Sunday School, February 25, 2018 2 Lent B

Sunday School, February 25, 2018    2 Lent B

Themes

Knowing but not understanding

Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah but he did not understand what that meant.

We know what it means to be a good student, baseball player, a good dancer, gymnast or soccer player, but we don’t always understand it what it means to be a good student, baseball player, dancer gymnast or soccer player.

Knowing and understanding

We can watch Olympic athletes win gold medals and know about greatness.  But we don’t understand greatness until we try to do it.

We can become good, smart or great without practice.  And practice means doing lots of things that are not fun.  To pass tests at school, we have to read and study and memorize.   To become a good soccer player we have to practice many, many hours.  To be a good dancer or gymnast we have to practice many hours.  And we make mistakes.  We fall and might even hurt ourselves.  But we have to keep trying over and over again.  And sometimes we quit because we say, “I’m not good at this and I’ll never be good, so I’m going to quit.”

Peter knew that Jesus was great and he knew that Jesus was the Messiah, but he did not understand what it would mean for Jesus to be the Messiah.  He did not understand that the Messiah would have to suffer and die and over come death.

Peter wanted only a triumphant king Messiah.  But Jesus is God with us.  If God is with us, God has to be with us in the best times and the worst times.  And pain and death are sad times in human life and if Jesus was really the Messiah, he had to be with us in the bad and sad time too.  So, Jesus suffered and he died.  And because he died, he really was with us in everything that we as people have to go through.

Peter only wanted a “half” Messiah.  He wanted a Messiah who did not suffer and not have to face the things that all human beings had to face.

Jesus said to Peter, “Peter, you know about the Messiah, but you do not understand the Messiah.”  The Messiah is one who will suffer and die because the Messiah is proof that God is with us in everything in life, including our death.

Jesus went through death and resurrected; he came back to life to show us that we have an afterlife.

Let us both know and understand Jesus as the Messiah.  Let us know that Jesus is the Messiah because he was strong enough to be with us in our suffering; he will be with us in our death; and he will be with us in our afterlife.

  

Sermon

What is a riddle?  A riddle is a word puzzle to solve.  There many kinds of riddles.  Like, where is the ocean the deepest?  On the bottom of course.   Or why do potatoes make good dectectives?  Because they have so many eyes.  A riddle often includes a word pun.  And what is word pun.  A word pun is when you use the wrong meaning for the word that sounds the same.

  The words of Jesus often sound like riddles too.  Sometimes you have to think about them for a long time to understand them. 

  We have read one of the riddles today.  Jesus said, “If save your life, you will lose it.  If you lose your life you will save it.”  Now that is quite a riddle, isn’t it?  What is solution to this riddle?

  Have you heard about some difference sciences?  Have you heard about biology?  The study of life.  Psychology is the science that studies human behaviors.  Zoology is the science of studying animal life.  The names of these sciences come from Greek words and all of these Greek word mean life.  Bios, pseuche, and zoe.

  So when Jesus said we need to lose our life to save our lives, what meaning of life do you think he was referring to?

  Was he referring to our physical life?  Well, maybe.  Sometimes heroes lose their lives to save people right?  Like when a fireman goes into a dangerous fire to rescue someone trapped in a building.

  But the Greek word for life that Jesus used was pseuche.  And that refers to our behavior.  He is saying that we must lose certain behavior for us to save ourselves.  How can we understand this?  Losing life to save it?

  Did you know that when you read a book and learn something you are losing your life?  You used to know only this much…but now you know this much.  So you lost your old understanding and have received new understanding.

  How else do you lose your life and save it?  Let’s say that you are sitting down to watch the TV, and your mother asks you to do something to help.  You really want to watch TV….but you decide to obey your mother and help.  You lost your life of watching TV but you gained your life of obeying and helping your mother.  And you have made yourself better and you have made your family better by helping.

  Now do you understand this riddle of Jesus, of how we lose our life and save our life?

  We also call this a sacrifice.  A sacrifice is when we say no to something that we really want to do, and do something to help others.

  Our family, our society and our church happen only because people sacrifice.  People say no to being selfish, and they say yes to helping others.  This is what losing our lives and saving our lives means.

  During the season of Lent we practice the life of sacrifice; saying no to some our favorite things, so that we can say yes to helping make our world a better place.

  Do you understand the riddle of Jesus now?  Good.

St. John the Divine Episcopal Church

17740 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Holy Eucharist

February 25, 2018: The Second Sunday In Lent

Gathering Songs:  Precious Lord, Take My Hand; He’s Got the Whole World, Break Thou the Bread of Life; Lift High the Cross

Liturgist: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People: God’s mercy endures forever.  Amen.

Liturgist:  Oh God, Our hearts are open to you.

And you know us and we can hide nothing from you.

Prepare our hearts and our minds to love you and worship you.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Opening Song : Take My Hand Precious Lord, (LEVAS #106)

1.         Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me on.

2.         When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near, when my life is almost gone; Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand, lest I fall, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me on.

Liturgist:         The Lord be with you.

People:            And also with you.

Liturgist:  Let us pray

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Litany of Praise: Chant: Praise the Lord

O God, you are Great!  Praise the Lord

O God, you have made us! Praise the Lord

O God, you have made yourself known to us!  Praise the Lord

O God, you have provided us with us a Savior!  Praise the Lord

O God, you have given us a Christian family!  Praise the Lord

O God, you have forgiven our sins!  Praise the Lord

O God, you brought your Son Jesus back from the dead!  Praise the Lord

Liturgist: A Reading from the Book of Genesis

God said to Abram, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."

