Sunday 27th March, 2011 Third Sunday in Lent
Sentence
‘The water that I give will become in you a spring of water, welling up to eternal life.’ John 4:14
Collect
O God, the fountain of life, to a humanity parched with thirst You offer the living water that springs from the Rock, our Saviour Jesus Christ; stir up within Your people the gift of Your Spirit, that we may profess our faith with freshness, and announce with joy the wonder of Your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Exodus 17: 1 – 7
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarrelled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?" But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?"
So Moses cried out to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me." The LORD said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarrelled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
Psalm 95
O come let us sing out to the Lord: let us shout in triumph to the Lord our Rock
Let us come before His face with thanksgiving: and cry out to Him joyfully in psalms
For the Lord is a great God: and a great king above all gods.
In His hands are the depths of the earth: and the peaks of the mountains are His also
The sea is His and He made it: His hands moulded the dry land
Come. Let us worship and fall down: and kneel before the Lord our Maker
For He is the Lord our God: we are His people and the sheep of His hands
Today if only you would hear His voice – ‘Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah: as on that day at Massah in the wilderness
When Your forebears tested Me: put me to the proof, though they had seen My works
Forty years long I loathed that generation and said: ‘It is a people who err in their hearts, for they have not known My ways
Of Whom I swore in My wrath: They shall not enter My rest
Epistle Romans 5: 1 – 11
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
GOSPEL John 4: 5 – 42
Jesus came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."
The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?" Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."
Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back." The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!" The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us." Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking to you."
Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?" They left the city and were on their way to him.
Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something." But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." So the disciples said to one another, "Surely no one has brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labour. Others have laboured, and you have entered into their labour."
Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world."
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
There is always more in the Biblical accounts than tends to meet the modern eye. It is always important to ‘read the fine print,’ so to speak. A couple of matters are worth exploring:
1. The need for water is underlined as more important than just the physical requirement for survival, though it is that as well of course
2. The constant complaint of the Israelites that they had left behind not so much the slavery as the rich foods.
3. And most to the point, note the place to which Moses was directed. It was Horeb, Mount Sinai the place where the Decalogue was given, and even the Law is associated with refreshment.
4. Ironically, the OT perception of water is also somewhat ambivalent. Jewish attitudes towards sea-water was different. The Red Sea and even the Mediterranean was often used as a symbol of evil! You never heard of many Jewish sailors, you may notice. Jonah, you say – and what was he doing?
Note also how Psalm 95 underlines the tension and ugliness of this incident – and the memory Israel retained long after of the bitterness of the dispute. Who would ever want to be a Moses?
Psalm
This Psalm was always set for Morning Prayer – a seldom used office these days, sadly enough. One the one hand there is great delight expressed in the worshipful psalm, and on the other, the bitterness recalled as Israel was always the reluctant recipient of salvation. ‘Salvation’ in early Biblical terms was always seen in terms of ‘room to move and grow,’ the opposite of the bitter slavery to which the Jews were under in Egypt. The Hebrews then were also ambivalent towards the Exodus- far safer to be back in Egypt, they reminisced, with food and water – even if the threat of extinction hang over them. What fools we mortals be!
Epistle
This passage shows up the NT equivalent, if you will, of the Exodus redemption. In fact, the Bible contains three examples of redemption: the Exodus, the Exile and the Cross. Each successive event took people further into the significance of what is salvation and where it takes one. And there is no hiding the likely hardships along the way. Discipleship, Old Testament or New, offers no bed of roses, or escape from reality. Notice the fascinating ‘steps and stairs’ of growth through hardship. In fact, there is no other way I know of to grow and mature than by working one’s way through all manner of difficulty. Easy living produces nothing but poor fruit!
GOSPEL
The Woman of Samaria.
I know of no short and easy way of unpacking this fascinating incident in the ministry of Jesus. Not only does it portray Jesus’ refreshing and true response to humans of whatever nature, but also His great capacity of working through all manner of encounters, leaving people a means of understanding both themselves and the faith far more realistically. Here is Gospel of word and action.
This lady of the night had gone to the well in the heat of the day, certain of encountering absolutely no one there. Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, so to speak. It would have been to her great shock and horror that, not only was she not alone, but there was a Jewish bloke there. She must have had a thick skin to keep moving to the well, as all she could expect would be mouthfuls of abuse or worse from such a man. The greatest surprise was that she did not. Jesus – as usual – ignored the usual Jew-Gentile hatreds.
Have you realised how disarming it would have been to have had Jesus actually put himself under an obligation to you, if you were in her shoes? It must have been breath-taking for her! No abuse; a request for help! Small wonder that this most interesting of conversations began. And – in quite usual Jewish manner, Jesus employed a subtle double entendre ¬ - not risqué but strong, about water. South Australians are aware of the value and importance of water, and anyone even slightly associated with the Outback is extremely aware. I know from experience: no water means not-so-slow death in high summer. Not a pretty sight.
As the conversation progressed it is noteworthy to consider how things operated. She would raise an issue, Jesus would respond and she would retreat. That, until He asked about her husband. That of course raised the question of her progressive polygamy, so to speak. She was the red light district of Sychar, and yet it was not that that raised Jesus’ interest. She was caught up in the widening vision of things, and that was the trigger for all the growth to come.
The interval following the return of the disciples from the local ‘McDonald’s’ was full of surprises for the Twelve. What in the name of fortune brought about Jesus’ involvement with the scarlet woman? And what did He mean about bread that they knew not of. The real surprise for everyone except Jesus and the woman was that the whole situation in that town was revolutionised. In spite of her low and questionable occupation, -- which almost certainly would have involved many of the local men, let’s face it – all concerned had the opportunity to leave behind a tawdry past and move towards a far more forgiving and saved future. Salvation here shows up as the old ‘room to move’ scenario, but room to move past a forbidding past.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
Water. In this driest State of the driest nation in the world, one does not need much imagination to value water very highly. I recall many years ago, talking to one of the Station owners in the Far North west of this State—now APY lands—where the hygrometer never reached up as far as zero. It was in 2—4 inch rainfall country (when you got any at all) and the evaporation rate was 8 feet—96 inches a year. (2.5 mtrs for the young!)
You, of course are so used to turning on a tap—but even as a kid, when with grandparents, it was a case of having a bath on Saturday night whether you needed it or not, being first in line of about five or six or seven people. After the bath night, the water was used in the house garden, mostly on veges. Water!
So that rune of readings for today should rack up enormous interest, for anyone with any sense who knows that without food you can last six weeks with a bit of luck. Without water, a couple of days, if you are lucky.. Once again there is the true story of the busload of school kids coming down the Oodna Track many years ago. Bus broke down 5 miles from William Creek pub, so one of the teachers walked on to the pub—and never got there. And it was not even high summer. (Pages as per Advertiser a week or so ago.)
So put all that in the back of your mind as we recap those readings. Don’t go too crook at the Israelites in the desert—nor even that woman of Samaria going to the well. Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. Mad dogs, Englishmen, and ‘red light women’ - the town pro.
She knew the value of water, and her need to go to the well when no one else was around. So it must have been a huge shock to find a Man at the well that noon. Jewish man at that, so she would have been ready to cop a huge rude mouthful—Jews and Samaritans were as close as Jews and Palestinians today.
I ask you to reads through the Gospel for today when you get home. And spend some time imagining the development of the conversation between Jesus and that woman Notice how Jesus began with that essential element for life. His request for a drink put Himself clearly as a fellow-human before anything else, and stunningly, under an obligation to that flossy, — and that would have surprised the insides out of her. Totally unexpected. So the conversation revolved around water.
Stop and see how gentle but how firm He was in allowing her to dictate the direction of the conversation, and how skilled He was in redirecting her however unwillingly into exploring her own personal needs.
It was not water that lady craved; it was love. Affection. Being needed and having a purpose. And our Lord was well aware of that, from the evidence right there in front of Him….
As the tale develops, you are not told the gory details of how that woman responded to Jesus, nor what it was she took from His unpacking of her and her needs. But it revolutionised first that lady, and then as you read, it affected the whole town of Sychar.
It was not so much a matter of Jesus telling her all about herself, but that He quite happily accepted all the good bits and bad about her, and released her from her rather ugly past. Read between the lines and see how stunningly and swiftly the process ran, largely because everyone affected faced reality, resolved the issues and moved on from there. All those blokes who came out to see Jesus would have been paying customers, one can assume, of the lady in red.
It is something that I keep pointing you to, as over the past few sermons, we have looked at the Eucharist and its confession and absolution for instance.
Stephen Fry, in a recent edition of QI on ABC TV, railed against religion—expletive deleted he was very rude. He claimed the only outcome was division. But look at what was happening there in that town of Sychar, Samaritan and all. What had, surely, been a hotbed of antagonisms, turned into a place of openness, trust, peace and acceptance. Judaism and Christianity both are designed to offer such difference. We miss the point entirely when we turn faith into religion. What this Faith is designed to do is to reunite people. Reconnect people, not divide, antagonize, alienate.
There is a future and a hope. So get on with it!!!!!!!!!!!
Sit up and take notice. ……...
Friday, March 25, 2011
Newsletter
Sunday 27th March, 2011 - Lent III
Our Celebrant and preacher at 8qm is Warren Huffa
Our preacher at 10,00am is Fr. Ron
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. We invite you to join us for breakfast after the 8am service, or morning tea after the 10am service. At 10 am everything in the service will be screened on the walls. Sunday School is held at the 10 am service during School Term times.
Collect for Lent III
O God, the fountain of life, to a humanity parched with thirst you offer the living water that springs from the Rock, our Saviour Jesus Christ: stir up within your people the gift of your Spirit, that we may profess our faith with freshness and announce with joy the wonder of your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of he Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings Exodus 17: 1—7 and Romans 5: 1—11 read by Eric D
Gospel John 3: 1—17
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Marg P
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Phyllis Morecroft, Peter Little, the Swaby family, Chris Contro, Yvonne Myers, Sid Sweet and Dorothy Furnival
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Marlene Dixon, Tommy Ferguson, Valda and Wolf Seith, Angus Bruce
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –
YEAR’S MIND—Evelyn Halstead (1997) Betty Haines (2006)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent IV
Readings 1 Sam 16: 1—13 and and Ephesians 5: 8—14
Gospel John 9: 1—41
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
Sunday School Requests Mothering Sunday falls on 3rd April—and we would welcome flowers for Anna Kelly to show the children how to make posies for mothers.
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am every Wednesday at 378 Main Road Coromandal Valley
Lenten Studies These will be held on Tuesdays to April 5 at the Rectory from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Thursdays at 10.45am, on March 31 and April 7
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, visits and other types of assistance. Call Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568 or Iris Downes on 8278 3260
Report from St. John’s Chaplains
Clare and I write a blurb for the St John's newsletter which comes out each fortnight of term. We do alternate fortnights. I did mine last week and I thought I might send you a link each newsletter so people could go and see what we have written. This could be a permanent entry in the pew sheet and the address could change with each fortnight. Here is the latest:
http://www.stjohns.sa.edu.au/news/unambiguous-love
And from Clare Bruce, you can look up this link http://www.stjohns.sa.edu.au/news/the-hope-of-easter
FORTHCOMING EVENTS—
Passover Meal on 21st April, is now likely to be held in several homes, starting at 6.00pm. The home groups will have a more intimate feel and better chance for discussion. Then all will move to the Church for the 7.30pm service. Mary asks that those planning to attend see the list in the foyer, and mark is accordingly.
The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held TODAY after the 10 am service
A meeting to integrate the all pastoral work in the parish is set for the Germein Room tomorrow at 2pm. All interested people are invited to attend
Flinders Hospital Service -volunteers are reminded that our next turn at Flinders is on Sunday 10th April. Please ensure that you are there before 10am in order to assist patients to the service. For more information, contact Jean Fordham please.
Monday 4th April at St. Barnabas’ College, at 7.30pm Bishop Tom Frame will speak on ’Losing my religion,’ a report on atheism and response to it. Free. Should be a valuable time for questioning people.
ABM Appeal is now on with envelopes in the foyer. Palm Sunday (April 17) will see the distribution of Palm Crosses (is anyone available again to make these for our Church?) and Easter Day will see the return of those ABM envelopes. For further info or offers of help please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704)
PARISH CAMP Friday 18th—Sunday 20th November
Normanville Jetty Caravan Park—8 cabins and 8 sites have been pre-booked by Wendy – please contact her on 0417 806 943 or awsc@internode.on.net regarding a booking. Also. Saturday night dinner 6pm in the Normanville Beach Cafe (next to jetty) $20/adult $10/child with fun and games in the Surf Life Saving club afterwards. Sunday service on the beach at 11am (a bit later than usual to allow time for day trippers to arrive). For information, powered site $27.00 unpowered site $21.50 En-suite site $33.00 Deluxe Cabins with en-suite (sleeps up to 5) $88.00 Executive Cabins with en-suite (2 bedroom) $102.00 (includes linen on main bed) Extra persons over the age of 5 $9.00 Bunk House no en-suite $55.00 for 4 people
There will be a Baptism on Sunday, April 3 at 1:30pm, with Fr. Brenton officiating
Particular Note from Warren
I am preparing to put little-used things stored in the hall and office into the Parish Fete. Probably the art and craft material that is no longer needed (currently stored in the cupboards in the hall) would do well to go in the parish fete. We would leave Christmas play costumes and backdrops, but most of the rest go? Any objections? I am also thinking that the two storage bureaux by the foyer/hall doors are no longer needed. The things in them will find a nice home in the new storage area created in the office. If there are any problems, please let me know. Warren.
RON-BLOG from today’s readings - the woman of Samaria.
I know of no short and easy way of unpacking this fascinating incident in the ministry of Jesus. Not only does it portray Jesus’ refreshing and true response to humans of whatever nature, but also His great capacity of working through all manner of encounters, leaving people a means of understanding both themselves and the faith far more realistically. Here is Gospel of word and action.
This lady of the night had gone to the well in the heat of the day, certain of encountering absolutely no one there. It would have been to her great shock and horror that, not only was she not alone, but there was a Jewish bloke there. She must have had a thick skin to keep moving to the well, as all she could expect would be mouthfuls of abuse or worse from such a man. The greatest surprise was that she did not. Jesus – as usual – ignored the usual Jew-Gentile hatreds.
Have you realised how disarming it would have been to have had Jesus actually put himself under an obligation to you, if you were in her shoes? It must have been breath-taking for her! No abuse; a request for help! Small wonder that this most interesting of conversations began. And – in quite usual Jewish manner, Jesus employed a subtle double entendre ¬ - not risqué but strong, about water.
