Being Lost

2ChristmasC St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, January 5, 2025, by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP First, there are no other accounts of Jesus in the temple at age 12 except this one. Not in Mark, Matthew, John or any other place. This appears to be written by the author himself, Luke, not a contemporary of Paul, but a generation or so after Paul. Second, Jesus was attending the Passover with his family as a 12-year-old. You might think this is the year before his Bar Mitzvah. It isn’t. The Bar Mitzvah is at age 13 for boys, But there was no Bar Mitzvah till some four hundred years ago. Jesus never had a Bar Mitzvah. However, at age 13, even in that timeframe, boys were considered adults at age 13 and were expected to follow Torah and make their own independent decisions. They were also expected to follow Jewish customs and festivals. At that time, Passover was 8 days; people weren’t expected to stay the full 8 days, but most likely Mary, Joseph, and family did. Third, is this story of Jesus in the Temple true? Maybe. There is no surviving evidence, but it could very well have happened this way. In today’s literature, we call it, “Historical fiction.” Luke likes to be a storyteller and indeed he is. He invites us into a humanity that we don’t find so much of in the other gospels. His gospel is what Clinical Pastoral Education would term, “fleshed out.” At least, that was my CPE experience with Chaplain Harley. Those people who like a good, engaging story will like Luke. In this story, one could say that Jesus was lost. He hadn’t stayed with his family. That was what he was supposed to do. He was supposed to be obedient to his mom and dad. It may or may not happen in families today, but certainly was the norm in Jesus’ day. But from Jesus’ perspective, he was not lost, but merely wrestling with issues that he would later address in his ministry. How many days was he in the Temple? This story is rather vague if you give it a careful read. The biblical scholar, Raymond E. Brown proposes it could have been 3 days. It might be a bit much to wrap our heads around and might seem like a long time. But remember; they did not travel by train, bus, or plane. If you are out for a day and a half, it will take a day and a half to get back. Or if close to the Temple, in Jesus’ time, Jerusalem was about 25,000 people. If it’s like Moses Lake without car or bus, which has a similar population, you might be looking for a while and if it’s a story told later in life, you can see where details could get lost. Mary is upset, anxious, maybe angry and feels that Jesus disrespected both she and her husband, Joseph. She confronts him with this, and his response is simply, “Why were you searching for me? I must be in my Father’s house.” Luke, who doesn’t put the story of the Wedding of Cana in his gospel, still tries to fill in a link to Jesus’ formal ministry. “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Saints, but not Perfect

All Saints’ Sunday, November 3, 2024 for St. Martin’s Episcopal Church by Sr. Annette Fricke All Hallows Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day have really come and gone, but the Church has chosen to celebrate All Saints on the nearest Sunday which is today. Originally, all three were recognized by the church in much the same way as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil. It is one feast rolled out as 3 parts spread over 3 days. An excerpt from a former bishop of the Spokane Diocese once wrote, “When we think about All Saints, it is tempting to assume that these were the people who got it right. The Saints of our faith are the heroic to be emulated. I do not believe they always got it right, nor do I believe any of us should expect to do so. The saints of our faith are, as one great hymn says, “just folks like me.” But in fact, they did make mistakes. They stumbled on their way forward in faith. But they did stay the course, and they kept trying, not claiming to be perfect, but offering what they had. And as best as I can tell, they were honest, admitting who they were and not hiding from their failures. +Jim Waggoner, 2012. A mother sits at the dining room table looking to pay the bills with her checkbook and suddenly notices that she’s being charged for 4 pints of blood for her heart operation. She finds out that the doctor nicked her aorta. She was never told about it, only just discovered it in an itemized bill. It was a mistake. Depending on the mistake, secrecy may be involved. She didn’t comment on it. Deep inside, probably realizing that she’s lucky to be alive. In a news story in 2015, a Maryland diocesan bishop was texting on her phone while drunk. Sentenced to 7 years in prison. She hid her addiction from the church committee when she was called to become bishop of the diocese. Yet despite a former charge in 2010, she also managed to grow the church so well, that new facilities had to be built to accommodate the parishioner increase. Both are true stories. Lives were hurt. The doctor could have killed a patient and the second killed a person in the community. The priest is no longer a priest. The woman died in 2000 due to natural causes. It may be tempting to compare our lives to theirs, but we shouldn’t because we all have our own setbacks, our own struggles. Remember this: We are here because of the grace of God, and we will someday leave in the same way. In God’s grace.