The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

Let us read together from Psalm 22

Praise the LORD, you that fear him; * stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's line, give glory.

For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither does he hide his face from them; *
but when they cry to him he hears them.

My praise is of him in the great assembly; * I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him

Litany Phrase: Thanks be to God! (chanted)

Litanist:

For the good earth, for our food and clothing. Thanks be to God!

For our families and friends. Thanks be to God!

For the talents and gifts that you have given to us. Thanks be to God!

For this day of worship. Thanks be to God!

For health and for a good night’s sleep. Thanks be to God!

For work and for play. Thanks be to God!

For teaching and for learning. Thanks be to God!

For the happy events of our lives. Thanks be to God!

For the celebration of the birthdays and anniversaries of our friends and parish family.

   Thanks be to God!

Liturgist:         The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark

People:            Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Then Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."  He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Liturgist:         The Gospel of the Lord.

People:            Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon – Father Phil

Children’s Creed

We did not make ourselves, so we believe that God the Father is the maker of the world.

Since God is so great and we are so small,

We believe God came into our world and was born as Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary.

We need God’s help and we believe that God saved us by the life, death and

     resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We believe that God is present with us now as the Holy Spirit.

We believe that we are baptized into God’s family the Church where everyone is

     welcome.

We believe that Christ is kind and fair.

We believe that we have a future in knowing Jesus Christ.

And since we all must die, we believe that God will preserve us forever.  Amen.

Litany Phrase: Christ, have mercy.

For fighting and war to cease in our world. Christ, have mercy.

For peace on earth and good will towards all. Christ, have mercy.

For the safety of all who travel. Christ, have mercy.

For jobs for all who need them. Christ, have mercy.

For care of those who are growing old. Christ, have mercy.

For the safety, health and nutrition of all the children in our world. Christ, have mercy.

For the well-being of our families and friends. Christ, have mercy.

For the good health of those we know to be ill. Christ, have mercy.

For the remembrance of those who have died. Christ, have mercy.

For the forgiveness of all of our sins. Christ, have mercy.

Youth Liturgist:          The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

People:                        And also with you.

Song during the preparation of the Altar and the receiving of an offering

Offertory Song: He’s Got the Whole World (Christian Children’s Songbook, # 90)

1          He’s got the whole world; in his hands he’s got the whole wide world in his hands.  He’s got the whole world in his hands; he’s got the whole world in his hands.

2          Little tiny babies.  3    Brother and the sisters   4       Mothers and the fathers

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Prologue to the Eucharist.

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, for to them belong the kingdom of heaven.”

All become members of a family by birth or adoption.

Baptism is the celebration of our birth into the family of God.

A family meal gathers and sustains each human family.

The Holy Eucharist is the special meal that Jesus gave to his friends to keep us together as the family of Christ.

The Lord be with you

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to God.

It is right to give God thanks and praise.

It is very good and right to give thanks, because God made us, Jesus redeemed us and the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts.  Therefore with Angels and Archangels and all of the world that we see and don’t see, we forever sing this hymn of praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy (Intoned)

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might.  Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 

Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the Highest.

(All may gather around the altar)

Our grateful praise we offer to you God, our Creator;

You have made us in your image

And you gave us many men and women of faith to help us to live by faith:

Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachael.

And then you gave us your Son, Jesus, born of Mary, nurtured by Joseph

And he called us to be sons and daughters of God.

Your Son called us to live better lives and he gave us this Holy Meal so that when we eat

  the bread and drink the wine, we can  know that the Presence of Christ is as near to us as  

  this food and drink  that becomes a part of us.

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts of bread and wine. Bless and sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

On the night when Jesus was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, "Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. When we eat this holy Meal of Bread and Wine, we are telling the entire world about the life, death and resurrection of Christ and that his presence will be with us in our future.

Let this holy meal keep us together as friends who share a special relationship because of your Son Jesus Christ.  May we forever live with praise to God to whom we belong as sons and daughters.

By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory

 is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now sing,

Our Father: (Renew # 180, West Indian Lord’s Prayer)

Our Father who art in heaven:  Hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done: Hallowed be thy name.

Done on earth as it is in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.

Give us this day our daily bread: Hallowed be thy name.

And forgive us all our debts: Hallowed be thy name.

As we forgive our debtors: Hallowed be thy name.

Lead us not into temptation: Hallowed be thy name.

But deliver us from evil: Hallowed by thy name.

Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory: Hallowed be thy name.

Forever and ever: Hallowed be thy name.

Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.

Amen, amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.

Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant:       Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

People:            Therefore let us keep the feast. 

Words of Administration.

Communion Hymn: Break Thou the Bread of Life (LEVAS # 146)

Bread thou the bread of life, dear Lord to me, as thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; beyond the sacred page I seek thee, Lord; my spirit pants for thee, O living word.

(Repeat during communion)

  

Post-Communion Prayer

Everlasting God, we have gathered for the meal that Jesus asked us to keep;

We have remembered his words of blessing on the bread and the wine.

And His Presence has been known to us.

We have remembered that we are sons and daughters of God and brothers

    and sisters in Christ.

Send us forth now into our everyday lives remembering that the blessing in the

     bread and wine spreads into each time, place and person in our lives,

As we are ever blessed by you, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Closing Song: Lift High the Cross, (Blue Hymnal # 473)

Refrain: Lift High the cross, the love of Christ proclaim.  Till all the world adore, his sacred name.

Led on their way in this triumphant sign, the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. Refrain

Each newborn servant of the Crucified- bears on the brow the seal of him who died.  Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree, as thou hast promised, draw the world to thee.  Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be: praise to the crucified for victory.  Refrain

Dismissal:   

Liturgist: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.