As the conversation progressed it is noteworthy to consider how things operated. She would raise an issue, Jesus would respond and she would retreat. That, until He asked about her husband. That of course raised the question of her progressive polygamy, so to speak. She was the red light district of Sychar, and yet it was not that that raised Jesus’ interest. She was caught up in a widening vision of possibility and that was the trigger for all the growth that emerged.
The real surprise for everyone except Jesus and the woman was that the whole situation in that dysfunctional town was revolutionised. In spite of her low and questionable occupation, - which almost certainly would have involved many of the local men, – all people concerned had the opportunity to leave behind a tawdry past and move towards a far more forgiving and saved future. Salvation here shows up as the old ‘room to move’ scenario, but room to move past a forbidding and tortured past.
***********************************************************************************************
QT tonight will be about Tsunamis, floods, wars, famines, disasters of all kinds. Heartbreak, betrayal, loss, brokenness, despair. The woes of the world and the personal pains. Is it just me or do other people wonder.... Where is God when shi...stuff happens? Warren will be speaking, and there will be others ......see you at 7.30pm.
ROSTERS
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Today Don Caddy or Jill Hilbig
Next Sunday Cynthia Macintosh or Min Araki
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Iris D Intercessor Mary V
Sunday after Reader John F Intercessor Paul H
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers nil Brass Bonney Tomlinson
Cleaning Group 1
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday late afternoon please
Our Celebrant and preacher at 8qm is Warren Huffa
Our preacher at 10,00am is Fr. Ron
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. We invite you to join us for breakfast after the 8am service, or morning tea after the 10am service. At 10 am everything in the service will be screened on the walls. Sunday School is held at the 10 am service during School Term times.
Collect for Lent III
O God, the fountain of life, to a humanity parched with thirst you offer the living water that springs from the Rock, our Saviour Jesus Christ: stir up within your people the gift of your Spirit, that we may profess our faith with freshness and announce with joy the wonder of your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of he Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings Exodus 17: 1—7 and Romans 5: 1—11 read by Eric D
Gospel John 3: 1—17
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Marg P
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Phyllis Morecroft, Peter Little, the Swaby family, Chris Contro, Yvonne Myers, Sid Sweet and Dorothy Furnival
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Marlene Dixon, Tommy Ferguson, Valda and Wolf Seith, Angus Bruce
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –
YEAR’S MIND—Evelyn Halstead (1997) Betty Haines (2006)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent IV
Readings 1 Sam 16: 1—13 and and Ephesians 5: 8—14
Gospel John 9: 1—41
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
Sunday School Requests Mothering Sunday falls on 3rd April—and we would welcome flowers for Anna Kelly to show the children how to make posies for mothers.
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am every Wednesday at 378 Main Road Coromandal Valley
Lenten Studies These will be held on Tuesdays to April 5 at the Rectory from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Thursdays at 10.45am, on March 31 and April 7
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, visits and other types of assistance. Call Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568 or Iris Downes on 8278 3260
Report from St. John’s Chaplains
Clare and I write a blurb for the St John's newsletter which comes out each fortnight of term. We do alternate fortnights. I did mine last week and I thought I might send you a link each newsletter so people could go and see what we have written. This could be a permanent entry in the pew sheet and the address could change with each fortnight. Here is the latest:
http://www.stjohns.sa.edu.au/news/unambiguous-love
And from Clare Bruce, you can look up this link http://www.stjohns.sa.edu.au/news/the-hope-of-easter
FORTHCOMING EVENTS—
Passover Meal on 21st April, is now likely to be held in several homes, starting at 6.00pm. The home groups will have a more intimate feel and better chance for discussion. Then all will move to the Church for the 7.30pm service. Mary asks that those planning to attend see the list in the foyer, and mark is accordingly.
The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held TODAY after the 10 am service
A meeting to integrate the all pastoral work in the parish is set for the Germein Room tomorrow at 2pm. All interested people are invited to attend
Flinders Hospital Service -volunteers are reminded that our next turn at Flinders is on Sunday 10th April. Please ensure that you are there before 10am in order to assist patients to the service. For more information, contact Jean Fordham please.
Monday 4th April at St. Barnabas’ College, at 7.30pm Bishop Tom Frame will speak on ’Losing my religion,’ a report on atheism and response to it. Free. Should be a valuable time for questioning people.
ABM Appeal is now on with envelopes in the foyer. Palm Sunday (April 17) will see the distribution of Palm Crosses (is anyone available again to make these for our Church?) and Easter Day will see the return of those ABM envelopes. For further info or offers of help please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704)
PARISH CAMP Friday 18th—Sunday 20th November
Normanville Jetty Caravan Park—8 cabins and 8 sites have been pre-booked by Wendy – please contact her on 0417 806 943 or awsc@internode.on.net regarding a booking. Also. Saturday night dinner 6pm in the Normanville Beach Cafe (next to jetty) $20/adult $10/child with fun and games in the Surf Life Saving club afterwards. Sunday service on the beach at 11am (a bit later than usual to allow time for day trippers to arrive). For information, powered site $27.00 unpowered site $21.50 En-suite site $33.00 Deluxe Cabins with en-suite (sleeps up to 5) $88.00 Executive Cabins with en-suite (2 bedroom) $102.00 (includes linen on main bed) Extra persons over the age of 5 $9.00 Bunk House no en-suite $55.00 for 4 people
There will be a Baptism on Sunday, April 3 at 1:30pm, with Fr. Brenton officiating
Particular Note from Warren
I am preparing to put little-used things stored in the hall and office into the Parish Fete. Probably the art and craft material that is no longer needed (currently stored in the cupboards in the hall) would do well to go in the parish fete. We would leave Christmas play costumes and backdrops, but most of the rest go? Any objections? I am also thinking that the two storage bureaux by the foyer/hall doors are no longer needed. The things in them will find a nice home in the new storage area created in the office. If there are any problems, please let me know. Warren.
RON-BLOG from today’s readings - the woman of Samaria.
I know of no short and easy way of unpacking this fascinating incident in the ministry of Jesus. Not only does it portray Jesus’ refreshing and true response to humans of whatever nature, but also His great capacity of working through all manner of encounters, leaving people a means of understanding both themselves and the faith far more realistically. Here is Gospel of word and action.
This lady of the night had gone to the well in the heat of the day, certain of encountering absolutely no one there. It would have been to her great shock and horror that, not only was she not alone, but there was a Jewish bloke there. She must have had a thick skin to keep moving to the well, as all she could expect would be mouthfuls of abuse or worse from such a man. The greatest surprise was that she did not. Jesus – as usual – ignored the usual Jew-Gentile hatreds.
Have you realised how disarming it would have been to have had Jesus actually put himself under an obligation to you, if you were in her shoes? It must have been breath-taking for her! No abuse; a request for help! Small wonder that this most interesting of conversations began. And – in quite usual Jewish manner, Jesus employed a subtle double entendre ¬ - not risqué but strong, about water.
As the conversation progressed it is noteworthy to consider how things operated. She would raise an issue, Jesus would respond and she would retreat. That, until He asked about her husband. That of course raised the question of her progressive polygamy, so to speak. She was the red light district of Sychar, and yet it was not that that raised Jesus’ interest. She was caught up in a widening vision of possibility and that was the trigger for all the growth that emerged.
The real surprise for everyone except Jesus and the woman was that the whole situation in that dysfunctional town was revolutionised. In spite of her low and questionable occupation, - which almost certainly would have involved many of the local men, – all people concerned had the opportunity to leave behind a tawdry past and move towards a far more forgiving and saved future. Salvation here shows up as the old ‘room to move’ scenario, but room to move past a forbidding and tortured past.
***********************************************************************************************
QT tonight will be about Tsunamis, floods, wars, famines, disasters of all kinds. Heartbreak, betrayal, loss, brokenness, despair. The woes of the world and the personal pains. Is it just me or do other people wonder.... Where is God when shi...stuff happens? Warren will be speaking, and there will be others ......see you at 7.30pm.
ROSTERS
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Today Don Caddy or Jill Hilbig
Next Sunday Cynthia Macintosh or Min Araki
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Iris D Intercessor Mary V
Sunday after Reader John F Intercessor Paul H
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers nil Brass Bonney Tomlinson
Cleaning Group 1
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday late afternoon please
Friday, March 18, 2011
RonBlog
Sunday 20th March, 2011 Second Sunday in Lent
Sentence
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3: 16
Collect
Remember O Lord, what You have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and as You have called us to Your service, make us worthy of our calling, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 12: 1 – 4
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Psalm 121
I will lift my eyes to the hills: but where shall I find help?
My help comes from the Lord: Who has made heaven and earth
He will not suffer your foot to stumble: and He Who watches over you will not sleep
Be sure He Who has charge of Israel: will neither slumber nor sleep
The Lord Himself is your keeper: the Lord is your defence upon your right hand
The sun shall not strike you by day: nor shall the moon by night
The Lord will defend you from all evil: it is He Who will guard your life
The Lord will defend your going out and your coming in: from this time forward for evermore.
Epistle Romans 4: 1 – 5, & 13 - 17
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations")- -in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
GOSPEL John 3: 1 – 17
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
So this is where history, cold hard history of exploration towards the Faith begins in the Hebrew Scriptures. Whilst some before Abram were real, this man is the Biblical start of it all. And it is a fascinating picture to unravel. Please realize, if you will, that here is a person from the Tigris-Euphrates Valley who started the process of Judaism and then Christianity. One must add that Islam as well sees its roots right here. It is almost certain that Abram began life as a moon-worshipper, or similar, growing up where he did. And one has a sneaky suspicion that the call of God came to this man because he was of inquisitive and exploratory mind and heart, and had lost credibility with his existing religion. It strikes me that the Lord is ever on the lookout for questioners, and sadly, the history of the Church in dealing with such folk is not the best by any means.
Two thoughts: 1. Were it not for Abraham, how long would God have had to wait for someone to respond?
Thought 2. How many other Abrahams have been ‘tapped on the shoulder’ -- and not responded?
Thanks heavens for such a person, eh!
Psalm
Perhaps it is the very familiarity with this psalm that had reduced its value for me, or maybe I am simply too cynical. Whilst I delight in having a God Who takes interest in each of us and encourages us, I have never found that He stops me dropping myself into a mess. Simply, I feel that this author has over-simplified the reality, although it is a heart-warming thing.
Epistle
Pardon me, but this strikes me as a very convoluted argument, which stems most likely from the Pharisaic background in which Paul grew up. It would seem to me that Abraham’s response to God had rather little to do either with works or law. It had rather more to do with the nature of his search. His was a sticking-out-of-the-neck sort of situation, a sort of dipping in of toes to see what was next. And that is an important part of the Hebrew genius in the continuing search. As far as I can see, there was very little, initially at least, of the dogmatic in Hebrew religion, and very much a matter of finding out from real life and experience whether the growing and developing faith was big enough to fit life, let alone to discover the nature of God.
Once again I offer you the freedom to shoot me down if you think otherwise.
GOSPEL
Here we go again, for I suspect that this is one of the most abused and misunderstood passages of Scripture by those who limit this to their version of ‘being born again.’ How many decades have I wondered why people have turned ‘being accepted by Christ’ into ‘accepting Him, and this becoming the popular pattern.
Can we look at the story openly?
First of all, when Jesus – or John! – talks about the Kingdom of God, they are not talking ‘heaven.’ The Kingdom of God is the rule, the pattern, the modus operandi of those who choose to live in Jesus’ way. And that choice involves a radically different mode of operation, very different from the normal human way.
Dear old Nicodemus. The silent and somewhat hidden disciple. And perhaps he needed to be. But he was a long way off understanding as he should, even as a Jew. Oblique questions from him resulted in direct answers from Jesus! That business of being born again (or from above or whatever) had absolutely nothing to do with some religious fervent experience, but – as Nicodemus clearly understood – a totally new beginning or outlook or attitude. It amounts to the leopard actually changing his spots. Small wonder that Nico was bemused! How in the name of fortune can that happen? A person is the present result of a lifetime of decisions and experiences, as well as a lot of baggage.
It is fascinating that our Lord pointed to pneuma, wind, spirit, breath. One of the aspects of Hebrew Scriptures that constantly recurs is precisely that business of ‘Spirit.’ The Genesis story has it right from the start; the Wisdom literature gives it another name; and Ezekiel has a glorious example of breath and renewal. So Jesus was quite taken aback to discover that a Jewish leader should not be aware or responsive to what we call the third person of the Trinity. Being open to the Spirit of God is to find the way to this newness of life, this kingdom.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
Have you ever pondered quite what is ‘faith?’ Is it something you believe in or the fact that you do? Is it some sort of quality without which you cannot claim to be Christian? One of the difficulties in this most materialistic of ages is that the intangible things are less recognisable by Generations X and Y, and that is sad. This is not because there is something wrong with intangibles; the problem lies with us humans, I am sure.
We have a couple of rather interesting examples of faith in today’s readings, and whilst the source of them may be somewhat old, if not old-fashioned, I suspect we moderns need to be reminded or reassured that everything old is new again, or certainly can be. Faith then. For me, dear old Abraham is the example par excellence, of a faithful person. By that I do not mean ‘religious,’ but rather, real. Honest. Searching and looking for answers that stand up to the test of life and time. Just take a look for a while.
As I have written in the notes above, Abraham would have started off life as someone you may well regard as pagan, which is not all that fair to say in this politically correct (and often stupid!) climate. A moon worshipper almost certainly was he, and well involved in that cultus. As subsequent reports would suggest, he may well have been involved in child sacrifice, or at least tolerated it. However, the real point to notice as we watch proceedings is that he was not satisfied with it as a religion, as an explanation of the meaning and purpose of life. So he was on the look-out for something better, something more in tune with reality. He was inquisitive. He was an asker of questions. (I remember as a young teenage raising questions of the Faith with my then Rector, and being told to ‘shut up and believe.’ That was supposed to be faith? I think not!!!!!)
Thank God that Abraham began that pilgrimage not only for himself but also for the rest of humanity – for make no mistake, the Biblical record makes it quite clear that this bloke was to become progenitor not only for his family, not only for the Jews, but for the entire population of this planet. He was to become a blessing to all people.
And how did all this unfold? That itself is interesting, and in spite of Paul trying to make it somewhat convoluted, it unfolded through the very ordinary business of this person’s life. Mistakes were made, and great discoveries uncovered. Good things and less than good. Even some lousy things, shameful things, became stepping stones in that family’s pilgrimage. And the further they went, the more they understood of the nature of the God Who was calling them. And that process has continued right through all the generations, except when rather short-sighted humans (many of them clergy!) tried to put a stop to the development.
