Seeing the Face of Christ in Holy Week—Easter Sunday

Philippians 2:1-11

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, ²make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. ⁵Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited, ⁷but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, ⁸he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death —  even death on a cross. ⁹Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

As a child one often would dream of “super powers;” you know, like the ones that super heroes had: vision that could see through walls, strength that could topple mountains and buildings, brains that could solve any question of the universe or invent a cure for any illness, and so forth.   Listen to a child, and you might hear such things as, “If I could fly like birds, then I could….”.  Last week I heard similar stories when talking with adults, but it had a different take.  There was a craze about the Mega Million Lottery: who was going to win all that money?  What would you do with that much money if you won?  Would winning that much money solve all things or would it just create new worries?  It really doesn’t matter what stage of life we are in, or what blessings and talents we possess, or the size of our bank accounts or credit limits; we all have hopes, dreams, and uncertainties to navigate in our lives.  As we explored all of our limitations and opportunities throughout our Lenten journey and “blogging”, at the core was the very real human factor of our limits as being created in God’s image, and God’s limitlessness, being God.

This Philippians passage and the Easter Story, remind us most fully of God’s depth and breadth.  This passage and Easter invite us into the offering of God’s Son on the cross so that where there is doubt, faith; where there is brokenness, healing; where there is despair, hope; where there are dead ends, new life.  To be in full accord with God, with Christ, is to rest assuredly and confidently in a faith that emulates Christ for others.  It is when we ourselves give selflessly as Christ has died for us, that our “faith” is no longer a noun, but is a verb.  It is then that the Gospel of Jesus Christ being risen indeed, is not just a catchy phrase, but Easter is a joy completed within us and shared with others.   Amen.

Pastor Kent 

For reflection:

What does it mean, to name faith a “verb?”

How can you “live the resurrection,” now?

Christ is risen; he is risen indeed.  Alleluia!  Seize the opportunity each day to proclaim this awesome truth!

Seeing the Face of Christ in Holy Week--Saturday, April 7

Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. 2LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
3If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, LORD, who could stand?
4But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
5I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6my soul waits for the LORD more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning. 7O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.
8It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Each year in the Lenten season, we hear many of the same Bible stories.  One story that always astounded me was the way in which Peter repeatedly denied Jesus.  Peter denying Jesus comes as a surprise after reading many stories of Peter’s faith in Jesus.   It makes me wonder how many times I deny the Lord in my everyday life by neglecting my relationship with Him or by not listening to His will for my life.  I get so distracted by things of this world that I seem to lose sight of the ultimate goal of this life-- to love and serve God.    

The idea of waiting for the Lord is very present for us this Saturday as we eagerly await tomorrow’s celebration of Christ’s resurrection.  As this season of Lent comes to an end, we pray that we continue to reflect on our relationships with the Lord and give thanks to Him for His forgiveness of our sins and His love for us.

Fer & Emily Guerra

For reflection:

In what ways do you deny the Lord’s claim on your life in your everyday existence?

How is waiting an important part of the Lenten journey?

What are some of the spiritual disciplines that help you to focus, and “wait on the Lord?”

Seeing the Face of Christ in Holy Week--Friday, April 6

Luke 23:39-43

³⁹One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" ⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." ⁴²Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." ⁴³He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

So this is the face of God?  Broken – bruised – bleeding.  A human face of anguish with a look of abandonment and defeat.  Sounds like the taunts of those around him.  But what was it that the one condemned robber saw in that face?  Was it just a desperate request?  Certainly their fate was clear – they were going to die in an excruciating manner.  Even though he feared God – God didn’t seem too interested at the moment.  He didn’t say “save us!”- like the other criminal.  He only asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom.  One can’t say for sure, but it seems that there in the most desperate of moments, the face of God was revealed to him like the answer to a prayer. His confession of sin, acceptance of just punishment and recognition of the guiltless man hanging with them seemed to allow a glimpse of an existence beyond this life.  No bargaining – just a simple request.  Jesus answered with a fact, not a promise, – “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  How much greater a demonstration of God’s grace does one need?  If anyone would seem to be the “least qualified” by our earthly achievement standards to enter heaven, it would be a criminal condemned to death.  But at this point he had more faith in Jesus than all his followers put together.

