Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

John 5:1-15

Most New Testament scholars agree that the Gospel According to Mark was written earliest, with Matthew and Luke following approximately ten or fifteen years later, and John’s account, with its high christology, coming latest. 

For many years, this story, with its strange pool with five porticoes, was viewed as a late creation. However, in the 19th century, a pool matching the description in the Gospel of John was discovered. I am not arguing for strict literalism or the 100% historical accuracy of the Gospels (there are stories where the Gospels disagree with the historical record, or each other), but it is a reminder that in Biblical studies we should not discount John entirely. While it is the Gospel account that soars the highest, this amazing archaeological find shows us that it was still able to pick up details on ground-level as well. 

-Matthew Kieswetter

Monday, December 30, 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Isaiah 25: 1-9

The Harper Collins Study Bible (NRSV) offers a helpful subtitle prior to this passage: “Praise for Deliverance from Oppression.” I have two very different responses to this text. First, I am attracted to one aspect of this image of God that is concerned for the welfare of the Israelite people; particularly the needy and poor. The Lord is willing to empathize with people and will provide a lavish banquet of rich food and wine to meet their needs. Here is an image of a God that graciously provides for “all peoples” and it appears that no particular nation is privileged. 

The second image that causes more concern for me is when God appears willing to strike out and obliterate an entire people or nation to exact justice on the part of the oppressed. This, in my mind, is perplexing. When nations undertake unjust policies are these policy choices approved by everyone – from the most privileged to the most marginalized? Or, are such policies mostly likely undertaken in the interests of the political elites? If the latter is closer to the truth, should all members of a polity from the highest to the lowest (in terms of socio-economic power) be equally punished? To what extent would this be a just response? For example, Isaiah 25:10 specifically mentions that: “The Moabites shall be trodden down in their place as straw is trodden down in a dung-pit.” I would like to speak to those who authored this passage to find out what particularly inspired them to utilize this image of a vengeful God willing to lay waste to “the other” in this world? 

-Terry Rothwell

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sunday, December 29, 2013

1 Samuel 1:1-28

This passage tells the story of the Samuel’s origins. This tale of his miraculous conception flows nicely out of the stories of Mary and Elizabeth, that we heard during the season of Advent. 

If you are a fan of epic tales of familial/political intrigue (from Hamlet to The Godfather), then I recommend that you give 1 and 2 Samuel a read. You might find Robert Alter’s translation, The David Story, to be particularly effective for bringing the narratives alive. Familiarity with the stories of the Bible will  enrich our exploration of many of our culture's stories. Likewise, our 'secular' stories (songs, novels,  and even some HBO shows) can lead us into deeper engagement with our scriptures. There are lots of connections to make, and in making them we can share the Good News. 

-Matthew Kieswetter

Saturday, December 28, 2013 - Holy Innocents

Saturday December 28 

Matthew 18:1-14 (Holy Innocents)

Today is called “The Holy Innocents” in the Christian calendar, and is termed a Holy Day.  Today we remember the story told in Matthew’s Gospel when Herod, fearful of the new king whose birth the Magi had foretold, issues an edict that all male infants under the age of two years were to be killed.  For most of us, this is a very disturbing story, with reverberations throughout the history of the world, and even into our life today.  We may even ask how a God of love, justice, and mercy could allow such a cruel thing to happen.  It’s not an easy Holy Day to celebrate!

But the reading for this day shines a different, and more gracious light on this story, for in Matthew 18:1-14 the author speaks of children as central to our understanding of the Kin(g)dom of God.  Unless we can be like a child, we may not enter into the fullness of life of which Jesus spoke.  “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.”

In these days after Christmas, let’s think about the children in our lives who are important to us.  Let’s remember the wonder and excitement in a child’s eyes at Christmas.  Let’s focus on the innocence and eagerness of children as they embrace each new event and experience.  Let’s welcome the children among us, and let’s even try to be a little more childlike ourselves.  And let’s pray for the children of the world whose lives are anything but filled with joy and wonder.

