"All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, 'What, then, will this child be?' For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel." - Luke 1:65-66
I wonder how many people thought John the Baptist was the Messiah? He certainly did his part to quell rumors of it, but given the extraordinary events surrounding his birth, it would be hard for anyone to think otherwise. Especially since, up to John's arrival, things had been business-as-usual for the Jewish population at the time.
But I think the people of Jesus' time needed an alarm. They needed someone to pave the way - not to make it easier on Jesus, but to make it easier for everyone else. We often take for granted Jesus's story - born in a manger, spreading the Good News, performing signs and miracles, dying and ultimately rising again. But (most of us) have been aware of these things for a long time, and gradually understood them at deeper and deeper levels as we grew closer to Christ.
The people of Jesus's time were not so lucky -- they were thrust in the middle of all of this in a relatively short period of time. Yes people knew of Jesus - but they knew him as the carpenter's son - the son of Mary and Joseph. It was John the Baptist that introduced him as something other than his trade through his baptism. And through that baptism, John passed the torch to the one true king, and quietly stepped out of the limelight, letting his cousin take his rightful place in history.
So as we continue to celebrate Jesus's life, give a thought (and a thanks) to John, who lit the torch, and summarily passed it on.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Grace
"When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, 'No. He will be called John.' But they answered her, 'There is no one among your relatives who has this name.' " - Luke 1:59-61
The name "John" translates (in Hebrew) "Graced by Yahweh". So it follows then that John could consider himself in the grace of God. And at the beginning, I'm sure it seemed that way. After all, he got to baptize God's only son - got to be there when he started his ministry, and be the cousin to the most influential person that's ever walked the earth.
But he had parts of his life that may not have seemed like he was in God's grace. Particularly at the end, when Herod's grand-niece asked (and later had delivered) John's head on a platter. Ouch.
It's interesting that, in today's society, we consider "grace" in the terms of receiving some sort of help or benefit. God's grace, however, doesn't necessarily mean the road of life will be easy. Rather, it means that we'll be able to live with God, to better understand His words, and to help align our life with what He has in store for us. Even at his death, John was in God's grace, for God never left his side. He was always there to guide him, and to give him strength, a voice and a purpose.
I hope that, when my time comes, I will be in God's grace. I hope you will too.
The name "John" translates (in Hebrew) "Graced by Yahweh". So it follows then that John could consider himself in the grace of God. And at the beginning, I'm sure it seemed that way. After all, he got to baptize God's only son - got to be there when he started his ministry, and be the cousin to the most influential person that's ever walked the earth.
But he had parts of his life that may not have seemed like he was in God's grace. Particularly at the end, when Herod's grand-niece asked (and later had delivered) John's head on a platter. Ouch.
It's interesting that, in today's society, we consider "grace" in the terms of receiving some sort of help or benefit. God's grace, however, doesn't necessarily mean the road of life will be easy. Rather, it means that we'll be able to live with God, to better understand His words, and to help align our life with what He has in store for us. Even at his death, John was in God's grace, for God never left his side. He was always there to guide him, and to give him strength, a voice and a purpose.
I hope that, when my time comes, I will be in God's grace. I hope you will too.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
First Steps
"When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,and they rejoiced with her." - Luke 1:57-58
There's a large Jewish influence on John. Zachariah was a Jewish priest right in Jerusalem, and Elizabeth was, what Luke referred to as a "daughter of Aaron" (Luke 1:5), meaning she too comes from a priestly family. And while Zachariah and Elizabeth's plans aligned with God on having a child (and naming him John), his eventual disappearance into the desert and alignment with Jesus must have caused waves across their family. Given John's appearance, I have to believe Zachariah and Elizabeth knew he was destined for greatness and, like good parents, cut him a little slack.
But for now, John's life centers around his mom and dad. He doesn't have to worry about preaching in the desert, eating locusts and wild honey, realigning his apostles to Jesus, King Herod, or the highest honor of baptizing the Son of God.
All that will come soon enough...
There's a large Jewish influence on John. Zachariah was a Jewish priest right in Jerusalem, and Elizabeth was, what Luke referred to as a "daughter of Aaron" (Luke 1:5), meaning she too comes from a priestly family. And while Zachariah and Elizabeth's plans aligned with God on having a child (and naming him John), his eventual disappearance into the desert and alignment with Jesus must have caused waves across their family. Given John's appearance, I have to believe Zachariah and Elizabeth knew he was destined for greatness and, like good parents, cut him a little slack.
But for now, John's life centers around his mom and dad. He doesn't have to worry about preaching in the desert, eating locusts and wild honey, realigning his apostles to Jesus, King Herod, or the highest honor of baptizing the Son of God.