On Good Friday as we grieve and remember the death of our brother, Jesus, we can find joy.  If we look to God in our every hour, even our most desperate, we can know that God is with us.  In Christ’s sacrifice the “slate” of our sins was forever dashed into a million pieces and we are set free.  To God be the Glory, great things He has done!

Phil and Amy Whitley

For reflection:

When have you had the opportunity to make sacrifices for another, and what insights does this give you into the depth of sacrifice of Jesus?

What are some of the thoughts and emotions that you bring to the Good Friday narrative?

What words, or urgent plea, do you have for Jesus?  What burdens are on your heart, that you place at the cross?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Holy Week--Thursday, April 5

 John 6:35-40

³⁵Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ³⁶But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. ³⁷Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; ³⁸for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. ³⁹And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. ⁴⁰This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day."

It is my honor, and pleasure to write this blog on this Maundy Thursday. 2012. Let us prepare for Sunday’s Victory Feast.

It’s all in the preparation, you know…Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

Jesus tells us “I am the Bread of Life. It is my Father who gives you the true bread from Heaven.”

It seems to be a wonderful sort of mystery the way a simple loaf of bread is made. It begins with the dry and wet ingredients being mixed together to form a dough. It is then kneaded, and carefully formed into the shape it will be in upon completion. We must wait for the dough to rise before placing it into the oven at just the right temperature, in order for it to bake into an edible loaf of bread. As the bread bakes, an irresistible fragrance begins to permeate throughout the house. Now, close both your eyes and your mouth at the same time, and breathe in slowly…it will force you to smile. Can you smell Him penetrating through your entire being? I bet you want more. I bet you even want more to the point that you need Him…that you just can’t live without Him! That’s what Jesus does for us. He seeps into our entire being, and infects us with the desire to taste His heavenly bounty both now, and for all eternity. “This is my body, given for you.”

He’s inviting us to the table. C’mon, it’s time to eat as much as you want. You’ll never go away hungry. There’s endless amount of Him for ALL who believe that He is our Lord and Savior…our bread that keeps us nourished.

He will accompany this feast with His blood, a rich, red bouquet fortified with ALL that is needed to wash away sin. “This is my blood, shed for you.” “Remember me ALWAYS when you eat my body, and drink my blood.”

Bon-appe`tit! Thanks be to God!

Louise Greenleaf

For reflection:

What does the phrase, “Jesus is the bread of life” mean to you?

What are your thoughts as you approach the communion table?

What does Holy Communion have to do with the way you live each day?  

Seeing the Face of Christ in Holy Week--Wednesday, April 4

Matthew  26:36-46

³⁶Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." ³⁷He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. ³⁸Then he said to them, "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me." ³⁹And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want." ⁴⁰Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? ⁴¹Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ⁴²Again he went away for the second time and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." ⁴³Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. ⁴⁴So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. ⁴⁵Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand."

I love the story of Jesus praying in the garden, of his closest friends falling asleep as he was preparing for his most terrible ordeal.  It is such a perfect illustration of the human weakness that is part of us all.  It brings to mind all the times in my life that my intentions were good, but my resolve was weak.  I really meantto do more good, to do less bad; I meantto be more generous, to be less selfish; I meantto be more loving, to be less petty; I meant to do more for others and less for myself; and so on, and so on, and so on.  But knowing that Jesus’ own closest friends and followers were also weak speaks volumes to us today; even they could not follow through with their good intentions, even after Jesus – knowing of his coming ordeal – had implored them to keep watch with him. Of course they meant to keep watch with him; of course, they meant to stay awake; of course, they meant to be there to support him.  But despite the best of intentions, they fell asleep.  Yes, intentions are good, but the body is weak.  As we enter into this holiest of weeks, how comforting to know that God does not judge us on what we meant to do, but accepts and loves us as the weak beings we are.  Thank you, God. 

Virginia Nugent

Reflection questions:

When have you seen the impact of your lack of follow through?

How does reading about the anguish that Jesus experienced, inform your thoughts about the events of Holy Week?