Wealth and Status

Proper23 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, October 13, 2024 by Sr. Annette Fricke The gospel of Mark begins with the words, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” In Mark’s style, he gets to the point quickly, or as many English translations put it, immediately. That is the word that ties Mark’s stories about Jesus together, the words and immediately or immediately. Mark does not care about genealogy, angels at Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ circumcision, the flight to Egypt to escape the grip of Herod, or even Jesus in the temple. Mark continues after this first sentence with, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Not exaggerated much to say that Mark reads like this: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, prepare his way, and John the Baptist appears preaching a baptism of repentance. This is what Mark says is important, important to the extent that these themes continue to pop up in Chapter 10. Last Sunday’s gospel lessons were about marriage and divorce and Jesus’ correction of the practice of men could just write off his wife and stating clearly that should not have been allowed. Jesus tells us that we should be at peace with each another. Again, those words ring out, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Repent. Be reconciled. Be in the right relationship with each other. Mark seems to understand that we need those words to remind us that repentance is the way of the Lord. The gospel of John actually claims Jesus saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” because they really are related terms. Today, Jesus brings up the topic of money (pause) again. In fact, Jesus brings up money in all four gospels 29 times. 29 times. Why? Because it is a huge obstacle to living the way of Jesus. Jesus talks about the lack of status of women and children and wealthy men having status. Look at that story again. What happened when Jesus told him to get rid of his possessions? To give money to the poor? Jesus wasn’t putting him down; he was simply giving an answer to the man’s question. What must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus loved him and told him the truth. Money and possessions can keep us from relationships with people. They can be an obstacle. Being an important person in society can separate us from those who do not have status. When I was on my internship, the pastor had me take food to a struggling family about the time the Chrysler Corporation was failing in the early 1980s. The couple thanked me and the church. I did as I was told and invited them to church. They said that they did not feel they had the proper clothes to wear to church. So, they stayed away. Another, who was an active member of the church was laid off. I went to visit him as well. He was not concerned as much as our pastor. Status still matters in some circles. My supervising pastor also told me to not go into the black neighborhood. He considered it to be dangerous. I drove through anyway. A guy from another class who worked with me at the mental health center in Columbus, Ohio complained about the segregated congregations, blacks in one church, whites in another, wondering if ever the two could unite in one church. Those of us who saw clearly the chasm between those who had and those who had not, those who were black and those who were white and because we fought the status quo were not chosen to lead congregations but offered teaching degrees. We were taught to be quiet. Be quiet and don’t ruffle any feathers. We had no status. Later in Mark 12, Jesus is complimented that he teaches the way of God in accordance with the truth. It is also accurate to say that the way of Jesus is the way of the cross. Jesus is on the way when he asks his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” It was on the way that the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. They are on the way to Jerusalem when Jesus gives the 3rd prediction that he will be crucified. We see the contrast between Jesus on the way to the cross and the rich man who is unable to part with his possessions. We see where Jesus is singled out as the one who is not like the rest. In the end, at the cross, he is very alone. What would he say to us today as a congregation? What would he say to us as individuals? How faithful are we to Jesus, or are we simply lukewarm? These are questions we should be asking ourselves daily. Are we following Jesus on the way and in the way of the cross where we learn to love others as God has loved us in Jesus. Not moaning or complaining but doing what we are able. Loving our neighbors.

