|
Inspirational Messages
|
|
Written by Wade Wiles
|
Preached by Fr David Stangebye Houk, Curate, St Matthias, Dallas, Texas
18 April 2003 - Good Friday
Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; St John 18:1-19:37
Yeah, there was a lot of excitement six days ago when he came to town. I was there. I work just a stone's throw from the Kidron Valley, so when I heard the commotion I ran to see what was going on. What a scene! People with palm branches laying them in his path, people actually taking off their coats and stuff to make a red carpet for the guy. And then, here he comes, riding on a donkey, just like he thought he was King David or something.
I even got caught up in the excitement. I thought, maybe this guy is the one, maybe this will be the king who gets the Romans out of here and re-establishes the kingdom of David, a kingdom for the Jews by the Jews. I'm kind of embarrassed now, but I was actually singing along with the crowds--you know that "Hosanna" stuff.
Anyway, the guy had a reputation, you know: a magnetic personality; a good teacher; a miracle-worker, supposedly. Well, once I finally heard him in person, I could hardly believe the kind of stuff he was saying. I think that Hosanna crap must have gone to his head. It was blasphemy, really--things like he and God were one, that he was God's son, that he was the way to God, I think his words were "the way, the truth, and the life."
You know, I couldn't help thinking when I went up to the temple this past week to hear him "do his thing," I couldn't help thinking, "What does anything you're talking about have to do with me and my life?" You know, I've got a life. I've got a wife and some kids. I want to be a good dad, a good husband. I need to save some sheqels for the future--and all the while he's talking about things like "the way" and "truth" and "the Father"--that's what he calls God, like he's on a first-named basis--Father, Father, Father...He even tried to pull that "truth" stuff with Pilate--you know, the Governor--not a bad guy, for a Roman. Pilate's response was classic, "What is truth?" he said. That really put him in his place.
Anyway, today the truth is plain. Crystal clear. And the truth is that he was nothing but a God damned phony. Look, I'm a good Jew, I know the third commandment. But I also know the Bible, and Deuteronomy says that "Cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree." (Dt 21:23; Gal 3:13) And there he is, strung up for the whole town to see, obvious to all that God has damned him, God has turned his back on him once and for all. His disciples even took off. Since Jesus' was arrested last night, only one has dared to show his face in public.
What a depressing ordeal. Depressing, I guess, because at the end of it I can't help wondering, When in the world is God going to do something?" Since this Jesus guy is obviously not the one, when is God going to send us a Messiah to show us that he cares about us, that he cares what we're going through: you know, give us the kind of life we want, run out the Romans and all that, but more than that, give us the Shalom we really want. Why doesn't God just do something?
(A pause for as long as the preacher and congregation can stand it.)
Six days. Six days is all it took for those in Jerusalem to go from a triumphal welcoming of Jesus as the Messiah, the coming King, on Sunday, to on Friday being done with him. Six days is all it took for cries of "Hosanna" and cries of "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," to be turned in to cries of "Give us Barabbas!" and cries of "Crucify him!"
The events of these six days illustrate a crude reality about our fallen human condition. First, that we want God, at some level. We want what is good. We appreciate, to a certain extent, what is true and what is right, at least we like it when the truth works for us. But secondly, when we behold goodness, truth, and righteousness, presented to us undiluted, when such become a personal challenge to us, we learn that despite our best intentions we would rather have something other than the truth, something other than God, something much more manageable and something much less demanding.
This is what we see in Jerusalem, 33 a.d., and this is what we see in ourselves. We are the fickle crowds of Jerusalem. We are Peter, denying our Lord when faithfulness comes at too high a cost. We are Judas, selling God for financial gain. We are Pontius Pilate, "always asking 'What is truth?' and then crucifying the truth that lies before our eyes."1 We are those eleven disciples who are ashamed, and afraid, and who abandon their Teacher in his greatest hour of need.
And yet it is precisely within the context of this strange drama in which the ambivalence of the human heart is so clearly on display that God has brought salvation into the world. Despite our mixed feelings toward God, or rather because of them, Jesus Christ hung on the cross that Good Friday. That is, through our rejection of him, Jesus was doing for us exactly what we needed him to do: making peace, Shalom, between us and the God who made us.