Today, find a quiet space of time in which to admit your sins of omission, and then rest, in the forgiving arms of God.

Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Tuesday, April 3

Ephesians 4:1-6

4I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,²with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

“Where there is peace there you find Jesus.”  In considering the text of Ephesians 4:1-6, I am drawn to the part of the verse that emphases “there is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”  The focus is not on our worth but on the worth of our calling. In Ephesians 4:3 the way to lead a life worthy of our calling is to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace". Verse 2 tells us how to maintain spiritual unity: "With all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love.  Eph. 4:3 calls this the unity of the Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit who frees our hearts from irrational, self-defensive prejudices so that we are willing to own up to true convictions about Christ (1 Cor. 2:14-16). It's the Holy Spirit who enables us to have faith in Christ and to cry out to God with confidence, "Abba, Father." And it is the Holy Spirit who bears the fruit of love in our lives and gives us a common care for each other .So our common convictions and confidence and care are all from the Holy Spirit. Therefore Paul calls it the "unity of the Spirit".  So the face of God is seen when there are efforts of peace, in negation table, in governmental chambers or in churches.  Our mission should be to bring peace to all people, places and things.
Tray Smith

For reflection:

What is “the calling to which you have been called?”

How does your attitude and demeanor affect the world around you?

What might be the fruits of a church that displays “unity of the Spirit?”

Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Monday, April 2

Matthew 25:31-40

³¹When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. ³²All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, ³³and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. ³⁴Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; ³⁵for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' ³⁷Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' ⁴⁰And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'

The problems in the world seem insurmountable.  The headlines in the Sunday Miami Herald spoke of the terrible outbreak of cholera in Haiti; there is political turmoil throughout the Middle East, and now, in our own country, there are heightened racial tensions due to the death of Trayvon Martin.  Chronic issues of poverty and malnutrition in Africa seem intractable, and the gap between rich and poor in our own country is the widest it has been in decades.  Problems…seem so vast…such that our eyes can simply glaze over, and we become immobilized.

Today’s verses argue against such a mindset, for they remind us that while problems might be large and complex, helping our neighbor is not.  Through simple acts of compassion, we can make an impact in our world; what’s more, when we reach out, we are responding to the call of the Lord.  When we see the face of Christ and help anyone in need, we are bringing his love to our hurting world.  Mother Teresa once said, If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.  Don’t wait until you have big solutions in order to serve your neighbor—then, you may never start.  Just go out, and help someone—bring some cans of food to church, or make a Lenten Denial offering.  Donate some items for the White Elephant Sale, or swing a hammer at a Habitat site.  When you do it for the least of these, you do for the Lord.

Pastor Katie

For reflection:

What are some examples of “a neighbor in need” in your local community?  Our country?  Our world?

What is a simple act of kindness that you can take on this week, to enhance your journey through Holy Week?

What does it mean to “inherit the kingdom of God?”

Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Sunday, April 1

Matthew 5:1-10

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. ²Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
³"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
⁸"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

That’s a lot of blessings!  Called “The Beatitudes”, they are beautiful yet their meanings can be unclear. The bible has been translated into English and many languages and then revised many times.  If I wanted to know the deep meaning ofthese blessings, I could think and pray and think some more, and Lent would be over before I could figure it all out.  So I went to a higher authority, (no, not that one!) a reference book, Willmington’s Bible Handbook for answers.  A biblical scholar, he suggests the following meanings:

They are eight sayings that speak of blessings or happiness.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said genuine happinesscomes when you….

1.       recognize your need for God

2.       mourn over your sin

3.       Submit to divine authority

4.       desire justice or righteousness

5.       show mercy

6.       maintain a pure heart

7.       work for peace

8.       rejoice in the face of persecution

This pretty much works for me, and I can wrap my mind around them.  Yet questions remain:

Do you agree with these meanings?  If not, which ones and why?

Which one do you think would be the easiest for you to do?  (for me it is #1, a universal need)

Which would be the most difficult to do?  (Definitely #8, only for the brave)

In today’s world, do these blessings help or hinder our dealings with other peoples or countries?

