious in their views of God's kingdom.  As it speaks to us today, we are on board with the Gentiles receiving the faith - even cheering this chapter on - because those reading this likely are Gentiles.

We have to stretch so we
don't hurt ourselves!

So how do we let it stretch us?  How do we think about the grace of God moving beyond behavior?  How can we extend it and see it active among people that society at large might consider unclean?  

How does it stretch you?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, we must confess that there is still the temptation to relish in the bad consequences we see happen for someone's bad behavior.  When someone gets what is coming to them, we may actually be pleased in our hearts.  But when things happen to us, we cry out to you for relief.  Help us not be so insecure as to imagine that we are lacking anything we really need as we measure ourselves against another.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 21

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:35-59

It is interesting that this passage occurs right after Jesus tells us not to worry!

Be ready for you do not know the hour!

This does give us some anxiety and many people read through this and ask the question, "What does it mean to be ready?"

I'm reminded of the bumper sticker that says, "Jesus is coming - look busy!"

The irony of this statement is that it is really saying, "I'm going to need a little grace."

If we believe that Jesus offers grace to us, how do we balance that belief with these passages about readiness?  I mean I don't want to be cut into pieces.  I don't even want a beating - severe or light!

So, what does it mean to be ready?  

I think it may be that we need to cultivate more joy in life.  I don't mean for ourselves, but for those around us.  We need to cultivate more joy in the world today.  In the example, the slave with the wrongful action does eat and drink which might be considered joyful but the only joy he had in mind was for himself.  He began to beat his fellows and had no interest in sharing the love.

I've known followers of Jesus who were very sour.  If they believed the news of salvation was good, they had a poor way of showing it.  They were difficult to be around.  In essence, if Jesus returned, is this person really ready to receive him?

As my mission is to cultivate joy in others, it makes it more likely that I will reconcile with my accuser.  If I am to spread joy in others beyond my people, it may be that it does cause division among those close to me.  Sometimes we have entitlement of those closest to us as if there is only so much to go around.

So, if being ready means to cultivate joy in others, this may make us less anxious.  We can do this in how we begin to treat those around us.  That seems pretty Christ-like to me.

Prayer for the day:

God, help us to be ready.  Help us to be ready to lift the spirits of those around us.  May we understand the blessings that abound and be your witness to them.  Let us take care not to spread false cheer but to find that deep well source of your love that may spring up in us and through us.  We pray these things in the name of the Christ who brings hope to the outcast and the sinner.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 20

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:1-34

At first glance, it appears that we are getting a mixed signal in today's reading!  We are supposed to fear God in verse 5 but then in verse 7, Jesus tells us not to fear God and that we are of more value than the sparrows.

It is possible that we will be denied before God which brings about some anxiety.  But then we are told not to worry.

And then we have a teaching which seems to go against the Trinity.  You will be forgiven if you speak a word against the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) but not if you blaspheme the Holy Spirit!  

This makes people want to know, "How do I blaspheme against the Holy Spirit so that I won't do it by accident?"

My answer would then be, "Well, I'm not going to do it as an example to keep you out of trouble!  Then, I would be unforgiven!"

We have a parable that really looks like good ol' American ingenuity.  Does this mean that our pension programs are going against the Bible?

Then we are told not to worry.  We are not to worry about what we eat or wear.  I realize that my treasure is where my heart is.  But what if my heart is sometimes not in the right place?

I think we've actually been living in a very confusing, anxious time.  Do you ever feel like knowing more about the world just adds to the chaos already present in your life?  And how do we give up worry when people are dying?  

I think we need to revisit the opening verses to figure this out.  Nothing is hidden from God.  We are reminded of the story of Adam and Eve.  Do you remember what they did after they disobeyed God?  They hid in the garden.  

Or at least they tried to hide.

If God knows our hearts and our minds, we might as well reveal all to God.  God knows our needs.  God knows our shortcomings as well as our achievements.  This moves us to more generosity with God because we realize that even as God knows all, God continues to work through us.

This realization is a movement to seeing God's love for all God's creatures.  This leads to our own realization of blessing which leads to sharing.  The man with the barns failed to take stock.  In this way, he shows his hypocrisy for failing to acknowledge the blessing which may have been where Jesus was going with the Pharisees in the first place.

Prayer for the day:

God, save me from myself!  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 19

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:27-54

Jesus' statement, "Blessed are those who hear the word and obey it" echoes throughout today's reading.  It seems that the Pharisees and the lawyers could hear the law but they may not have been as good at following it.

Of course, the law is quite extensive, so we have to figure out which parts did Jesus seeing them ignore?

What would be the sign of Jonah?  To the Ninevites, he stood for a message of repentance.  He was a symbol of second chances - a do-over so to speak.

But what did Jonah represent to his own people?  

We end Jonah's last chapter with him sulking on the hill, angry that God was compassionate and didn't destroy Nineveh.   The sign of Jonah for people of faith may have been very different.  