All that will come soon enough...
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Seeds
"He said, 'To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.' " - Mark 4:30-32
We recently built a garden at our house. And like most gardeners, we quickly found that we have rabbits that like to eat what we've planted. Luckily, my Grandpa had been a farmer, and then a gardener before he died. He also kept everything - including chicken wire. So when we needed to wrap our garden with something to keep the rabbits out, it was a quick visit to my Grandma's house to grab one of the many rolls of chicken wire out of the shed, and bring it to my house.
I didn't really realize the connection I was making to my Grandpa until my wife and I had gotten most of the chicken wire up (and, of course, the requisite trip to the local hardware store). I realized that, at some point in the past (and very likely before I was born), my Grandpa was doing the same thing to his garden - with his hands, holding that very fence, for the very same reason. I am lucky enough that, while I was young, I still have small memories of him, working in his garden, hearing his laugh and seeing him smile.
I've found that doing the same things that my family members have done (both past and present) is a way to grow in my own faith. Like fencing in a garden, it provides a very real connection to my past. Watching plants grow from a small seed into a harvest of produce gives me the same sense of accomplishment they felt so many years ago. It's also a good reminder of how important it is to continue to grow in faith. That faith - like a seed - takes effort to grow. But, more importantly, it takes time. A mustard plant doesn't grow overnight, but rather takes a long time and a lot of effort to grow. And once it's grown, it takes constant work to keep it healthy, but that it's worth it for that sense of accomplishment, that sense of connection to our past.
But that also means our faith will not grow if we fail to give it effort and time - that, like a plant, it'll slowly wither and die off, disconnecting us from our past and from our God. And while God certainly doesn't want that, faith, like a garden - requires both the gardener and the plant to work together.
Thankfully, I know that, provided I keep up my end of the bargain, I know that I'll eventually see my Grandpa again, hear his laugh, and talk about gardening - and that makes missing him a little easier.
Did I mention he fished too? :-)
We recently built a garden at our house. And like most gardeners, we quickly found that we have rabbits that like to eat what we've planted. Luckily, my Grandpa had been a farmer, and then a gardener before he died. He also kept everything - including chicken wire. So when we needed to wrap our garden with something to keep the rabbits out, it was a quick visit to my Grandma's house to grab one of the many rolls of chicken wire out of the shed, and bring it to my house.
I didn't really realize the connection I was making to my Grandpa until my wife and I had gotten most of the chicken wire up (and, of course, the requisite trip to the local hardware store). I realized that, at some point in the past (and very likely before I was born), my Grandpa was doing the same thing to his garden - with his hands, holding that very fence, for the very same reason. I am lucky enough that, while I was young, I still have small memories of him, working in his garden, hearing his laugh and seeing him smile.
I've found that doing the same things that my family members have done (both past and present) is a way to grow in my own faith. Like fencing in a garden, it provides a very real connection to my past. Watching plants grow from a small seed into a harvest of produce gives me the same sense of accomplishment they felt so many years ago. It's also a good reminder of how important it is to continue to grow in faith. That faith - like a seed - takes effort to grow. But, more importantly, it takes time. A mustard plant doesn't grow overnight, but rather takes a long time and a lot of effort to grow. And once it's grown, it takes constant work to keep it healthy, but that it's worth it for that sense of accomplishment, that sense of connection to our past.
But that also means our faith will not grow if we fail to give it effort and time - that, like a plant, it'll slowly wither and die off, disconnecting us from our past and from our God. And while God certainly doesn't want that, faith, like a garden - requires both the gardener and the plant to work together.
Thankfully, I know that, provided I keep up my end of the bargain, I know that I'll eventually see my Grandpa again, hear his laugh, and talk about gardening - and that makes missing him a little easier.
Did I mention he fished too? :-)
Monday, June 18, 2012
Father's Day
"Jesus said to the crowds: 'This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. ' " - Mark 4:26-28
As a father, I'm often amazed at the things my kids know and understand. How they can absorb so much from around them (even though sometimes I wish they didn't), and grow into little people with so much to say, and so much to do. It reminds me of how important and sacred life is, and how fast time goes in our short lives.
While don't think this passage (or this lectio divina) is meant to be a treatise on the sanctity of life - I do think it's a clear reminder to us all as to what's inside all of us - and how important it is to continue to grow within. As I look at my kids, I know they'll grow up with or without my influence - kids have a way of doing that. But for them to grow to be who I hope they'll be - kind, loving and dedicated people - requires intervention on my part. A commitment to them that I'll always do my best to help them as they grow, in the best way I can think of. A commitment that will hopefully result in their desire to keep growing on their own.