With so many different beliefs in the world, can we truly reach others on common ground and still keep our Christian beliefs?

OK folks, let’s hear your questions and comments!

Jody Gache

Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Saturday, March 31

1 John 3:16-18

¹⁶We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. ¹⁷How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? ¹⁸Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

It seems to me that the Commissions at CTK are, each in their own way, an example of the kind of love defined in this passage. Collectively they offer their material possessions to others and respectfully help those in need with a truly loving spirit.

I have been a member of the Congregational Care Commission (Care Team) for a number of years.  Of all the different ways the Care Team serves and helps those in our congregation, I find that visiting with the homebound and serving them Holy Communion to be my niche. I see the face of Christ in their calm and assured expressions as they Commune.   Those to whom I serve Communion are always so thankful for my visit.  I know my visit is incidental to the fact that God is working through me for them.

Celia Huertas

For reflection:

How can sharing a moment of grace, such as administering communion, change our world?

What is the “niche” through which God can work in you?
The founder of World Vision once said, “May our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”  How does this sentiment tie into the reading for the day?

Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Friday, March 30

 Luke 10:29-37

²⁹But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" ³⁰Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³²So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' ³⁶Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" ³⁷He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

I had to do this twice.  I’ll try to explain as share my thoughts on this famous passage from the New Testament.

Who is my neighbor?  Do I see neighbors outside of the circle of my family and friends?

When I moved to Miami over 30 years ago, I like many other people, was turned off by the coldness and aggressiveness of the people who lived here.  I had never before lived in a place like this.  A place where drivers regularly ran red traffic signals, would give you the finger just for looking at them, where drivers often even refused to yield to ambulances.  The people on the street seemed cold and hard to talk to.  No one said hello as we walked down the streets of our neighborhood.  I did not want my family living in this environment and contemplated leaving.

But there were some times when people in Miami surprised me.  My car broke down in front of someone’s house at 9 or 10 at night and the homeowner came out of his house into the darkness and helped me, a total stranger, get the car started.

A coworker took it upon himself to invite me to his home several times and to play racquetball with him, while I was waiting for our house to be sold up north, so that I would not always be alone.

These acts of kindness went a long way toward changing my feelings toward Miami.

Who is my neighbor?  That’s a really good question.  But after reading the passage again, I realized that it is not the right question! 

According to Luke, a certain lawyer asked this same question.  He had correctly told Jesus that the greatest commandment was to Love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.  Now he asked Jesus this question.  It’s a reasonable question; a good question; one any of us might ask.

But Jesus turns everything UPSIDE DOWN like he does with so many things that seem like common wisdom to us. 

The question is not “Who is my neighbor?”

The question is: “To whom am I a Neighbor?”

We are to be like the Samaritan.  We are called to be a neighbor to others.  We are called to show compassion to those in need, even if they are not like us.  We are called to “Go and do likewise.”  This means a commitment to God and to God’s children (i.e. everyone).  We have to prepare to be like the Samaritan, we have to know before something happens that our calling is to stop and lend aid or compassion.  We are not called to pass by.

And what about those people who showed me compassion when I moved here?  Their kindness will not be forgotten.  They helped me when I needed to see kindness in this community but, perhaps more importantly, they also provided an example to me of how I should treat others.

Hank Fandrei

For Reflection:

What are some of the “acts of kindness” you offer, and you see being offered, in your day-to-day life? Be specific.

Many say that in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us how to be a neighbor, more than who the neighbor is.  How would you paraphrase the message he gives us regarding the “how?”

Hank asked us the same question that Jesus leaves us to ponder: “To whom am I a neighbor?”  How do you respond?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our World--Thursday, March 29

Romans 12:9-18

⁹Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; ¹⁰love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. ¹³Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. ¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

When I was the age of six and a half, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and my father, being an active duty Coast Guard officer was one of the very first to take the counter attack into the Pacific at a small island called Guadalcanal.  Soon we were also at war with Germany.  Evil was personified in the face of Hideki Tojo and Adolph Hitler, the leaders of the nations of Japan and Germany.  Every form of communication to the people of the United States characterized the Japanese soldiers as bucktoothed slant eyed little monkeys and the German soldiers as cruel brutes goose stepping their way across the bodies of helpless civilians.  We were taught to hate both nations.