By speaking of Jonah, Jesus was likely signifying to the Pharisees that they need to get on board with God's mercy.

Sometimes being
right is lonely

Are we looking for light or darkness?  When we dwell in darkness, it may be that we are the ones sitting on the hill, sulking over the mercy extended to someone else.

When Jesus is haranguing the Pharisees, it is a way for Luke to let us hear the words directed to us.  Are we neglecting justice and the love of God?

The difficult piece for us may be that we often justify our own irritation, anger and hostility toward others.  We have really good reasons for why we disagree.  Vehemently.

But would God agree with all of our arguments, or does it seem silly from a balcony view?

During this particular day in Lent, think about a person who did something fairly minor that bothered you.  Now practice letting it go.  It is better to be full of light!

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, we sometimes find ourselves resenting others.  We resent the things they say and their rationale for saying them.  We resent the things other people do and we think that their actions separate us.  Help us choose our reactions.  Help us to see our own role in division.  We pray these things in the Light of the World.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 18

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-26

How does your prayer life influence your behavior?  There are likely a variety of answers to this question depending on who is being asked!

The fact that you are reading a daily devotion probably skews the answers though.

Sometimes we learn to keep
our house in order at a very 
young age!

Our understanding of God is largely benevolent but that was not a universal understanding in Jesus' day.  One factor would have been the co-mingling of religious ideas of other deities worshipped in the region.  The imagery of a good parent present in the Lord's Prayer and in the example of persistence in prayer show us a God that is predisposed toward providing us blessings.

Within the worldview of that day, the spiritual realm was seen as having more sway than it does in 21st century America.  We would speak of psychological or sociological factors when they would couch the same things in terms of spiritual factors.  

The idea of the unclean spirit returning with more of his buddies has a feel of relapse to our ears.  When we break a bad habit and disrupt the system (even when that system isn't healthy), there are always pressures to return to what we know.

This may be why the prayer that Jesus teaches us is so important on a regular basis.  It reminds us that God is for us as a heavenly parent.  It reminds us that we want to extend God's influence.  It reminds us to not overreach for our needs (as we may be tempted to do if we read verses 9-10 out of context).  It reminds us that forgiveness is a daily part of life as we both receive and offer it.  It reminds us that opportunity for trouble can come easily if we are not careful.

So, as we persevere in prayer, we continue in healthy boundaries, and we gain energy spiritually as we remember our priorities.  I hope this prayer influences your behavior daily!

Prayer for the day:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 17

Scripture Reading: Luke 10

Luke is pushing the boundaries in this chapter in a number of ways.  This would reflect the mission of the church in Luke's time to the wider Gentile world and expresses God's prevenient grace available to all people.

The mission of the seventy expands the previous ministry of the twelve in chapter nine.  This expresses the expectation of hospitality that Jewish towns should offer to the stranger.  There was the habit of some during that time that when they went outside of Judea, as they returned, they would wipe the unclean dust off their feet as they entered their homeland once more.  The wiping of dust off the feet of the disciples becomes a sign act that sends the message that this inhospitable town does not reflect a town in the Promised Land.  They are not acting like God's people.

The Samaritan in the parable follows the ethic of hospitality even to one who would normally be at odds with him.  When we read this parable in mind with the expectations of the earlier Judean towns, it really expresses how we are to treat the stranger among us.

Of course, this parable also speaks to Luke's message that God works through people outside Judea.  It is interesting to note that what may be the most famous of all the parables is only told by Luke.

But Luke is not content to stop there with expanding the role of who God is going to utilize as we end the chapter with a woman sitting in the role of a disciple.  As we consider the hospitality that was expected at the beginning of the chapter, Martha seems to be offering it while Mary sits at ease.  But sitting at the feet of a rabbi was a euphemism for learning as a disciple.  Martha may have been embarrassed at this flaunting of convention by her sister and tries to move her back to more acceptable roles.  I think Martha was giving Jesus an easy out for this uncomfortable situation.  But Jesus is not the one who is uncomfortable and expresses a new view for what is available to women.  Mary has chosen the better way!

Could Mary be learning to cast the peace before a household?  Could she be learning to also cure the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God has come near?

We are the spiritual descendants of Mary.  We are seeking to sit at the feet of Jesus daily as we read through Luke's Gospel during Lent.  How does this particular chapter move us from being those who pass by to those who stop and help?  How does it help us to provide safe space in life for fellow travelers?

Prayer for the day:

God of the Open Table, we are welcomed by you throughout our lives.  Allow this blessed hospitality to transform who we are.  May we see welcome as a grace - as a way of life.  Help us to overcome those obstacles that worry and distract us.  Let us offer peace to someone today.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 16

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:37-62

Disciples usually come to a place where they have to push on through difficulty in order to continue to follow their teacher.  The challenges they face may cause them to stumble and fall away.  They may not understand the teaching correctly which may also lead to "doing it wrong."