People: Thanks be to God! 

Persons of the Bible

Finding your biblical Identity through the Persons in the Bible

Below are some biblical personalities and some assigned Myers Briggs letters for their personality types.

Choose seven of these for your personal mentor.

Choose seven of these for a parish leadership team.

Be ready to speak about why you chose them.  If you have other biblical personalities not mentioned, you are free to add them.  Jesus is not mentioned, because he is on everyone "team."

Noah (ESTP)

A good man when everyone else was evil.  Chosen to build an ark to a few people and a few animals who could start over after a great flood destroyed the rest of the known world.  Obeyed God to build an ark when there was no obvious reason to do so.

Abraham  (ENFJ)

Sensitive to God's voice to leave his home in Ur and travel west.  Known for his relationship to God and as a Patriarch of people of faith.  He believed God and God's promises even when the evidence seemed to the contrary.  He was a man tested; he was asked to sacrifice the son born to him and his wife in their advanced age.  He passed the test and became known later as the father of faith.  He was not without his doubts.  Instead believing in a promised child with his wife, he took a surrogate wife to bear Ishmael.  When in Egypt, he presented his wife to the Pharaoh as his sister and the Pharaoh tried to take her as his wife.

Sarah

Sarah was the wife of Abraham.  She was loyal to her husband in following him on his long ventures away from their home.  She gave her slave Hagar to her husband as a surrogate to bear a child and then became jealous of the woman and her son Ishmael.  In her old age she overheard the messengers of God say that she was going to have a baby and she laughed and she denied laughing.  And the promised baby of Abraham and Sarah named meant "laughter."

Jacob (ISTP)

Jacob was a twin son of Isaac and Rebecca.  He was known as the "trickster" or supplanter.  He tricked his hairy twin brother out of the family blessing and tricked his blind father Isaac to bless him after putting sheep wool on his arms to pass as his hairy brother.  In fright he ran away from home and went to ancient home to work and he was tricked into marrying the older daughter of his uncle when his true love was young sister Rachel.  Jacob returned home and on his way wrestled with an angel of God and he got his name changed to Israel, meaning the one who wrestles and strives with God.  Jacob as Israel became the Patriarch of a group of tribes who took their names after the sons of Jacob and the two sons of his son Joseph.  Jacob died in Egypt when his sons brought him there to avoid a famine.  His long lost son, Joseph had risen to power in Egypt and helped all of his father's family survive the drought.

Joseph (INFJ)

He was the older son of Jacob's second wife Rachael.  He had many older half brothers who detested him because as a child, he was perceived to be his father's favorite as exemplified his special gift coat of many colors.  Joseph was a dreamer and he shared his dreams with his jealous brothers, who were so fed up that they faked his death and sold him to slave traders going to Egypt.  His father Jacob lived many years, believing his beloved Joseph was dead.  Joseph, the dreamer and with dream interpretation skills was able to gain promotion as a servant to members of the court of Egypt.  He rose to be a chief officer for the Pharaoh and organized the economy to prepare for the years of drought.  With his position he was able to provide refuge for father Jacob and all of his brothers during the time of drought that hit Palestine.

Moses  (ENTP)

He was the person responsible for crystallizing the identity of people of Israel around the revelation of a Code of Law that represented a Covenantal relationship with the One God.  Moses had his life spared in the midst of the effort to kill all Hebrew children when he was hidden as baby and was discovered and adopted by the daughter of a Pharaoh. He was raised as a Hebrew in the courts of Pharaoh but when he observed the conditions of his Hebrew brothers he felt called to help.  He tried to do it his way first; failed, fled and gave up and became a shepherd.  In a burning bush experience God called a reluctant Moses to go back to Egypt.  He meekly obeyed and returned to confront the Pharaoh with the plagues of God to secure the escape of his people from Egypt.  He led the Israelites through the Red Sea into a wilderness journey for 40 years.  The highlight was his climb up Mt. Sinai to receive the Law of God.  Moses led his people with patience even as they were perpetual grumblers.  He was not granted the privilege of leading his people into the Promised Land but he was the chief person responsible for the formation of the identity of the people of Israel around their covenant with the One God.

Miriam (ENFJ)

She was the older sister of Moses and Aaron.  She assisted her mother in hiding Moses when the Pharaoh was killing the Hebrew children.  When the baby Moses was "adopted" by the daughter of the Pharaoh who saw him in a floating reed basket, Miriam negotiated to have their Moses be the "wet nurse" for her son as he was raised in the palace.  Miriam is viewed to be a prophetess and is adamant in stating her calling.  She is known for the famous song about the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea, fulfilling a traditional role of women as singer, dancer and poetess within her community.  Miriam was not above criticizing her brother Moses on a issue that pertained to his marriage.  She was hasty to judge and was punished with temporary leprosy, but she lived in a time when women were valued more for their silent duty and not for their full right to exercise a fuller community prophet role.

Amos the Prophet

He was a sheepbreeder, sycamore cultivator, and prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II.  He is best known as the prophet who denounced the northern kingdom of Israel for its idolatry, injustice, corruption, and oppression of the poor. Amos' nine warnings of the Lord's judgment came to pass when Assyria overran Israel a generation later.  The warnings were  1.Flee from cruelty, 2.Don't forsake God's laws, 3.Don't worship wealth, 4. Heed God's chastisements, 5.Flee false religious practices, 6. Beware of false security, 7. Don't disdain God's spokesmen, 8. Don't revile God's holy days and 9. Don't flee from God.

