It was a great service today at the Church of the Epiphany. The choir was the bomb! I especially liked the Communion Hymn, an African-American Spiritual called "I want Jesus to walk with me."
The Gospel John 2"13-22 delivered by Deacon H.W. described Jesus' anger with the business practices of the temple. What he witnessed was his followers getting stiffed in order to worship. Think of the temples like a little country with their own currency. If you wanted to worship or buy any of the trappings like a chicken to sacrifice you had to buy it in temple currency.
The temple would exchange your money at an unusually high rate. It's kind of like my credit card company who recently sent me a letter explaining to me how terrible the economic situation and do to the fact that I'm a good customer they are raising my purchase rate to 22.9%. How kind! How thoughtful! Wasn't the stimulus package created to prevent banks from doing this?
Jesus would not have approved. I wish he were here to deal with my credit card company!
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
At Church on Sun, March 8th Part B
The Gospel of Mark 8:31-38 was read by the Deacon Horace Whyte. There was however one particular sentence that Jesus said to his followers that created the segway for Reverend Joseph Zorawick to begin his sermon. And I quote "If any want to become my followers, let then deny themselves and take up the cross and follow me."
In this instance Jesus is asking potential followers to give up everything and follow him. The question is; Could we do this if Jesus asked?
Ironically this was discussed this in my EfM course and I was really surprised by the fact that some people were really uncomfortable with this idea. I can't speak for any but myself but I can tell you that if Jesus was in front of me as Jesus my Lord and Saviour I wouldn't be giving up anything to follow him I'd be gaining everything by letting him lead me. That for me would be the greatest blessing that I can imagine. To follow Jesus? To be picked to follow Jesus? What's to think about?
In this instance Jesus is asking potential followers to give up everything and follow him. The question is; Could we do this if Jesus asked?
Ironically this was discussed this in my EfM course and I was really surprised by the fact that some people were really uncomfortable with this idea. I can't speak for any but myself but I can tell you that if Jesus was in front of me as Jesus my Lord and Saviour I wouldn't be giving up anything to follow him I'd be gaining everything by letting him lead me. That for me would be the greatest blessing that I can imagine. To follow Jesus? To be picked to follow Jesus? What's to think about?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lent
Lent is a forty day period...a time to let go of sins. The church at this time is stripped of flowers and according to my Episcopal calender the priests will be wearing purple robes that signify penitence and expectation. It's a solemn reflective time.
The great part about Lent is that this is a period where I can reflect inward on my life, change things for the better forgive myself for my sins, although this year I have sinned a lost less than previous Lents.
It doesn't matter however, where you are on the sin scale it's time to examine that, reflect and take the action that will transform yourself for the better. Lent is like an extended New Years Eve resolution but because it's 40 days you really have time to tackle those big problems.
If you've never gone to a Priest before Lent is a great time to go. Although I have found that Priests look unapproachable the ones at Epiphany are quite the opposite. You don't even have to go to church you can give them a call.
Think of then like a shrink you can talk about your problems and whatever you tell them is between you and them. These people have devoted their lives to a calling so don't be afraid to approach them.
The great part about Lent is that this is a period where I can reflect inward on my life, change things for the better forgive myself for my sins, although this year I have sinned a lost less than previous Lents.
It doesn't matter however, where you are on the sin scale it's time to examine that, reflect and take the action that will transform yourself for the better. Lent is like an extended New Years Eve resolution but because it's 40 days you really have time to tackle those big problems.
If you've never gone to a Priest before Lent is a great time to go. Although I have found that Priests look unapproachable the ones at Epiphany are quite the opposite. You don't even have to go to church you can give them a call.
Think of then like a shrink you can talk about your problems and whatever you tell them is between you and them. These people have devoted their lives to a calling so don't be afraid to approach them.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
At Church on Sun. Feb 22/09 The Sermon
Joe M. Zorawick gave the sermon today. Joe is a retired priest that is filling in for Jennifer who went into labour early this morning.
Joe talked about the glow of God. It's like the glow Jesus had after his transfiguration. His robes were so white human eyes could hardly look at him.
I understood that perfectly. The glow of God exists within me. I can feel it and I think others can see it. Joe said that this glow is enough to convince people that God exists. You don't have go around bible thumping or try to convince people that God exists. It's the glow that everyone can feel and understand and it's the glow that can inspire. I think Joe had it right on this count.
He also said that it's hard in the real world to keep this going. The way I have found to keep my "glow" is to write and study and pray everyday to God.
You've got to work for your glow. It can't be bought from a bottle. I don't care what the cosmetic companies say.
Joe also asked an interesting question. "If you you were to be convicted of being a Christian today what would the evidence be against you?"
This one I had covered. I have my blog, I attend an EfM course and I can hardly wait till Ash Wednesday to receive my ashes and walk around NYC with them on my forehead. I am definitely "glow addicted".
When do you feel your glow?
What is your answer to Joe;s question?
Joe talked about the glow of God. It's like the glow Jesus had after his transfiguration. His robes were so white human eyes could hardly look at him.
I understood that perfectly. The glow of God exists within me. I can feel it and I think others can see it. Joe said that this glow is enough to convince people that God exists. You don't have go around bible thumping or try to convince people that God exists. It's the glow that everyone can feel and understand and it's the glow that can inspire. I think Joe had it right on this count.
He also said that it's hard in the real world to keep this going. The way I have found to keep my "glow" is to write and study and pray everyday to God.
You've got to work for your glow. It can't be bought from a bottle. I don't care what the cosmetic companies say.
Joe also asked an interesting question. "If you you were to be convicted of being a Christian today what would the evidence be against you?"
This one I had covered. I have my blog, I attend an EfM course and I can hardly wait till Ash Wednesday to receive my ashes and walk around NYC with them on my forehead. I am definitely "glow addicted".
When do you feel your glow?
What is your answer to Joe;s question?
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