Today, we open with a challenge as they are unable to exorcise a demon.  Jesus seems cranky in his response.  If his rather pointed question is directed at the father, it comes across as cruel.  Since we don't ascribe cruelty to Jesus, we then must assume that it is directed to the hapless disciples.  Teachers get frustrated from time to time with their students.

It is interesting to see that after the failure to exorcise and the failure to understand the saying of Jesus, Luke has them arguing over which of them is the greatest.  Luke is likely using the placement of this incident to make a point.  Our own understanding of hierarchy in the world is false.  How do we ascribe greatness today?

I like the irony of the disciples complaining over the successful exorcist after their previous failure.  Jesus tells them to quit worrying about what someone else is doing.  Maybe we need to turn our gaze inward rather than outward to see how we can better respond.

They miss the boat again when they seek to use power for vengeance against the Samaritans and get rebuked for their trouble.  

But then Jesus shows them their value in that he is not going to just take anyone as a disciple.  To follow him takes true commitment.  It takes priority over everything else.  These disciples who made the cut had to feel a little better at this point about all their prior mistakes.

As I think about the oral traditions that the Gospel writers put on paper for us, I thought about these stories of the disciples.  Who would have relayed them if not the disciples themselves?  It reminds us that they may have finally understood.  They may have embraced true humility as to welcome a little child among them or a fellow exorcist who seemed to be doing good things.

As we move through Lent, how do we have the humility to be a life-long learner?  How do we admit our wrongs - our sins - our mistakes?  How do we learn not to define ourselves by them?  

Prayer for the day:

Merciful God, we ask for forgiveness.  Forgive us for our failures and our misunderstandings.  Forgive us for our conflicts with one another.  Forgive us for not offering this same grace to others.  Forgive us for leading with being slighted rather than looking for the reasons behind the offense.  Bless us as we begin to see that we are all little children.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 15

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-36

We have some foreshadowing going on today but also some flashback as well.  We open with Jesus preparing his disciples to do the work that he has come to do.  It will be but a blip in history if others will not continue the work.  In essence, if others will not take up the cross.

While we don't face physical crucifixion today, there are plenty of things we may be called to do that go against our natures.

As they minister to the crowds in both teaching and healing (and sometimes healing comes with the right teaching, doesn't it?), Jesus has welcomed them just as he expected the towns to welcome his disciples.  When the disciples mention that "we are here in a deserted place", this is a flashback to when Jesus was in the wilderness and was fasting.  He is willing to do for the crowds what he is unwilling to do for himself with the miraculous feeding.

We see foreshadowing as Jesus speaks about his coming suffering, death and resurrection.  And if the reader is confused about this, we have the transfiguration which is also a foreshadowing to the resurrection.  This also includes a flashback to his baptism as we hear the voice of God once again identifying Jesus as "my Son."  The difference between the two is that this time, God adds the instruction, "Listen to him!"

We have a need to be together
but may not be very good at it today.

As we listen to Jesus today, how are we to go into the world?  It is not for our sake or even the sake of the church.  We go because we the world needs us in a variety of ways.  We trust that God will help us along our way to bring good news and to cure dis-ease as we go.

And for when we are tempted to send them away, we might just find that we have enough to go around.

Prayer for the day:

Bountiful God, we confess that we often put our faith in the things we store up for ourselves.  Resources on hand go far in providing security for us.  Help us to see past these things so that we can open our hearts to people we encounter.  Let us take joy in bringing joy.  We pray these things in the name of the one who fed the multitudes.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 14

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:26-56

Death and dying seems to be a theme in today's reading.  But a more triumphant theme is that of the holiness of Jesus overcoming what is ritually unclean (unholy).  Touching a corpse will make a person unclean.  But this doesn't seem to stop Jesus from providing life.  We've got a foreshadowing here of the resurrection!

The Gerasene possessed by demons was living among the tombs.  His demonic possessions, foreign status and chosen dwelling would be the trifecta of ritual uncleanliness!

The woman with bleeding illness shouldn't have been in the crowd in the first place because everyone who touches her would also be considered unclean.  This would account for her rather stealthy encroachment and her nervous response.

The daughter of the leader of the synagogue had already died and so was unclean when Jesus brought her back to life.

We have a need to touch.
Just make sure you have permission!

For each of these situations, as they would say on Arrested Development, "No touching!"

In the exorcism, there is implied touching and in the last two, it is stated overtly.

That should make Jesus unclean and yet, he remains powerful to the point of raising a person from the dead.  He is the Lord of life!

We see in this passage that the chaos of life affects us all.  The old adage that you must have deserved it if illness befell you dissolves when the leader of the synagogue has a casualty in his own family.  It is a reminder that death comes to all of us, no matter what we do.

As I think about the chaos in the world today, we have gone through a lot of change (and lost beloved friends and family) due to the pandemic.  We are further divided as a nation (this may be true no matter where you reside).  This division has infected the church.  If you are United Methodist, the reality of congregations leaving has arrived with the postponement of General Conference.  And as the conflict in Ukraine intensifies and the irrational mental state of Russia's leader becomes clearer, I find the old childhood worry of possible nuclear war creeping around again.