Balancing priorities and Reconciliation

Proper 22B, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake, WA, October 6, 2024 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Jesus the Christ. Amen. Reconciliation is a six-syllable word and one of the most difficult things we are to do as Christians. What does reconciliation mean? Here is a list. 1. Cause to be friendly again, 2. Adjust or settle, 3. Bring to acceptance. Also, establishment of harmony. Synonyms are “harmonizing, rapprochement; reconcilement.” The definition of rapprochement is the “state of having or establishment of cordial relations.” In the first definition, “cause to be friendly again,” we realize that it implies something other than a previous friendly state. Prior to reconciliation, people often feel offended, incensed, angered, miffed, frustrated, disappointed, and a whole host of other feelings. In the second definition, “adjust or settle” we may think of settling an argument or a disagreement by our adjusting our thinking, our feelings, and our behavior. Sometimes our hearts are in the wrong place and our hearts do not match our feelings and behavior. Sometimes we simply have conflicting values. We tell ourselves that we should give to the ministry of the church, but we hesitate. We hesitate with our money, we hesitate with our behavior, we allow our non-humble, non-sacrificing self to take over. We say we agree to our vows made at baptism and marriage and then break them. We agree to accept the children of the world, the vulnerable, the weak, those who have different values from us; the people that society considers to be somehow “less than.” But our actions betray us. Sometimes it is a matter of balancing our priorities and taking the initiative, having faith that God will bless our way. God has blessed us with many gifted people here at St. Martin’s. Whether or not you are aware of it, you and I are gifts not only to the community, but to this congregation. Although October 4 honors St. Francis who was known as a lover of animals, today is Sunday. In a congregation I was with in 2006, this day was Mental Health Sunday. If you look at the lessons for today, you can see why. Take a quick look at all three lessons and what do you find mentioned? Animals, men, women, children, another lesson about the Pharisees. Right? He says about the Pharisaical law that marriage was to be a life-long commitment, not allowing a writ of divorce where men could divorce their wives. But because they were hard-hearted, Moses allowed it. The heart was the seat of emotions. We talk about people who have a good heart or wearing your heart on your sleeve. When we talk about someone having a soft heart, we see that person as someone who is vulnerable to manipulation. We are to protect and teach our children about the ways of the world and how to be in the world, so they learn to act in ways that are both humble and assertive, being able to be their own selves and encouraged to grow into functioning adults. Talking about things openly and making a connection with our children and grandchildren, in my case my siblings’ children and grandchildren is necessary. Each subject is necessary at every level of maturity. We need to talk about everything, not just abuse, drugs and alcohol although those subjects are in the forefront. Children see us as a role model. If we want our children to be involved in the ministry of the church, we need to take ownership and be involved ourselves. God values children, as demonstrated to us when Jesus blesses the children. We should value them as much as God does. We need to advocate for them because they are vulnerable and need our guidance. Families are important. They make up communities and are intergenerational. Some adults are in that place where they take care of parents as well as children. Sometimes the grandparents are the ones who raise the children while the parents work or in place of a marriage gone bad.