That is faith; a questioning, growing, exploring, pilgrimage. And when pilgrimage stops and being settled takes over, things become quite flat. Do not be concerned at the present, apparently threatening time when life seems to be hard for Christians. This is what happens when ‘settled’ stops and pilgrimage restarts, and that can only be great.
Then there is the greater focus on faith as illustrated in the Gospel today. If you have read the notes above, it can avoid some repetition. Faith, in the broader sense of the word, can be a fairly vague sort of thing. It can run from a strained hope that something will occur, even a nonsensical matter, to a profound conviction based on sound evidence. That does not need to be proof, but occasionally it can be quite close to that. However, it must have reality behind it. Otherwise it is little more than superstition, is it not. Deal or No Deal talks a lot about faith – but that is a groundless thing, based only on chance!
In Nicodemus’ case, it was a matter of heading out way beyond that man’s comfort zone, and apparently beyond where he had even thought prior to his encounter with Jesus. He had obviously been a religious man, and also had thought a lot about life and its realities. He was profoundly aware of the very low likelihood of a person changing their characteristics and actions: he had seen too much – perhaps even in himself.
But he had operated from outside what has always been quite something of the Jewish Faith. Sadly, ‘religion’ can be the very stumbling-block for progress, because religionists tend to be very conservative. On the other hand, from quite early in the peace, Biblical thinkers had moved past the traditional to the remarkable progressive. Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is a stunning presentation of the view that people’s lives can be changed when they are open to the Spirit, open to movement, open to change. (Now I would be conservative enough to add that – in my experience – this Spirit-driven change is not some sort of psychological or emotional outburst, but a very much deeper change of direction, change of heart, mind and will. I have long been suspicious of so-called ‘spiritual experiences’ that become sources of great embarrassment to the person as time goes by.
Nicodemus was painfully aware of our human unwillingness, if not outright incapacity to change – and yet the possibility is there, thankfully. And it may take time to work through.
In spite of atheists and other sceptics, faith at this level is not superstitious or destructive. It is remarkably productive and beneficial, and that will show in quite easily establishable and valued ways. However, it does need to show itself as permanent, rather than flash-in-pan. That latter does far more harm than good.
Sentence
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3: 16
Collect
Remember O Lord, what You have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and as You have called us to Your service, make us worthy of our calling, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 12: 1 – 4
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Psalm 121
I will lift my eyes to the hills: but where shall I find help?
My help comes from the Lord: Who has made heaven and earth
He will not suffer your foot to stumble: and He Who watches over you will not sleep
Be sure He Who has charge of Israel: will neither slumber nor sleep
The Lord Himself is your keeper: the Lord is your defence upon your right hand
The sun shall not strike you by day: nor shall the moon by night
The Lord will defend you from all evil: it is He Who will guard your life
The Lord will defend your going out and your coming in: from this time forward for evermore.
Epistle Romans 4: 1 – 5, & 13 - 17
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations")- -in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
GOSPEL John 3: 1 – 17
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
So this is where history, cold hard history of exploration towards the Faith begins in the Hebrew Scriptures. Whilst some before Abram were real, this man is the Biblical start of it all. And it is a fascinating picture to unravel. Please realize, if you will, that here is a person from the Tigris-Euphrates Valley who started the process of Judaism and then Christianity. One must add that Islam as well sees its roots right here. It is almost certain that Abram began life as a moon-worshipper, or similar, growing up where he did. And one has a sneaky suspicion that the call of God came to this man because he was of inquisitive and exploratory mind and heart, and had lost credibility with his existing religion. It strikes me that the Lord is ever on the lookout for questioners, and sadly, the history of the Church in dealing with such folk is not the best by any means.
Two thoughts: 1. Were it not for Abraham, how long would God have had to wait for someone to respond?
Thought 2. How many other Abrahams have been ‘tapped on the shoulder’ -- and not responded?
Thanks heavens for such a person, eh!
Psalm
Perhaps it is the very familiarity with this psalm that had reduced its value for me, or maybe I am simply too cynical. Whilst I delight in having a God Who takes interest in each of us and encourages us, I have never found that He stops me dropping myself into a mess. Simply, I feel that this author has over-simplified the reality, although it is a heart-warming thing.
Epistle
Pardon me, but this strikes me as a very convoluted argument, which stems most likely from the Pharisaic background in which Paul grew up. It would seem to me that Abraham’s response to God had rather little to do either with works or law. It had rather more to do with the nature of his search. His was a sticking-out-of-the-neck sort of situation, a sort of dipping in of toes to see what was next. And that is an important part of the Hebrew genius in the continuing search. As far as I can see, there was very little, initially at least, of the dogmatic in Hebrew religion, and very much a matter of finding out from real life and experience whether the growing and developing faith was big enough to fit life, let alone to discover the nature of God.
Once again I offer you the freedom to shoot me down if you think otherwise.
GOSPEL
Here we go again, for I suspect that this is one of the most abused and misunderstood passages of Scripture by those who limit this to their version of ‘being born again.’ How many decades have I wondered why people have turned ‘being accepted by Christ’ into ‘accepting Him, and this becoming the popular pattern.
Can we look at the story openly?
First of all, when Jesus – or John! – talks about the Kingdom of God, they are not talking ‘heaven.’ The Kingdom of God is the rule, the pattern, the modus operandi of those who choose to live in Jesus’ way. And that choice involves a radically different mode of operation, very different from the normal human way.
Dear old Nicodemus. The silent and somewhat hidden disciple. And perhaps he needed to be. But he was a long way off understanding as he should, even as a Jew. Oblique questions from him resulted in direct answers from Jesus! That business of being born again (or from above or whatever) had absolutely nothing to do with some religious fervent experience, but – as Nicodemus clearly understood – a totally new beginning or outlook or attitude. It amounts to the leopard actually changing his spots. Small wonder that Nico was bemused! How in the name of fortune can that happen? A person is the present result of a lifetime of decisions and experiences, as well as a lot of baggage.
It is fascinating that our Lord pointed to pneuma, wind, spirit, breath. One of the aspects of Hebrew Scriptures that constantly recurs is precisely that business of ‘Spirit.’ The Genesis story has it right from the start; the Wisdom literature gives it another name; and Ezekiel has a glorious example of breath and renewal. So Jesus was quite taken aback to discover that a Jewish leader should not be aware or responsive to what we call the third person of the Trinity. Being open to the Spirit of God is to find the way to this newness of life, this kingdom.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
Have you ever pondered quite what is ‘faith?’ Is it something you believe in or the fact that you do? Is it some sort of quality without which you cannot claim to be Christian? One of the difficulties in this most materialistic of ages is that the intangible things are less recognisable by Generations X and Y, and that is sad. This is not because there is something wrong with intangibles; the problem lies with us humans, I am sure.
We have a couple of rather interesting examples of faith in today’s readings, and whilst the source of them may be somewhat old, if not old-fashioned, I suspect we moderns need to be reminded or reassured that everything old is new again, or certainly can be. Faith then. For me, dear old Abraham is the example par excellence, of a faithful person. By that I do not mean ‘religious,’ but rather, real. Honest. Searching and looking for answers that stand up to the test of life and time. Just take a look for a while.
As I have written in the notes above, Abraham would have started off life as someone you may well regard as pagan, which is not all that fair to say in this politically correct (and often stupid!) climate. A moon worshipper almost certainly was he, and well involved in that cultus. As subsequent reports would suggest, he may well have been involved in child sacrifice, or at least tolerated it. However, the real point to notice as we watch proceedings is that he was not satisfied with it as a religion, as an explanation of the meaning and purpose of life. So he was on the look-out for something better, something more in tune with reality. He was inquisitive. He was an asker of questions. (I remember as a young teenage raising questions of the Faith with my then Rector, and being told to ‘shut up and believe.’ That was supposed to be faith? I think not!!!!!)
Thank God that Abraham began that pilgrimage not only for himself but also for the rest of humanity – for make no mistake, the Biblical record makes it quite clear that this bloke was to become progenitor not only for his family, not only for the Jews, but for the entire population of this planet. He was to become a blessing to all people.
And how did all this unfold? That itself is interesting, and in spite of Paul trying to make it somewhat convoluted, it unfolded through the very ordinary business of this person’s life. Mistakes were made, and great discoveries uncovered. Good things and less than good. Even some lousy things, shameful things, became stepping stones in that family’s pilgrimage. And the further they went, the more they understood of the nature of the God Who was calling them. And that process has continued right through all the generations, except when rather short-sighted humans (many of them clergy!) tried to put a stop to the development.
That is faith; a questioning, growing, exploring, pilgrimage. And when pilgrimage stops and being settled takes over, things become quite flat. Do not be concerned at the present, apparently threatening time when life seems to be hard for Christians. This is what happens when ‘settled’ stops and pilgrimage restarts, and that can only be great.
Then there is the greater focus on faith as illustrated in the Gospel today. If you have read the notes above, it can avoid some repetition. Faith, in the broader sense of the word, can be a fairly vague sort of thing. It can run from a strained hope that something will occur, even a nonsensical matter, to a profound conviction based on sound evidence. That does not need to be proof, but occasionally it can be quite close to that. However, it must have reality behind it. Otherwise it is little more than superstition, is it not. Deal or No Deal talks a lot about faith – but that is a groundless thing, based only on chance!
In Nicodemus’ case, it was a matter of heading out way beyond that man’s comfort zone, and apparently beyond where he had even thought prior to his encounter with Jesus. He had obviously been a religious man, and also had thought a lot about life and its realities. He was profoundly aware of the very low likelihood of a person changing their characteristics and actions: he had seen too much – perhaps even in himself.
But he had operated from outside what has always been quite something of the Jewish Faith. Sadly, ‘religion’ can be the very stumbling-block for progress, because religionists tend to be very conservative. On the other hand, from quite early in the peace, Biblical thinkers had moved past the traditional to the remarkable progressive. Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is a stunning presentation of the view that people’s lives can be changed when they are open to the Spirit, open to movement, open to change. (Now I would be conservative enough to add that – in my experience – this Spirit-driven change is not some sort of psychological or emotional outburst, but a very much deeper change of direction, change of heart, mind and will. I have long been suspicious of so-called ‘spiritual experiences’ that become sources of great embarrassment to the person as time goes by.
Nicodemus was painfully aware of our human unwillingness, if not outright incapacity to change – and yet the possibility is there, thankfully. And it may take time to work through.
In spite of atheists and other sceptics, faith at this level is not superstitious or destructive. It is remarkably productive and beneficial, and that will show in quite easily establishable and valued ways. However, it does need to show itself as permanent, rather than flash-in-pan. That latter does far more harm than good.
Newsletter
Sunday 20th March, 2011 - Lent II
Our Celebrant and preacher today is Warren Huffa
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. We invite you to join us for breakfast after the 8am service, or morning tea after the 10am service. At 10 am everything in the service will be screened on the walls. Sunday School is held at the 10 am service during School Term times. Where children are under the age of four years are asked to accompany the children, please.
Sunday School Requests Mothering Sunday falls on 3rd April—and we would welcome flowers for Anna Kelly to show the children how to make posies for their mothers. Please let Robyn know if you could help …….do you have any crepe myrtle blossom, cotoneaster berries, acacia, blue-green tips or greenery?
COLLECT FOR Lent !I
God of mercy, You are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive: grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever..Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings Genesis 12: 1—4a and Romans 4: 1—5 & 13—17 read by Vanessa
Gospel John 3: 1—17
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Marg P
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Phyllis Morecroft, Peter Little, the Swaby family, Chris Contro, Yvonne Myers, Sid Sweet and Dorothy Furnival
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Barbara Corbett
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –Eric and Iris Downes.
YEAR’S MIND—Anne Martin (1999) Edwina Christie (2000) and Harold Crouch (2009)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent III
Readings Genesis 12: 1—4a and Romans 4: 1—5
Gospel John 3: 1—17
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Today Ron Keynes or Joy Campbell
Next Sunday Don Caddy or Jill Hilbig
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Eric D Intercessor Hal S-C
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Audrey & Graham Baines Brass Margaret Carruthers
Cleaning Susan Lee
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am every Wednesday at 378 Main Road Coromandal Valley
Lenten Studies These will be held on Tuesdays to April 5 at the Rectory from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Thursdays at 10.45am, on March 24, 31 and April 7
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, visits and other types of assistance. Call Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568 or Iris Downes on 8278 3260
Our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Tea was an enjoyable occasion with toppings and pancake mix all donated and more than $100 donated to the Ethiopian Library Project. A "big pancake with blueberry topping" thank you to Greg for all of his time spent setting up the hall and foyer and for the pancake mix.
Clare and I write a blurb for the St John's newsletter which comes out each fortnight of term. We do alternate fortnights. I did mine last week and I thought I might send you a link each newsletter so people could go and see what we have written. This could be a permanent entry in the pew sheet and the address could change with each fortnight. Here is the latest:
http://www.stjohns.sa.edu.au/news/unambiguous-love
FORTHCOMING EVENTS—note changes please
Passover Meal on 21st April, is n ow likely to be held in several homes, starting at 6.00pm. The home groups will have a more intimate feel and better chance for discussion. Then all will move to the Church for the 7.30pm service. Mary asks that those planning to attend see the list in the foyer, and mark is accordingly.
The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held NEXT SUNDAY after the 10 am service
ABM Appeal is now on with envelopes in the foyer. Palm Sunday (April 17) will see the distribution of Palm Crosses (is anyone available again to make these for our Church?) and Easter Day will see the return of those ABM envelopes. For further info or offers of help please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704)
Do not forget THE TREASURE MART to be held on 26th March— 9am-1pm
Another special note—Bonny can offer lots of figs for anyone wishing to make fig jam.
PARISH CAMP Friday 18th—Sunday 20th November
Normanville Jetty Caravan Park—8 cabins and 8 sites have been pre-booked by Wendy – please contact her on 0417 806 943 or awsc@internode.on.net regarding a booking. Also. Saturday night dinner 6pm in the Normanville Beach Cafe (next to jetty) $20/adult $10/child with fun and games in the Surf Life Saving club afterwards. Sunday service on the beach at 11am (a bit later than usual to allow time for day trippers to arrive). For information, powered site $27.00 unpowered site $21.50 En-suite site $33.00 Deluxe Cabins with en-suite (sleeps up to 5) $88.00 Executive Cabins with en-suite (2 bedroom) $102.00 (includes linen on main bed) Extra persons over the age of 5 $9.00 Bunk House no en-suite $55.00 for 4 people
Starting a Pastoral Care Team ….