It is at this time that I may need to imagine Jesus touching me.  I may need to hear Jesus say to me, "Child, get up!"  I may need to shake off my fear and recognize that I've got some living left to do.

During this season of Lent, how is Jesus Lord of your life?

Prayer for the day:

God of the living, we give thanks that you instill in us the breath of life.  Even when we encounter illness and loss of life, you remain with us.  When we separate from the community, you remain with us and seek to pull us back into fellowship.  As we tire of human contact, you provide healing and nudge us to return.  May we feel your touch and be renewed.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

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Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 13

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:1-25

What should the church look like?

As we remember Luke's Gospel was written to a Gentile community, we are seeing the expansion within today's reading.  We start with breaking gender boundaries with the inclusion and importance of women within the movement.  Luke emphasizes women more than the other Gospels - it is where we have the stories of Mary, the mother of Jesus which includes Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.  We see today that women sustained the ministry of Jesus financially.

We also see that family moves beyond our biological heritage as we hear the response of Jesus to his mother and siblings.  To see others as members of our family is vital to our willingness to forgive them and continue to be in relationship with them.  Some parts of the church have embraced this by referring to one another as "brother" or "sister" along with the name.

Of course, a variety of people means pushing at the boundaries of how we organize.  What are the values that we hold and what are the values that can be influenced by other cultures?

Preparing soil can be hard work.
How do we prepare ourselves to
receive others in the faith?

Some of our cultural traits may be dearer to us than the ethic of love.  In this instance, we may find ourselves becoming the hard path or the rocky ground or the thorny soil which keeps people from coming to grace.  In order to reach a hundredfold, we will undoubtedly be challenged.  Anytime we reach beyond what we know, there will be a challenge to our identity.

We may think of a growing church as one without problems, but rapid growth can also cause a lot of storms.  As we find difficulty in unforeseen places, we may discover that we are on the boat with the other disciples, saying, "Master, master, we are perishing!"

Jesus may be responding to us as well, "Where is your faith?"  If it is grounded in love, it is grounded in Christ.  This is the ground where the seed may grow.

Prayer for the day:

God of the nations, I must confess that I have my preferences for how I like things done at my church.  When change is in the works, I am tempted to cry "heresy!"  Help me to prioritize Jesus Christ in my faith and in my responses.  Help me to cast the seed wide regardless of the consequences!  I pray these things in the name of the Christ who inspired someone to sow seed in me.  Amen.

Photo by Vegansoldier via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 12

Scripture Reading:  Luke 7:36-50

We continue with Luke's use of Simon as the "everyman" which I emphasized in an earlier post.  Luke changes Simon's identity.  In Mark and Matthew, Simon has leprosy with no designation as a Pharisee, and both agree that this happened in Bethany (just outside of Jerusalem).  John removes Simon and places it as the house of Lazarus whom he had just raised from the dead.  And the woman is identified in John as Mary, sister of Martha.

In all of the other Gospels, this becomes a foreshadowing of Jesus' death (it happens much closer to his arrest) as the woman is symbolically preparing his body for burial.  The objection is not to the woman's sinfulness (and how this would hurt the reputation of Jesus) but of the extravagance of the act.  Luke is the only one that mentions her as a sinner.

We need to be sure that our image
is not hijacked by the few!

Simon as a Pharisee becomes someone who knows the law - all of the law - and has to interpret which parts take precedence.  As Luke uses "Simon" as a motif for the reader, we also have been exposed to the law and while we may not know it as well as the Pharisees did, we also have to make choices on which parts we will pursue over others.

Simon is exposed by Jesus for his lack of hospitality.  Of course, Simon has the example of Abraham.  In essence, all of us could be exposed for this from time to time in our lives and in our churches.  What Jesus may be helping us to examine is our sense of entitlement.  When we become "owners" of the church, we become proprietors of God's grace.  Jesus reminds us that grace is given not earned.

As we move through Lent, rather than focus on those you are not forgiving for whatever reason, it may be better to focus on the things for which you are thankful.  When we build up how blessed we are in our minds, it becomes more difficult to hold a grudge against someone else.

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, we give thanks for your love which washes over us.  As we experience good things in life, let us focus on what we have rather than what we lack.  And as we encounter others, may we be happy for them rather than measuring ourselves against them.  Let this lead us to be hospitable to Jesus in all the ways we encounter him.  We pray these things in his name.  Amen.

Photo by Dave via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 11

Scripture Reading: Luke 7:1-35

Today, Jesus puts his money where his mouth is!  As we read in the Sermon on the Plain in the previous chapter, Jesus was asking us to love our enemies.  And now, we see a Roman centurion needing his help!  A centurion commanded one hundred soldiers and so had authority over many of those who would have been seen as oppressing Judea.  It would have been very easy to vilify this man and to state that "God's trying to tell you something!"