And that's the point Jesus is trying to make here - that regardless, people will grow up. They'll continue on with their lives, all while God looks on, providing silent guidance, love and care. And when our time comes, we'll be brought back to God. But there's a sobering subject in between the lines - that who we grow to be, which is entirely up to us - determines how God looks upon our lives.
And while it may seem like a lot of pressure, we also need to remember that God is with us for it all - and wants us to grow with him. He wants to see us succeed, and wants to welcome us back to our eternal home.
And he's given us his only son to help figure out what that means, in people terms.
As a father, I'm often amazed at the things my kids know and understand. How they can absorb so much from around them (even though sometimes I wish they didn't), and grow into little people with so much to say, and so much to do. It reminds me of how important and sacred life is, and how fast time goes in our short lives.
While don't think this passage (or this lectio divina) is meant to be a treatise on the sanctity of life - I do think it's a clear reminder to us all as to what's inside all of us - and how important it is to continue to grow within. As I look at my kids, I know they'll grow up with or without my influence - kids have a way of doing that. But for them to grow to be who I hope they'll be - kind, loving and dedicated people - requires intervention on my part. A commitment to them that I'll always do my best to help them as they grow, in the best way I can think of. A commitment that will hopefully result in their desire to keep growing on their own.
And that's the point Jesus is trying to make here - that regardless, people will grow up. They'll continue on with their lives, all while God looks on, providing silent guidance, love and care. And when our time comes, we'll be brought back to God. But there's a sobering subject in between the lines - that who we grow to be, which is entirely up to us - determines how God looks upon our lives.
And while it may seem like a lot of pressure, we also need to remember that God is with us for it all - and wants us to grow with him. He wants to see us succeed, and wants to welcome us back to our eternal home.
And he's given us his only son to help figure out what that means, in people terms.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
If the Walls Could Talk
" [Jesus said] 'Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.' The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover." - Mark 14:14-16
Earlier this year, we moved into a bigger house - one that has enough room for our growing family. And the first time we stepped foot into it after we signed pages and pages of paper, there was an air of excitement with our family. This is where we'll be for a long time - this is where our kids will grow up, will (among other things) forge friendships, sit awake at night nervous for tests, and celebrate their achievements in life. This house will provide the backdrop for all of these special events - both good and bad - in our lives going forward.
And while 'the upper room' may have initially been just a place to have Passover dinner, it eventually became the backdrop for the newly-formed church. In fact, the Catholic church considers this room (the "Cenacle") the very first Christian church. This is where Jesus broke bread, washed feet, and appeared with the disciples after his death. This is where Matthias was officially brought into the apostles after Judas' betrayal. This is where the tongues of fire came down upon the disciples before being sent into the world.
This room became the home for the infant church - a place to celebrate accomplishments, determine dogma, and pray to God. A place that's seen incredible happiness and grief, has heard the arguments between the apostles on what to do next, and played host to new ideas and revelations about what Jesus was preaching during his time on earth. And while it is now a place of pilgrimage, we must recognize it for what it was to the apostles - and to us.
The first, true home for all Christians.
Earlier this year, we moved into a bigger house - one that has enough room for our growing family. And the first time we stepped foot into it after we signed pages and pages of paper, there was an air of excitement with our family. This is where we'll be for a long time - this is where our kids will grow up, will (among other things) forge friendships, sit awake at night nervous for tests, and celebrate their achievements in life. This house will provide the backdrop for all of these special events - both good and bad - in our lives going forward.
And while 'the upper room' may have initially been just a place to have Passover dinner, it eventually became the backdrop for the newly-formed church. In fact, the Catholic church considers this room (the "Cenacle") the very first Christian church. This is where Jesus broke bread, washed feet, and appeared with the disciples after his death. This is where Matthias was officially brought into the apostles after Judas' betrayal. This is where the tongues of fire came down upon the disciples before being sent into the world.
This room became the home for the infant church - a place to celebrate accomplishments, determine dogma, and pray to God. A place that's seen incredible happiness and grief, has heard the arguments between the apostles on what to do next, and played host to new ideas and revelations about what Jesus was preaching during his time on earth. And while it is now a place of pilgrimage, we must recognize it for what it was to the apostles - and to us.
The first, true home for all Christians.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Family Dinner
"On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples said to him, 'Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?' He sent two of his disciples and said to them, 'Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. " - Mark 14:12-13
For Jesus, the disciples formed a good part of his earthly family. And I'm sure they were pretty excited to be spending Passover with Jesus - especially since he wants to have a big dinner with them.