Today is Good Friday. Why are we here? What is good about this day? The answer is that though we've done our worst, though our hearts are deeply ambivalent and fatally flawed, God's grace has gone further. Jesus has himself done for us what we would never want to do. He has taken upon himself our sins and suffered for them. He has taken to himself our twisted hearts, taking them to the cross where they can receive the death sentence they deserve. And he offers us the chance this day to allow our deaths, the deaths we all have coming due to our divided allegiance to God, and our outright rebellion against God--for the deaths we deserve to take place in him: the penalty paid, atonement made.
This calls for great humility. It means coming to the foot of the cross this day, with all of our contradictions and imperfections, all our pride and false pride, our excuses and our inabilities and just leaving that stuff, coming with our hands completely empty, and relying on nothing but God's mercy.
And so, yes, while we get in touch with our fickleness and frailty through this liturgy, while we should be troubled that even though we want God there's a whole lot of God we don't want, we need to humbly turn away from all this wrestling and simply behold the Lamb of God, behold the one who takes away the sins of the world, the lamb who was slain for you and for me.
Good Friday, after all, is not a day for finding God. Rather, it is a day to remember that we had to be found by him. He had to reach down to us, going to the very depths, to the depths of our conflicted hearts. And so it is a day to renew our grateful trust in him, in the one who has "carried our sorrows," the one who was willing to be "wounded for our transgressions," the one by whose stripes our hard hearts can be healed. (Is 53:45)
Do you believe that? Do you believe he has made peace between you and your God? Can you today renew the affirmation that was made at your baptism, whereby (as the Prayer Book rite states) you accepted Christ as your Savior and you "put your whole trust in his grace and love"? Can you do that? Can you put your whole trust in him--all your trust in his sacrifice for you?
Or is your trust, is your peace, in something else, something apart from his grace and love? If so, just lay it down. Lay down whatever you think you have going for you. And while you're at it, lay down any of the judgments you have against yourself. Lay down all your conflicts and contradictions, and behold the Lamb. For it is in him, in him alone, and in his sacrifice for you that you can have Shalom, that true peace for which you are looking.
Amen. |
|
What's Happening in Dallas
|
|
Written by Charlotte
|
Activities for young adults in the Episcopal community:
Sundays at 5:30pm: Mass and a Meal
Come to Canterbury SMU and find a sacred space in your busy life to connect to God and to God's Family. Our Candlelight Communion Worship is ancient yet relevant, mystical yet welcoming. Afterward we have a free homecooked meal. Come and join us!
Tuesday Dinner: 5pm on Hillcrest by SMU
This week is Pizza at Stromboli's
Starting Tuesday Jan 19 @ 6:30pm: Artifact Bible Study
We come together and study next Sunday's readings. To prepare, we encourage you to read the Bible passages and prayer for the upcoming Sunday [at io.com/~kellywp/]. Then if you know of a song, picture, artifact, or website that deals with the reading, bring it with you, or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Then come to Bible study at 6:30pm to discuss and share your artifact and insights with others!
GAP on TAP: Monday Jan 25 @ 7pm
GAP (Graduates and Professionals) on Tap is a place forAge 21+ to come and discuss the intersection of faith and real life, in the upper room at Snuffers in Preston Center. We will relax, unwind, and enjoy ourselves with a frothy beverage while talking about meaningful issues of faith and real life. THE SUBJECT we will discuss is "Attracting Young Adults: When you are out of college, but not ready to be old, where do you fit in Church?".
Wednesdays in Epiphany: A Tour through the Gospels atSaint Mike's
Come join us as we explore the foundational documents of the Christian faith: The Gospels and the early Jesus Movement. For 5 weeks we will have a talk on one of the Gospels, followed by a time of discussion.
- January 13 Matthew's Gospel
- January 20 Mark's Gospel
- January 27 Luke's Gospel
- February 3 John's Gospel
- February 10 Acts of the Early Church
Need a Mid-Week Spiritual re-charge?
Come join us for Evening Prayer at 8pm on Tuesdays. Reconnect with God, and find rest for your soul. As the semester goes on, we will be adding music and candles, so come grow with us. It is the perfect way to end your day!