Critics are Everywhere

Proper21B Immanuel Lutheran Church, Moses Lake September 29, 2024 by Sr. Annette Fricke There is plenty of evidence to not only suggest, but fully illustrate that Jesus had a lot of disappointing moments with the disciples. Here they are again when they come back from a mission trip, not gleefully rejoicing that people are out doing works in Jesus’ name but trying to stop them because they were not following Jesus in the same manner that they thought they should. Critics abound wherever we go especially when we consider all the inspections and required licenses of physical spaces of business, for example or care facilities for those who need nursing care on a long-term basis. “This isn’t right and that isn’t right. This shouldn’t be this way, but that way. You also see this kind of conversation inside churches because it also extends to how a church fulfills its mission in the community as well as how to go about it within the church in which is a part of the outside community. Some people have a more open view of people whose opinions are different from theirs and others would have us fit in their boxed in ideas of doing it right. The truth is that everyone has a bit different sense of what it means to do something right. In my previous job in Spokane a few years back, I once took 5 days in a row off for a vacation yet was called to come back to work on 2 of those days. Most folks I know, including myself, don’t appreciate being told we have the week off, then being called into work. It was made known that I was preaching at the local nursing home and could not come in on day shift on Sundays. The second day I was asked to come in the message left on my phone indicated that someone was needed to stay till after dinner until “things settled down.” What that meant was still left for me to discover. I returned to work on a Wednesday to find out that the State was there to address complaints, three of them about the floor I worked on. In addition to that, aides from the skilled nursing unit were to work with us on the assisted living floor until they were certified. They had failed to meet the deadline of transitioning from registered nursing assistant to certified nursing assistant within 120 days because they were unable to schedule taking the written and skills tests required for the state certification. At least 3 of my co-workers were now working in the Skilled Nursing Unit. Another issue was on my assisted living floor about who is qualified to serve food and who is to cover the floor and what happens when residents call during meals? What happens is this: the State needs to be satisfied that all is done according to the specifications dictated by the laws and regulations concerning assisted living. In skilled nursing, you are required to be certified by the state to work there. My mind went back to the days when aide work was on the job training and the charge nurse made sure you were properly trained. Change happens and consequences are always in place for not following it. Now the state must be satisfied, or facilities are written up, complaints posted publicly, people get fired, and/or facilities get shut down. As communities, both residential facilities like the one where I worked in Spokane and churches have something in common. At each juncture when someone new comes into the community or visits before accepting residency or membership, we need to ask ourselves the question, “How do I welcome the stranger, the newcomer?” “How will I make this person feel welcomed and accepted?” “What behaviors will we find difficult to accept and where will we draw the line?” Each community has certain values that are expressed by its members. I used to teach my staff to not only look for new staff members by whether they would be competent to perform their jobs but also how their personalities would fit with the personalities already on staff. Personalities must work well enough together to be able to work as a team. As we converse with each other on an equal playing field and learn to respect those who have differing opinions, our conversations should lead us to changes that will be beneficial to growth. We can respond in different ways that previously. We can accept ideas both great and small and see where they lead. Most of all we need to always be aware of whether our actions are ones of peace, loving relationships, and forgiveness. Everything we say and do, according to this text should strive to create an atmosphere of peace. We should abhor violence and anything that keeps us far from peace. Our interactions with others should be from a position of compassion even when we disagree with others’ words and actions. We need to really listen closely to others. Our strength should never smother another’s weakness. Like a dimly burning wick, we should shield from wind and provide oxygen. We should feed and nourish our relationships, so they thrive and those who come from the outside will feel welcome. Because that is living the gospel.