But we also see Luke's emphasis on the Gospel reaching beyond Judea.  Jesus states about the centurion, "not even in Israel have I found such faith."  God intends to shine a light to all the nations and God is doing so through Jesus.  It is also a reminder that there are good people in all cultures.

As we polarize over politics in the United States, we have seen responses to the pandemic put us in camps.  Progressives see conservatives as ignorant and heartless when it comes to wearing masks.  Conversely, traditionalists see liberals as ignorant and fearful over these same guidelines.

When we align people a certain way in our minds, we have also been willing to cut them out of our hearts as well.  This is dangerous for us as a society, and it is unhealthy for our relationships.  Lest we think that we are unusual and that this is as bad as it's ever been (which is somewhat narcissistic), we see both Jesus and John being rejected for opposite behaviors.

Jesus tried isolation and found
it wasn't going to be his way.

John was more of an ascetic who separated from society.  He fasted and isolated himself for his holiness.  Jesus was one who had table fellowship with all kinds of people.  He feasted and placed himself in relationship with the masses.  

John was said to have a demon and Jesus was called a glutton and a drunk.  In Jewish society in that day, the term for Jesus could be seen simply as foolish, but it can also take a dangerous turn.

Jesus is compassionate to the enemy (centurion) and the poor (widow who just lost her future).  The world doesn't often call this wisdom but maybe during Lent, we can think about adopting foolish behavior.  I pray that it doesn't become dangerous for you!

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, may we remember to see that goodness abounds.  When we encounter people who are different from ourselves, may we look for what we hold in common rather than accentuating the things that separate us.  Let us learn to be respecters of others just as Jesus taught us.  Amen.

Christ in the Wilderness by Ivan Kramskoi, 1872, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 10

Scripture Reading: Luke 6:1-49

Within today's chapter is a movement toward compassion as a priority.  We see it prioritized over the religious observance of the sabbath which would have been hotly debated.  Of course, prophets such as Micah had already held good behavior over religious observance.

As Jesus moves into the Sermon on the Plain in verse 20, we see attitudes in the blessings and woes that likely would fit with a revolutionary leader (as they expected the Messiah to be).

As we observe Russia advancing into the Ukraine, we see many of the invaded peoples as poor as they leave behind all their resources, hungry as their jobs and income are disrupted, and weeping as loved ones are killed by the Russian march inland.  If Russia were to occupy Ukraine, we can imagine what the feelings of the Ukrainians would be toward the occupying army.

That's likely what many of the people in Judea thought about the Romans.  And those who were rich likely kept their wealth by working with Rome.  Those who were full likely made compromises in their jobs in some form or fashion.  And those who were laughing during oppression were not in solidarity with their brothers and sisters who had lost much.

So, the blessings and woes would have been a great crowd pleaser - a great open to his sermon.  But then he hits them with an about-face: love your enemies.  There were no doubts as to who he was talking about.  Do we see how compassion that is earlier prioritized comes around again?

In a polarized world, you can insert the opposite of your own views be they political, theological or ideological.  If Christians took this message seriously, we might start showing the fruit that Jesus was talking about.  What does it mean to create a beloved community where compassion takes priority?

Oh, Jesus, I wish you would go back to the easy stuff where I am blessed and my enemies are cursed!

Prayer for the day:

Lord, we seek to be your disciples today just as you called people to follow you so many years ago.  May we remember that compassion is a defining characteristic of who you call us to be.  And when we see people that flout our conventions, help us to open our eyes so that we may see them as you do.  And may this new insight turn our weeping into laughing.  Amen.

Photo posted by Christopher DustanBurgh via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 9

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:27-39

Jesus is going to do things differently.

Notice that he builds up some relational capital by healing and exorcising earlier in the chapter.  

Then he offers forgiveness to the paralytic - uh, oh.

Now he's calling tax collectors to be disciples - huh?

Oh, and his disciples are not acting overtly spiritual through regular outward fasting and prayer - rather, they are eating and drinking with the masses.

Must be a disciple of Jesus

His Gospel is going to be a relational Gospel.  His Good News is going to be one where we celebrate rather than mourn.  His evangel is going to include all kinds of people - including people that make us uncomfortable.

Jesus is saying this through the parable about patching garments and wineskins.  If he were to call the regular candidates to be disciples of a rabbi - like a Pharisee - they wouldn't fit.  He needs someone who understands the grace they've received because we are moving into a new territory.  We are going to reach people that have been overlooked but still need to be seen.  

Sometimes, I think that I am too stuck in my ways as a Christian.  I wonder what I do that keeps people from hearing the message?

It is a compelling message.  I think the question we all need to ask during Lent may be, "Is it compelling enough to change me?"

Can I see others less as people that need to be fixed and more as God's children to be celebrated?  If we're honest with ourselves, that is hard to do without God's help.