-The Rev'd Paul Kett

Friday, December 27, 2013

Friday, December 27, 2013

Proverbs 8: 22-30        

           Hidden in the intricate collection of literature and story

which is the Scriptural foundation of our faith, patterns may be

discerned by those who are familiar with the words and ideas

of the Old and New Testaments.

            Take a moment and find the eighth chapter of the Book

of Proverbs, our reading for today. Holding onto that place,

turn to the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. Start to

read the portion of Proverbs appointed for today at verse 22. Now

turn to the Gospel of John and keep going back and forth until you

have read through the first five verses of the Gospel.

            The Wisdom referred to in Proverbs and the Word which

is central in the Gospel become personalized as John writes,"...in

him was life and the life was the light of all people." ( verse 4).

            Wisdom, Word, Light are all images which are used to

give insight into the creative mystery, which is God.

            As followers of Jesus, we continually seek to be

guided by God's Wisdom.

            As followers of Jesus, we have discerned, as St. John

writes in verse 14, "...the Word became flesh and lived among us,

and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son,

full of grace and truth."

            As followers of Jesus, we are called upon to live as children

of the Light, radiating joy in our identity.

            Do we ?

            How do we seek to be guided by God's Wisdom ? How do

we discern the presence of Jesus in our lives ? How do our lives radiate

a joy which is rooted in our faith ?

            The simple reality is that there is not one answer which will

deal with the diversity of our life experiences. Our answers are as

unique as we are.

            As you reflect on today's reading, I invite you to seek to

discern and define your own response to the questions which have

been raised.

            My prayer is that your reflections will grant you greater wisdom

as you joyfully celebrate the light of faith glowing in your life.

-The Rev'd Canon Christopher Pratt

December 26, 2013

During the twelve days of Christmas many of us give gifts to family and friends, and for the work of mission in the church and the wider community.  On this second day of Christmas we hear a story from the Acts of the Apostles about different kinds of gifts shared with the community of the early church.  

The early church was growing in numbers, complexity, and diversity.  This growth led to tensions, some of which were based in cultural differences and, perhaps, prejudice and injustice.  The church community decided to face these tensions openly and together discovered how to address the threat to its unity. They decided to divide up the work of ministry.  The community recognized that all are called to serve, but determined that some members would focus on praying and preaching and that others would lead the social ministry of ensuring that all the members were physically fed. The result?  The central importance of unity was affirmed; all were fed, physically and spiritually; and the number of disciples in the church. 

How does this story speak to you?  What response might God be inviting you to make - for example, what gifts might God be encouraging you to share (or continue to share) with your church community and the wider community?

- Marilyn Malton

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 - Christmas Day

The first letter of John emerges in the aftermath of a dramatic church schism which led to some members leaving the community. Sources of dispute included the understanding of the Christ, the meaning of his death, and the nature of salvation. Those who “went out” (1 John 2:19) apparently expressed different views and are even associated with the “antichrist” (see 1 John 2:18-22; 4:1-6). In the wake of such a conflict, 1 John 4:7-16 counsels mutual love within the community, and grounds that love in the knowledge of God, who “is love” (1 John 4:8). 1 John argues that God’s love is revealed in Jesus Christ, who came “in the flesh” (1 John 4:2). This emphasis upon God’s love as manifested by Jesus coming in the flesh is one of the reasons why the passage is often read at Christmas.

It would be interesting to have a discussion with this author (who remains anonymous, although the early church attributed the text to John the son of Zebedee). On the one hand, the text’s emphasis upon love within the community and God as love are tremendously appealing and one can appreciate the author’s attempts to provide support and clarity to a readership that has been through considerable conflict and upheaval. On the other hand, and given the text’s stress on Jesus “enfleshed,” I would like to ask what the author would make of some of the teachings attributed to Jesus, such as “love your enemies” (Luke 6:27-28) and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). For not only is it love for those within communities that Jesus demands, but love for those on the outside; for those who think and act differently and who are sometimes called as “enemy.”