Gospel according to the Syrophoenician Woman

Proper18BPentecost15, September 8, 2024, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP. I have worked in a couple of different settings now where I was one of the oldest of the employees and supervisors. It wasn’t like that in school before college. In school as a child, most of our classmates were within a year of the same age and it’s difficult without knowing for sure who is older and who is younger. There was some parental control going on as well as being held back due to poor grades. Holding back is how my bestie was in class with me and her sister was in my younger brother’s class. Occupationally, we were very different however and had in common that we did not become farmers or the wife of farmers. Same, but different. Because of my upbringing on a farm, working in Othello is a fit. Because of my brother’s childhood on a farm, being a small animal veterinarian is a fit as well. He lives out in the country and works in the larger city. I live in a larger community and work in a smaller one. The same, but different. The two healing stories in our gospel text have similarities. The most glaring of the similarities is that they both take place in non-Jewish territories. These are places where Jews are not welcome and in fact, are rather despised and treated with contempt. Perhaps the harsh words of Jesus to this woman from the region of Tyre reflect the political imbalance of the wealthy Gentiles and Jewish peasants there. Beyond that, Jesus was likely aware of the economic hardship that many Jews in that region experienced due to the exploits of the Gentile landowners. We should be asking why Jesus is there at all if he indeed sees his priority as the house of Israel. Indeed, the Gospel of Mark gives us a vision of the outstretching of God’s kingdom to be that which extends beyond the reaches of the folks of Judaism. Obviously, one of the major points of reading is that we are to go beyond our own little villages or social groupings of people in our quest to extend the mercy of God. But note also that this text has nothing to do with converting anyone by means of God directly, nor of our evangelization in God’s name. Pure and simple, this is about showing mercy to all people. It has nothing to do with imposing values or judgments on someone else. It doesn’t mean that we should not issue a marriage license because we do not thing that gay men should get married. It does not mean that if we are Quaker and believe in pacifism that we will not issue a permit to have a gun to defend houses or property. Jesus did not ask her, as far as we know, what she believed in. He met her at her need and healed her daughter. We don’t know what happened after that. We have no “Gospel according to the Syrophoenician Woman.” Perhaps we should; perhaps she would tell us how Jesus paid attention to even her, one who had a sick child among many sick children of the day. This woman was not going to just stand by and watch her daughter continue to suffer. She was passionate. She knew Jesus was a healer and she was determined to get healing for her daughter. She knew Jesus had that which she most desperately desired more than anything. She was prepared to do what it took to get it. Some of us will watch someone like that and say to ourselves, “What a stubborn fool,” but maybe that’s what’s lacking in us at times. At times, we just give up and become lackadaisical, paralyzed into inaction. Will God bring healing if we never ask for it or if we always pray meekly, “Thy will be done?” Is it not a step better to even demand that God hear our pleas for mercy? Lastly, it is important to notice that the mother pleads for the daughter and the deaf man is brought to Jesus by his friends. Community is important. God does not expect us to be the lone rangers and to conduct our prayer life and spirituality as though it’s just between God and us. Many of my preacher friends have nixed the idea of worship services other than Sunday because there just is no interest in attendance. But is that true? Are we willing as a congregation to go beyond obligation to voluntary fellowship gathering, maybe something informal? What will move our congregation to become more nurturing? What can we do to build fellowship among those who feel hurt or left out? A glaring part of the gospel text is that this woman appears to be by herself. She doesn’t seem to have friends, nobody to advocate for her. The image is provocative and is a quite comprehensive picture of the enormity and generosity of God’s love for all humanity. God’s love is like a table on which the children eat. We can see the common household setting of eating at the table with the dog hanging around looking for a bite. God’s mercy is not just for the few, but for the many because God’s children are not just those we most love and admire, but also those who live on the fringes of society and the edges of what we might term unacceptable dress or behavior. Not only do we put God in a box, but people as well. We want both God and others to conform to our sense of right and wrong. We don’t like entertaining the thought that someone else has an idea that might be just as good as ours. Jesus commends the woman not so much for her belief as for her passion and persistence. She has a good argument. She asserts herself with logic. We are to follow our hearts, passionately seeking, no demanding that those in our midst receive healing, remembering that we are all in this together. We may be different, but we are the same.

What does it mean to Follow the Rules?

