Because He Lives!

GOOD FRIDAY

My friend David Bolton posted the following on his FB

The Passover Lamb: He is our cup of redemption and our afikomen (our hidden and buried matzah).

The last 7 words of Jesus on the Roman cross:

1. "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." (Luke 23:34)
2. "TODAY YOU SHALL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE." (Luke 23:43)
3. "WOMAN BEHOLD YOUR SON....BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER." (John 19:26-27)
4. "MY GOD, MY GOD WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (Matthew 27:46)
5. "I THIRST" (John 19:28)
6. "IT IS FINISHED." (John 19:30)
7) "FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT." (Luke 23:46)

From Anglican Mainstream's meditations for the Holy Week

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: We enter the liturgy on Good Friday in silence. There is no "gathering rite.” As we in this moment, we have never have left the power of these days and nights of Holy Week. The first act of the liturgy is for the Presider and ministers to lay face down before the cross, in silence. As with all liturgical rituals, that invites us to lay prostrate before the cross as well. That takes some preparation. We can prepare to begin the Good Friday celebration by reflecting upon ourselves laying there - with all the feelings that this day calls for. What do we feel before the Cross? Awe, gratitude, guilt, powerlessness? Perhaps I too need to lay face down and say "I know this is done for me!

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Today is a day when illusions about this faith and this Lord get nailed to the Cross. The crucified Christ is crucified because of all the expectations, hopes and illusions of others. It is a profound moment that culminates with Jesus surrendering to His Father. In this moment Jesus shows us the only way to follow which is in complete surrender to the call of the Father.
We have a choice to embrace that reality or to continue on as disciples of illusions where we think we understand God; we think we know ourselves and those around us. We plan our lives and are shocked when these plans fall through. We impose our wills on God or even say we know His plans.

On the Cross there are no illusions. He is killed for our sake, so we would know life and truth not illusion. He simply did the will of the Father…without illusions. Today is a day to come face to face with some hard realizations

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Father, look with love on us your people. We ask for the same love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed us when he delivered himself up and suffered the agony of the cross, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

Maundy Thursday

The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the disciples a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). Prior to breaking the bread with the disciples, Jesus washed their feet. As a result of these ceremonies the day received different names, all of which point to a church solemnity that evolved from Holy Week.

Readings of Exodus 12:1-42; John 13:1-17, 31-35

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: The three holy days before Easter, (known as the TRIDUUM), begins with today’s celebration and end with the Easter solemnity. The theme of the first lessons lays our attention on the Eucharist which is instituted in this “Last Supper” and yet some are surprised as John’s Gospel. Why all this attention to Jesus washing the feet of his disciples when he is giving us the Eucharist? Remember when Jesus was invited by a Pharisee to dinner and the discussion that ensued? The custom of the time was that the host would have his servants make the guests comfortable by cleansing their feet before they recline at table for the meal, conversation and fellowship. This is what Jesus is doing for his disciples in the upper room.
But this isn’t just a meal but the Passover celebration when faithful Jews recalled how Yahweh saved them from slavery and led them through the desert to their promised land. That event prefigures what Jesus is about to do for us all in this paschal mystery of salvation we are celebrating. And Jesus is present to his disciples in this meal as the servant. Are we people inclined to serve or be served tells a great deal about how we received the mysteries revealed this day?
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almightyand eternal God,you told us to love. But we are weak. We do not love as Jesus did, or anything like it. Send us your Spirit to change us and to make us love like the Crucified and Risen One, which we may carry out your mandate. Amen

Maundy Thursday Discipline – Make an effort to commit to an act of humble servitude that you would not normally do on this day. In the evening go to the liturgy and participate in the foot washing.

Picture from Nathan Turner
Source: Meditations of the Day at Anglican Mainstream

Spy Wednesday: Judas agrees to betray Jesus

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Few things do as much damage in our spirits as betrayal whether it is communal or personal. In espionage, thousands of lives can be effected, and perhaps even the whole course of the war can be changed, by the act of one well-placed traitor. In romance, a lover’s betrayal can bring great sadness, ruin, and even suicide. In business, someone sells a secret formula and the company can be destroyed.

How does this happen? Well most of us well know that it is our friends not our enemies who are in the best position to bring about our downfall. The friend has the knowledge, the experience, and the trust to accomplish what massive assaults by outsiders often can’t. This is what Jesus had to contend with on Spy Wednesday, knowing what Judas was off doing. What Judas set off amidst his own disappointment in Jesus was events such as torture; accusations;; being at the mercy of an enemy who has no mercy; and in the end, a barbarous execution. Sadly, it all started with a kiss from a friend and follower, from the one entrusted with their money, The truth is: Jesus was betrayed. That is the hard truth. There is another hard truth that on this day we must feel some part of the bitterness Jesus got, and know that we each did our part to bring it about.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: O Lord Please help me this day as I struggle to see how I have betrayed you and caused the cross to be taken up. Please give me the grace to resist the temptation from the power of the one who wants only to destroy my love and trust in you. Help me to be humble and accepting who you are and not betray you because of who I want you to be. Save me, Lord. Only you can save me. Amen

Spy Wednesday Discipline – Today is the day to reach out and make amends in justice and compassion with those you have betrayed or wronged in thought, word or deed. Conversely, it also the day that those who are being engaged for reconciliation be open to it.

Taken from Anglican Mainstream

Meditations for the Holy Week (TUESDAY)

Luke 22.24-53

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

‘Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.’

He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘No, not a thing.’ He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough.’

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [[ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]] When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?’ When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, ‘Lord, should we strike with the sword?’ Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!’