David (ESFP)

David - The king of Israel and the founder of Jerusalem, or “Zion.”  He was a shepherd boy and youngest son of Jesse.  He became famous by downing the Philistine giant Goliath with his sling shot.  Was anointed by Samuel to replace Saul.  David spared Saul's life even as Saul was trying to kill David.  David's best friend was the son of Saul, Jonathan, whom it is said that he loved with more than his love for women. His kingship became the model for the future Messiah since things were never so good as in the time of the David, the people of Israel longed for someone to bring about another successful messianic reign.  David was complicated and talented.  A musician and a poet (Psalms are ascribed to him).  He was a political genius; he organized families and tribes into a cohesive nation.  He had his faults; he lusted after Bathsheba and arranged for the death of her husband.  David and Bathsheba's son Solomon became the successor king of Israel.  He had his sorrows; his son Absalom attempted at coup which deeply distressed him.  He was ecstatic; he danced unclothed in front of a crowd.   David’s reign marks the high point of Israel in the biblical narrative.  David’s decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant—Israel’s symbol of God—to the capital of Jerusalem signals the long-awaited unification of the religious and political life of Israel in the promised land. (from sparknotes)

Saul

Israel’s first king. After God chooses Saul to be king, Saul loses his divine right to rule Israel by committing two religious errors. Saul acts as a character foil to David, because his plot to murder David only highlights David’s mercy to Saul in return. Saul’s inner turmoil over the inscrutability of God’s exacting standards makes him a sympathetic but tragic figure. (from sparknotes)

Solomon (INTJ)

David’s son and the third king of Israel. Solomon builds the opulent Temple in Jerusalem and ushers in Israel’s greatest period of wealth and power. God grants Solomon immense powers of knowledge and discernment in response to Solomon’s humble request for wisdom. Solomon’s earthly success hinders his moral living, however, and his weakness for foreign women and their deities leads to Israel’s downfall. (from sparknotes)

Two for One

Elijah (ENFJ) and Elisha (INFJ) - The prophets who oppose the worship of the god Baal in Israel. After the division of Israel into two kingdoms, Elijah and his successor, Elisha, represent the last great spiritual heroes before Israel’s exile. Their campaign in northern Israel against King Ahab and Jezebel helps to lessen Israel’s growing evil but does not restore Israel’s greatness.  Elijah called down fire from heaven in his challenge with the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel.  He fled in fear of his life.  He raised a child back to life, the child of a woman who provide him room and board from a miraculously daily supply of oil and meal.  Elijah had a disciple named Elisha.  Elisha was reluctant to take Elijah's place but Elijah promised that if he were seen departing this life, that his spirit would abide in Elisha and his ministry.  Elisha witnessed Elijah going to heaven in a chariot with horses of fire.  Elisha took up the prophetic mantle of Elijah and he continued in the miraculous tradition of Elijah, including the baffling of the Syrian armies and healing the leprosy of the Syrian general Naaman.  Israel’s demise makes Elijah and Elisha frustrated doomsayers and miracle workers rather than national leaders or saviors. (from sparknotes)

Isaac (ISFJ)

Abraham’s son and the second member in the triumvirate of Israel’s patriarchs. Isaac’s importance consists less in his actions than in the way he is acted upon by others. God tests Abraham by commanding him to kill his son Isaac, and Isaac’s blindness and senility allow his own son Jacob to steal Isaac’s blessing and the inheritance of God’s covenant. Isaac was married to Rebekah.  (from sparknotes)

Aaron (ENFP)

Moses’s brother, who assists Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. God designates Aaron to be the first high priest in Israel. The quiet Aaron often stands between Moses and the people to soften Moses’s angry response to their sinful behavior, though Aaron was in some ways a spokesman for Moses who claim to be too timid to speak.  (from sparknotes)

Joshua (ENTJ)

The successor of Moses as Israel’s leader.  Joshua along with Caleb and other were spies sent to Canaan to prepare the military ventures.  Joshua directs the people in their sweeping military campaign to conquer and settle the Promised Land, including the dramatic siege of Jericho when the walls came tumbling down after the rather strange tactics for marching around the city and blowing horns.  Joshua’s persistent exhortations to Israel to remain obedient to God imply that he doubts Israel will do so. His exhortations foreshadow Israel’s future religious struggles. (from sparknotes)

Samson (ENFP)

One of Israel’s judges and an epic hero who thwarts the neighboring Philistines with his superhuman strength. Samson is rash, belligerent, and driven by lust for foreign women—qualities that contradict Jewish religious ideals. Samson’s long hair is both the source of his strength and the symbol of his religious devotion to God as a Nazirite.  Samson married a Philistine woman, the woman whose name became synonymous forever as a temptress, "Delilah."  Samson was a riddle maker.  He was strong enough to rip lions apart.  He slaughtered foes in battle with the jawbone of an ass.  Delilah seduced Samson to reveal that his strength lie in is uncut hair and she managed to cut his hair while he slept.  He was captured, blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines.  They parade as a trophy of war but inadvertently let his hair grow long again.  In a final act, he pulled over the pillar holding up the large room where the Philistines gathered.  He and they died in this final act of strength.  Samson’s character demonstrates that in the bible, heroic potential is gauged not by human excellence but by faith in God.(from sparknotes)

Samuel (ESTJ)

The last of Israel’s judges and the prophet who anoints both Saul and David as king. Samuel fulfills political and priestly duties for Israel, but he ushers in Israel’s monarchy mainly as a prophet—one who pronounces God’s words and decisions. Samuel’s stoic and aloof position in Israel allows Saul to struggle with God and his fate on his own. Samuel was the miracle child of the barren Hannah who gave him to God to serve in the Temple.  He took the vow of the nazirite which included refraining from wine and the cutting of his hair.  (from sparknotes)