Proper 17B, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, September 1, 2024 by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP As baptized children of God, according to Matthew, it is the ministry of every baptized Christian to go out into the world in the name of Christ, preaching and teaching and baptizing. In the Book of Common Prayer, p. 855, “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” The Church, both Protestant and Catholic continues to be in great flux as it decides wither or not to maintain the long held hierarchical tradition handed down to us throughout the generations. The Church now celebrates the person of John Bunyun, who at one time was considered an itinerant and illegitimate preacher. I think John the Baptist would also have been seen by the Jews as an itinerant and illegitimate preacher, yet both of them have done what all Christians are called to do and that is to point others, both believers and non-believers, to Jesus Christ. That is our mission as Christians and has always been our mission as Christians. But how that has taken shape in the Church has, in face varied throughout history. However, Jesus tells us that time and again, just as he does in this gospel reading assigned for today: we are to point to him and what he has taught us. Jesus also bucks the Jewish tradition and laws by stating that we are called to follow the commandment of God, neither taking away from it, nor adding to it. There was once an early Lutheran leader in this country who believed that if you feel called by God to be a pastor, you should be a pastor. In his mind, it doesn’t matter what this or that person or congregation thinks. Jesus is highly critical of the rules of the Pharisees and seeks, it seems, more than anything else, to put everybody on a level playing field. All are equal in God’s sight. All were created in the image of God. None of us is better or worse than anyone else. All of us, even Job, must realize our humble position before God to be put right with God. We do not make the rules; God does. But if you do not follow the rules that people have placed before you, you can be truly out on a limb and sometimes that means that you may be feeling that you are all alone to face the world, that perhaps only God is your true friend. To that, I will quote one of my friend’s daily morning favorites, “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, he who formed you, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you: For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 42:1-3) There are times in our lives when we will have trials that will cause us to become discouraged or even depressed about our situations in life. There are times when we need to be reminded that God still cares for us and will see us through every storm, wind, or tempest however great and overwhelming it may seem at the time. God will preserve us in both this life and the next. Almost every single great hymn in Christianity has been written by those who have been through huge storms in their lives, but their faith in God has brought them through to calm waters time and time again. There is no magic pill or magic formula, we will always have storms, but we can also always rest assured that God is still at the helm of our boats and will calm those storms, however unbearable they may seem now. This specific text from the Gospel of Mark is a difficult one for us to understand except from a non-literal rendition. It seems to be written from a Gentile perspective. Gentiles are being brought into Christianity, but do they need to observe all these laws of the Jews to be faithful to Christianity? It’s not just Paul’s word, but is here, too. Jesus declared all foods to be clean. Yet we live in a world where some Jews continue to follow only a Kosher diet and some Christians insist on being vegetarian. Jesus tells us that we can do what we want with food. And it is not up to us to tell others what kind of diet to follow. Listen also to the continuity Jesus is imploring from the prophets of the Old Testament. Does not Jesus echo the words of Jeremiah? Remember? “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me.” The notions that obedience to God must come from the heart, and that the disobedient heart is the source of all wicked actions that take us from God, are at the core of the Old Testament prophets. The gospel in Jesus’ words for us is that God wants our heartfelt response, our full-hearted obedience. “…for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.”

When Peter Nails it!

Proper16B, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake, WA by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP If you are now confused and think that we read this before, be confused no longer. We did read the first few verses of this last Sunday. Today is the last of the “Jesus is the Bread of Life” gospel readings. Next Sunday, we switch back to Mark just in time for the school year that some schools have already begun like WSU. Othello School district begins August 30th, then has a break for Labor Day weekend, coming back to school again on September 3. I don’t know who the brain or brains were on this idea. There are some things I just don’t control. Just as most of us have no control over the lectionary texts or when school starts or stops, this gospel text is a prime example of those thought to be Jesus’ disciples simply walk away or betray. Most people will have questions about just what this all means and like most preachers, I was not there, so some of the questions will remain. We weren’t there, we don’t have the full context, and nowhere is it more than a guess as to what it all means. Maybe it just means that Jesus wants us to think about it. This is why this church does not have literalism as a measure of the meaning of the scriptures. We’re expected to use our brains. We don’t know everything. What we do know about the context is that Jesus is with a group of disciples, not just the twelve and he is in Capernaum. It is not a crowd nor is it the Jews or the Samaritans or any other larger grouping. Even with this smaller group are many negative reactions. They are grumbling, not believing, turning back, mentioning betrayal. If we were to look at any of the gatherings of people in our past, we were likely seeing the same reactions to the leadership of groups outside the church. We can dismiss those reactions and say, “Well, we are only human.” Or, more importantly, we can focus on the faithful. Why do we still have the faithful in Christian communities, even in small places? Why do some refuse to walk away or angrily walk away when the Christian community they are with disappoints them? What is it about Jesus that keeps them coming back to once again support that belief in Jesus and take that with them into their lives outside of the church? Why are some faithful no matter what obstacles to faith are present? Why do some go away and come back years later? But perhaps the most important question of all asked is in our gospel text itself: “This teaching is difficult. Who can accept it?” Another suggested translation from the Greek is, “This is a hard word. Who is able to hear?” Who is willing to commit to the teachings of Jesus and walk in his ways? Who is willing to immerse oneself in Jesus when all around you are several other versions of Christianity, Judaism, agnosticism, and atheism? Does that discount our beliefs or make us wonder why we are here? I propose that we all need to regularly ask ourselves the same question that truly can be the overall theme of this section of John’s gospel. “Lord, to whom shall we go?” How else can be the answer than to commit to Jesus? Verses 66-68 summarize what it is to commit to Jesus. 1) putting Jesus first, 2) continuing to walk with Jesus, 3) willing not to leave, 4) recognizing Jesus as the only source, and 5) recognizing that Jesus is the only source— (who else?) of eternal life. John reminds us that the whole book of John is about knowledge or knowing as well as relationship. It is one thing to intellectually know many things about Jesus and acknowledge Jesus as the Lord who brings eternal life and still another to live into that knowledge. Commitment means that we take what we know about Jesus and apply it to our lives in such a way that we internalize in our thoughts and behavior the same as Jesus’ life here on earth was an example of what we ought to strive towards. It is to keep our gaze on Jesus as the compass and the place where we attempt to stay on course, in each situation allowing Jesus/God to work through us showing to others how God loves us and continues to love us despite the obstacles in front of us. Jesus teaches us to both confront and treat each other with respect. Our church teaches us to distinguish between scripture and reason, a needed element in the modern world. Be open to others’ thoughts and ideas, but also listen to other sides of the story and be slow to judge. Proclaim the gospel of peace. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Alleluia. ---Brian Stoffregen, Gospel Notes—John 6:56-69, August 14, 2024

