April 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Holy Saturday
Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 (NRSV)

Take me out of the net 

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge. ...

My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

Reflection

There is confidence in the words here. God is our Rock and refuge. God is our guard at the gates of a strong fortress. We are trapped in sin and death and the wiles of evil. Trapped in a net. 

Yet again as we celebrate the day we look to another who appears to be trapped in death, yet we are soon to see, he lives! He lives to free us from the net of our sinful selfishness and to lead and guide us into a new life. God will deliver us and lead us. Of this we can have confidence.

In this confidence we plead for God's favor and joy and approval. And we wait...

Let your face shine upon your servant and save us in your steadfast love. 

Prayer

Jesus, we wait this day. In the early hours of the morning to the late hours of the evening we wait. We wait as you live. Live in us this day to guide us and lead us in your steadfast love, that we love other's as you have loved all. --- Amen

April 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Good Friday
John 18:1-19:42 (NRSV)

The passion and death of Jesus 

After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father in law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.

Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They answered, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law." The Jews replied, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death." (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Pilate asked him, "What is truth?"

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, "I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" They shouted in reply, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God."

Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor."

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, "Here is your King!" They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate asked them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but the emperor." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.' " Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says,
"They divided my clothes among themselves,
and for my clothing they cast lots."
And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced."

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. 

Reflection

Jesus steps forward to the soldiers and does not wait to be singled out by Judas. Jesus knows what is about to happen. Jesus is focused on this act of love. He is going this alone on purpose and requests that the disciples go free.

The disciples anticipated trouble this evening and at least Peter was armed. Peter, ready to defend Jesus. Peter acting like anyone of us would act, would die himself for Jesus.

It was cold that night. Cold in so many ways. Cold in the forgotten praise of just a few days past when Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed and worshiped. Cold in that Peter denies knowing Jesus. Cold in that sin and death thickened the air.

Jesus is questioned. Are you king? Really? Barabbas is preferred to the King of truth. Jesus is whipped and mocked and the crowd turns angry and mean and evil...Crucify him!

Redemption does not rest on the action of a Roman governor but on Jesus action of love. A love demonstrated hours earlier in humble servant actions. A love demonstrated right now and for eternity.

Jesus was regarded as a common criminal in that he bore his own cross. Jesus is human and thirsts on the cross. But Jesus is divine and completes the his task of eternal love for all. It is finished.

Nicodemus participates in Jesus' burial with very expensive mixture of myrrh and aloes. Makes you wonder. It all makes you wonder how deep a love Jesus has for all his children...

Prayer

Jesus, I see your love acted out. I feel the love you have given to me. It silences me. --- Amen

Jesus is laid in a new tomb

April 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Holy Thursday
John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (NRSV)

The service of Christ: footwashing and meal 

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean."

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. ...

"Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection

Jesus was intentional with this act of love. Jesus meant for this action to stick for all time. As Jesus washes our feet we are commanded to wash the feet of another. We can participate in Jesus' humility. We are given the opportunity to be humble too. Humility brings cleansing for us.  Humility is no longer looked upon as weakness due to Jesus action. Jesus was intentional with this act of love and we are to be intentional also.

In loving Jesus we love our neighbor, we love our enemy, we love the creation that God has given to us. In loving Jesus we love as he first loved us. Jesus act of love transforms the world of sin, death and suffering, to a world that lives in the hope and joy of everlasting love. In Jesus' love death is dramatically changed into life.

Glorification involves separation. Jesus, in this passage is focused on what needs to be done to act out in fullness the love he has for all of us. Here, Jesus knows that his glorification will involve separation from those he loves. Where Jesus is about to go we cannot go; we need not go. Jesus is going to the depths of sin, death and hell for us in order that we need not. But... even in the separation, the disciples are soon to witness a glorification beyond imagination. The disciples yesterday, today and in the future will witness how love overcomes all things. Even as Jesus loved us, we are called, equipped and sent to love one another. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, you have taught humility. I'm proud to be humble as you have taught. You have shown a love beyond imagination. Send me, to love all others this day. --- Amen

April 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 13:21-32 (NRSV)

Jesus foretells his betrayal 

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples the one whom Jesus loved was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "Do quickly what you are going to do." Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival"; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

Reflection

And it was night. It was night for Judas. Judas was about to attempt to bring to a head the coming of Jesus into a kingdom vastly different from the Kingdom that Jesus reigns over. This was the spiritual night for Judas. The Light of Jesus was distant from Judas.

We all do it. We all try to control the events of our lives. We attempt to control the events and even the people involved in the events of our lives in order that the outcome would meet our desires. Judas was no different from you or me. Judas wanted control. Judas desired for Jesus to be King of an earthly kingdom. But Jesus had something else in mind.