Prayer for the day:

God, we thank you for the invitation to the party.  We would like to enter but we're not sure of those already in attendance.  And we're not sure who else you are going to let in.  We've got some ideas for the guest list.  And dress code.  And menu.  Help us to let go of these as we say, "Yes, we will come in."  Amen.

Photo by las - initially via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 8

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-26

Is God approachable?

I think that most who grow up with a Christian worldview would say yes.  It is how we have been taught to think but there have been various camps on the subject and still are today.  Some believe that you must make yourself holy prior to approaching God.  You would do so by abstaining from unclean materials or actions for a period of time.  Others believe that God is approaching us in our present state.

I think Luke takes the latter understanding.

Note that Peter states in verse 8 his reservations on proximity to Jesus by saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!"  How does Jesus answer him?  Don't be so afraid!

When we encounter the man with leprosy, it is important to note that he shouldn't have been approaching Jesus.  Here's how Leviticus 13:45-46 line out what a person with leprosy should do:

The person who has the leprous disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head be disheveled; and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, “Unclean, unclean.”  He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.

Jesus heals him by touching him!

And rather than Jesus getting leprosy and becoming unclean, the man is cleansed and told to show himself to the priests which would allow him back into the community!

Ever feel like you didn't fit in?

Then we see Jesus forgiving sins.  Sins were associated with illness.  If a person was a paralytic, it was presumed that he had sinned.  He probably thought this was true of himself.  Of course, all of us could name something we've done if we contracted an illness.

In essence, Jesus is making God approachable.  The healing implies atonement - the debt is paid and you no longer need to suffer.  Furthermore, you do not have to stand outside of society but may enter freely.

To be healed physically was to be healed relationally.

As we think about the scoffing of Jesus for forgiving someone their sins, we may do that ourselves.  But we all have the power to state either out loud or in our hearts, "your sins are forgiven."  We don't have to hold on to the sins done against us by others.

I wonder if the forgiveness we offer may make us healthier in our bodies as well?  If we're not sure that we can do it, we may hear Jesus saying to us just like he said to Peter, "Don't be afraid!"

Prayer for the Day:

Loving God, we give thanks that we may approach you with boldness.  But we especially give thanks that you approach us first.  May we see that we do not have to keep track of offenses done to us.  Help us to let things go more easily.  Allow us to make "giving the benefit of the doubt" a spiritual discipline.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Photo by Dennis via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 7

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:31-44

Jesus begins to perform miracles of exorcism and healing.  It is interesting to note that earlier in the chapter, the devil makes the questioning statement, "If you are the Son of God" in verses 3 and 9 while we end the chapter with the demons shouting, "You are the Son of God!" in verse 41.  

These are the first miracles we see in Luke.  Earlier at Nazareth in verse 23, we understand that Jesus has not only been to Capernaum before but that he has already performed miracles there.

He does the first exorcism and heals Simon's mother-in-law of the fever on the sabbath which was frowned upon in that time.  This was prior to Simon Peter's calling which is about to occur in Luke.  When the sun goes down, and we see the masses show up, it is officially no longer the sabbath.

You never know when you
are going to need a good doctor!

At the end of the chapter, we see that the crowds track Jesus down in a deserted place (presumably to pray).  They want to prevent him from leaving.  It would be quite a feather in the cap of Capernaum to have a local healer and exorcist living among them.  Presumably, everyone had been healed already but you never know when something else might pop up!

What does it mean for us to hoard the healing energy of God?  There are others in neighboring towns who needed him now just as they had the day before.  But they tried to prevent him from leaving because of their future (not present) need.

Where is it that we do the same thing today in the church?

Where do our decisions turn inward toward meeting the needs of the members rather than outward at meeting the needs of the community?

It may be that we need Jesus the exorcist as much today as we did then!

Prayer of the day:

O Holy One of God, we pray that you would heal us of our illnesses that are physical and emotional.  But we also pray that you would exorcise those things which seek to block your spirit from moving through our lives.  Help us to see that as we remain in Christ, we are able to share you with the rest of the world in a wide variety of ways.  We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Son of God.  Amen.

Photo by Mike Kanert via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 6

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-30

Today, we have the forty day fast which ties Jesus to earlier religious figures.  Moses fasted for forty days on Mt Sinai as he inscribed the tablets with the 10 Commandments.  Elijah also fasts as he makes his way to Mt Horeb (which many equate with Mt Sinai).

Jesus keeps this fast following his baptism and he considers what his baptism is calling him to do.  Mark agrees that he was tempted but doesn't elaborate.  Matthew and Luke draw on other sources to expand his time away from civilization.  They largely agree on the details but trade the order of the second and third temptations.

The temptation for Jesus to feed himself may have been a temptation on a larger scale.  Would he have been tempted to just go from village to village feeding people as in the miraculous feeding of the 5,000?  He would have been popular, but his teaching has undoubtedly outlasted this temporary satisfaction to help feed our world today.  

How are we tempted today to give in to various wants rather than have difficult conversations about what is needed in the long-term?