Meditation of the day
Jesus gave the example of servant leadership, challenging us to be accountable for our actions. It is a call to be vigilant; are we? it is a call to persevere in prayer; are we persevering, steadfast in the King? It is a calling to be vulnerable, are we willing to be vulnerable and reach out our hands to ask for God's help, grace and will? It is a challenge to do conquer without swords but by self-giving.

Collect of the day

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Anglican Meditations for the Holy Week (MONDAY)

The following material has been taken from ANGLICAN MAINSTREAM

am: Ps 51
pm: 69:1-23
Jer 12:1-16; Phil 3:1-14; John 12:9-19

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: The term “Holy Monday” carries over from the Eastern Orthodox Church for Monday and Tuesday of this Week also known as Great and Holy Monday and Tuesday. On these days, an icon of the "Bridegroom" is placed in the center of the church, portraying Jesus wearing the purple robe of mockery and crowned with a crown of thorns. Also the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated, at which the faithful may receive Holy Communion from the reserved Holy Mysteries.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: For the Apostle Paul, we see today that he spends a good bit of time that there is the need for perspective and self-reflection. As a matter of fact he calls all that he has done he has just spent time explaining to the Philippians Christians of little consequence and in fact, it is worthless. WHY? Because he has met and encountered Jesus Christ and everything, is worthless compared to knowing him? This Week in Holy Week, we are given a profound opportunity through the liturgical journey of the church to come face to face with the power of the cross and reconcile our lives with the price Christ had to pay to save us. This is not a week to be complacence and to look forward to a nice holiday. Rather we should be aware that here is much to
do in this journey, if we want to attain the prize of which he speaks . As we consider the words of St. Paul today and moving through this Holy Week, let us ponder our reasons why or why not we are on the road to accomplish the prize, which is Christ Jesus as Risen Lord.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. Amen - - (Psalm 142)

Holy Monday Discipline – Take some time to study about what the church teachings on poverty and the Christian response is to be. Ask yourself how significant your life response has been. Such thoughts will not only help you serve Christ, but you also add into yourself a wider perspective about difficult issues. Or Think about this….Mary used costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. What is valuable in your life today? Time? Money? Relationships? How can you use these things to honor Jesus?

NT Wright on Resurrection

NT Wright on evil & satan

Israeli Apartheid Week 2009

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to attend Norman Finkelstein's lecture at KUL (Catholic University of Leuven). Although the announced subject was related to what can be learned from Gandhi to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he actually spoke about the recent massacre of Gaza. He has obviously his own view, probably gave his own spin to all facts. Nevertheless, he spoke about facts.

Long time ago, I was a blind supporter of the State of Israel and its actions against Palestinians. I believed naively, as I was taught, that Israel's State was the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, that God had a 'special deal' with Israel, and that nobody should even question Israel's actions, because nobody should 'speak against the elected people of God'. Furthermore, I was taught that Palestinians were cursed by God.

I believed lies. And I am so sorry for that...

Anyway, my small contribution today: one voice for the peace between Israel and Palestina. I still believe that JUSTICE precedes PEACE. And I still believe that the actual hope for both Israel and Palestine is the Messiah, Jesus, the Eternal King. He comes bringing restorative justice!

Thanks God he is out!

My first 2009 post goes to celebrate the end of the Bush era! Finally, this man will no longer be "the Emperor" and hopefully his successor will amend, if possible, his mistakes as leader.

Happy 2009!

May God be merciful with the World outside the US and also with the US population.

Picture was found here

Gateway: A Church for the emerging generation

Interview with John Burke from Gateway Church

Earliest Christian church: archeological findings on de divinity of Jesus

I found the following story at sydneyanglicans.net A documentary film will be released in 2009 including archeological and historical evidence of how early Christians worshiped, and their understanding of Jesus as God. I'm posting the first part of the article here, and it can be read in full here.

"The Life of Jesus film crew has gained rare access to an archaeological find that cements historical evidence early Christians worshiped Jesus as divine.

Dr John Dickson, the series’ host and co-founder of the Centre for Public Christianity, will guide viewers through the remains of an ancient prayer hall unearthed at Megiddo in central Israel.

“The inscriptions on the mosaic floor are remarkable,” Dr Dickson says.

“One of them names a benefactor called Gaianus who is described as a centurion. Another mentions a woman called Akeptous who ‘…offered this table in memorial of the God Jesus Christ’.”

The inscriptions cast more doubt on claims made by prominent atheists and popular authors that Jesus’ divinity was an invention by the fourth century church.

“Here is extraordinary physical evidence from the century before Constantine and the Council of Nicaea that Christians, including Roman officials, were worshipping Jesus as divine,” Dr Dickson explains.

THE FULL STORY CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Decisive day in Lambeth: the 'S' day

Early this morning the BBC announced that today is THE day. Bishops will talk and reflect on human sexuality (that's why I called it the 's' day!)
The agenda for today can be found here. Even more, later today a theater play will be performed on the stories of gay Christians.

Funny enough, Bishops have been listening to one side of the story. But Peter Ould made the point in a recent post: the voices of those Christians who once were gay and today are not gay anymore have not been heard! He clearly mentions Andy Comiskey (the founder of Desert Stream Ministries, now in Kansans), Mario Bergner, an Anglican priest from Redeemed Lives Ministries. There are other Anglicans like Martin Hallet the founder of True Freedom Trust who deserve to be heard, or that should have had more room and space in all this process. Probably they were heard before.

A good article on the Anglican Crisis can be found here.

Again, let's pray, wait and see.

Some Emergent stuff (no words, just pics)

More HERE

It's well with my soul (Hymn)

Powerful testimony! Powerful Hymn!