Job (INFP)

The subject of God and Satan’s cosmic experiment to measure human faithfulness to God in the midst of immense pain. Job scorns false contrition and the advice of his friends, preferring instead to question God’s role in human suffering. He retains an open and inquisitive mind, remaining faithful in his refusal to curse God.  Job is the prime example of suffering and dealing with issue of why bad things happen to good people.  Job in faith cries, "I know my redeemer lives." (from sparknotes)

Ruth (ISFJ)

She had the good sense to listen to someone older and wiser than herself, and most of us could learn a lot from her.  But her common sense is not the only reason the story is popular. Ruth was loyal to someone who needed her and had been good to her in the past, even when the sensible thing would have been to cut and run. Heaven knows Naomi had nothing to offer the young widow, but Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law even when there was no gain in it for herself.  It turned out to be the right decision. Naomi was financially destitute but she was street-wise, with a remarkable knowledge of the world and of men in particular. This proved more valuable than money. She told Ruth how to go about prodding Boaz, an eligible bachelor, into proposing – a skill that many young women today would like to learn. Ruth recognized good advice when she heard it, and acted accordingly. And she and Boaz lived happily ever after. (taken from womeninthebible.net)

Esther ((INFJ)

Esther's future husband, a king, had divorced his first wife over a petty matter, because his advisers told him to do so.  Now he chose a second wife for her beauty – all very fine, but not when the woman in question is to be queen of a vast empire. Esther, a second Anne Boleyn, would need more than beauty and virtue to navigate the shoals of a corrupt and dangerous court.  As it happened, Esther was up to the task. When she learnt about a plot to eradicate all the Jews in the kingdom, she went unbidden into the king’s presence – a capital offense for which she could have been executed. The Bible text says her heart was ‘frozen with fear’.  So as well as good looks and virtue, she had intelligence and courage, both of which she used to save her people from the pogrom that faced them. Of course she succeeded (or we would not be reading the story). The Jewish people were saved, their enemies annihilated, and the event is celebrated to this day in the festival of Purim.  (taken from womeninthebible.net)

Deborah (ENTJ)

This extraordinary woman was a prophetess and a judge in ancient Israel.. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah (‘Deborah’ means ‘bee’) between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelite people came up to her for judgment and wise advice.  Under God’s inspiration she did an extraordinarily daring thing: she took command of the Israelite people and convinced them to fight the better equipped and trained Canaanite army, led by a terrifying Canaanite general called Sisera.  The general Deborah appointed to lead the Israelites was none too enthusiastic about his task. He was a sensible man and could see the Israelites were outclassed. But Deborah was able to convince him he could win – though he only agreed to fight if she was there.  When the time came, God stood by the Israelites. A drenching storm made the flat land of the battlefield a quagmire. Sisera’s iron-wheeled chariots became bogged in the mud, making his soldiers an easy target for the Israelite sling-men and archers.  Deborah’s complete faith in God, even when she was facing impossible odds, was vindicated. (taken from womenofthebible.net)

Mary, Mother of Jesus  (ISFJ)

Mary was the chosen person to give birth to Jesus.  She humbly accepted the role and ponder her prodigy child.  She had to witness his arrest, trial and his crucifixion.  She also continued after his resurrection in the church.  Mary was astute and observant. She saw what was going on behind the scenes at the wedding at Cana, and that the wine had run out – a severe embarrassment to any host and his family in Middle Eastern society. She also knew what her son was capable of. She approached him with a suggestion, nudging him into action. Jesus complied, though not without mildly objecting. Her tactful request was a subtle and diplomatic way of starting him in his ministry.  Having made the suggestion she stepped back, letting him take over and follow up on her words in his own way. This he did, with his first miracle – a momentous event, even though it happened quietly. Mary knew when to speak, and when to be quiet.   The story finishes with the image of Jesus, his mother and his extended family moving away together. The Miracle at Cana is not the most famous story about Mary of Nazareth, yet it sums up her character and her relationship with her son better than any of the other, better known stories. (taken from womenofthebible.net)

Daniel (INTJ)

A descendent of a noble Jewish family who was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he conquered Judah. Was highly likely a eunuch. Became a chief advisor to the King and eventually was made third ruler of kingdom (Daniel 5). God gave him ability to interpret dreams. Survived being thrown in lion's den (Daniel 6). Gave prophecies that foretold of future world empires leading up to the return of Christ.  He had three friends who survived a fiery furnace.  He had visions about the future.  He also could be a figure created by an apocalyptic writer to reveal the meanings of the events that occurred during the time of Antiochus Epiphanes.

 

Ezra (ENFP)

An Aaronic priest who led the effort, along with the Great Synagogue, to canonize the Old Testament. Produced Hebrew Scriptures and a "canon"  containing 22 manuscripts divided into three main divisions: The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings.

Gideon  (ISFP)

Called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite and Amalekite oppression. Took 300 men and surrounded the camp of Israel's enemies (Judges 7). After all the men blew trumpets and broke pitchers with torches in them the enemy became confused and fought amongst themselves. Gideon served 40 years as Israel's judge.

Hannah

Barren woman who prayed to God for a child and promised to dedicate him to His service. She met Eli in the place of worship; she was so distraught, he thought she was drunk.  She miraculously gave birth to Samuel, he was raised in the temple serving Eli, and became one of the most important Judges and prophets in the Old Testament.  Hannah composed a famous song of praise after the miraculous birth

Jeremiah  (ISFJ)

Destined to be a major prophet before he was born (Jeremiah 1:4-5). Foretells and laments the desolation of Jerusalem and Judah. Imprisoned by Judah's King Zedekiah but released by Nebuchadnezzar. His writings are used by New Testament writers as Foretelling the suffering of Jesus.  His writings bemoan the conditions of his country as he searches for the reason why bad things are happening and as he envisions a better future.