Jesus is the Staple of Life

Proper14B, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP Jesus is the bread of life. As we sat and we talked a bit about this passage, this gospel text, I was keenly aware of those who would rather avoid this text and others very focused on the “complaining.” Still another of the sisters in my order said quite clearly, “Jesus is the bread of life because he is a staple just like bread is a staple in many cultures.” I pondered those words as I sat down to eat something at the airport I never had before, might not have again. It was crawdad on a bed of rice, with 2 pieces of bread perched on top. I have led a very sheltered life having lived over sixty years of it in the state of Washington in four different places. New Orleans was a list of many new things including riding the streetcar to the restaurant that served turtle soup with a touch of sherry in it. I wondered what the answer would be for those who live in New Orleans. Would bread be the answer? By looking at the portion size of bread compared to rice and the fact that red beans and rice is a thing, I’d say no. Well, it could be a staple, but I think rice is used more. Both are starches and add carbohydrates to a dish. Carbohydrates are a source of energy. Carbohydrate-loading is or once was a thing that athletes have done before a big game or competition. According to the National Geographic Society, A food staple is a food that makes up the dominant part of a population’s diet. Food staples are eaten regularly—even daily—and supply a major proportion of a person’s energy and nutritional needs. I would argue that my family’s staple foods were bread, coffee, milk and eggs. Those were the items that were always kept in stock. Even after all of us kids were grown, those were the items always on the grocery list. They were considered necessary. Jesus is the bread of life. He is necessary every day for sustenance. He is the bigger portion of life for believers. What about office supplies? There are certain office supplies that are kept depending on what is demanded for organizing outlines for presentation handouts that people can take with them to use to remember details. There are both paper clips and staples. Which is most useful? Is it a staple or a paper clip? Do you want the papers secured tightly? Do you want to be able to take and use a collection of papers? Either way, you can take it with you. It no longer requires the internet once it’s printed out and organized. The power could go out, but we’d still have candles and prayer books and a piano. We’d still have access to worship. Paper would also be considered a staple. Even though we have computers and zoom meetings, paper and in person remain a good way to get through a meeting and has been around for many years. Paper, staples and paper clips are considered essential items. Jesus had only his thoughts to organize and present. He interacted with his disciples and the crowds. He got to know them in a very intimate way and used several illustrations as to what the kingdom of God is like. But to say that “I am the bread of life” is a more sweeping revelation as to why we should listen to what Jesus is saying. This tells us why Jesus himself is essential to our understanding of the relationship of Jesus to the God of Israel. It is essential that the people understand the connection, the fulfillment of the prophecies of previous generations of believers in the God of Abraham. Before the scriptures were written down, it was essential to use one’s memory to recall the stories of Jesus, to continue to talk about Jesus. The memory of Jesus is kept alive by telling the story of Jesus to those around us at places both inside and outside of church. Jesus himself is essential to the message. And Jesus is an example of not only storytelling but finding different ways to tell us about the kingdom of God. He tries several times to tell us what the kingdom of God is like. Storytelling was a staple for Jesus. It was meant for us to understand who Jesus is as God’s son. But what are we missing when we put that focus on Jesus? What does it mean to partake in the Eucharist which means “thanksgiving”? Doesn’t it also mean that in our giving thanks, we share with others? That we reach out to others in their time of need? That we give to people what God gives to us? Jesus confronts the people who appear to be following him just for the food. Beware of that banquet we partake in both Eucharist and coffee hour. There is more that is essential. God gives to us freely in Jesus, but we are to share that gift. We are not to complain so much that we become greedy with our resources or that Jesus does not always fill our every wish. Jesus says that there’s work to be done. It is essential that we share freely what we have with others. It is essential that we warmly welcome all to worship with us this Jesus who is the bread of life and to give from what we have. Jesus is more than food. Jesus is essential. It is essential to call on him and listen to him and share Jesus with others.