"Lord, who is it?" It's me and you. Will you accept the graceful forgiveness of our Savior? 

Prayer

Jesus, I have acted in betrayal and denial of you. I don't deserve to receive forgiveness. But you gave it anyway. Thanks. --- Amen

April 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 49:1-7 (NRSV) The servant brings salvation to earth's ends  Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God." And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, "Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."  Reflection The second 'Servant Song' is displayed in this passage. A Servant so innocent he doesn't even display regret for past or present sins. A Servant focused on saving his people. A Servant called to a specific action even prior to birth. A Servant who has served a rough calling. A calling to battle with evil forces. This is a Servant that depends on God's strength and might. This is a Servant that is a light to the world. This is a Servant that not only saves Israel but saves all creation. This is Jesus. Thanks be to God! Prayer Father, I give you all the praise and thanksgiving that I can muster for giving your Son to save not only me but all creation. I give you thanks for Jesus' life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection. Show me the way to serve those you give to me this day as a servant. --- Amen

April 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 42:1-9 (NRSV)

The servant brings forth justice 

Here is my servant,
whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it

and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them. 

Reflection

A gentle servant comes to us. A servant that unites heaven and earth as one for a while. A servant that comes to the blind, imprisoned, the needy and poor. In one way or another all people fit the mold that this gentle servant comes to serve. 

But look! This servant is a light for us. This servant is one we follow. This gentle servant changes the world and gives breath to the people.

This passage is the first 'Servant Song'. A song the displays power in serving and loving and caring for people. We are called as servants to go in peace. Just as Jesus came in peace to Jerusalem, we go in peace to serve God and those very same people, the sick, the poor, the blind, the imprisoned, the needy and poor... we serve those just like us and point them to the Servant. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, this week, as I reflect on the events of Holy Week, show me how to serve and love my neighbor as you serve and love all creation. --- Amen

April 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday
Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV)

Jesus enters Jerusalem 


When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'" They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
"Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 

Reflection

Save us now! Save us now! But look, he comes in peace. Our Savior comes in peace even though he knows the outcome of the next week. Our Savior comes in peace and knowing the purpose of what the Father has in store for him. Jesus comes in peace even in the midst of the celebration. Jesus comes in peace knowing that all people will be saved by his actions about to occur. Our Savior comes in peace. Save us now! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Prayer

Jesus, you obeyed the Father all the way. May your Spirit so move all of those you have saved to see your light, your will and your way for their lives too. --- Amen

March 31st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (NRSV)

Blessed is the one who comes 

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say,
"His steadfast love endures forever." ...

Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Reflection

God's steadfast love isn't a here and now thing. His love is forever. With his love we can rejoice and praise him. With his love we have life and salvation. With his love we build our lives as on a rock. When we see and read the words "Save us" we can think of 'Hosanna' a longing of all people for God's action in our lives.

His love is forever. This is the day the Lord has made. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

I need salvation. Salvation that only you can give. Lead me in your festal procession that I may praise your name forever. --- Amen

March 30th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 2:12-18 (NRSV)

Shine like stars in the world 

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. 

Reflection

We can't save ourselves. Salvation in itself is a witness that we can't save ourselves. We need someone else to save us. That person is Jesus. It is a privilege and honor to be a Child of God. Along with this comes a responsibility. We live lives of high standards. We are disciples of Christ and strive to follow him in his actions and love. We are not the Light, but we carry the Light with us.  We reflect the Light, being Christ, by loving and serving as Jesus loved and served. We have the Word to guide us and show us the way. We have the Sacraments to demonstrate God's grace here in this world we live. And we live in the hope and security of what Jesus has done for each one of us that we will remain in relationship with our God. We can't save ourselves, but we can rejoice in the Salvation gracefully given to us through Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Father, as I bear witness to the Light of Jesus in this world teach me to love as you have love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 29th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 2:1-11 (NRSV)
Paul's plea for Christ-like humility
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death
even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection
You have to watch yourself and who you follow. Selfishness and conceit are the enemies of humans. Once you pick up these characteristics in yourself or someone you follow, it's time to pause and pray. In yourself, seek forgiveness. Repent of your sin. In one your follow, reevaluate what is going on. Approach the person and speak to them. Selfishness will hurt many people who are followers. Conceit will close out the words of another and confine the leader to their own will and way.