Jonah

A prophet sent to warn Nineveh of their impending judgment for their sins. Jonah initially refuses to warn the city. God then has a great fish swallow him. Jonah cries out for help and after 3 days and nights (a type of Jesus' death); the fish vomits Jonah on a beach near Nineveh. He then warns the city, which heeds his words, repents, and is spared destruction.  Jonah is upset because he is one who wants to treat God and God's word as belonging only to Israel.  The book of Jonah exposes the view that assumes God is only for God's chosen people Israel.

Josiah  (ISTJ)

One of the best Kings of Judah. Reigned 31 years. Helped restore the true worship of the Lord to Judah. The Torah had been "lost" and was found again in the archives.  The horrified Josiah restored the reading of the Torah and the ritual practices therein.  Fatally wounded in battle by random arrow.

Nathan (INTP)

Prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon. Reproved David for his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12).  He told David a story and asked for David's judgment on the offending party of the story, and Nathan said in a gotcha moment: "Thou art the man."  He also educated Solomon in his youth. 

Nehemiah  (ENTJ)

Prophet who, as captive of the Persian empire, was given permission to return to Judah and rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-2). Became Governor of Judah. Helped Ezra canonize the Old Testament, which involved editing/organizing the various writings that have come to be a part of the official Scriptures of Jews and Christians.

Solomon (INTJ)

One of King David's sons through Bathsheba. After becoming king he asked the Eternal to give him "an understanding heart" with which to rule. He was given not only wisdom but riches and honor (1Kings 3:10-13). Built Jerusalem's first temple. His 700 wives and 300 concubines turned his heart, when he was old, away from serving the Creator (1Kings 11).  He is the model patriarch for the wisdom school in the Hebrew Scripture and is associated with  Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and most of the book of Proverbs, as well as several books in the Apocrypha.  In a dispute over the true mother of a baby, he suggested to bring a sword and divide the baby.  The true mom said, "Don't, give the child to the other woman."  And Solomon discovered the true mom.  Solomon is known for having many wives and concubines (polygamy was a way to unified loyalties in the kingdom).  His marriages to foreign women resulted him in tolerating their beliefs in their gods and idols.  His tolerance led him astray from singular devotion to the God of Israel.  He is known for impressing the famed Queen of Sheba who visited from Africa and extolled his wisdom.

Andrew (ESFJ)

Fisherman who was one of the first two disciples Jesus choose to follow him and become an apostle. Brother of Simon Peter.  He introduced his brother to Jesus.  Lived in Bethsaida when Jesus called him.  He is patron saint of Scotland.

Apollos

A Jew born in Alexandria who knew the Scriptures very well and was a good speaker.  He was a disciple of John the Baptist and knew the baptism of John the Baptist.   Aquila and Priscilla instructed him regarding Jesus Christ (Acts 18:24-28). Met the apostle Paul in Corinth and was with him when Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians.

Barnabas (ENFJ)

Name means "son of consolation." He was a Levite who lived on the island of Cyprus. Sold land to give money to the early church. Brought Paul to the apostles at a time when everyone was rejecting him. Traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey. He was a cousin of of Mark, one of the 4 gospel writers.

Dorcas

Also called Tabitha. A Christian widow, living in Joppa, whom Peter brought back from the dead (Acts 9).

Elizabeth

Wife of Zachariah who was a cousin of Mary, Jesus' mother. She was healed of being barren and gave birth to John the Baptist.  During her pregnancy, she visited Mary and baby John, jumped in her womb.  She congratulated Mary for having favor: "Blessed are you among woman and blessed is the fruit of your womb."  Her words became a part of the well known and used prayer: Ave Maria/Hail Mary.

James (the Greater)  (ENTJ)

This James, brother of the apostle John, is also called 'James the Greater' to distinguish him from the other disciple named James (who is the son of Alpheus). He was a son of Zebedee and a fisherman.  One of Jesus' original 12 disciples.

James (the Less and son of Alpheus) (ISTJ)

This James is also called 'James the Less' to distinguish him from the other disciple named James (who is John's brother). One of Jesus' original 12 disciples.

John  (INFJ)

Brother of James (the Greater) and author of one of the 4 gospels. One of Jesus' original 12 disciples.  He was a fisherman and son of Zebedee called by Jesus.  With his brother James, he was called one of the "sons of thunder."  He and his brother, perhaps through their mother asked Jesus to set at his side in the kingdom of Christ.  Tradition associates him as being the "beloved disciple" in the Gospel of John, and also its author.  He is associated with three other New Testament books and the book of Revelation, though many scholars believe that John of Patmos was another person.  The beloved disciple, asked Jesus, during the last Passover, who it was who would betray him.

John the Baptist (ENFP)

John, a Nazarite from birth, was born 6 months before Jesus. He was related to Jesus through his mother Elizabeth.  He had a marvelous birth to older parents.  He was an ascetic, possibly a nazarite who lived a Spartan life in the wilderness.  He was an apocalyptic prophet, proclaiming the end and insisting that people get baptized for the remission of their sins.  He baptized Jesus and gathered quite a large community, many of whom became followers of Jesus.  His ministry lasted from 26 to 29 A.D. His mission was to prepare the people for the ministry of Jesus. Was beheaded by Herod Antipas after confronting him for "marrying" his brother's wife.

Joseph  (ISFP)

Husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus. Like his ancient namesake, he communicated with God in dreams.  He supported Mary during her mysterious pregnancy.  His occupation was a carpenter in Nazareth.  Was a just man who died sometime after Jesus' 12th birthday.

Joseph of Arimathea

A rich member of the Sanhedrin who secretly believed in Jesus. After Jesus' death got Pontius Pilate to give him the body. Both Joseph and Nicodemus wrap Jesus' body in fine linen with a mixture of myrrh and aloes and bury him in a brand new tomb Joseph made for himself. (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19).

Luke  (ESFJ)

Tradition indicated that he was the writer of Luke and the book of Acts. Traveled with Paul on part of his second and third missionary journeys. Accompanies Paul from Caesarea to Rome in 60 A.D. during what is called Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey. Luke is again with Paul during his final imprisonment in Rome which started in 67 A.D.  Luke was a physician.  He addressed his writings to Theophilus, which means "loving friend of God."

Lydia

A Jewish proselyte who was a "seller of purple." She was the apostle Paul's first convert to Christianity in Europe (Acts 16:13-15).

Mark  (ESTP)

Was also known as John Mark. He was a cousin of Barnabas. Traditions attribute one of the four gospels. Abruptly left Paul and Barnabas during Paul's first missionary journey but later he and Paul seem fully reconciled.

Mary Magdalene  (INFP)

Most prominent of Jesus' female disciples. This Mary was the first person to see Jesus alive after his resurrection.  She had seven demons exorcised from her.  She has unjustly been called a "former prostitute by many in church history.  She was the first apostle of the resurrection.  Legends say she was very close with Jesus, and such legends inspired the Holy Grail and Knights Templars myths as seen in  the recent novel of Dan Brown.

Matthew (ISTP)

One of Jesus' original 12 disciples. The gospel he wrote, in 35 A.D., was the very first book written for the New Testament.  May also be the person known as Levi who was a tax collector called by Jesus.

Nathanael  (INTJ)

Also called Bartholomew. One of Jesus' original 12 disciples.  He is the one that Jesus saw under the fig tree and was an initial skeptic about Jesus.  "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"  He said about Jesus.  He went and met Jesus and was completely impressed.

Nicodemus  (ISTJ)

A Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who, like Joseph of Arimathea, believed in Jesus. He first visits Jesus at night and tells him the Sanhedrin knows he is a teacher from God (John 3).  The long discourse about being "born again" and about God loving the world in giving his Son, was in conversation with Nicodemus.  He later defends Jesus in a meeting of the Sanhedrin (John 7:45-53). After Jesus' death on the cross he helps Joseph of Arimathea wrap his body and bury him (John 19:38-42).

Paul  (ENTJ)

Born around 2 A.D. Originally named Saul. Although a Jew was considered a Roman citizen. Taught by well-known Pharisaic Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Became a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christian church (Acts 7-8). Was converted on trip to Damascus and later renamed Paul (Acts 13:9). Worked as tent maker during ministry (Acts 18:2-3). From 33 to 67 A.D. conducted 5 missionary journeys preaching the gospel. Spent a total of about 6 years in prison. Wrote and inspired 14 New Testament books in letter or epistle form.  He is the theological architect of the church and connected the Gentile followers of Christ with the Hebrew Scripture tradition.    His writings are the earliest in the New Testament.  His poetic mysticism reveal the spiritual practice of the early church.   Was martyred, at the age of 66, in Rome.

Peter  (ENFP)

Originally named Simon and renamed Peter by Jesus. A married fisherman from Bethsaida who was third person Jesus called to be an apostle (John 1:40-42). He walked on water with Jesus (Matthew 14) and also denied 3 times he knew him (Matthew 26). Was a witness to Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17). Raised a widow from the dead (Acts 9). Was rebuked by Apostle Paul for his hypocritical behavior (Galatians 2). He is associated with two New Testament books, Epistles with his name. . Died a martyr at the hands of Rome around 67 A.D.

Philip

One of Jesus' twelve apostles. Resided in Bethsaida where also Andrew and Peter lived. Also the name of one of the first 7 men specially chosen by the early church to serve (Acts 6). Was also considered an evangelist. The apostle Paul stayed at Philip's house on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 21:8-10).

Silas

Also called Silvanus. Accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem to Antioch with church decision concerning circumcision and salvation (Acts 15). Traveled with the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. Delivered to elders in the church the apostle Peter's first epistle (1Peter 5:12).

Stephen (ESTJ)

One of original 7 Jerusalem deacons. Was first Christian martyr in 32 A.D. A bold witness to the Risen Christ. He was stoned by a group which include Saul who later became the Apostle Paul.  (Acts 6 - 7).

Thomas (ISTJ)

Also called Didymus. Was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. After Jesus' resurrection, when the other disciples had seen him alive, Thomas refused to believe Jesus was back from the dead until he literally saw and touched his wounds from the cross (Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:36-48). Later, Jesus did appear to Thomas and removed all doubts. The term "doubting Thomas" comes from Thomas' disbelief in Jesus' literal resurrection.

Timothy (ISFJ)

Lived in Lystra. His mother was a Jew and father was a Greek. Traveled with Paul on most of his second missionary journey, served Paul in Ephesus during third missionary journey (Acts 19:22) and was with him during his imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1:1). Paul stated that Timothy was specially given the gift to evangelize and defend the truth (1Timothy 4:14, 2Timothy 1:6). He considered Timothy his closest friend and even treated him like a son (2Timothy 2:2-6).