A meeting to integrate the all pastoral work in the parish is set for the Germein Room on Monday March 28th at 2pm. All interested people are invited to attend Warren
There will be a Baptism on Sunday, April 3 at 1:30pm, with Fr. Brenton officiating
Particular Note from Warren
I am preparing to put little-used things stored in the hall and office into the Parish Fete. Probably the art and craft material that is no longer needed (currently stored in the cupboards in the hall) would do well to go in the parish fete. We would leave Christmas play costumes and backdrops, but most of the rest go? Any objections? I am also thinking that the two storage bureaux by the foyer/hall doors are no longer needed. The things in them will find a nice home in the new storage area created in the office. If there are any problems, please let me know. Warren.
RON-BLOG from today’s readings
Have you ever pondered what is ‘faith?’ Is it something you believe in or what you do? Is it a quality without which you cannot be Christian? One of the difficulties in this most materialistic of ages is that the intangible things are less recognizable and that is sad. This is not because there is something wrong with intangibles; the problem lies with our human approach to life, I suspect.
Rather interesting examples of faith show up in today’s readings, and whilst the stories may be rather old, we moderns need to be reminded or reassured that everything old is new again, or certainly can be. Faith then. For me, dear old Abraham is the example par excellence, of a faithful person. By that I do not mean ‘religious,’ but rather, real. Honest. Searching and looking for answers that stand up to the test of life and time. Just take a look for a while. Abraham would have started off life as someone you may well regard as pagan, as a moon worshipper almost certainly was he, and well involved in that cultus. He may also have been involved in child sacrifice, or at least tolerated it. However, the real point to notice is that he was not satisfied with that cultus as a religion, as an explanation of the meaning and purpose of life. So he was on the look-out for something better, something more in tune with reality.
He was inquisitive. He was an asker of questions. [Shut up and believe is not, repeat not faith.] Thank God that Abraham began that pilgrimage not only for himself but also for the rest of humanity – for make no mistake, the Biblical record makes it quite clear that this bloke was to become progenitor not only for his family, not only for the Jews, but for the entire population of this planet. He was to become a blessing to all people.
And how did all this unfold? It unfolded through the very ordinary business of that person’s life. Mistakes were made, and great discoveries uncovered. Good things and less than good. Even some lousy things, shameful things, became stepping stones in that family’s pilgrimage. And the further they went, the more they understood of the nature of the God Who was calling them. And that process has continued right through all the generations, except when rather short-sighted humans (many of them clergy!) tried to put a stop to the development.
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The MHCHA has rescheduled its usual meeting to Wednesday 23 March at 6 pm at our Church. This involves meeting Anglicare Housing reps to discuss future housing management. Also we plan to hold our usual monthly meeting on Wednesday 30th March at 5.30pm.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday late afternoon please
Our Celebrant and preacher today is Warren Huffa
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. We invite you to join us for breakfast after the 8am service, or morning tea after the 10am service. At 10 am everything in the service will be screened on the walls. Sunday School is held at the 10 am service during School Term times. Where children are under the age of four years are asked to accompany the children, please.
Sunday School Requests Mothering Sunday falls on 3rd April—and we would welcome flowers for Anna Kelly to show the children how to make posies for their mothers. Please let Robyn know if you could help …….do you have any crepe myrtle blossom, cotoneaster berries, acacia, blue-green tips or greenery?
COLLECT FOR Lent !I
God of mercy, You are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive: grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever..Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings Genesis 12: 1—4a and Romans 4: 1—5 & 13—17 read by Vanessa
Gospel John 3: 1—17
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Marg P
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Phyllis Morecroft, Peter Little, the Swaby family, Chris Contro, Yvonne Myers, Sid Sweet and Dorothy Furnival
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Barbara Corbett
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –Eric and Iris Downes.
YEAR’S MIND—Anne Martin (1999) Edwina Christie (2000) and Harold Crouch (2009)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent III
Readings Genesis 12: 1—4a and Romans 4: 1—5
Gospel John 3: 1—17
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Today Ron Keynes or Joy Campbell
Next Sunday Don Caddy or Jill Hilbig
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Eric D Intercessor Hal S-C
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Audrey & Graham Baines Brass Margaret Carruthers
Cleaning Susan Lee
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am every Wednesday at 378 Main Road Coromandal Valley
Lenten Studies These will be held on Tuesdays to April 5 at the Rectory from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Thursdays at 10.45am, on March 24, 31 and April 7
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, visits and other types of assistance. Call Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568 or Iris Downes on 8278 3260
Our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Tea was an enjoyable occasion with toppings and pancake mix all donated and more than $100 donated to the Ethiopian Library Project. A "big pancake with blueberry topping" thank you to Greg for all of his time spent setting up the hall and foyer and for the pancake mix.
Clare and I write a blurb for the St John's newsletter which comes out each fortnight of term. We do alternate fortnights. I did mine last week and I thought I might send you a link each newsletter so people could go and see what we have written. This could be a permanent entry in the pew sheet and the address could change with each fortnight. Here is the latest:
http://www.stjohns.sa.edu.au/news/unambiguous-love
FORTHCOMING EVENTS—note changes please
Passover Meal on 21st April, is n ow likely to be held in several homes, starting at 6.00pm. The home groups will have a more intimate feel and better chance for discussion. Then all will move to the Church for the 7.30pm service. Mary asks that those planning to attend see the list in the foyer, and mark is accordingly.
The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held NEXT SUNDAY after the 10 am service
ABM Appeal is now on with envelopes in the foyer. Palm Sunday (April 17) will see the distribution of Palm Crosses (is anyone available again to make these for our Church?) and Easter Day will see the return of those ABM envelopes. For further info or offers of help please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704)
Do not forget THE TREASURE MART to be held on 26th March— 9am-1pm
Another special note—Bonny can offer lots of figs for anyone wishing to make fig jam.
PARISH CAMP Friday 18th—Sunday 20th November
Normanville Jetty Caravan Park—8 cabins and 8 sites have been pre-booked by Wendy – please contact her on 0417 806 943 or awsc@internode.on.net regarding a booking. Also. Saturday night dinner 6pm in the Normanville Beach Cafe (next to jetty) $20/adult $10/child with fun and games in the Surf Life Saving club afterwards. Sunday service on the beach at 11am (a bit later than usual to allow time for day trippers to arrive). For information, powered site $27.00 unpowered site $21.50 En-suite site $33.00 Deluxe Cabins with en-suite (sleeps up to 5) $88.00 Executive Cabins with en-suite (2 bedroom) $102.00 (includes linen on main bed) Extra persons over the age of 5 $9.00 Bunk House no en-suite $55.00 for 4 people
Starting a Pastoral Care Team ….
A meeting to integrate the all pastoral work in the parish is set for the Germein Room on Monday March 28th at 2pm. All interested people are invited to attend Warren
There will be a Baptism on Sunday, April 3 at 1:30pm, with Fr. Brenton officiating
Particular Note from Warren
I am preparing to put little-used things stored in the hall and office into the Parish Fete. Probably the art and craft material that is no longer needed (currently stored in the cupboards in the hall) would do well to go in the parish fete. We would leave Christmas play costumes and backdrops, but most of the rest go? Any objections? I am also thinking that the two storage bureaux by the foyer/hall doors are no longer needed. The things in them will find a nice home in the new storage area created in the office. If there are any problems, please let me know. Warren.
RON-BLOG from today’s readings
Have you ever pondered what is ‘faith?’ Is it something you believe in or what you do? Is it a quality without which you cannot be Christian? One of the difficulties in this most materialistic of ages is that the intangible things are less recognizable and that is sad. This is not because there is something wrong with intangibles; the problem lies with our human approach to life, I suspect.
Rather interesting examples of faith show up in today’s readings, and whilst the stories may be rather old, we moderns need to be reminded or reassured that everything old is new again, or certainly can be. Faith then. For me, dear old Abraham is the example par excellence, of a faithful person. By that I do not mean ‘religious,’ but rather, real. Honest. Searching and looking for answers that stand up to the test of life and time. Just take a look for a while. Abraham would have started off life as someone you may well regard as pagan, as a moon worshipper almost certainly was he, and well involved in that cultus. He may also have been involved in child sacrifice, or at least tolerated it. However, the real point to notice is that he was not satisfied with that cultus as a religion, as an explanation of the meaning and purpose of life. So he was on the look-out for something better, something more in tune with reality.
He was inquisitive. He was an asker of questions. [Shut up and believe is not, repeat not faith.] Thank God that Abraham began that pilgrimage not only for himself but also for the rest of humanity – for make no mistake, the Biblical record makes it quite clear that this bloke was to become progenitor not only for his family, not only for the Jews, but for the entire population of this planet. He was to become a blessing to all people.
And how did all this unfold? It unfolded through the very ordinary business of that person’s life. Mistakes were made, and great discoveries uncovered. Good things and less than good. Even some lousy things, shameful things, became stepping stones in that family’s pilgrimage. And the further they went, the more they understood of the nature of the God Who was calling them. And that process has continued right through all the generations, except when rather short-sighted humans (many of them clergy!) tried to put a stop to the development.
***********************************************************************************************
The MHCHA has rescheduled its usual meeting to Wednesday 23 March at 6 pm at our Church. This involves meeting Anglicare Housing reps to discuss future housing management. Also we plan to hold our usual monthly meeting on Wednesday 30th March at 5.30pm.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday late afternoon please
Friday, March 11, 2011
RonBlog
Sunday 13th March, 2011 First Sunday in Lent
Sentence
We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God Matt. 4:4
Collect
O Lord, Who for our sake fasted forty days and forty nights; give us grace to use such abstinence that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may ever obey Your godly will in justice and true holiness; to Your honour and glory, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 2: 15 – 17, & 3: 1 – 7
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Psalm 32
Blessed are those whose sin is forgiven: whose iniquity is put away
Blessed are those to whom the Lord imputes no blame: and in whose spirit there is no guile
For whilst I held my tongue: my bones wasted away with my daily complaining
Your hand was heavy upon me day and night: and my moisture was dried up like a drought in summer
Then I acknowledged my sin to You: and my iniquity I did not hide
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’: and so You forgave the wickedness of my sin
For this cause shall everyone that is faithful make their prayer to You in the day of trouble: and in the time of the great water flood, it shall not come near them
You are a place to hide me in, You will preserve me from trouble: You will surround me with deliverance on every side.
I will instruct you and direct you in the way that you should go: I will fasten my eyes on you and give you counsel.
Be not like horse and mule that have no understanding: whose forward course must be curbed with bit and bridle
Great tribulations remain for the ungodly; but whoever puts their trust in the Lord, mercy embraces them on every side
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and be glad: and shout for joy all you that are true of heart.
Epistle Romans 5: 12 – 21
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification.
If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
GOSPEL Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
I am still surprised – in fact I am appalled! – that there remain modern Christians who strive to keep a literal view of the Creation Stories, convinced that they are being true to the Faith and to God. I have spent the past 50 years asking such folk to look past their strange loyalty, if only on the grounds that the original owners of the stories have never understood those stories literally themselves. Almost all of the real point is lost when retaining literalism. On top of that, the original story tellers ensured that no one could be ‘literal’ for to follow that path would lead to remarkably silly dead-ends. Similar difficulties present themselves in today’s Epistle as well.
However, on such a Sunday as today it is well worth the recall to come again to the foundational expression of both what is wrong with so much of life and where the cause and responsibility for it lies. This ancient legend contains a stunning evaluation of where so much angst emerges, and even points to the remedy. What is so hugely sad is the extent to which this evaluation is neither explored nor tested by the vast majority of humans, including rather too many Christians.
The story of the Fall is not some sort of past history. It is a tale that helps me to understand me – as well as you. It must have been the result of a lot of thought, prayer and assessment by people long gone, but who in spite of their early existence in terms of human history, began to understand so much of the roots of human volition. It has nothing to do with apples or any other fruit. It has nothing to do with ‘Satan,’ unless by that you understand the story-tellers (and the rest of Scripture) to be meaning ‘my very human capacity to lead myself and you up all sorts of destructive garden paths. It has everything to do with human motives. For anyone who would like to explore this further, my Notes on Genesis are available via email.
Sadly these notes today need to be somewhat short-hand. Suffice to say that this tale conveys the harsh reality that temptation lies, quite simply and devastatingly in our terribly human refusal to be human and determination to be gods. By that is meant that common human trait of determining to get on top of whoever else is around. Add to that the capacity to enforce my will on to you. As the story unfolds here in Genesis 3, there is that tragic outcome portrayed, first by the sense of isolation mostly self-imposed, the sense of being God-forsaken (which soon proves unfounded!) and the Cain and Abel saga that underlines the second-stage rebellion that leads to murder, or destroying the ‘opposition.’ (It can never be said that Scripture attributes ‘sin’ to someone in history’s ancient past. Had that been the case, then any responsibility that I have is removed: I am reduced to a puppet on a string in that regard.)
Here lies a tremendous contribution to human self-understanding, and one – dare I say it – that remains valid even for those who deny the existence of God. I am human; I am responsible. And that is a ‘pill’ that few moderns would wish to take.
Psalm
It may come as some surprise that this psalm, also, has a great contribution to make to the balance of present-day human sanity. The process remains the same for believers or on-believers. This ancient worthy was making the point that when he faced the truth of his own short-comings, that recognition in itself provides a means of moving on from there, rather than hiding from himself, and trying to hide from others.
I have found it strange that lots of Anglicans had not realized the point, purpose and value of the Confession and Absolution in so many of our regular services. That point is not to relegate you to the state of cringing sinner, but to offer the opportunity to acknowledge, if only to yourself, that you have issues that need attention. As this old worthy experienced, the relief in so doing is tangible and redemptive. It is only when I am honest, particularly with myself, that I can cope with who I am, and from that can cope rather better with you, too!!!
Epistle
I have great sympathy with people who find St. Paul’s argument rather difficult to follow. Mind you, there was a time when he really made sense to me, but that was nearly half a century ago. One is left wondering how Paul understood ‘Adam,’ and I have to confess that I do not see the distinction Paul makes between ‘the free gift and the trespass.’ Both have the capacity to affect all humans, both Gospel and sin. The outcomes of course are totally different.
GOSPEL
Most readers of these notes will have travelled this path before. Reference to previous years’ notes will uncover all that. And it must be added that this incident in Jesus’ ministry was not to prove Him sinless, but to show that path He travelled to ensure that His life and ministry was not rendered invalid by following the Adamic pattern.
For the sake of anyone who has not travelled that path, I repeat previous commentary:
The three different sorts of questions or tests that faced Jesus revolved around the nature of His ministry and leadership. How should He priest? How should He messiah? How to gain a following, how to get the message across, how to win disciples?