But his instructions on finding a place to have this dinner are a little light - a man, in the city, will meet them, and they'll know who this man is because he's carrying a jar of water. If I were a disciple, I'd have to wonder if Jesus made these plans ahead of time, or if someone else is intervening on his behalf. In any case, I'd be concerned that they have no concrete reservations on the first day of one of the largest feasts in the Jewish liturgical year.
As always, Jesus is right. There is a man, there is a room, and they are going to share a meal together, as a family. Unfortunately, they don't know it will be the last they will share with Jesus while he is here.
I wonder if that would have changed anything for them.
For Jesus, the disciples formed a good part of his earthly family. And I'm sure they were pretty excited to be spending Passover with Jesus - especially since he wants to have a big dinner with them.
But his instructions on finding a place to have this dinner are a little light - a man, in the city, will meet them, and they'll know who this man is because he's carrying a jar of water. If I were a disciple, I'd have to wonder if Jesus made these plans ahead of time, or if someone else is intervening on his behalf. In any case, I'd be concerned that they have no concrete reservations on the first day of one of the largest feasts in the Jewish liturgical year.
As always, Jesus is right. There is a man, there is a room, and they are going to share a meal together, as a family. Unfortunately, they don't know it will be the last they will share with Jesus while he is here.
I wonder if that would have changed anything for them.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Not The End
"Then Jesus approached and said to them, 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.' " - Matthew 28:18-20
For many kids where I live, this week is the last week of school - including my oldest. And while I don't remember it clearly, the end of school when you're in first grade doesn't mean the start of a summer job, but rather the start of having a lot of free time on your hands. Time to play outside, build Lego houses, race toy cars and ride bikes. It's pools, sunscreen, camping and mosquito bites. It's everything you don't get to do during the school year, and nice enough weather to do it in.
For the disciples, this too was like the end of school. Jesus has been preparing them for what lies ahead, and is giving them some final words of encouragement before they go. And while the last verses in Matthew almost read like the end of a book (I always think the last verse should be "The End", given how much of an epic this has been), the disciples work is just beginning. They won't have a chance to head out, leave their responsibilities behind, and take the summer off. But rather, they'll head out into an unbelieving world - one that would (and already has) killed others for spreading their message. But they're armed with the Truth, the knowledge of who Jesus was, what he did, and where he is. And it's their and our commitment, along with support from the Holy Spirit, that's kept the fire of Christianity burning brightly for two millenniums.
For many kids where I live, this week is the last week of school - including my oldest. And while I don't remember it clearly, the end of school when you're in first grade doesn't mean the start of a summer job, but rather the start of having a lot of free time on your hands. Time to play outside, build Lego houses, race toy cars and ride bikes. It's pools, sunscreen, camping and mosquito bites. It's everything you don't get to do during the school year, and nice enough weather to do it in.
For the disciples, this too was like the end of school. Jesus has been preparing them for what lies ahead, and is giving them some final words of encouragement before they go. And while the last verses in Matthew almost read like the end of a book (I always think the last verse should be "The End", given how much of an epic this has been), the disciples work is just beginning. They won't have a chance to head out, leave their responsibilities behind, and take the summer off. But rather, they'll head out into an unbelieving world - one that would (and already has) killed others for spreading their message. But they're armed with the Truth, the knowledge of who Jesus was, what he did, and where he is. And it's their and our commitment, along with support from the Holy Spirit, that's kept the fire of Christianity burning brightly for two millenniums.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Doubt
"The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. " - Matthew 28:16-17
When I read this passage to my little girl (who is starting to become a theme on this blog...), the first thing she asked me was "what's 'doubted' mean?". And I told her that the disciples weren't sure.
But what did they doubt? Matthew is noting that they doubted - not in the traditional sense that I explained to my daughter, but simply noting that they didn't quite have the amount of faith that they should have. That they were still unsure about the whole situation. After all, their leader was murdered for what he was preaching. And now, he's asking them to do the same? What assurances do they have that they too wont suffer the same fate?
Stay tuned...
When I read this passage to my little girl (who is starting to become a theme on this blog...), the first thing she asked me was "what's 'doubted' mean?". And I told her that the disciples weren't sure.
But what did they doubt? Matthew is noting that they doubted - not in the traditional sense that I explained to my daughter, but simply noting that they didn't quite have the amount of faith that they should have. That they were still unsure about the whole situation. After all, their leader was murdered for what he was preaching. And now, he's asking them to do the same? What assurances do they have that they too wont suffer the same fate?
Stay tuned...
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