Jesus took on the qualities of unity and love. Jesus humbled himself and exhorted others to love as he loves. Jesus took on obedience to the Father. Through actions of love Jesus leads all disciples. There is no selfish ambitions. In fact Jesus humbled himself to the point of becoming human. True exaltation comes from humility, because all the glory is God's. And in this we praise, honor and adore Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Father, when I'm tempted to selfishness and a conceited character, turn my eyes to Jesus that I may see the form he took as God who humbled himself in love for all people. Lead me away from following another who is selfish and conceited in their own gain and lead people away from unity. Draw me near to Jesus humble loving Spirit that I may live the life you wish me to live in humble love towards those you give to me. --- Amen

March 28th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 12:34-50 (NRSV)
God gives eternal life

The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
"Lord, who has believed our message,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,
"He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and understand with their heart and turn
and I would heal them."

Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me."

Reflection
Jesus spoke to the people about the light that he provided. Then Jesus went off. The Light was still present in Jesus' teachings and word. The Light is present for us this day. We can see Jesus in the Word given to us through Baptism and the sacraments. The Word springs to life and brings Light into our world and our lives. Jesus becomes present with us and we feed from him. The Holy Spirit comes to us and gives us understanding, gives us our call, gathers and enlightens us so that we joyfully serve in the Kingdom.

Jesus purpose in this passage was to save all creation and lead us to everlasting life in his actions. Jesus demonstrates a love of substitution for our lives of sin. Jesus is preparing for this gracious act of love.

Prayer
Lord, as I see your Light and am taught the Word, I give thanks to you. May I live my life in response to what you have done that my life may please you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 27th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 44:1-8 (NRSV)
God gives life to the people
But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen!
Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you in the womb and will help you:
Do not fear, O Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my spirit upon your descendants,

and my blessing on your offspring.
They shall spring up like a green tamarisk,
like willows by flowing streams.
This one will say, "I am the Lord's,"
another will be called by the name of Jacob,
yet another will write on the hand, "The Lord's,"
and adopt the name of Israel.

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
I am the first and I am the last;
besides me there is no god.
Who is like me? Let them proclaim it,
let them declare and set it forth before me.
Who has announced from of old the things to come?
Let them tell us what is yet to be.
Do not fear, or be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it?
You are my witnesses!
Is there any god besides me?
There is no other rock; I know not one.


Reflection
God reminds us that there is only one God and from the river that runs to the throne of God we will grow. We will grow sustained by the living water from the stream that flows from the Temple of God. The Living Water of Jesus coming to us and going through us, sustains our lives and relationships with Jesus.

Jesus the beginning and ending leads us to the Temple of God and the throne of God. The Holy Spirit is our current in life that teaches us along the way. All are drawn to this river to drink that living water. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, may your water refresh us and may new life bloom in abundance that all may hear our praise to you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 43:8-13 (NRSV)
God is our savior
Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes,
who are deaf, yet have ears!
Let all the nations gather together,
and let the peoples assemble.
Who among them declared this,
and foretold to us the former things?
Let them bring their witnesses to justify them,
and let them hear and say, "It is true."

You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the Lord,
and besides me there is no savior.
I declared and saved and proclaimed,
when there was no strange god among you;
and you are my witnesses, says the Lord.
I am God, and also henceforth I am He;
there is no one who can deliver from my hand;
I work and who can hinder it?

Reflection
Sometimes, wonderfully, we become exhibits for God. Exhibits in the way that we are saved by God. People look at us and our actions. But then I think of how I sin. I think of the times of my failures and don't want to be on display. But we are still exhibits. We still are witnesses to God's saving acts.

In this way, we're good exhibits. God saved the sinful and imperfect, the weak and needy. Kind of like Paul, I feel like I'm the biggest one. But that's the point. God comes to save any and all of us. God comes and calls, gathers and enlightens the sinful to make the Church. Only God could deliver us and do such an amazing thing. We all have a chance. You can witness to God's saving grace, look within and around and be amazed at all God has done. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, even though my body and mind are failing, even though I sin, you still call me and use me. Use me this day to love those you have given to me that your Light may shine through and speak to them of how wonderful and valuable they are in your and my eyes. --- Amen

March 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Annunciation of Our Lord
Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Reflection
What? What does this have to do with our Lenten journey? I'm going to stretch it here a little, but this passage spoke to me. Just one Sunday from now in 2012 we will celebrate Palm Sunday. Jesus coming to the crowds at Jerusalem. In this passage we see how God selected Mary to conceive, carry and give birth to our Savior, Jesus. Mary didn't expect this honor. I would think in some ways at first the angel horrified her. Would this take place through rape by an angel. Not so much different from the issues of angelic beings with humans in Genesis? Both acts that were not acceptable to God. But, the angel said that God has chosen Mary. How confused Mary must have felt.