-Alicia Batten

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Philippians 2:5-11

This is one of my favourite passages in the Bible. In your reading of it you may have noticed that verses 6-11 are formatted differently than the rest of the passage. In that portion of the letter it seems like Paul briefly transitions into writing that is more poetic than the rest of the epistle. It is very likely that he is quoting a creed, hymn, or some other liturgical text of the early church. That always makes my spine tingle a little bit. 

Read verses 6-11 again. Maybe say it out loud at a slow and deliberate pace, as if reciting a part of the liturgy. What does it tell you about Jesus? What does it reveal about the values and beliefs of the early church? 

-Matthew Kieswetter

Monday, December 23, 2013

Monday, December 23, 2013

Luke 1: 67-80

There is a good chance that today’s reading is familiar to you. You might know it as the Benedictus (“blessed”) in Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. The first two chapters of Luke are punctuated by beautiful soliloquies, and liturgists have made good use of them. 

The Gospel According to St. Luke begins with a dedication wherein the author tells his reader that he has set out to write “an orderly account... so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed” (Luke 1:3-4). It seems to me that the Gospel is “orderly” not simply in its organization, but in its beauty. Unique to this Gospel, in addition to the Benedictus, are the Annunciation to Mary, the Magnificat, and the Nunc Dimittis. Awesome stuff. 

How does this Gospel help us to “know the truth?” I’d suggest that we come to a deeper experience of the truth when we worship. When these portions of the infancy narratives are incorporated into our liturgy and prayed by those gathered, the words come alive. Worshipping in a liturgical context reassures us that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time we pray. It reminds us that our prayers are meaningful and life-giving, not due to our ingenuity, but because of the moving of God's Spirit amongst us. Our liturgy roots us in our tradition and to the great communion of saints. 

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be open to change. Tradition is a living thing. Our liturgy, however, rooted as it is in our Biblical faith and communal history, challenges the individualistic, fad-oriented tendencies of our society. There are several younger members of our congregation who are fed spiritually in our quiet Book of Common Prayer Communion service at 7:30 on Wednesday mornings (myself included). It is one of the few times in my week when I experience profound quiet and stillness. I am thankful for these moments, and for our liturgy that guides us into prayer and the experience of Christ in the breaking of bread. 

-Matthew Kieswetter

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Luke 1: 57 - 66  (The Birth of John)

Every birth is a miracle, and in spite of all that we know beforehand, a surprise  She has Grandma’s eyes!  Look at how tiny are the toes! I did not know I could love anyone like this!

John’s birth was a big surprise - firstly because it came long after Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up all hope of having a child of their own.  Then, Elizabeth surprises her friends when she does something surprising - she gives him a name that has never been used in their family before - a huge break in tradition - in “what is done”.  Zechariah adds to the surprise by agreeing with Elizabeth. That took everyone by surprise.

Peterson’s translation (The Message), says “Surprise followed surprise”, as Zechariah breaks his 9 month silence (emboldened?) and praises God.

Perhaps God is trying to surprise me - how will I respond?  I pray for my eyes to be open to everyday miracles, and to God’s surprises.  Those surprise can, I suspect, change me and change my world. There will be nothing else to do but to thank and praise God.

Blessings to us all.

-Ann Kelland

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Titus 2:11-3:8

The author of this letter, one of three pastoral letters in the New Testament, captures what we understand to be the Kin(g)dom of God, or God's Reign.  This portion of the letter to Titus speaks of "the already-but-not-yetness" of God's reign.  And the season of Advent addresses that same concept.  We wait expectantly for the coming of the Christ-child - the one who has already been born.  And, as well, we await the return of Jesus, as the Christ, the one who will complete and perfect this kin(g)dom. 
 