It's Episcorific: www.episcorific.org
The online 'zine for Episcopal Young Adults. Check it out here, or submit an article here.
Upcoming Events
Here are a few things you might want to mark on your Calendars:
- GAP on TAP Spring 2010: Monday 7pm on Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 26, and May 24.
- Wednesdays in Epiphany: A Tour through the Gospels at Saint Mike's
- Starting Tuesday Jan 19 @ 6:30pm: Artifact Bible Study
- Dallas League of Women Voters [lwvdallas.org] at Canterbury 6pm on: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12.
- Need chilcare for a GAP event? Contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Want to grab coffee with the Chaplain?
Nate, our young adult minister, is looking to catch up with all young adults. Please contact him to grab some coffee soon. All of his contact info is right below...
May Christ fill your life,
Nate +
The Rev. Nathan Bostian / director of young adult ministry / call or text: 214.505.9859 / email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
/ web: dallasyae.org /canterburydallas.org / gapatsmaa.org / saintmichael.org/ canterbury news
[Remember: Matthew 22.35-40 is the meaning of life!] |
|
What's Happening in Dallas
|
|
Written by Charlotte
|
2009.11.28
Advent Acclamations!
I hope your Thanksgiving was blessed, and you didn't suffer too badly from the Turkey-induced Tryptophan lethargy afterward! We have a TON of stuff coming up over the holidays, including Faith and Film, GAP on TAP, Andrew's Confirmation. And as always, please come to our weekly Mass and a Meal on Sunday at 5:30p at Canterbury SMU. Get the details below...
Faith and Film Night: What Would Jesus Buy? [11/29 @ 7:30pm]
After our Mass and a Meal this Sunday, join us as we watch and discuss a film of substance. This WEEK'S FILM is: What Would Jesus Buy? Follow Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse! More at: www.wwjbmovie.com
GAP on TAP: Thu 12/3 @ 7pm
GAP (Graduates and Professionals) on Tap is a place for Age 21+ to come and discuss the intersection of faith and real life, in the upper room at Snuffers in Preston Center. We will relax, unwind, and enjoy ourselves with a frothy beverage while talking about meaningful issues of faith and real life. THE SUBJECT we will be discussing is "Advent in America: Preparing for the Lord in a culture of autonomy and privilege".
Dec 5, 10am: Andrew Butler gets confirmed!
Come join as our choral leader finally, officially, walks down the Canterbury Trail to become an Episcopal Christian. It will happen at the Cathedral [5100 Ross Ave Dallas, TX]. We will probably go out afterward to grab lunch [location TBA].
Christmas Decorating at Canterbury. Sun 12/6. 7:30pm
Bring your Garland and Jingle bells, and let's get Canterbury chapel ready for Christmas! We will decorate after Mass and a Meal.
The PB comes to town Dec 12th.
On Sat, Dec 12th at 8am at SMAA our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will be discuss "Who is Christ?" with Bishop William Frey. More info or sign up at saintmichael.org. For a preview of the talk, see here and here. At 5:00pm she will be celebrating a community Eucharist at Canterbury for the whole SMU community. On Sunday night at 5:30pm, Bishop Frey will be joining us for our weekly "Mass and a Meal". Invite your friends to worship and meet our PB and Bishop Frey.
White Elephant Christmas Party. Sun 12/13, 7:30pm
We will be having a White Elephant Christmas Party at Canterbury after Mass and a Meal! Bring a wrapped gag gift worth less than $10 that is "Church appropriate". Also bring a wrapped gift of Children's clothes or toys to donate to the salvation army!
Christmas Carolling and Pub Night. Sun 12/20, 7:30pm
After Mass and a Meal, we will share the Yule-tide joy with the neighborhood around Canterbury! Bring your best singing voice and a warm jacket! Afterward, we shall go to Trinity Hall to warm up!
Deck the Halls at Saint Mike's. Tue 12/22, 7pm
Young Adults will be in charge of lighting the trees and bushes in front of Saint Mike's this year for "Greening of the Church". And after we work up a thirst at Church, we will go quench it with frothy beverages somewhere nearby!