The second temptation for Jesus in seeing all the kingdoms of the world may have been a temptation to be the kind of military leader that everyone expected.  He would have grown up hearing stories about Judas the Hammer (Maccabee) liberating Judah.  He obviously saw this as being at odds with who God was calling him to be, but I get the temptation.  

How are we tempted today to exercise power over the other?  

The third temptation for Jesus in throwing himself down from the pinnacle of the temple may have been a temptation to doubt God's love for him.  As a perceptive person, Jesus could likely foresee what happens to people who preach change.  He may have felt God calling him to this mission but would like to avoid the outcome (if possible, take this cup from me).  

How are we tempted today to doubt God's love for us?  This may come to us from time to time considering Covid and polarization and a world where we see Russia invading Ukraine.  

Jesus answers the temptations by leaning into his identity (the scriptures that formed him as he grew up).  We see him begin his mission and right off the bat, they want to throw him off the cliff!

How does our own sense of identity lift us up during troubled times?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, we ask you to "lead us not into temptation."  We may pray this because we know we find our way there on our own.  Give us resolve.  Help us understand who we are in Christ.  And may this allow us to know we are indeed loved.  Grant us insight that this is enough.  Amen.

Photo by farhad pocha via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 5

Scripture Reading: Luke 3:1-38

John the Baptist is not pulling any punches in today's reading.  We should recognize his symbolism of baptizing in the Jordan River where the people of God first came into the Promised Land.  This is truly representative of new beginnings or starting over as the people of God.

The symbol of immersion is to be buried (under the water) and to be raised up again (emerging to a new life).  As Jesus is baptized, we see a foreshadowing in what is to come.  And we note that Luke's genealogy takes Jesus back to Adam where Matthew's begins with Abraham going forward.  Luke's going back to Adam may be a foreshadowing of the title we see Jesus use for himself, "Son of Man."

John's message for the people comes in a time of scarcity.  People are living under subjugation and stress is high.  It is easy to turn on one another.  

John reminds them that we are a community.  When we have more than we need, we should lift up those who don't rather than hoarding our toilet paper food and coats for ourselves.  It is interesting that Luke's Gospel also includes tax collectors and soldiers in this group coming for baptism.  Tax collectors were seen as sell-outs to the oppressing foreigners and soldiers were the oppressing foreigners!

Is it possible to include our enemies in the beloved community?  John bids them to not abuse their positions.  If they will abide by the contract given them and not use their positions to their advantage, then we may indeed abide together.

In a day when some United Methodists seem poised to separate, it becomes easy to divide into camps.  Us and them.  John seems to be offering a different way if we are willing to hear.  How does his sermon speak to you today?

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, as we live out our day, you remind us to ask you for no more than our daily bread.  Help us to apply this same sufficiency to our relationships.  May we not seek to save up more than we need or take advantage of our neighbors.  Allow us to be satisfied with who we are together in the moment.  And in doing this, may we see your kingdom come on earth.  We pray these things in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by Rick Massey via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 4

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:25-52

Maybe it is because I usually don't read this passage in Lent (when we think more about the cross), but it really struck me today about the encounter with Simeon.  Luke utilizes Simeon's prose in verses 29-32 to really foreshadow the Christian mission to the Gentiles.

As we see this proclaimed about Jesus at the beginning of the Gospel through Simeon, I am drawn to the end of the Gospel when Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the cross of Jesus: 

"As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus." (Luke 23:26, NRSV)

Safety Simon probably wouldn't
advise carrying the cross!

Of course, Simon (Peter) is the first disciple Jesus calls in Luke's Gospel (although his brother Andrew holds this distinction in John's Gospel).  

In all of these ways, it may be that we are Simon.  Like Simeon, our own encounter with Christ gives us peace.  And like Simon, we find that we are called by Christ to follow him and that sometimes, like Simon of Cyrene, this even leads us to carry the cross.

Luke's Gospel dispels any notion that if we only have enough faith, our suffering will cease.  Simeon tells Mary, the mother of Jesus, "and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

But as we have faith in Christ, it is this faith which allows us to endure the suffering that is a part of all life.  And this is the faith which Luke reminds us at the end of the Gospel in 24:34, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!”  May this be so for us as well!

Prayer for the day:

Lord, we would seek to glorify you for your grace which spans a world.  May we not be in opposition to your love or put our own ends above your will for the world.  Let all of our actions be life-giving to those we encounter this day.  Amen.

Photo by Old White Truck via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 3

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-24

I'm continually struck by Luke's emphasis on the shepherds within the nativity.  As we consider the Son of God, the angels could have appeared to anyone to announce this birth.

Why shepherds?

As we think about cultural influencers today, shepherds would not have been on the list as holding this job in first century Palestine. 

Some shepherds really enjoy
their work!

To me, this is the reminder that God has come for everybody.  It is also a good reminder that everybody has something to offer, if given a chance.