Zacchaeus

A chief tax collector of Jericho who was rich and short. Had to climb a tree to see Jesus walk by. On seeing Zacchaeus Jesus stated he would stay at his house for the night (Luke 19).  He was so impressed and converted by Jesus and agreed to restore money to all that he had defrauded in his tax collecting.

Mary of Bethany (INFP)

Mary is known with her sister Martha and brother Nazareth.  She was a close friend of Jesus and devoted to the point of anointing his feet and wiping them with her hair.  She went to the tomb of Lazarus to greet Jesus and said to him, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died."  Mary is the contemplative of the Mary and Martha sisters.  She sat at the feet of Jesus while her sister was huffy about getting some help in being a good hostess.  Jesus affirmed Mary as choosing the better part.  She is the model for the contemplative order in monasticism.

Martha of Bethany  (ESTP)

She is the active sister of Mary and Lazarus and a good friend of Jesus.  Close enough to host Jesus as a guest in the family home.  She ran to greet Jesus when he arrived too late to heal her brother after Lazarus had already been placed in the tomb.  To Martha, Jesus confessed, "I am the Resurrection and the Life."  When hosting Jesus, she was the one who was serving the food and doing the practical things of hosting and expressed her frustration with her sister Mary who didn't help because she was enthralled with Jesus.  Martha is the model for the active orders of the monastic movement.

Lent: Taking Time to Correct Mistiming

1 Lent B      February 18, 2018
Gen. 9:8-17           Ps    25:1-9  
1 Peter 3:18-22         Mark 1:9-13
Lectionary Link

One of the things that I am sensitive about is when people criticize the church and the practices of the church as a bunch of rules to herd the sheep to require them to do things for the benefit of the institution and for the convenience of the church.

Why get baptized, confirmed, go to confession, Eucharist and get married in the church?  Because that is what the Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury say that we have to do.

So as a clergy person, I hold the proverbial hoops that I require all of you to jump through for the benefit of the church and this parish.

In seminary, I learned a fancy phrase: The Sacraments are anthropologically sound.  This is the arcane academic way of saying that what we teach and practice is normal, natural and unavoidable to reasonable human experience.

The goal of my ministry is to articulate how what we do and teach is "anthropologically sound," that is how it is natural and normal to human experience but human experience as it is informed about the knowledge of God in Christ.

And this brings us to the Season of Lent which we began on Ash Wednesday.  Why the season of Lent?  Is it anthropologically sound?  Is it a reasonable human practice?

I would argue that the idea behind the practice of Lent is unavoidable in human experience.  I would like for us to explore some of the features of our practice of Lent that might encourage us to value it.

Lent is on the Church Calendar each year.  It is an annual period of special discipline that the church asks her members to embrace.  So, first of all it is communal; it is something that we do together.  In this season we are invited to give special emphasis to the practice of self control by strategies of delayed personal gratification.   Why is self control good for us and how do we learn to practice self control?

Temptation and sin are mainly about mistiming in the deeds of our lives.  There is a proper and an appropriate time to do everything in our lives but how do we achieve proper timing for everything?  As babies we come into the world governed by the instincts of desire and we feel that we have freedom to instantly gratify anything that occurs for us to do.  Our parents and our societies, in part, provide us the interdiction to teach us delayed gratification of desire.  We cannot have everything that we want when we want it and that is for our own health and safety and for the appropriate sharing with all of the other people in our lives.

The rules of parents and our societies are laws and sometimes they are accompanied with the power to enforce these laws which force us to delay gratification.  It is what we call the force of suppression.  Suppression works and it can teach habits but it does not always result in personal contentment.

What is the answer for delaying immediate gratification and being content in doing so?  The answer lies in learning voluntary self control in a program of discipline guided by what is good for us and for the people with whom we live and share this world.

This is not always easy because our desire and the impulse for immediate self gratification is often profound.

This is why we need help.  Self control is regarded to be a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  It is a gift of God.  We learn to attain self control by having good models of self control in our lives.  The best model of all was Jesus Christ.

The temptation of Jesus for 40 days in the wilderness by Satan is given to us an example of the heroic Jesus taking up a fast.  Fast is the delay of gratification.  Fasting is needed as practice to learn how to delay immediate gratification for the good stewardship of our lives and our community.  Jesus had the power of self control.  He had the power to acknowledge the timing of God his Father in his life.

The early church presented Jesus as a person who was tempted as we are but without the sin of mistimed deeds.  Jesus was on the time schedule of God, his Father.  The early church believed that the Jesus who was tempted in the wilderness became the Risen Christ to become present within the lives of all who wished to know the nature of Christ within themselves.

The Risen Christ within us is the power to attain self control; the power to delay and time our gratification for our own health and safety and for the health, safety and benefit our community and our world.

And even though Lent is on our church calendar as a corporate practice of the church when we do and learn penitential things together, each of us needs to personalize Lent.

How do we do this?  First, we acknowledge our need to learn further self control.  We need to learn better timing is what we do and say in our lives.  And we learn self control as a way of sharing what we have with people who have the involuntary fasts of hunger, thirst and poverty forced upon them by the sad circumstances of their lives.

Lent is a season of reflection and practice of what better stewardship can mean for our lives, the lives of our families, our parish, our community and our world.

Let us embrace the discipline of the season of Lent by looking to the model of Jesus.  Where the timing in our lives show patterns of selfish and lack of control, let us seek the higher power of the Risen Christ within us to help us avoid addiction and make advances in self control.  And let us accept the fruit of the Holy Spirit, self control, to be the enduring character of our lives.

May God help us follow Jesus who did forty hard days of extreme Lent and now is the Risen Christ within us to teach us the way to find the perfect timing of God in our lives.  Amen.