Christmas Eve Young Adult Reception at Saint Mike's. Thu 12/24, 8pm
After the 7pm Christmas Eve worship, we will have a "welcome home" reception for young adults and collegiates in town for the holidays. Join us after the service in the parish hall for some festive bevereges, snacks, and fellowship! And, if you haven't: Meet our young adult minister Nate Bostian+.
It's Episcorific: www.episcorific.org
The online 'zine for Episcopal Young Adults. Check it out here, or submit an article here.
Upcoming Events
Here are a few things you might want to mark on your Calendars:
- GAP on TAP @ Snuffer's Preston Center [age 21+]: 12/3 @ 7pm
- Dec 5, 10am: Andrew Butler gets confirmed!
- Dec 12 @ 8am: Presiding Bishop speaks at SMAA. Sign up at saintmichael.org.
- Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori visits CHSMU Dec 12 @ 5pm
- GAP on TAP: Thu 12/3 @ 7pm
- Faith and Film Night: What Would Jesus Buy? Sun, 11/29, 7:30pm
- Christmas Decorating at Canterbury. Sun 12/6. 7:30pm
- White Elephant Christmas Party. Sun 12/13, 7:30pm
- Christmas Carolling and Pub Night. Sun 12/20, 7:30pm
- Deck the Halls at Saint Mike's. Tue 12/22, 7pm
- Christmas Eve Young Adult Reception at Saint Mike's. Thu 12/24, 8pm
- No Canterbury Service Sunday Dec 27th
- Meal and a Movie, Tue 12/29, 6pm
- Holiday Bowling, Sun 1/3, 6:30pm
- Faith and Film Night: Film TBA, Sun 1/10, 7:30pm
Want to grab coffee with the Chaplain?
Nate, our young adult minister, is looking to catch up with all young adults. Please contact him to grab some coffee soon. All of his contact info is right below...
May Christ fill your life,
The Rev. Nate Bostian |
|
Inspirational Messages
|
|
Written by Wade Wiles
|
|
A FORM OF TO ALMIGHTY GOD, For the fruits of the earth, and all the other blessings of his merciful Providence; to be used yearly on the First Thursday in November, or on such other day as shall be appointed by the Civil Authority.
O PRAISE ye the LORD: for it is a good thing to sing praises unto our God : yea, a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful.
The LORD doth build up Jerusalem : and gather together the outcasts of Israel.
He healeth those that are broken in heart : and giveth medicine to heal their sickness.
O sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving : sing praises upon the harp to our God.
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth : and maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains, and herb for the use of men;
He giveth fodder unto the cattle : and feedeth the young ravens who call upon him.
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem : praise thy God, O Sion.
For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates : and hath blessed thy children within thee.
He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the flour of wheat. |
|
Everything about being Single
|
|
Written by Charlotte
|
|
Last week’s series on Sexual Detox was quite an experience for me. I figured it would garner a little bit of interest simply because it dealt with an universal issue (sex) and because it included several important peripheral issues (pornography, addiction, and so on). But even then the response surprised me, both in terms of the number of visitors who showed up to read the articles and the outpouring of comments and emails in response to it. All of this showed me that I had tapped into an important issue.  Quite a few people wrote me to ask if I would be able to put the series together into a booklet or e-book. I am hard at work preparing a booklet form of it. I’ll be using a self-publishing printer to prepare it in paperback format and those will soon be available at Amazon for anyone who would wish to have a hard copy. What I’ve done in the meantime is create two different versions of the e-book, one for single guys and another for married guys. There are differences between them with each targeted at its specific audience.
Today I am glad to announce that the e-book of Sexual Detox: A Guide for the Single Guy is ready to go. I added to it a whole new chapter dealing with masturbation and also added study questions for those who are interested in working a bit on application. This version is geared specifically to young men and, even more specifically, to young single men. The version for married men will be ready to go in the near future. Also, Aileen and I are combining a little bit of this material with new things she has written into a guide for women that is based largely on emails she and I received from women who had read the Detox series. This should also be available soon. to download the free e-book: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-the-e-book.php |
|
|