Taking it all in Mary accepted the message from  the angel. The Holy Spirit came upon her and the power of the Most High overshadowed her. Mary had been overshadowed or separated for God. Her child, Jesus, would be holy or divine, and Mary accepted this message and this work that God had blessed her with. Mary's fear had turned into an honor to serve God. Jesus would be part of Mary, in the very center of her life and flesh. God had chosen Mary and she felt and lived the grace and love of this choice.

Back to our Lenten journey. As we approach Palm Sunday, we too have spent time in the wilderness, dealing with temptation, hunger, pain, suffering, and human emotion. We too have seen sin and evil. But mixed in with all of this, we too have experienced the overshadowing of God. Jesus ministry was to begin after his wilderness experience. Palm Sunday is his experience of the beginning of the fulfillment of a major part of Jesus call to earth.

As you and I approach Palm Sunday, Jesus approaches us in his glory. We begin to take on the journey of Jesus. Jesus ministry becomes a part of our lives. In some ways, like Mary, Jesus becomes a part of us. We begin to take on the empathy of the range of human emotions that come with the celebration of coming out of this wilderness of temptation, to the joy of Palm Sunday, to the betrayal, denial, suffering and death of Jesus on Good Friday. We too, take part in this celebration, betrayal and denial. We too sin against Jesus by nailing him upon that cross with our sin and Jesus becomes part of our lives and part of our beings.

But God took all of this and treated it with grace. Just as we take in the bread and wine into our flesh and it becomes part of our bodies, we take on Jesus and he becomes part of our bodies and our soul. Just as Jesus became part of Mary, he has become part of us through our Lenten journey. We have been chosen and selected and blessed and separated and called to be a servant of God through Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit we take on the call of God with joy and thanksgiving for all God has done for us. Now that's some grace! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, just as you selected and came upon and within Mary, so too select and come upon me that I may fulfill the call that you have given to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 51:1-12 (NRSV)
Create in me a clean heart
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgment.
Indeed, I was born guilty,
a sinner when my mother conceived me.

You desire truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Reflection
Here David pours out his heart to God in repentance of his sin against God, Bathsheba and Uriah and so many others. I too have poured out myself before God in repentance of sin. In repentance I am overwhelmed by shame, humbled and broken, yet saved by the mercy and grace of God. Repentance does not free me from the consequence of my sin. The damage is widespread and many beyond the obvious are hurt. Sin is primarily against God.

In my sin I separate myself  from God. I turn away from the ways God would have me follow. I am in deep need of God's cleansing and need a complete spiritual washing. So in repentance, I cast myself before God and am at the mercy of God's wrath.

Yes, I too have sinned just as David sinned. But, thanks be to God, I have been washed clean, restored and forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Lord, thanks for not casting me away. Thanks for restoring me to the joy of your salvation. --- Amen

March 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 4:14-5:4 (NRSV)
Jesus' priesthood surpasses Aaron's
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Reflection
Jesus is our High Priest. Jesus knows exactly what it is like to be human. He knows the temptations, the pain and suffering, the joy, the tears and he knows all the range of emotions that we go through. Jesus knows sin even though he did not sin. So, in this knowledge, Jesus has presented our case to God for our forgiveness. Jesus even became the sacrifice, himself, for our sin.

So much more than just the high priest, Jesus is God and man. Jesus is Spirit and man. Jesus is Creator and the man.  Jesus is truly God and truly man. Jesus has passed through heaven and earth. Jesus is our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

I like a bit of information from from the Dead Sea Scrolls 11 QMelch that portrays Melchizedek as a heavenly being who will bring salvation and judgment at the conclusion of the final jubilee. In other literature Melchizedek is referred to as the one that brings the baptismal waters and one who gathers and emits light. Jesus is this and so much more. Jesus is our High Priest who saves, gathers, and lights the way for all creation. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, my High Priest, my Light, my salvation, truly human and truly God, lead me and light my path this day that I may love other's as you have loved. --- Amen

March 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 4:1-13 (NRSV)
God promises an eternal sabbath rest
Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
"As in my anger I swore,
'They shall not enter my rest,' "
though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." And again in this place it says, "They shall not enter my rest." Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day "today" saying through David much later, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

Reflection
Here is the real "Left Behind" series. This one is not reading to entertain. This one is for believers. As we hear, read, observe, and receive God's Word in various ways we come to a decision point. The Israelites in the wilderness had a decision point also.

In the beginning God created. At the end of creation, God rested. God wants us to rest with him. With the Israelites, that rest included entry into the Promised Land. With God's rest in this day, we can enter into a rest that is now both here and not yet. I'll explain that later.