Ultimately, the Allies were able to defeat both nations but not before great desolation had been wrought on their cities and civilian populations.  However, in an unprecedented decision, the United States launched a program of immediate aid for the wretched defeated people of both nations, helping to rebuild their societies.  Retribution was directed only to the leaders of this great evil, but kindness and pity was directed to the suffering civilian populations.  Defeated Japanese and German soldiers were released to return to what remained of their homes.  Indeed, many American soldiers, that served as an occupying army involved with the rebuilding of the defeated nations, returned with wives from the former enemy counties.

Truly, this was a remarkable and noble instance of where pity and love replaced hate.  This has resulted in enduring friendship and peace between our nation and Japan and Germany even though we are competitors for markets and resources.

Ted Holtzman

For reflection:

Where do you see expressions of compassion and aid on the world stage today?

How does your faith inform your appreciation for diverse nations and ways of life?

Paul says, “(So) far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.”  What can you do to promote peaceful living?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our World--Wednesday, March 28

Deuteronomy 16:9-12

⁹You shall count seven weeks; begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. ¹⁰Then you shall keep the festival of weeks to the LORD your God, contributing a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing that you have received from the LORD your God. ¹¹Rejoice before the LORD your God — you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female slaves, the Levites resident in your towns, as well as the strangers, the orphans, and the widows who are among you — at the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. 

¹²Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and diligently observe these statutes.

The Feast of Weeks, also called “Pentecost,” was a harvest festival celebrated with the “first fruits” of the crops. God’s people were commanded to give gifts “in proportion” to the agricultural blessings that they had received from God’s hand. These gifts or first fruits were given in reliance on God’s providence and in recognition of the fact that God owns the whole harvest. Similarly, Christians are called to give “in proportion” or “according to what one has, not according to what [one] does not have,” for God makes us “rich in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion.”


I recall as a young child every Friday night my Dad stopped by the bank on the way home from work.  After greeting the family and pouring himself a cold glass of water, ice tea, or whatever, he always opened his wallet and counted out a percentage of his income and then immediately carried it to his bedroom.  Mom and Dad had a plastic box with a cross on it on their dresser where Dad always put their “proportional” offering.  All of their charitable donations came from that box…for church, March of Dimes, American Cancer Fund, etc.  Life was financially tight growing up, there were 5 children and Mom did not work.  Mom always baked, canned, and sewed all our clothes to make ends meet.  Mom used her gifts in cooking and crafts to give back to the Lord by volunteering in preparing meals for church events, sewing clothes for needy children, and making quilts for Lutheran World Relief as well.  Mom and Dad always said, “God first!”  This memory has stayed with me and my siblings.  All of us have kept the practice of giving to God first by using our individual gifts in our own ways.
God does not discriminate against the gifts that he gives us.  No matter what gifts God gave us, we should give back a proportion of the gifts.  When giving God’s gifts back, God’s love returns to us in personal experiences through church services, our church activities, and our church family.
Donna Hennessy

For reflection:

What are some early memories that taught you lessons about giving and generosity?

How are faith and giving connected?

If you were to describe the impact of giving in one’s life to a child, what would you say?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Tuesday, March 27

James 3:5-12

⁵So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! ⁶And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. ⁷For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, ⁸but no one can tame the tongue — a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. ¹¹Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? ¹²Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

The message is simple.  The implementation is difficult at best.  We must take care with the words we speak and how we say them.  We must be sure the message we send is the message we want received.  What one person perceives as a joke may be received in a hurtful way.  Tone of voice can convey a powerful message.  Words – once spoken – cannot be pulled back.  Words we never get tired of hearing are words of kindness and consideration – Please, Thank you, How kind of you.  No one wants to hear in words or tone-of-voice a “you dummy” attitude. 

I am reminded of a story – Nail in the Fence.  It came to me several years ago over the internet.  There once was a little boy (or girl) who had a bad temper.  His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.  The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.  Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down.  He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.  Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all.  He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.  The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.  The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.  The father said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence.  The fence will never be the same.  When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one.  You can cut a man with a knife.  It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.  A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.  Friends are very rare jewels, indeed.  They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.  They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.” 

Kathy Hibbs

For reflection:

Why are words so powerful?

What are some of the techniques you use to keep from uttering words that you might later regret…and how does your faith factor into this equation?

How have you been hurt by the words of others…and how have you hurt others through your words?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Monday, March 26

John 15:12-17

¹²This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. ¹⁶You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. ¹⁷I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Jesus's command to love one another seems quite easy in some areas of our lives.  When we married, we committed to loving one another for as long as we lived.  We had fallen so in love that we couldn't imagine living without one another's love.  As for loving our families, we learned long ago to love them through the example they showed as parents.  Regarding our church family and friends, it has been easy to love them as it is the purpose of church community and friends.  Love seems quite easy when we get to choose whom we love and and to whom we dedicate our energies.  

As Jesus shares in this passage, He chose us.  Just as He chose us, so He also chooses those whom He wants us to love, asking us to share our skills and knowledge to bear better fruit for God.  It seems a great deal of the people Jesus chooses for us to love are in our place of work.  There are days when we both come home exhausted by our responsibilities  wondering whether we are doing enough to live out God's will in our lives.  This passage says that Jesus has shared with us everything that he heard from the Father.  So Jesus has given us all the tools we need to do His will, it is just up to us to learn from the Word and to put the Word to work in our everyday lives.    

Fer and Emily Guerra

For reflection:
When have you found it difficult to “love” someone in your workplace…and why?

What does it mean to you to be a “friend” of Jesus?

What tools has God given you to follow God’s will…and how effectively do you use those tools?        

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Sunday, March 25

Matthew 5:43-48

⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

How unimaginable it is to be perfect. and extremely difficult to try to be anywhere near perfect in anything.  To love your neighbor and brothers and sisters (family) is effortless, but to love your enemies is difficult.

Leviticus 19:18 gives the command, "Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."  However, this gets very difficult when your character is being assaulted.  This is when Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands by overcoming evil with good.

If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of life.  This is possible only for those who give themselves to God because He can deliver people from natural selfishness.  We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love.  If we strive to become perfect, we will someday be perfect.  To be perfect we live in the power of God.

Let mistreatment by others remind you to overcome their evil by love.  Love is not a sentiment, alone but a practical concern, blessings, prayer, and positive wishes for well being to friend and enemy alike.  Love is by choice, not circumstance.

Become Christ-like and forgive your enemies just as the ultimate forgiveness spoken by Christ as he was nailed on the cross, "Father, forgive them...."

Donna Wimmler

For reflection:

How have you seen grudges or a desire for revenge wreck havoc in your workplace?

What blessings flow from loving one’s enemies?

Donna writes: “Love is not a sentiment along, but a practical concern…”  What does this mean to you?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Saturday, March 24

Philippians 4:8-9

⁸Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

My first jobs offered me a peace only Christ can elucidate.  Selling door-to-door cookies, cosmetics, and calendars taught me that success is smiling at an unopened door when I know the residents are home.  Fast food taught me that under-filling and over-filling a small bag of fries is insulting to most people; it’s better to let them believe size matters.   Garage sales and flea markets taught me that early birds really do want to haggle over the worms, the rest come for the social banter.  At home, my father taught me that it is important to have someone ready with the pliers while fixing the sink, again.  My mother taught me how to forgive a poorly done simple job when I lost count of the number of laps she was swimming in a mile-long race.  Because of my mistake, she swam a mile and half, and she still won.

Savannah Howington

For reflection:

How do you reflect honor in your workplace?

What are the key lessons that you have “learned and received and heard” from others that help you through your day?

When you are faced with challenging situations at work, how do you draw upon God’s peace in the midst of conflict?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Friday, March 23

Ephesians 3:16-21

¹⁶I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, ¹⁷and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. ¹⁸I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

During the years I've worked as a nurse in the hospitals, I've always received the most undesirable patients for my assignments.  I was working in the ICU unit in a hospital in Virginia. There would be days I would come to work and the girls would look at me and say "Boy, have we got a patient for you".  I would just smile and wait to hear about my new assignment. Sometimes I could smell the patient before I actually saw him. These patients were the undesirables of society. They could have been poor, homeless, addicted to alcohol or drugs, dirty, unkempt, smelly, have different types of drainage  from different places, dead bugs in places and at times had challenging personalities. Then there was the reason they were in the hospital.  But I cared for them all. One day one of my fellow nurses asked me how I did it. (I was assigned an unusually bad one that day.) I said "oh, it's easy." I just picture myself taking care of Jesus. When I see Jesus, all the smells and unpleasantness go away.  It's the least I can do for him after all he has done for me. I am filled with love and kindness when I take care of them. It is a privilege.  I love taking care of these patients. It may be the only love or kindness that has been shown to them in a long time.

Barbara Imbert

For reflection:

In what ways do your “roots in Christ” inform how you see your colleagues and/or customers?

How can love for Jesus “strengthen your inner being,” and propel you forward in tasks that would otherwise seem unsavory or undesirable?

What are, “the riches of Christ’s glory?” (v.16)

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Thursday, March 22

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

¹⁰Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. ¹¹For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. ¹²What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." ¹³Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. ¹⁶(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) ¹⁷For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

My favorite parts of this passage come in the last two verses.  First, the parenthetical admission – Paul forgets exactly who he baptized, which reminds us he is human.  In making this little admission in the heart of his imploring letter to the arguing factions of Corinth, he also strengthens his point.  Paul’s call to proclaim the gospel comes from God not from Paul, just as the gifts of wisdom and knowledge prevalent in the Corinthian community at the time, come from God.  Effective use of that wisdom can come from remembering the shared source; a concept that leads people away from inflexible judgment that doesn’t listen or accommodate the views of others, and toward a society where each person’s gifts piece together into a graceful whole.  Second, Paul reminds us in the final statement that grace does not stem from our own attempt to adhere to doctrine, but in responding to what has already been so powerfully accomplished for us on the cross.  Conflicts face us daily that challenge our response.  In my work in the Everglades, it’s easy to find grace in the expanse of sawgrass, mangroves and beautiful shallow seas that occupy our Miami backyard.  But there are moments when grace seems elusive – like in the “us” and “them” conflicts of Everglades protection and restoration, or in those difficult moments with others that appear here and there at work.  Conflict is often rooted in uncertainty about the future, particularly about outcomes resulting from the actions of people whose motives might seem so different from our own.  When we acknowledge the certainty that God embraces each and every one of us with the exact same (them=us!) incredible, gracious gift that far exceeds the depths of human wisdom – well then elusive turns into effusive and our hearts and minds can be united in this overwhelming grace.

Evelyn Gaiser

For reflection:

When have you felt like “a vessel” of God’s grace as Paul did—proclaiming the gospel rather drawing attention to yourself?

When have you seen the power of the gospel bring reconciliation among dissenting individuals or groups?

What gifts result from all being “of the same mind” and “same purpose?”

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Wednesday, March 21

Matthew 18:1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ²He called a child, whom he put among them, ³and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.⁴Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

I currently work as a teacher at an elementary parochial school, so there’s a lot of talk about God. We go to chapel every day. We say our prayers before snack. But work is work, and even in a position at a religious institution, seeing God in what I do isn’t always at the forefront of my mind. In fact, a lot of the time, my “to do” list is at the front of my mind. 1.)  Prepare next week’s lesson plans. 2.) Make photo copies for the math test. 3.) Laminate the work that needs to be hung outside. 4.) Prep for the science project that requires paint, glue, reusable jars, string….. that is often what I’m thinking about when I’m not in the middle of a lesson. Then, all of a sudden I’ll feel a tug on my sleeve to get my attention and just as I’m getting ready to feel frustrated that my mental list making has been interrupted, I feel two little arms wrap around my waist. No one has a question, no one’s tummy hurts, someone just wants to give me a hug. Someone giving me something I didn’t ask for, something unexpected. And in this moment I feel unconditional love for me simply because I am me. And that’s when I see God.

In serving them, I’m serving God. And when I think about work like that, it doesn’t make it feel so much like work.

Chrissy Ensley

For reflection:

When have you been “surprised by grace” in the workplace?

What gets in the way of maintaining a spiritual center when you are engaged in work?

In what ways are you serving God through your work?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Tuesday, March 20

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

⁶The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. ⁹As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." ¹⁰He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; ¹²for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

How do we see the face of God in our congregation in this scripture passage?

God loves a cheerful giver and a grateful heart is the secret of a truly generous spirit. It has been our experience that Christ The King Lutheran Church always responds freely and with abundant generosity when there is a need.  Several years ago, there was an appeal to raise the money to replace the air conditioning unit in the fellowship hall.  CTK'ers gave abundantly!  Last year when it was apparent that we were very far behind in our budget, CTK'ers gave abundantly!  Each year at this time we designate a beneficiary of our Lenten denial offerings.  Year after year CTK'ers have given abundantly to these worthy recipients.  Throughout the year we give turkeys, toiletries, non-perishable food items, and even our own blood.  We give locally, nationally, and internationally.  We willingly give of our time, our talent and our treasure whenever needed or requested.  Our giving is not motivated by guilt or a sense of obligation.  Instead, it is our response to the love that God shows us so abundantly.  It is this generosity, given freely, that enables others to see God through us.  Being grateful at heart and generous of spirit is a choice. The congregation at Christ the King has made that choice and that is the joy felt every Sunday when we gather together for worship.

Paul & Cindy Falkey

For reflection:

How is your faith transformed by your giving?

What is an example in which you were enriched by your great generosity?  Be specific.

Think of the person or people who have modeled the joy of giving for you, and the ways in which that modeling has happened…and offer a prayer of thanks for their powerful witness.

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Monday, March 19

Galatians 5:22-25

²²By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. ²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

This passage brings tremendous comfort.  Certainly neither the Christ the King family nor the Deo family, has transcended the challenges and frustrations of life to bear only these Utopian fruit.   In our personal family life right now, we struggle most with patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control as we try to balance our family and work responsibilities.  All too often, the worm of exhaustion eats away where joy once flourished.

So where is the comfort? Borrowing a bit from Rob Bell, it is in knowing that love and all the other good “fruit” have already won. The bad, no matter how insidiously it creeps into our lives, cannot and will not overcome Christ’s perfect love.  The price for our failures whether past, present, or future has already been paid.  

While it seems an impossible struggle to reach the spiritual heights described in this passage, Christ has modeled the way for us.  So, we have something to shoot for. Even more he has given us the Spirit as a guide. When we are not able to show kindness and self-control, something is wrong and we know adjustments must be made.

We are so thankful that God created the sanctuary of our household and church families, where we can sort fruit together and work towards a perfect feast.

John and Liz Deo

For reflection:

Where are the “sanctuaries” in your life, where you can contemplate the health of your spiritual fruit?

What does it mean to “belong to Christ,” and how does it differentiate you from the ways of the world?

What are the fruits that you find the most difficult to nurture, and why? 

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Sunday, March 18

Deuteronomy 10:17-19

¹⁷For the LORD your God is God of gods and LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, ¹⁸who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. ¹⁹You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

As we can read in Deuteronomy, there is only one god, and He watches over all of us.  We are His children.  He particularly watches over and assists those in need.   As God shows His empathy and love for all, including strangers, so should we as a congregation love and help:

-          Those in need, through our outreach programs, helping to feed those who cannot afford to feed themselves, adding to the enjoyment of our foster children through Love in Action events, and offering to share our special programs with the entire community.

-          New attendees to our church, by making them feel comfortable and welcome.

-          Our pastors and fellow parishioners, by showing our respect and kindness through cooperation, fellowship, visits to those who are ill, and the planning of and participation in the many events offered by our church.

 In this way, we can truly prove ourselves to be children of God.

Carole Cholasta

For reflection:

What does the term “child of God” mean to you…and what does it imply for your life?

When have you had the experience of being a stranger?  Where did you encounter God in the midst of it?

What is your understanding of the meaning of “justice,” and what are some examples of how you execute it?