That turning of stones into bread was a figurative way of operating. The Romans ruled, it is said, by means of bread and circuses. Devise ways of getting people’s attentions by diverting them from the real issues. Spin is what we call it these days, though I have a fondness for the two-syllable Aussie expression that really expresses it vividly. Jesus knew that if He filled people’s bellies, some would follow Him. But He also knew that as soon as the freebies ran out, so did the loyalty – or whatever passed for it. Obviously, this was not a valid direction to head. It avoided the real issues, and diverted people’s attention to non-issues.
Jumping off the pinnacle of the Temple is just as daft. Mind you, in our day and age, those who amuse and entertain us are lionised, grossly overpaid, and are followed by a rather mindless multitude. Shoot me down if you like, but what has any singer, or dancer or ever sportsman really done for you and others? Jesus was not stupid, and knew that if He started out that way, it may begin with the pinnacle, but would have to expand into ever more stupid and risky procedures. And in what way does that process ever get anyone to think or love their neighbour.
The last temptation is the one that gets a lot of people. What really does it mean to fall down and worship Satan? It is not a matter of magic or mumbo jumbo. It is not even a case of the occult. It is far more simple and tempting than that. It is in fact something I suspect you do often. It is a matter of watering down the truth, of making it all palatable and lovey-dovey, it is spin. It is the temptation to turn the truth into a lie and the lie into the truth. Or at least, make it look that way.
This is the way of humans, of politicians, and of all who would lead the gullible up the proverbial garden path. And it is remarkably easy to do, for whenever you know you should be clear and direct and honest with others, ……… Need I say more. Fortunately, we have a Lord with rather more integrity that that.
It would have been terribly easy for Jesus to have a made a mess of things, simply surrendering to the normal human patterns. Thank God He did not. And here comes a huge sting in the tail.
Not only was it necessary for Jesus to have made His solid and strong decision in terms of His ministry and leadership, it is also necessary for us. Not just clergy, but all the people of God. In fact all of the humans anyhow. Only when I come to close terms with the real and powerful lessons of Jesus’ testing and learn to operate that way too, that my ministry, even my humanity has a chance to reach its potential, not for me but for others.
ALTERNATIVE ADDRESS FOR LENT I Rather longer on the grounds that you are not
hearing this but rather reading it …….
In the light of the comment made at the start of the other option for today, may I offer an alternative sermon – this time bouncing off the Genesis story of the Fall. It is only recently that I heard from a person who has been freed from the perceived necessity of understanding the stories literally, and he was astounded at the way the very familiar tale almost blew up in his head. Hopefully the same may occur from this – if you have not travelled this way before. I have long suffered from holy ones who determine to be true to the Bible, and refuse any other approach than literal. What they do not realize is that they tend to make nonsense of the stories, and --- dare I suggest it – they make God out to be a bit of a dill in the process.
From the beginning, people of faith or no faith need to understand that these Creation Stories were not composed nor written for an audience that was naïve, stupid or gullible. Whilst people in those early days may well have needed stories rather than ‘theology,’ than only meant they were like most others of the time.
These stories were, in fact, designed to convey the possibility of a choice in understanding what it meant then (and now) to be a human alive and pondering meaning on planet earth. (I am cheeky enough to suggest that a reason for so many in our culture who have rejected this option have finished up with none. Small wonder there is so much confusion and baloney in our day and age.)
In fact, these Creation Stories, stand on the shoulders of other and previous ‘dream time stories’ (if you can cope with that idea,) – a factor most visible in Genesis 1:1 did you know. In a world then of many hundreds of choices of gods, goddesses, wizards, warlocks and other various pretend divinities, this pointed up a search that would meet everyone at their deepest level. Here is no dogmatic outline, to be believed against all odds: this is a question being offered to you, on the basis that it might, perhaps should, give you something to go on with. The more I discover in this ancient quest, the more I stand amazed at the wisdom of whoever it was in generations so long past that offered a series of tales so telling and so profound, that actually leaves modern psychology in its wake, actually.
So this is to be pondered, tossed around, questioned and then understood. It may well be that your best teacher in understanding this series may be some of Jewish faith. (Mind you, said Jewish people may, if my experience with them is anything to go by, will assure you that three Jewish people may well come up with about twelve different ways of looking at it. My best suggestion is to find and read David Kossoff.
The passage set for today is in two parts, the first section is part of the second Creation Story with its focus on humanity itself. It may well help to understand that ‘adam’ in Hebrew actually means, not a person, but humanity, or even closer: ‘adam’ is made up of ‘ish’ and ‘ishsha’ – male and female. And one does not ‘get’ adam until both male and female are present and together. Did you know that if you take this second creation story in this section through to the end of Chapter 2, that actually it had to stem from rather later in Jewish history, for it reads as a complete rebuttal of the patriarchal society where women were mere chattels. It is really explosive. The imagery is powerful – and was intended to be!
But it is the sin business that really stokes the fires. Have you been long imbued with the Christian idea that we all sin because of Adam? He mucked it all up and we are left with the consequences! Quite some correction is required before you travel that path.
Note, and note well: this tale is not about someone from a distant past – it is description of you and of every human who has walked this earth. It is designed to help you understand yourself, and more importantly, to catch sight of at least some of the answer to the question which is ‘if God made the world to be so good, where has the stuff-up come from?’ And sorry, this part of the passage suggests that answer indicates ‘that is you; and me; and everyone else who share the responsibility.
If you would like another culture shock, Chapter 4 points up the second stage of human capacity for evil, and it still comes from us. Cain and Abel. Not a pretty sight.
Now as we come to the crunch, do not get led astray like so much of the Church over the earlier centuries. The problem was not Eve in the story; the problem was not sex; so what was it? And it certainly was not about apples.
It is a simple tale, told to underline how we humans make foolish choices, try to avoid the issues, avoid the responsibilities, and thus miss the lesson there to be learnt. There they are, the three factors in the story, man, woman and snake. Now not many people find snakes all that attractive, and that included most Jewish folk, I gather. Fewer still have ever heard snakes talk! Those sorts of inserts in the story were designed, from the beginning, to ensure that NO ONE ever took things literally. Snakes are sneaky things and can be deadly dangerous. So in Hebrew thoughts, snakes represent danger, disaster, evil.
So there were our two characters in the story, given all they need to grow and flourish – and with a few sharp edges thrown in, for life tends to be like that, eh? Choices, decisions. Helmit Thielecke in his ‘How the World Began’ has a chapter titled, ‘Man, the Risk of God.’ But, is this not true, for us - like ruminants, - the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and when someone says you cannot or ought not, you and I are ever ready to overstep the mark.
Temptation does not, repeat not stem from outside you. Now does it! (Statement, not question.) Temptation stems from within. So don’t blame the snake; it is human greedy eyes and hearts – as the story-teller was very aware. Satan does not tempt you; in fact, in Biblical terms, Satan (and by whatever other name) is your capacity and mine to move towards evil, and whatever gets me over the top of you. Human evil. Boom!
Then notice how the lies begin to fly around. ‘You shall not die!’ You have been led up a garden path; you are not going to believe that #$%^&, are you?’ The questions arise in order for me to justify whatever course of action that I will decide. Damn the facts; let’s have the spin. Politicians, amongst others, are rather well-skilled at this, not outright lies perhaps, but that spin that drives you mad.
And when you do surrender to that urge, you tend to make sure that you are not alone in it: you make sure someone else is there to cop the flak with you, if it all comes out. In the tale, it was the woman who decided to eat, but made sure that Adam of the story is right there in the pooh with her.
The only and sad outcome of the mischief is the creation of the great divide between ‘Adam’ and ‘Eve.’ They discovered that they were naked! It has nothing to do with sex or gender: it has everything to do with hiding from each other out of shame, or being lumbered with the blame. Does this describe you, or does this describe you?
Two aspects that stem from a little further on in the tale:
When in the story, the two were walking in the garden after the event, God was looking for them, not to punish but to meet. It was they who felt the guilt: God felt the longing. No harsh judgement, do you see? Just concern, like a saddened, disappointed parent.
And stop a moment or two to see where Adam, in this tale, attributes the blame. ‘The woman you gave me, she beguiled me and I ate.’ Ponder a moment, for most need to take ten: where does Adam lay the blame? No, not on the woman, but on God. What a twit! Still lying his little heart out and doing what so many still do when things don’t go their way. God is at fault. And most of the time, a God such people do not consider to be existent.
In rather non-Biblical terms, it can be said that Scripture posits two basic approaches to life; the first is Adamic, self-centred, self-obsessed and God-denying in the end. Perhaps that might be put better if I suggest this path is setting oneself up as God. ‘You do what I demand of you!’ One is perfectly free to choose such a path, but is just as bound to encounter the results of such a choice. No I am not talking ‘hell.’ I am talking what others seem these days to call ‘karma.’ Or as a past Archbishop of Canterbury said 20 years or so ago, you were in your face, if you are over 40, the nature of the choices you have made before that time. We wear our choices, sometimes to a terrible extent. It is not God’s judgement; it is my folly.
The second alternative is Christ-like. Do NOT read that as meaning ‘religious,’ for I lay no claim to being that, not would I want to. Christ came as Saviour, certainly, and as Servant. In other words, as Philippians 2 has it, he lived the complete opposite of Adam. Self-giving, other-serving, caring, loving, risking life – so different that few leaders are ever game to follow that path of reconciliation.
That should be enough to ponder for a while. Feel free to come back at me, but I suspect that – like most Biblical stories, parables, myths or whatever, - they will come with their own stunning impact. A final story:
It was the day of our engagement party, and my soon-to-be father in law came with his boozy mates into the dining room where I was waiting. With some warm malice aforethought, Syd asked the question: “Ron, if Adam and Eve were the first two people on earth, where did their sons get wives to marry?’ The men thought that they had me, with nowhere to hide. ‘Syd,’ I responded as gently as I could, ‘That story is not history, it did not actually happen. It is a parable, a myth, designed to help us understand something about ourselves and about life.’
There was a shocked moment. Those three men, far from being Churchies, knew enough of the story to change their mocking disregard of the tale into something that blew up in their face, so to speak. In fact, I often wonder whether that may have been a starting point for Syd who later became quite ill, and gave himself the chance to think about things somewhat. He even had the local Vicar call regularly.
Sentence
We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God Matt. 4:4
Collect
O Lord, Who for our sake fasted forty days and forty nights; give us grace to use such abstinence that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may ever obey Your godly will in justice and true holiness; to Your honour and glory, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 2: 15 – 17, & 3: 1 – 7
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Psalm 32
Blessed are those whose sin is forgiven: whose iniquity is put away
Blessed are those to whom the Lord imputes no blame: and in whose spirit there is no guile
For whilst I held my tongue: my bones wasted away with my daily complaining
Your hand was heavy upon me day and night: and my moisture was dried up like a drought in summer
Then I acknowledged my sin to You: and my iniquity I did not hide
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’: and so You forgave the wickedness of my sin
For this cause shall everyone that is faithful make their prayer to You in the day of trouble: and in the time of the great water flood, it shall not come near them
You are a place to hide me in, You will preserve me from trouble: You will surround me with deliverance on every side.
I will instruct you and direct you in the way that you should go: I will fasten my eyes on you and give you counsel.
Be not like horse and mule that have no understanding: whose forward course must be curbed with bit and bridle
Great tribulations remain for the ungodly; but whoever puts their trust in the Lord, mercy embraces them on every side
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and be glad: and shout for joy all you that are true of heart.
Epistle Romans 5: 12 – 21
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification.
If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
GOSPEL Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
I am still surprised – in fact I am appalled! – that there remain modern Christians who strive to keep a literal view of the Creation Stories, convinced that they are being true to the Faith and to God. I have spent the past 50 years asking such folk to look past their strange loyalty, if only on the grounds that the original owners of the stories have never understood those stories literally themselves. Almost all of the real point is lost when retaining literalism. On top of that, the original story tellers ensured that no one could be ‘literal’ for to follow that path would lead to remarkably silly dead-ends. Similar difficulties present themselves in today’s Epistle as well.
However, on such a Sunday as today it is well worth the recall to come again to the foundational expression of both what is wrong with so much of life and where the cause and responsibility for it lies. This ancient legend contains a stunning evaluation of where so much angst emerges, and even points to the remedy. What is so hugely sad is the extent to which this evaluation is neither explored nor tested by the vast majority of humans, including rather too many Christians.
The story of the Fall is not some sort of past history. It is a tale that helps me to understand me – as well as you. It must have been the result of a lot of thought, prayer and assessment by people long gone, but who in spite of their early existence in terms of human history, began to understand so much of the roots of human volition. It has nothing to do with apples or any other fruit. It has nothing to do with ‘Satan,’ unless by that you understand the story-tellers (and the rest of Scripture) to be meaning ‘my very human capacity to lead myself and you up all sorts of destructive garden paths. It has everything to do with human motives. For anyone who would like to explore this further, my Notes on Genesis are available via email.
Sadly these notes today need to be somewhat short-hand. Suffice to say that this tale conveys the harsh reality that temptation lies, quite simply and devastatingly in our terribly human refusal to be human and determination to be gods. By that is meant that common human trait of determining to get on top of whoever else is around. Add to that the capacity to enforce my will on to you. As the story unfolds here in Genesis 3, there is that tragic outcome portrayed, first by the sense of isolation mostly self-imposed, the sense of being God-forsaken (which soon proves unfounded!) and the Cain and Abel saga that underlines the second-stage rebellion that leads to murder, or destroying the ‘opposition.’ (It can never be said that Scripture attributes ‘sin’ to someone in history’s ancient past. Had that been the case, then any responsibility that I have is removed: I am reduced to a puppet on a string in that regard.)
Here lies a tremendous contribution to human self-understanding, and one – dare I say it – that remains valid even for those who deny the existence of God. I am human; I am responsible. And that is a ‘pill’ that few moderns would wish to take.
Psalm
It may come as some surprise that this psalm, also, has a great contribution to make to the balance of present-day human sanity. The process remains the same for believers or on-believers. This ancient worthy was making the point that when he faced the truth of his own short-comings, that recognition in itself provides a means of moving on from there, rather than hiding from himself, and trying to hide from others.
I have found it strange that lots of Anglicans had not realized the point, purpose and value of the Confession and Absolution in so many of our regular services. That point is not to relegate you to the state of cringing sinner, but to offer the opportunity to acknowledge, if only to yourself, that you have issues that need attention. As this old worthy experienced, the relief in so doing is tangible and redemptive. It is only when I am honest, particularly with myself, that I can cope with who I am, and from that can cope rather better with you, too!!!
Epistle
I have great sympathy with people who find St. Paul’s argument rather difficult to follow. Mind you, there was a time when he really made sense to me, but that was nearly half a century ago. One is left wondering how Paul understood ‘Adam,’ and I have to confess that I do not see the distinction Paul makes between ‘the free gift and the trespass.’ Both have the capacity to affect all humans, both Gospel and sin. The outcomes of course are totally different.
GOSPEL
Most readers of these notes will have travelled this path before. Reference to previous years’ notes will uncover all that. And it must be added that this incident in Jesus’ ministry was not to prove Him sinless, but to show that path He travelled to ensure that His life and ministry was not rendered invalid by following the Adamic pattern.
For the sake of anyone who has not travelled that path, I repeat previous commentary:
The three different sorts of questions or tests that faced Jesus revolved around the nature of His ministry and leadership. How should He priest? How should He messiah? How to gain a following, how to get the message across, how to win disciples?
That turning of stones into bread was a figurative way of operating. The Romans ruled, it is said, by means of bread and circuses. Devise ways of getting people’s attentions by diverting them from the real issues. Spin is what we call it these days, though I have a fondness for the two-syllable Aussie expression that really expresses it vividly. Jesus knew that if He filled people’s bellies, some would follow Him. But He also knew that as soon as the freebies ran out, so did the loyalty – or whatever passed for it. Obviously, this was not a valid direction to head. It avoided the real issues, and diverted people’s attention to non-issues.
Jumping off the pinnacle of the Temple is just as daft. Mind you, in our day and age, those who amuse and entertain us are lionised, grossly overpaid, and are followed by a rather mindless multitude. Shoot me down if you like, but what has any singer, or dancer or ever sportsman really done for you and others? Jesus was not stupid, and knew that if He started out that way, it may begin with the pinnacle, but would have to expand into ever more stupid and risky procedures. And in what way does that process ever get anyone to think or love their neighbour.
The last temptation is the one that gets a lot of people. What really does it mean to fall down and worship Satan? It is not a matter of magic or mumbo jumbo. It is not even a case of the occult. It is far more simple and tempting than that. It is in fact something I suspect you do often. It is a matter of watering down the truth, of making it all palatable and lovey-dovey, it is spin. It is the temptation to turn the truth into a lie and the lie into the truth. Or at least, make it look that way.
This is the way of humans, of politicians, and of all who would lead the gullible up the proverbial garden path. And it is remarkably easy to do, for whenever you know you should be clear and direct and honest with others, ……… Need I say more. Fortunately, we have a Lord with rather more integrity that that.
It would have been terribly easy for Jesus to have a made a mess of things, simply surrendering to the normal human patterns. Thank God He did not. And here comes a huge sting in the tail.
Not only was it necessary for Jesus to have made His solid and strong decision in terms of His ministry and leadership, it is also necessary for us. Not just clergy, but all the people of God. In fact all of the humans anyhow. Only when I come to close terms with the real and powerful lessons of Jesus’ testing and learn to operate that way too, that my ministry, even my humanity has a chance to reach its potential, not for me but for others.
ALTERNATIVE ADDRESS FOR LENT I Rather longer on the grounds that you are not
hearing this but rather reading it …….
In the light of the comment made at the start of the other option for today, may I offer an alternative sermon – this time bouncing off the Genesis story of the Fall. It is only recently that I heard from a person who has been freed from the perceived necessity of understanding the stories literally, and he was astounded at the way the very familiar tale almost blew up in his head. Hopefully the same may occur from this – if you have not travelled this way before. I have long suffered from holy ones who determine to be true to the Bible, and refuse any other approach than literal. What they do not realize is that they tend to make nonsense of the stories, and --- dare I suggest it – they make God out to be a bit of a dill in the process.
From the beginning, people of faith or no faith need to understand that these Creation Stories were not composed nor written for an audience that was naïve, stupid or gullible. Whilst people in those early days may well have needed stories rather than ‘theology,’ than only meant they were like most others of the time.
These stories were, in fact, designed to convey the possibility of a choice in understanding what it meant then (and now) to be a human alive and pondering meaning on planet earth. (I am cheeky enough to suggest that a reason for so many in our culture who have rejected this option have finished up with none. Small wonder there is so much confusion and baloney in our day and age.)
In fact, these Creation Stories, stand on the shoulders of other and previous ‘dream time stories’ (if you can cope with that idea,) – a factor most visible in Genesis 1:1 did you know. In a world then of many hundreds of choices of gods, goddesses, wizards, warlocks and other various pretend divinities, this pointed up a search that would meet everyone at their deepest level. Here is no dogmatic outline, to be believed against all odds: this is a question being offered to you, on the basis that it might, perhaps should, give you something to go on with. The more I discover in this ancient quest, the more I stand amazed at the wisdom of whoever it was in generations so long past that offered a series of tales so telling and so profound, that actually leaves modern psychology in its wake, actually.
So this is to be pondered, tossed around, questioned and then understood. It may well be that your best teacher in understanding this series may be some of Jewish faith. (Mind you, said Jewish people may, if my experience with them is anything to go by, will assure you that three Jewish people may well come up with about twelve different ways of looking at it. My best suggestion is to find and read David Kossoff.
The passage set for today is in two parts, the first section is part of the second Creation Story with its focus on humanity itself. It may well help to understand that ‘adam’ in Hebrew actually means, not a person, but humanity, or even closer: ‘adam’ is made up of ‘ish’ and ‘ishsha’ – male and female. And one does not ‘get’ adam until both male and female are present and together. Did you know that if you take this second creation story in this section through to the end of Chapter 2, that actually it had to stem from rather later in Jewish history, for it reads as a complete rebuttal of the patriarchal society where women were mere chattels. It is really explosive. The imagery is powerful – and was intended to be!
But it is the sin business that really stokes the fires. Have you been long imbued with the Christian idea that we all sin because of Adam? He mucked it all up and we are left with the consequences! Quite some correction is required before you travel that path.
Note, and note well: this tale is not about someone from a distant past – it is description of you and of every human who has walked this earth. It is designed to help you understand yourself, and more importantly, to catch sight of at least some of the answer to the question which is ‘if God made the world to be so good, where has the stuff-up come from?’ And sorry, this part of the passage suggests that answer indicates ‘that is you; and me; and everyone else who share the responsibility.
If you would like another culture shock, Chapter 4 points up the second stage of human capacity for evil, and it still comes from us. Cain and Abel. Not a pretty sight.
Now as we come to the crunch, do not get led astray like so much of the Church over the earlier centuries. The problem was not Eve in the story; the problem was not sex; so what was it? And it certainly was not about apples.
It is a simple tale, told to underline how we humans make foolish choices, try to avoid the issues, avoid the responsibilities, and thus miss the lesson there to be learnt. There they are, the three factors in the story, man, woman and snake. Now not many people find snakes all that attractive, and that included most Jewish folk, I gather. Fewer still have ever heard snakes talk! Those sorts of inserts in the story were designed, from the beginning, to ensure that NO ONE ever took things literally. Snakes are sneaky things and can be deadly dangerous. So in Hebrew thoughts, snakes represent danger, disaster, evil.
So there were our two characters in the story, given all they need to grow and flourish – and with a few sharp edges thrown in, for life tends to be like that, eh? Choices, decisions. Helmit Thielecke in his ‘How the World Began’ has a chapter titled, ‘Man, the Risk of God.’ But, is this not true, for us - like ruminants, - the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and when someone says you cannot or ought not, you and I are ever ready to overstep the mark.
Temptation does not, repeat not stem from outside you. Now does it! (Statement, not question.) Temptation stems from within. So don’t blame the snake; it is human greedy eyes and hearts – as the story-teller was very aware. Satan does not tempt you; in fact, in Biblical terms, Satan (and by whatever other name) is your capacity and mine to move towards evil, and whatever gets me over the top of you. Human evil. Boom!
Then notice how the lies begin to fly around. ‘You shall not die!’ You have been led up a garden path; you are not going to believe that #$%^&, are you?’ The questions arise in order for me to justify whatever course of action that I will decide. Damn the facts; let’s have the spin. Politicians, amongst others, are rather well-skilled at this, not outright lies perhaps, but that spin that drives you mad.
And when you do surrender to that urge, you tend to make sure that you are not alone in it: you make sure someone else is there to cop the flak with you, if it all comes out. In the tale, it was the woman who decided to eat, but made sure that Adam of the story is right there in the pooh with her.
The only and sad outcome of the mischief is the creation of the great divide between ‘Adam’ and ‘Eve.’ They discovered that they were naked! It has nothing to do with sex or gender: it has everything to do with hiding from each other out of shame, or being lumbered with the blame. Does this describe you, or does this describe you?
Two aspects that stem from a little further on in the tale:
When in the story, the two were walking in the garden after the event, God was looking for them, not to punish but to meet. It was they who felt the guilt: God felt the longing. No harsh judgement, do you see? Just concern, like a saddened, disappointed parent.
And stop a moment or two to see where Adam, in this tale, attributes the blame. ‘The woman you gave me, she beguiled me and I ate.’ Ponder a moment, for most need to take ten: where does Adam lay the blame? No, not on the woman, but on God. What a twit! Still lying his little heart out and doing what so many still do when things don’t go their way. God is at fault. And most of the time, a God such people do not consider to be existent.
In rather non-Biblical terms, it can be said that Scripture posits two basic approaches to life; the first is Adamic, self-centred, self-obsessed and God-denying in the end. Perhaps that might be put better if I suggest this path is setting oneself up as God. ‘You do what I demand of you!’ One is perfectly free to choose such a path, but is just as bound to encounter the results of such a choice. No I am not talking ‘hell.’ I am talking what others seem these days to call ‘karma.’ Or as a past Archbishop of Canterbury said 20 years or so ago, you were in your face, if you are over 40, the nature of the choices you have made before that time. We wear our choices, sometimes to a terrible extent. It is not God’s judgement; it is my folly.
The second alternative is Christ-like. Do NOT read that as meaning ‘religious,’ for I lay no claim to being that, not would I want to. Christ came as Saviour, certainly, and as Servant. In other words, as Philippians 2 has it, he lived the complete opposite of Adam. Self-giving, other-serving, caring, loving, risking life – so different that few leaders are ever game to follow that path of reconciliation.
That should be enough to ponder for a while. Feel free to come back at me, but I suspect that – like most Biblical stories, parables, myths or whatever, - they will come with their own stunning impact. A final story:
It was the day of our engagement party, and my soon-to-be father in law came with his boozy mates into the dining room where I was waiting. With some warm malice aforethought, Syd asked the question: “Ron, if Adam and Eve were the first two people on earth, where did their sons get wives to marry?’ The men thought that they had me, with nowhere to hide. ‘Syd,’ I responded as gently as I could, ‘That story is not history, it did not actually happen. It is a parable, a myth, designed to help us understand something about ourselves and about life.’
There was a shocked moment. Those three men, far from being Churchies, knew enough of the story to change their mocking disregard of the tale into something that blew up in their face, so to speak. In fact, I often wonder whether that may have been a starting point for Syd who later became quite ill, and gave himself the chance to think about things somewhat. He even had the local Vicar call regularly.
Newsletter
Sunday 13th March, 2011 - Lent I
Our Celebrant today is Warren Huffa
And preacher is Stephen Daughtry
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. We invite you to join us for breakfast after the 8am service, or morning tea after the 10am service. At 10 am everything in the service will be screened on the walls. Sunday School is held at the 10 am service during School Term times. Where children are under the age of four years are asked to accompany the children, please.
COLLECT FOR Lent I
Almighty God, Whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet did not sin: give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to Your will, that, as you know our weakness, so we may know Your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings Genesis 2: 15—17 & 3: 1—7 and Romans 5: 12—21 read by David C
GOSPEL Matthew 4: 1—11
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Phyllis Morecroft, Peter Little, the Swaby family, Chris Contro, Yvonne Myers, Sid Sweet and Dorothy Furnival
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Rosemary Conlon, Brittany Luks, Emma Brice, Maya Araki and Kumiko Araki
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –
YEAR’S MIND—John Walden (1988) Jack Kelly (1999). Nicholas Baker (1995) Kathleen Stauner (1995) and Shirley Marston (2005)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent II
Readings Genesis 12: 1—4a and Romans 4: 1—5 & 13—17
Gospel John 3: 1—17
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Today Craig Deane or Trevor Tregenza
Next Sunday Ron Keynes or Joy Campbell
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Eric D Intercessor Hal –C
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Audrey & Graham Baines Brass MargareT Carruthers
Cleaning Susan Lee
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am every Wednesday at 378 Main Road Coromandal Valley
Lenten Studies
These will be held on Tuesdays Mar 15 to April 5 at the Rectory from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Thursdays at 10.45am, on March 24, 31 and April 7
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, visits and other types of assistance. Call Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568 or Iris Downes on 8278 3260
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Passover Meal on 21st April, Maundy Thursday, depending on number of participants. A list for this is also in the Porch
AND THEN THERE IS ………………. The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held on 27th March after Church—people providing reports need to have them at least two weeks before that date
With Lent approaching, the ABM Appeal is coming into attention please. March 13 is set as ABM Sunday with envelopes available. Palm Sunday (April 17) will see the distribution of Palm Crosses (is anyone available again to make these for our Church?) and Easter Day will see the return of those ABM envelopes.
For further info or offers of help please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704)
Do not forget THE TREASURE MART to be held on 26th March— 9am-1pm Please call Wendy 0417 806 943 and encourage her with donations of your time and/or goods. And a special note from Clare: The Bruce family request that you start transplanting/propagating and dividing in preparation for the mega plant stall at our Parish Treasure Mart and bring your offerings on the day or the day before.
PARISH CAMP Friday 18th—Sunday 20th November
Normanville Jetty Caravan Park—8 cabins and 8 sites have been pre-booked by Wendy – please contact her on 0417 806 943 or awsc@internode.on.net regarding a booking. Also. Saturday night dinner 6pm in the Normanville Beach Cafe (next to jetty) $20/adult $10/child with fun and games in the Surf Life Saving club afterwards.
Sunday service on the beach at 11am (a bit later than usual to allow time for day trippers to arrive). For information, powered site $27.00 unpowered site $21.50 En-suite site $33.00 Deluxe Cabins with en-suite (sleeps up to 5) $88.00 Executive Cabins with en-suite (2 bedroom) $102.00 (includes linen on main bed) Extra persons over the age of 5 $9.00 Bunk House no en-suite $55.00 for 4 people
Starting a Pastoral Care Team date changed …….