The Israelites were invited into God's rest upon entering the Promised Land. They first needed to believe in God and place all or their trust and hope in God's guidance and power. The entry into the Promised Land  is a rest that is here and not yet. There is a greater rest that is fulfilled in Jesus coming again. For now, God invites us, the Gentiles, to a rest through Jesus life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection. Jesus even experienced a rest, here and not yet.

We have been given the Word in the Bible and in the Gospels and in the Sacraments and in the voices and actions of people and all things created, to permit us to hear God's voice. Upon the hearing, we have a decision to make. We can believe and enter God's rest here and now or run away and be "left behind" from God's rest.

When we believe and enter into God's rest now we change. The focus of our lives changes from ourselves and our own needs to what God would have us do and believe. We are changed into different people and see the world in a different way. We yearn to hear God's voice in so many ways and follow Jesus as disciples. Our lives completely change.

And you don't escape this change even if you have been a believer for as long as you can remember. You are changing. Your faith is growing. Your life is moving towards Christ, and God is using you in ways you may not even see or feel. You will not be "left behind" in God's rest that is not yet, but you receive the joy of God's rest that is here and now. We no longer need to be tormented by our sin. We are free from our sin to live for and in Jesus. That's some rest that is here. And in Jesus coming again we are promised a rest that is "not yet" that will be completely free from the temptation of sin and our human failures. We will have reached the Promised Land that today is "not yet".

Don't be left behind. Believe the voice of God and grow in faith today. Live in God's rest now and wait for the fulfillment of the God's rest that is "not yet." Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, may all who hear your voice believe and enter into your rest today... use me if I can help. --- Amen

March 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 8:12-20 (NRSV)
Christ the light of the world
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Then the Pharisees said to him, "You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid." Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf." Then they said to him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection
Jesus walks before us in the darkness of this world giving us light and direction for our journey. We look, listen and follow Jesus through our relationship with him and one another. We see and feel the love Jesus has given to all the world and respond likewise to the weak, poor, ill and those in need. We come together and hear the Word proclaimed and see the presence of God active in the sacraments. We rejoice in the healing that God has granted all of us. Healing in the midst of the process of death and life. All this from Jesus who is our Light and salvation.

Prayer
Jesus, lead on as I follow your Light and love those you give to me. --- Amen

March 20th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Numbers 20:1-13 (NRSV)
God gives water from the rock
The Israelites, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and against Aaron. The people quarreled with Moses and said, "Would that we had died when our kindred died before the Lord! Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to bring us to this wretched place? It is no place for grain, or figs, or vines, or pomegranates; and there is no water to drink." Then Moses and Aaron went away from the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting; they fell on their faces, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and your brother Aaron, and command the rock before their eyes to yield its water. Thus you shall bring water out of the rock for them; thus you shall provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.
So Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he had commanded him. Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, "Listen, you rebels, shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff; water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me, to show my holiness before the eyes of the Israelites, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and by which he showed his holiness.


Reflection
Again, God saves his complaining people. Again, God brings water from a rock. I can't help but to think to Jesus in this passage. I recall statements relating Jesus to the cornerstone of the Church. I recall my baptismal waters and think of this life saving water flowing from this rock. Baptism, a gift from God. God gives baptism and salvation to me before I can begin to recognize what I've been given. That's grace! A God that gives you something no matter if you decide to accept it or not. God loves me and you so much we are granted salvation and water from the rock no matter what. You have no choice. Now, you can believe and live a response of thanks, praise and give honor to God. Or you can run. But the gift of water from the rock and salvation is given. Even if you are crying about it. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, your love amazes me. How much you love your people. Thanks...I believe. --- Amen

March 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Exodus 15:22-27 (NRSV)
God gives the people water
Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" He cried out to the Lord; and the Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

There the Lord made for them a statute and an ordinance and there he put them to the test. He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you."

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there by the water.

Reflection
Even though the Israelites had been delivered from the Egyptians by a loving and gracious God, they still needed to pray and cry out to God for help along their journey towards the promised land.

Isn't it amazing how a tree planted years prior to this situation of the Israelites tasting of the bitter water would be the tree that would make the bitter water sweet. God had so lovingly thought of the Israelites in advance.

Today, too, God has loved all people. God had planned in advance our deliverance from sin through Jesus life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection. But we still walk the journey in the wilderness. Even though delivered, life can be tough. We, too, need to cry out in prayer to God for the wood that makes the water sweet. Doesn't this make you recall your baptism and the cross? And to think that it's a corporate action that comes also in an individual experience. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, hear your peoples cry as we walk through this wilderness of life towards the promised land. You alone deliver and sustain us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen