Getting Lost in the Woods

Each Epiphany we hear  this gospel text from Matthew , featuring the holy family, wise men, and Herod the Great.  This year, I thought we might explore some of the antagonistic behaviors of Herod.  There are some similarities between Herod’s choices and behaviors, and those we’ve seen in recent history on the news, and to a lesser extent, experience in our lives and within ourselves.   How do we respond to the Herod-like figures in our lives?  Or the Herod-like behaviors within ourselves? But first, let’s begin with Herod.  Biographers describe Herod the Great as a complicated figure.*  The Roman Empire appointed him to govern the region of Judea on their behalf, promoting Hellenistic culture, better known to us as Greek culture.  He worked well under Caesar, Cassius, Antony, and Octavian Augustus, quickly shifting allegiances with every change in leadership.  Yet Herod was not from a Roman background himself.  He was an aristocrati...

  Today’s gospel lesson features John the Baptist.  John was a prophet and contemporary of Jesus.  To find him, folks would make their way into the wilderness of Judea.   His clothes were made of camel’s hair; while his diet consisted of locusts and honey.  John’s prophetic message called on God’s people to repent; or in other words, to turn their hearts and minds back towards God’s dream for this world.  Those moved by John’s message, would partake in a ritual cleansing and recommit to God by being dipped or immersed in water.  Hence his nickname as a baptizer.  John was that unique kind of eccentric person, who has a way of making you feel deeply uncomfortable, and yet at the same time, you can’t quite turn away.  He captivated people's senses.  Prophets often have this skill.  As God’s messengers, they are called to speak to particular communities facing their own individual concerns.  Yet the themes are often the same....

Yesterday, our family joined folks from across our diocese for an event they co sponsored with Christ Trinity, Sheffield; St. Paul’s Stockbridge; Grace, Great Barrington; and Swords to Plowshares Northeas t. The Rt. Rev. Jim Curry, a retired Bishop Suffragan in Connecticut is the chief blacksmith for Swords to Plowshares. This ministry was inspired by the prophet Isaiah, who proclaimed: “...they shall beat their swords into ploughshares…” (2:4) Their organization works with local police departments, taking guns that have been bought back from the community and then turning them into garden tools. What we witnessed yesterday was beautiful, and I will tell you why, but first, I want to share why I think addressing gun violence matters so much. For me, it’s always been personal. My father was an avid hunter. He was also an alcoholic, whose disease took over his life during the course of my early childhood. When I was four years old, my mom came home from her shift at the naval air stati...

Last month, Molly offered the first of two teaching sermons on the Christian Bible.  She focused on the  Hebrew Scriptures , and began by talking about the labels we use when referring to these sacred texts.  The Hebrew Scriptures are better known in Christian circles as the Old Testament , and are sometimes referred to as the  First Covenant .  Like Molly, I don't use the label Old Testament   because of its negative connotations.  Instead, like many others, we refer to these sacred texts as the Hebrew Scriptures .   For me, this label is a helpful reminder that Jesus of Nazareth, in birth and death, was a practicing Jew; and that these sacred texts were the ones he learned, inwardly digested, and informed his teachings of God’s love and grace. Today, I’ll offer the second teaching sermon on the Christian Bible, focusing on the Christian Scriptures.  These sacred texts are better known in Christian circles as the New Testament , and are...

  How do we know if we have  enough  faith?   This is a question the apostles have some anxiety around when we meet them in today’s  gospel lesson .  They practically beg Jesus to,  “Increase our faith!”   (Luke 17:5) .   Now in fairness, they seem a bit overwhelmed by Jesus’ instruction a few verses earlier.  (Luke 17:1-4) Jesus had been speaking to them about the challenges of discipleship  (Luke 17:1-4).   He warned them against using their power and position to mislead the vulnerable.  He cautioned there would be times when the disciples sinned against one another.  Jesus was trying to prepare them for the inevitable reality that disciples would violate boundaries and norms that caused harm and fractured relationships.  He explained when this happens, they were to communicate this harm to the offending party, and if that person repented, they were to forgive them  (Luke 17:3-4). ...

In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus does something a bit strange.  There was a large crowd traveling with him, and these folks were likely pretty curious about who Jesus was.  Had he been on a campaign trail, he likely would have used this opportunity to try and  sell  the crowd on his platform.  Campaign sales pitches generally attempt to convince us that our most troubling concerns would be resolved and our lives would become drastically better if we vote for a particular candidate.  Yet, with this captive audience, Jesus actually does the opposite.  He attempts to convince the crowd of  the price they will pay   if they choose to become followers on the Way of Love.  While it might sound odd, I think there is some comfort to be found in such explicit honesty.  After all, it is incredibly rare to encounter such complete transparency and truth.  It provides the necessary components to build an abiding trust. Who are the truth tell...