Some people involved in pastoral care in the parish would like to integrate the pastoral work that is being done and to extend the outreach of the parish. All who are interested in being part of a team of people that would take a special interest in a comprehensive pastoral care system within the parish are invited to join us in the Germein Room on Monday March 28th at 2pm. Our sense is that a lot of pastoral care is carried out in the parish and it would be good to coordinate this work. But we would also be interested in finding ways to connect those available to care for others with those who might need a bit of care at times! And we are also interested in a pastoral visiting ministry. Warren
BCA AGM Saturday 2nd April at Christ Church, North Adelaide.
12 noon start with light lunch ($15.00 per person) and speakers to follow.
RSVP to BCA (Viv Bleby on 8351 5950.)
Mothers’ Union Belair next meeting is on 17th March at 2.00pm, at the Church. with Visiting Speaker Mrs. Helen Semmler who is in charge of a Ladies’ Sewing Group teaching refugee women to sew for their families. If you have any lengths of sewing material, or buttons or other items you no longer need, Helen will put them to very good use. Please bring to the meeting or contact Margaret or Jean.
***********************************************************************************************
FROM THE RON-BLOG from the OT Reading
I am still surprised – in fact I am appalled! – that there remain modern Christians who strive to hold a literal view of the Creation Stories, convinced that they are being true to the Faith and to God. However, on such a Sunday as today it is well worth coming again to the foundational expression of both what is wrong with so much of life and where the cause and responsibility for it lies. This ancient legend contains a stunning evaluation of where so much angst emerges, and even points to the remedy. What is so hugely sad is the extent to which this evaluation is neither explored nor tested by the vast majority of humans, including rather too many Christians.
The story of the Fall is not some sort of past history. It is a tale that helps me to understand me – as well as you. It must have been the result of a lot of thought, prayer and assessment by people long gone, but who in spite of their early existence in terms of human history, began to understand so much of the roots of human volition. The tale has nothing to do with apples or any other fruit. It has everything to do with human motives. For anyone who would like to explore this further, my Notes on Genesis are available via email.
Sadly today’s notes need to be shortened. Suffice to say that this tale conveys the harsh reality that temptation—and resultant damage! - lies, quite simply and devastatingly in our terrible refusal to be creatures and determination to be gods. By that is meant that common human trait of determining to get on top of whoever else is around. Or, my capacity to enforce my will on to you. As the story unfolds here in Genesis 3, there is that tragic outcome portrayed, first by the sense of isolation mostly self-imposed, the sense of being God-forsaken (which soon proves unfounded!) and the Cain and Abel saga that underlines the second-stage rebellion that leads to murder, or destroying the ‘opposition.’ (It can never be said that Scripture attributes ‘sin’ to someone in history’s ancient past. Had that been the case, then my responsibility is removed: But I am reduced to a puppet on a string in that regard.)
Here lies a tremendous contribution to human self-understanding, and one – dare I say it – that remains valid even for those who deny the existence of God. I am human; I am responsible. And that is a ‘pill’ that few moderns would wish to take. This is why the Gospel is somewhat unpalatable, but that is often the response people make to the truth!
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday late afternoon please
Our Celebrant today is Warren Huffa
And preacher is Stephen Daughtry
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. We invite you to join us for breakfast after the 8am service, or morning tea after the 10am service. At 10 am everything in the service will be screened on the walls. Sunday School is held at the 10 am service during School Term times. Where children are under the age of four years are asked to accompany the children, please.
COLLECT FOR Lent I
Almighty God, Whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet did not sin: give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to Your will, that, as you know our weakness, so we may know Your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS
Readings Genesis 2: 15—17 & 3: 1—7 and Romans 5: 12—21 read by David C
GOSPEL Matthew 4: 1—11
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Phyllis Morecroft, Peter Little, the Swaby family, Chris Contro, Yvonne Myers, Sid Sweet and Dorothy Furnival
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Rosemary Conlon, Brittany Luks, Emma Brice, Maya Araki and Kumiko Araki
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –
YEAR’S MIND—John Walden (1988) Jack Kelly (1999). Nicholas Baker (1995) Kathleen Stauner (1995) and Shirley Marston (2005)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent II
Readings Genesis 12: 1—4a and Romans 4: 1—5 & 13—17
Gospel John 3: 1—17
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Today Craig Deane or Trevor Tregenza
Next Sunday Ron Keynes or Joy Campbell
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Eric D Intercessor Hal –C
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Audrey & Graham Baines Brass MargareT Carruthers
Cleaning Susan Lee
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am every Wednesday at 378 Main Road Coromandal Valley
Lenten Studies
These will be held on Tuesdays Mar 15 to April 5 at the Rectory from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Thursdays at 10.45am, on March 24, 31 and April 7
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, visits and other types of assistance. Call Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568 or Iris Downes on 8278 3260
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Passover Meal on 21st April, Maundy Thursday, depending on number of participants. A list for this is also in the Porch
AND THEN THERE IS ………………. The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held on 27th March after Church—people providing reports need to have them at least two weeks before that date
With Lent approaching, the ABM Appeal is coming into attention please. March 13 is set as ABM Sunday with envelopes available. Palm Sunday (April 17) will see the distribution of Palm Crosses (is anyone available again to make these for our Church?) and Easter Day will see the return of those ABM envelopes.
For further info or offers of help please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704)
Do not forget THE TREASURE MART to be held on 26th March— 9am-1pm Please call Wendy 0417 806 943 and encourage her with donations of your time and/or goods. And a special note from Clare: The Bruce family request that you start transplanting/propagating and dividing in preparation for the mega plant stall at our Parish Treasure Mart and bring your offerings on the day or the day before.
PARISH CAMP Friday 18th—Sunday 20th November
Normanville Jetty Caravan Park—8 cabins and 8 sites have been pre-booked by Wendy – please contact her on 0417 806 943 or awsc@internode.on.net regarding a booking. Also. Saturday night dinner 6pm in the Normanville Beach Cafe (next to jetty) $20/adult $10/child with fun and games in the Surf Life Saving club afterwards.
Sunday service on the beach at 11am (a bit later than usual to allow time for day trippers to arrive). For information, powered site $27.00 unpowered site $21.50 En-suite site $33.00 Deluxe Cabins with en-suite (sleeps up to 5) $88.00 Executive Cabins with en-suite (2 bedroom) $102.00 (includes linen on main bed) Extra persons over the age of 5 $9.00 Bunk House no en-suite $55.00 for 4 people
Starting a Pastoral Care Team date changed …….
Some people involved in pastoral care in the parish would like to integrate the pastoral work that is being done and to extend the outreach of the parish. All who are interested in being part of a team of people that would take a special interest in a comprehensive pastoral care system within the parish are invited to join us in the Germein Room on Monday March 28th at 2pm. Our sense is that a lot of pastoral care is carried out in the parish and it would be good to coordinate this work. But we would also be interested in finding ways to connect those available to care for others with those who might need a bit of care at times! And we are also interested in a pastoral visiting ministry. Warren
BCA AGM Saturday 2nd April at Christ Church, North Adelaide.
12 noon start with light lunch ($15.00 per person) and speakers to follow.
RSVP to BCA (Viv Bleby on 8351 5950.)
Mothers’ Union Belair next meeting is on 17th March at 2.00pm, at the Church. with Visiting Speaker Mrs. Helen Semmler who is in charge of a Ladies’ Sewing Group teaching refugee women to sew for their families. If you have any lengths of sewing material, or buttons or other items you no longer need, Helen will put them to very good use. Please bring to the meeting or contact Margaret or Jean.
***********************************************************************************************
FROM THE RON-BLOG from the OT Reading
I am still surprised – in fact I am appalled! – that there remain modern Christians who strive to hold a literal view of the Creation Stories, convinced that they are being true to the Faith and to God. However, on such a Sunday as today it is well worth coming again to the foundational expression of both what is wrong with so much of life and where the cause and responsibility for it lies. This ancient legend contains a stunning evaluation of where so much angst emerges, and even points to the remedy. What is so hugely sad is the extent to which this evaluation is neither explored nor tested by the vast majority of humans, including rather too many Christians.
The story of the Fall is not some sort of past history. It is a tale that helps me to understand me – as well as you. It must have been the result of a lot of thought, prayer and assessment by people long gone, but who in spite of their early existence in terms of human history, began to understand so much of the roots of human volition. The tale has nothing to do with apples or any other fruit. It has everything to do with human motives. For anyone who would like to explore this further, my Notes on Genesis are available via email.
Sadly today’s notes need to be shortened. Suffice to say that this tale conveys the harsh reality that temptation—and resultant damage! - lies, quite simply and devastatingly in our terrible refusal to be creatures and determination to be gods. By that is meant that common human trait of determining to get on top of whoever else is around. Or, my capacity to enforce my will on to you. As the story unfolds here in Genesis 3, there is that tragic outcome portrayed, first by the sense of isolation mostly self-imposed, the sense of being God-forsaken (which soon proves unfounded!) and the Cain and Abel saga that underlines the second-stage rebellion that leads to murder, or destroying the ‘opposition.’ (It can never be said that Scripture attributes ‘sin’ to someone in history’s ancient past. Had that been the case, then my responsibility is removed: But I am reduced to a puppet on a string in that regard.)
Here lies a tremendous contribution to human self-understanding, and one – dare I say it – that remains valid even for those who deny the existence of God. I am human; I am responsible. And that is a ‘pill’ that few moderns would wish to take. This is why the Gospel is somewhat unpalatable, but that is often the response people make to the truth!
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday late afternoon please
Friday, March 4, 2011
RonBlog
Sunday 6th March, 2011 Transfiguration - Ninth Sunday after Epiphany
Sentence
Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them and from the cloud a voice said, “This is My beloved Son with Whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” Matthew 17: 8
Collect
Almighty God, You have given Your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life; give us grace that we may always thankfully receive the benefits of His sacrifice and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow in the blessed steps of His most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Exodus 24: 13 – 18
The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, "Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them."
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
Psalm 2
Why are the nations in tumult: and why do the peoples cherish a vain dream?
The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers conspire together: against the Lord and against His anointed, saying
‘Let us break their bonds asunder: let us throw off their chains from us’
He that dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: the Lord will hold then in derision
Then will He speak to them in His wrath, and terrify them in His fury: “I the Lord, have set my king on Zion my holy hill.’
I will announce the Lord’s decree, that which He has spoken: “You are my son, this day have I begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance: the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession
‘You may break them with a rod of iron: and shatter them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’
Now therefore be wise, O kings: be advised, you that are judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with awe, and govern yourselves in fear and trembling: lest he be angry, and you perish in your course.
For His wrath is quickly kindled: blessed are those who turn to Him for refuge.
Epistle 2 Peter 1: 16 – 21
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
GOSPEL Matthew 17: 1 – 9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
As time goes by and people are less familiar with the Old Testament stories and accounts, much of the impact of the Gospel stories is reduced. On top of that a lack of familiarity with old Hebrew story-telling and the point and purpose of the imagery fails to produce the old result. That is rather sad, and I venture to suggest that moderns spend more time reading the Old Testament, particularly the more significant areas.
Here is part of the tale of the giving of the Decalogue, and the cloud imagery has always been seen as portraying the power and majesty of God. It is quite important that this passage is read in conjunction with the story of the Transfiguration, for there, too, clouds, mountains, and even Moses and Elijah rate significant mentions. Stop and ponder why if you would!
Psalm
A little matter of trivia might be interesting: that John’s Revelation includes quite a commentary on this Psalm. (Read my notes on Revelation for more info, or get GB Caird’s Black and Black series Commentary. His was a far wiser head than mine.) This is a fascinating insight into what must have been remarkably early theology; Psalm 2 must date from around 1000BC or even earlier. It is a study of the relative values of human kingdoms and their power, and that of JHWH, Predictably, it is human power that gets a hammering, but the grounds of that perception are both valid and real - as is John’s commentary!
Epistle
The Apostle is here combatting the idea that the Faith was based on fable and fiction. In response he pointed to the incarnational verities of both Judaism and Christianity. Whilst some of the stories may be told in what may be described as mythical terms which is only a means to express the significance of those realities. So Peter was at pains to attest to fact that he and others were present at real events in real time and in real places. In fact one of the fascinating things about the Judaic/Christian Faith is the importance that is seen in the historical realities. The Word became flesh -- and the Faith continues to be spread by ordinary humans in the real world, There is no room for fairies.
GOSPEL
It is helpful to remember that the Evangelists are careful to report that the Transfiguration occurred a week after Peter’s so-called confession of Jesus as Christ. While some people are convinced that this was a great step forward for Peter, I suspect that the reality was that he saw part of the story but still had a long way to go. Today’s incident underlines that fact, does it not!
This event has often been portrayed as some sort of reassurance for Jesus Himself, but I have long doubted that such was the case. The reassurance, or underlining if you like, was for Peter, James and John, the sort of leadership group of the Twelve. And the nature of this reassurance lay in the fact that Moses (Law) and Elijah (prophets) showed up as someone subservient to the Christ. On the other hand there is the clear statement that Jesus is in the line of both those particularly Hebrew Faith icons. This Christ was the final development of this faith once delivered.
Notice, in the light of today’s first lesson, of the connection with Moses, mountain, smoke and thunder. This imagery is for ever embedded in Biblical perception and expression as the power and glory of JHWH. You will note the repetition in other situations as well, so no not miss seeing it as pointing to those factors of the Creator.
Transfiguration is nothing less than seeing with fresh eyes what has always been there but now it is seen to be a flowing out of what was already apparent ….. but not recognized.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
I continue to find it a sad situation when quite a few people in quite a few congregations seem to know little in the way of Biblical matters. There was a time when Anglicans were regarded as ‘people of the book,’ but that, sadly seems rather less the case. Small wonder then that there is either great confusion as to what we are meant to believe, and smaller wonder still that the faith seems to ring less and less bells for people. I hope you don’t think me patronising or some-such; that is a long way from the truth. In a way, today’s Gospel may offer something of a reason why. Although this may look like a great Sunday School lesson, it seems to offer little in the way of information, direction or even theology for many adults. This, pardon me, is not the fault of the story: that lies in the way it is understood. Hopefully what follows may be of some use in helping people move forward.
First comment I would offer, is that it must have been just as difficult for our Lord to have tried to get that very slow-moving Twelve to catch sight of what He was on about. As the reading (and my notes above) indicate, He was attempting to get the disciples past the ooh and aah situation – a sort of warm contentment about being disciples to a fascinating and attractive personality. The Faith Jesus came to offer has never been some sort of cosy sinecure, but rather a life-changing, even world-changing faith. If and when people really take hold of this following of Christ, it is designed to provide a far more significant world-view and world action to resolve the most intransigent of human problems.
For Jewish people, then (and I understand, now) was the validity or otherwise of Jesus’ ministry. If there was one thing that Jews were strong and hot about, it was the basis and validity of their Faith. When Jesus was being seen as a heretic of the heretics, there was no need to take any notice. (Anyone watching the present-day battle between the Federal Government and the mining lobby over the proposed super-tax, the battle for the minds of people becomes both clear and parallel. The absolute need for the absolute truth is utterly essential, but do not expect to receive it, as the real issues are covered up by fear tactics. Truth is the last resort in such conflicts, as in most others.)
So what was happening on the Mount of Transfiguration was that provision of the truth to oppose the prevalence of bias and even outright falsehood. Here was no reassurance for Jesus, but a huge and steep learning curve for the disciples of our Lord.
Peter has just begun, a short week before, to begin to understand both the evidence and the outcome of that, concerning the role of Jesus in the Divine scheme of things. ‘Who do people say that I am?’ was no egoistic demand on the part of Jesus, but rather the call to the Twelve to do little more than to stop, and think, and see where life and reality was taking them. And it was not to some pious, safe outcome. One can almost sense Jesus’ despair at the slowness of uptake of those men, and feel the pressure from Jesus to move to maturity and adulthood.
‘You are the Christ,’ hit Peter between the eyes, so to speak, though one has to add that such a discovery would take a lot longer to sink into that rather dense skull. It was a beginning, but not the most effective one.
So, the ‘leadership group’ was taken off on their own to reach a further stage. The imagery offered as this tale unfolds is helped – for our understanding – to have that OT reading from many centuries before. (around 14 centuries in fact.) There, involving another and earlier iconic person of Hebrew Faith was involved with what was then an earlier and fresh beginning. For Jews, the Law was and remains crucial and vital. This was God’s revelation and still is. Pivotal, inviolate, eternal. And notice the presence of mountain, cloud, and voices from the deep. This is not necessarily actual, but is part of the Jewish understanding of the significance of the event. God’s power, God’s authority is echoed in that imagery.
And so it was in the event we are looking at. The presence of Moses and Elijah on that mountain is similar imagery to convey not only the authority of God, but also that Jesus stands in clear and certain line of authority of Law and the Prophets. Here is no heretic; here is the One Who not only stands in the same line, but is Heir and Successor to all that has gone before. Here is the Son of the Father, do you see.
Small wonder that Peter wanted to stay on this high, this remarkable yet steep learning curve. Anyone who has experienced anything similar to this transfiguration, is also aware of unwillingness to retreat back to the real world. Often it is something that so warms the cockles of the heart or meets one at their deepest, that they do not wish to move on from there. Sadly for suck folk, either reality kicks in, or perhaps it is kicked out – with less than helpful outcomes.
It would seem to me, dare I admit it, that this – and what followed the next day – was a highly impactful ‘kick in the duds’ of first the Three and then the other Nine, ensuring that no one would ever inhabit those tents that Peter looked for. If you are put off by Jesus requiring the silence of the Three, then stop and realize that this was to ensure that the others grew in understanding at their own pace. My development must occur at my pace, for force-feeding in any shape or form is an unnecessary and/or evil invasion of a person.
So Peter, James and John needed to absorb this rush of information which must have required a re-think of very great proportion. Our Lord was lifting their horizons way beyond usual ‘religious’ feel-good levels, to a far more demanding one. They were being required to embrace something of far more universal impact and import. And they were just at the foot of a very long ladder, so to speak.
It may be anticipating a little, but you may recall that, the next day, when reaching the others at the foot of the mountain, they encountered that rather sad incident where there was a young lad whose parent requested healing and the disciples were unable. Not surprisingly this raised the ire of our Lord, who declaimed their lack of faith. Perhaps we may find that more understandable if we ‘translate’ faith into ‘understanding. The point is that even this miracle is part of the attempt on Jesus’ part to get everyone to see past their respective noses.
A final parting shot – this time from me. The moment we focus our attention on ‘miracle’ we limit our perception of Jesus, of the faith and of our own part in it, to something mostly beyond our capacity. (I have great difficulty with the Roman Catholic perception of sainthood, and Mary McKillop. I suspect that the poor lady is turning in her grave at the attempts to find and justify the two miracles.) First of all, if miracle is there, it is not she who accomplished it. Secondly, if miracle is needed, then it saves me from being committed, because I am only a simple person and not like one of such an elite. So Mary, Mother of our Lord, is far beyond my capacity, for I am not nor anywhere near semi-divine. And I suspect I would be of little or no use to you if I was, do you see. The real and powerful point about Mary is (a) that God works through ordinary, un-notable ‘little’ people, and (b) that there was a most remarkable young woman who was prepared to go wherever it was that God was seeming to lead her. And that means that God may well tap me on the shoulder for something significant for Him and you; and you may well feel a tap, too.
And that will take a little coping with, if you have not had anyone point you in any similar direction. God bless you in it.
Sentence
Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them and from the cloud a voice said, “This is My beloved Son with Whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” Matthew 17: 8
Collect
Almighty God, You have given Your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life; give us grace that we may always thankfully receive the benefits of His sacrifice and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow in the blessed steps of His most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
Old Testament Lesson Exodus 24: 13 – 18
The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, "Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them."
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
Psalm 2
Why are the nations in tumult: and why do the peoples cherish a vain dream?
The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers conspire together: against the Lord and against His anointed, saying
‘Let us break their bonds asunder: let us throw off their chains from us’
He that dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: the Lord will hold then in derision
Then will He speak to them in His wrath, and terrify them in His fury: “I the Lord, have set my king on Zion my holy hill.’
I will announce the Lord’s decree, that which He has spoken: “You are my son, this day have I begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance: the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession
‘You may break them with a rod of iron: and shatter them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’
Now therefore be wise, O kings: be advised, you that are judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with awe, and govern yourselves in fear and trembling: lest he be angry, and you perish in your course.
For His wrath is quickly kindled: blessed are those who turn to Him for refuge.
Epistle 2 Peter 1: 16 – 21
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
GOSPEL Matthew 17: 1 – 9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
Old Testament
As time goes by and people are less familiar with the Old Testament stories and accounts, much of the impact of the Gospel stories is reduced. On top of that a lack of familiarity with old Hebrew story-telling and the point and purpose of the imagery fails to produce the old result. That is rather sad, and I venture to suggest that moderns spend more time reading the Old Testament, particularly the more significant areas.
Here is part of the tale of the giving of the Decalogue, and the cloud imagery has always been seen as portraying the power and majesty of God. It is quite important that this passage is read in conjunction with the story of the Transfiguration, for there, too, clouds, mountains, and even Moses and Elijah rate significant mentions. Stop and ponder why if you would!
Psalm
A little matter of trivia might be interesting: that John’s Revelation includes quite a commentary on this Psalm. (Read my notes on Revelation for more info, or get GB Caird’s Black and Black series Commentary. His was a far wiser head than mine.) This is a fascinating insight into what must have been remarkably early theology; Psalm 2 must date from around 1000BC or even earlier. It is a study of the relative values of human kingdoms and their power, and that of JHWH, Predictably, it is human power that gets a hammering, but the grounds of that perception are both valid and real - as is John’s commentary!
Epistle
The Apostle is here combatting the idea that the Faith was based on fable and fiction. In response he pointed to the incarnational verities of both Judaism and Christianity. Whilst some of the stories may be told in what may be described as mythical terms which is only a means to express the significance of those realities. So Peter was at pains to attest to fact that he and others were present at real events in real time and in real places. In fact one of the fascinating things about the Judaic/Christian Faith is the importance that is seen in the historical realities. The Word became flesh -- and the Faith continues to be spread by ordinary humans in the real world, There is no room for fairies.
GOSPEL
It is helpful to remember that the Evangelists are careful to report that the Transfiguration occurred a week after Peter’s so-called confession of Jesus as Christ. While some people are convinced that this was a great step forward for Peter, I suspect that the reality was that he saw part of the story but still had a long way to go. Today’s incident underlines that fact, does it not!
This event has often been portrayed as some sort of reassurance for Jesus Himself, but I have long doubted that such was the case. The reassurance, or underlining if you like, was for Peter, James and John, the sort of leadership group of the Twelve. And the nature of this reassurance lay in the fact that Moses (Law) and Elijah (prophets) showed up as someone subservient to the Christ. On the other hand there is the clear statement that Jesus is in the line of both those particularly Hebrew Faith icons. This Christ was the final development of this faith once delivered.
Notice, in the light of today’s first lesson, of the connection with Moses, mountain, smoke and thunder. This imagery is for ever embedded in Biblical perception and expression as the power and glory of JHWH. You will note the repetition in other situations as well, so no not miss seeing it as pointing to those factors of the Creator.
Transfiguration is nothing less than seeing with fresh eyes what has always been there but now it is seen to be a flowing out of what was already apparent ….. but not recognized.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
I continue to find it a sad situation when quite a few people in quite a few congregations seem to know little in the way of Biblical matters. There was a time when Anglicans were regarded as ‘people of the book,’ but that, sadly seems rather less the case. Small wonder then that there is either great confusion as to what we are meant to believe, and smaller wonder still that the faith seems to ring less and less bells for people. I hope you don’t think me patronising or some-such; that is a long way from the truth. In a way, today’s Gospel may offer something of a reason why. Although this may look like a great Sunday School lesson, it seems to offer little in the way of information, direction or even theology for many adults. This, pardon me, is not the fault of the story: that lies in the way it is understood. Hopefully what follows may be of some use in helping people move forward.
First comment I would offer, is that it must have been just as difficult for our Lord to have tried to get that very slow-moving Twelve to catch sight of what He was on about. As the reading (and my notes above) indicate, He was attempting to get the disciples past the ooh and aah situation – a sort of warm contentment about being disciples to a fascinating and attractive personality. The Faith Jesus came to offer has never been some sort of cosy sinecure, but rather a life-changing, even world-changing faith. If and when people really take hold of this following of Christ, it is designed to provide a far more significant world-view and world action to resolve the most intransigent of human problems.
For Jewish people, then (and I understand, now) was the validity or otherwise of Jesus’ ministry. If there was one thing that Jews were strong and hot about, it was the basis and validity of their Faith. When Jesus was being seen as a heretic of the heretics, there was no need to take any notice. (Anyone watching the present-day battle between the Federal Government and the mining lobby over the proposed super-tax, the battle for the minds of people becomes both clear and parallel. The absolute need for the absolute truth is utterly essential, but do not expect to receive it, as the real issues are covered up by fear tactics. Truth is the last resort in such conflicts, as in most others.)
So what was happening on the Mount of Transfiguration was that provision of the truth to oppose the prevalence of bias and even outright falsehood. Here was no reassurance for Jesus, but a huge and steep learning curve for the disciples of our Lord.
Peter has just begun, a short week before, to begin to understand both the evidence and the outcome of that, concerning the role of Jesus in the Divine scheme of things. ‘Who do people say that I am?’ was no egoistic demand on the part of Jesus, but rather the call to the Twelve to do little more than to stop, and think, and see where life and reality was taking them. And it was not to some pious, safe outcome. One can almost sense Jesus’ despair at the slowness of uptake of those men, and feel the pressure from Jesus to move to maturity and adulthood.
‘You are the Christ,’ hit Peter between the eyes, so to speak, though one has to add that such a discovery would take a lot longer to sink into that rather dense skull. It was a beginning, but not the most effective one.
So, the ‘leadership group’ was taken off on their own to reach a further stage. The imagery offered as this tale unfolds is helped – for our understanding – to have that OT reading from many centuries before. (around 14 centuries in fact.) There, involving another and earlier iconic person of Hebrew Faith was involved with what was then an earlier and fresh beginning. For Jews, the Law was and remains crucial and vital. This was God’s revelation and still is. Pivotal, inviolate, eternal. And notice the presence of mountain, cloud, and voices from the deep. This is not necessarily actual, but is part of the Jewish understanding of the significance of the event. God’s power, God’s authority is echoed in that imagery.
And so it was in the event we are looking at. The presence of Moses and Elijah on that mountain is similar imagery to convey not only the authority of God, but also that Jesus stands in clear and certain line of authority of Law and the Prophets. Here is no heretic; here is the One Who not only stands in the same line, but is Heir and Successor to all that has gone before. Here is the Son of the Father, do you see.
Small wonder that Peter wanted to stay on this high, this remarkable yet steep learning curve. Anyone who has experienced anything similar to this transfiguration, is also aware of unwillingness to retreat back to the real world. Often it is something that so warms the cockles of the heart or meets one at their deepest, that they do not wish to move on from there. Sadly for suck folk, either reality kicks in, or perhaps it is kicked out – with less than helpful outcomes.
It would seem to me, dare I admit it, that this – and what followed the next day – was a highly impactful ‘kick in the duds’ of first the Three and then the other Nine, ensuring that no one would ever inhabit those tents that Peter looked for. If you are put off by Jesus requiring the silence of the Three, then stop and realize that this was to ensure that the others grew in understanding at their own pace. My development must occur at my pace, for force-feeding in any shape or form is an unnecessary and/or evil invasion of a person.
So Peter, James and John needed to absorb this rush of information which must have required a re-think of very great proportion. Our Lord was lifting their horizons way beyond usual ‘religious’ feel-good levels, to a far more demanding one. They were being required to embrace something of far more universal impact and import. And they were just at the foot of a very long ladder, so to speak.
It may be anticipating a little, but you may recall that, the next day, when reaching the others at the foot of the mountain, they encountered that rather sad incident where there was a young lad whose parent requested healing and the disciples were unable. Not surprisingly this raised the ire of our Lord, who declaimed their lack of faith. Perhaps we may find that more understandable if we ‘translate’ faith into ‘understanding. The point is that even this miracle is part of the attempt on Jesus’ part to get everyone to see past their respective noses.
A final parting shot – this time from me. The moment we focus our attention on ‘miracle’ we limit our perception of Jesus, of the faith and of our own part in it, to something mostly beyond our capacity. (I have great difficulty with the Roman Catholic perception of sainthood, and Mary McKillop. I suspect that the poor lady is turning in her grave at the attempts to find and justify the two miracles.) First of all, if miracle is there, it is not she who accomplished it. Secondly, if miracle is needed, then it saves me from being committed, because I am only a simple person and not like one of such an elite. So Mary, Mother of our Lord, is far beyond my capacity, for I am not nor anywhere near semi-divine. And I suspect I would be of little or no use to you if I was, do you see. The real and powerful point about Mary is (a) that God works through ordinary, un-notable ‘little’ people, and (b) that there was a most remarkable young woman who was prepared to go wherever it was that God was seeming to lead her. And that means that God may well tap me on the shoulder for something significant for Him and you; and you may well feel a tap, too.
And that will take a little coping with, if you have not had anyone point you in any similar direction. God bless you in it.
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