For me, what is far more important than the meaning of "already-but-not-yet", is the question of what we should do as we wait and prepare for this remarkable event.  There are many things: reading this blog regularly, might be one.  But, as we seek to live out the good news of the Gospel that Jesus taught and himself lived, there is more.  How can we use the verses from this New Testament letter to assist us?  How about "be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, show every courtesy to everyone"? (Titus 3:1-2)
Perhaps an even more practical way to live out this madate is to "pay-it-forward."  The House of Friendship, one of our region's numerous agencies that assist those in need, has mounted a great programme called "12 Days for Good" in which we are encouraged to find ways of caring for others through our actions.

In these days leading up to the celebration of Christmas, as we are able, why not find ways of bringing the joy and love of Christmas to others in our community?

-Rev'd Paul Kett

Friday, December 20, 2013

The Annunciation and Two Saints, 1333, Simone Martini and his brother-in-law Lippo Memmi.
Painted for the altar of Sant'Ansano in the Cathedral of Siena.

Luke 1:26-38

I am fond of Simone Martini's painting of the moment when the archangel Gabriel appears before St. Mary, the mother of Jesus.   Like a snapshot, Martini's painting focuses our attention on one moment of the story told by Luke; the instant when Gabriel addresses Mary, saying, "Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!" An alternate interpretation of Gabriel's greeting is "Rejoice, you who are transformed by God's grace" (Ignace de la Potterie).  And Mary, says Luke, was greatly troubled at these words and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

As you ponder the painting and words of Gabriel's greeting, what do you see and hear?

Luke's story tells of a conversation between Mary and Gabriel, but the account focuses on the encounter between Mary and God.  As in the stories of the Old Testament prophets, God chooses and calls Mary, and as in the stories of the Old Testament prophets, Mary objects.  "How can this be?"  she asks when the angel tells her she will have a great son who will be given the throne of his father David.  Nowhere in the Bible does God respond to such protests by saying, "Okay, you've convinced me.  You aren't qualified enough to do this job I am asking you to do" and God doesn't say this to Mary either.  Instead, God offers Mary the reassurance that God's very presence will be with her.  That consolation is enough for Mary and she says yes.

Like Mary we are all being called by God and that call may be disturbing or disruptive.   Perhaps like Martini's portrait of Mary we are shrinking away from what God is asking us to do or live into.  In the midst of our resistance and objections can we hear God telling us, "Don't be afraid.  I am with you.  With me, nothing is impossible."?

Like Mary, will we risk being transformed by God's grace?

- Marilyn Malton

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Zephaniah 3:14-20           

           As the Old Testament canon draws to a close a collection

of prophetic voices offer a consistent message. The prophets

call God's people to reflect on how their life patterns and

choices have led and continue to lead them away from being

faithful to God's guidance.

            Caught up in their own priorities, God's people

have drifted. The prophets speak out, but are not heard.

The way of life which God's people follow is not that which

nourishes their soul.

            Zephaniah, who is named as one of the Minor

Prophets of the Old Testament, offers a condemnation of

both life style and life choices. Yet, as his own message

draws to a close, the last six verses of Chapter Three,

offer sounds of Hope and Joy.

            The Day of the Lord will be a moment when God's people

will experience a transformation promised by Zephaniah, when

he says, ( in verse 17 ) "...he will renew you in his love...".

            The Year of Renewall in the life of our Diocese, is a  

moment in our personal and in our shared life story, when we

have the opportunity to heed the call of the prophets, like

Zephaniah, and examine our own lives. Taking the time to

take seriously the words of the Baptismal Covenant is an

important part of our experience of the Season of Advent.

            "Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever

you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord ?"

            Our response recognizes our own dependence

on the Spirit of God moving in our lives, when we say

with confidence, " I will, with God's help."

            I invite you to take a moment and read all three chapters

of the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah with a copy of

the Baptismal service close at hand. Look for the message of

the Prophet and discover the Good News shared in the experience of

Baptism.

            May the Season of Advent be a time of personal growth

in your own spiritual journey.

-The Reverend Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Wednesday, December 17, 2013

Genesis 3:8-15

There are various interpretations of the story of ‘the Fall’ and there are also various interpretations of how exactly Christ’s Passion restores the relationship between humanity and God (“theories of atonement”). Even interpretations that we might find unsatisfactory or ‘out there’ can help us to look at these narratives with fresh eyes.

In the depictions of the crucifixion below, note the skull at the base of the cross. Legend says that Adam’s skull was buried at Golgotha, and Christ’s blood poured over it, a sign of the restoring work of Christ’s Passion. 

-Matthew Kieswetter 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Revelation 3:14-22

“Sometimes the curse of the wicked sounds better in God’s ears than the hallelujah of the pious.” 

This saying by Martin Luther was popularized in the 20th century by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and is said to have led to the long friendship between Bonhoeffer and the Swiss theologian Karl Barth.

This, and verses 15 and 16 from today’s reading (“‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.’”), may seem a little strange upon first glance. You’d think that God would graciously accept our measured and polite acknowledgements, like a neighbour nicely accepting a gift of undercooked cookies. But the response, according to this passage, is the same— both the disgusting cookies and lukewarm response to God’s call ends in regurgitation.

Both today’s reading and the quote from Luther, with their outrageous language, are (to continue with the baking imagery), a bit like a particularly chewy, doughy cookie. It takes some time to chew and digest them adequately. They are perhaps like Zen koans that seem non-sensical, but can bear much fruit when reflected upon with patience and diligence. 

May we follow the example of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, and John the Baptizer, who responded to God’s call with a red-hot, whole-hearted “YES.”

-Matthew Kieswetter

Monday, December 16, 2013

Monday, December 16, 2013

Matthew 24:15-31

I grew up with a fair bit of fear about the “end times.” I will restrain from the temptation to go on too much about this. I will, however, write that I think that our often unhealthy fixation about the apocalypse (reflective of our desire to control something so completely out of our hands) prevents us from openly and freshly engaging with these portions of scripture. 

This song by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds leads me deeper into today’s reading than a lifetime’s worth of Jack Van Impe episodes.

-Matthew Kieswetter

The Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Amos 9:11-15

The prophecy of Amos dates from around the 8th century BCE, and in contrast to this hopeful passage, it largely consists of dire warnings for the people of Israel. It is perhaps significant that it was written during a particularly prosperous time marked by extravagant living and national expansion. 

In the lead up to our portion of scripture God makes a warning: “All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, ‘Evil shall not overtake or meet us.’” We can see this, then, as an admonishment against those living smugly and comfortably while others suffer. The whole book is marked by a concern for the oppressed and disdain for the elite (e.g. 2:6-7, 6:4). 

I’m sure we can see elements of our society in the one depicted by Amos. No matter how successful things might seem, there is always a risk that all of our comforts can disappear in an instant. Perhaps more distressingly, the comforts and power of the rich are often accomplished through the oppression of others. “For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins- you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate” (5:12).

The Good News, as proclaimed by Amos, is that a day of restoration will come. Looking at our passage in isolation we run the risk of seeing this passage as vague words of hope and encouragement, and perhaps wishes for an easy life. However, seen in its place in Amos’ call for repentance and justice, we see that this is a call to a fairer, more humble way of living where one class is not trampled upon by another.

As we anticipate the celebration of Christmas - the breaking in of God into our world in a tangible and immediate sense - my hope is that we hear these prophecies of expectation as more than disembodied, motivational speeches. May we remember that our acknowledgement of Jesus as our Lord is a call to a new life marked by self-sacrifice and concern for the oppressed. The Good News to which we witness is (or should be) Good News for all, and not just for those who are able to meditate on it in comfort and security.

-Matthew Kieswetter

WELCOME!

Hello, and welcome to the "Renew-All" blog by The Church of St. John the Evangelist, Kitchener.

Through this blog we are hoping to encourage people with their Bible reading throughout what our bishops have called a "year of renewal." You might also find interesting features on our Facebook page.

We are just getting started, but we are assembling a great roster of contributors from our congregation.

-Matthew Kieswetter
Rector's Warden
Divinity Student (Trinity College)