When they came to see the Christ child for themselves, they told Mary and she "treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."  We have no evidence of angelic confirmation coming to Mary after the birth.  When we have a significant religious experience, the intensity usually doesn't stay with us.  Sometimes, we can be left wondering, "Did this really happen?"  Mary gets assurance from the shepherds that she isn't crazy!

We get further confirmation of Mary and Joseph being common people in their offering in Jerusalem.  Leviticus 12:6-8 outlines the offering to be given as a sheep but gives allowances for birds if they can't afford it.  Evidently, God did not choose a family of means!

To me, this is a further example of God's grace, freely available to all people.  When I try to make grace conditional, I may find myself losing the Christmas Spirit so to speak.

The pandemic we are moving through was first thought to be a great equalizer in that it touched rich and poor alike.  We quickly found that treatment and time off work was not the same for everyone.  What would be God's preferred outcome if we take today's text into consideration?

In the United States, we value equality based on how we govern ourselves.  But we still have status that keeps us from truly seeing one another.  Maybe if we remembered the shepherds from the nativity more often, we could begin to see how God sees!

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, I give thanks for your grace that comes to me daily.  I would like to earn it but when I fail to live up to the high calling of love, I am glad for your mercy.  Help me to offer mercy as much as I receive it.  And help me to realize how often I receive it.  In the name of Jesus who came for all.  Amen.

Photo by Jeanne Menjoulet via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 2

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-80

It is interesting to me to note that Mary's song or The Magnificat was attributed to Elizabeth in some early manuscripts of Luke.  It does make for a pairing with Zechariah and his prophetic offering.  Her prayer also has similarities with Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.  And of course, both Hannah and Elizabeth had difficulty conceiving.

Regardless of who uttered it, the words for Luke are shining a light toward the Christ.  This will be John's role as we see from his reaction in the womb!

It is important to remember that the Jewish people during this time were under the dominion of Roman rule.  They were looking for someone to set them free.  

As I think about the state of the world today, those in Ukraine might easily repeat
the words of Zechariah in verse 71, "that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us."

Those of us living in more peaceful (yet polarized) conditions might state these as well.  But as I think about our sisters and brothers whose lives are on the line, I wonder about my own feelings of enmity.  

The banner for this peace march for Ukraine
is directed at Putin but it may be a good question
for any of us in dealing with our own hostility.

Jesus can accomplish this salvation from our enemies and those who hate us, but he doesn't do it with weapons.  

If his salvation comes in an unexpected way, I must ask myself why I fall back into the old patterns so easily.  This is an especially appropriate question during Lent.

As I hear Zechariah's words echo to me, how do I receive the light as I "sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." 

And how do we allow the risen one "to guide our feet into the way of peace"?

Prayer for the day:

God, help us to live in holiness and righteousness today and in all of our days.  And help us to recognize that our holiness and righteousness comes with a willingness to forgive.  And when this gives us pause, grant us resilience to follow our Lord.  We pray these things in the name of the Christ.  Amen.

Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 1, Ash Wednesday

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:1-25

As we begin our journey in Luke, I want to remind us that Luke originally wrote for a Gentile Christian audience.  But he begins the Gospel with a Jewish witness - the parents of John the Baptist.

John, of course, did not have the breakthrough into the larger Gentile world - his influence remained largely in Palestine.

His father, Zechariah was a Levite - of the priestly order.  And his mother, Elizabeth was descended from Aaron - the high priest and brother of Moses.  John's pedigree was ripe for a new witness to the Jewish people.

It is interesting that we see John tied to Moses (through Aaron in verse 5) and Elijah - through power of the Holy Spirit in verse 17.  We'll see this duo re-emerge later in the Gospel.  We also remember that Elijah was rumored to come prior to the Messiah which Luke will reveal to be Jesus.

As I read this story again, I'm struck by Gabriel muting Zechariah's voice.  The rationale is a lack of faith when the angel tells him the plan.  I must admit that I would also have some incredulity about a birth during my old age.  

The punishment is especially difficult in that the job of the priest liturgically is to speak on behalf of God to the people.  Gabriel may be saying that if you don't have the proper faith in this instance, you may need to listen more and speak less while you consider how you share faith with God's people.

I wonder how many times our own sense of doubt gets in the way of our witness to God?  

Have you ever known the right response but failed to speak because you didn't know how it would be received?   In essence, our own doubts and fears can silence who we are and how we share.

As we walk with Jesus during these 40 days, my hope is that we can speak to our faith while we prepare for Easter.  We certainly want to do so in a way that won't turn people off, but this reasoning shouldn't make us think that faith sharing is off limits either.  Maybe our prayer needs to be, "Lord, help me find my voice in a way that can be heard."

Prayer for the day:

Ever-present God, you have shaped our lives in ways that we do not fully comprehend.  Help us to understand more fully who we are in you.  And as we understand more of who you have made us to be, help us to be vulnerable enough to share ourselves with the world.  We pray this in the name of the Christ.  Amen.

Photo by Simon Johansson via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.