Your ministry needs a break, too.

Proper11B, St. Martin’s Episcopal, Moses Lake, July 21, 2024, by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP When a person is always on the giving side of an equation, that person needs some receiving, re-fueling, some de-stressing to re-balance oneself. Jesus’ solution is to go to the other side of the lake away from the people. We all need the chance to disconnect from the world and its needs to reconnect with God, to re-center our lives where they need to be in right relationship with God. We are no longer effective with others when we are exhausted. We need strength and the re-charging that rest and only rest can give us. Jesus takes those who are excited about where they are now in their lives and yet sometimes tired of the daily grind. He takes us somewhere quiet to reflect on our days. Being with God gives us time to place things in their proper perspective, time to hear God put our days into God’s way of understanding. God understands our day, has been present with it, and hears our doubts and questions, reinvigorates us to get up the next morning and do it all over again! Seems simple, doesn’t it? It’s beautiful when it happens that way, but realistically, most of us will at times cave and have difficulty seeing clearly and objectively and we become tired, burned out, unable to adjust for a while to where things appear to be more in balance. As followers of Jesus, we need a break. But the break we need is not an escape from responsibility. It is time to be with the Lord to be re-energized, re-focused, to be reminded of what we are called to be. This is what any prayer time is about. The problem is there are people out there in the world who need our help. They need resources and healing just like the people who walked the earth at the time of Jesus’ life on earth. We are called to the same ministry. We can almost hear the disciples saying, “Jesus! Energize us, cause the crowds are coming again, and there always seem to be more.” Jesus feels the pressure, too. Jesus gets tired, too. Jesus gets angry and frustrated, too. Who is this God, who in Jesus already understands disease that is just now coming to be realized in the twenty-first century? There is a mind-body connection that the medical community largely ignores, and many psychiatrists do not believe in God. The attitude to prescribe a pill and let people go about their “normal” lives which are anything but normal. Only certain forms of counseling/therapy and Christianity work at forging the mind, feelings, and body together into one cohesive whole. They are not separate entities as many modern-day practitioners would have you believe; they are interrelated aspects of the oneness of our persons. Jesus fought hard to dispel the belief that people become ill or fall into misfortune because somewhere they or their ancestors sinned. How can we teach others to look beyond their skewed notions of what other sources tell them whether it be the people in their social circles, the news, the newspapers, news broadcasts or the internet? Remember this: God is there for you no matter what. The prayer books, the rosaries, the pilgrimages, and the retreats are aimed at one thing: our connection with God. God knows our innermost being and will always be there to walk with us. We are never too far astray to come back to God. “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” then get back in the saddle.

Spread the Gospel; Always

Proper9B, July 7, 2024, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake by Sr. Annette Fricke, OPA Ever thought about the evolution of occupations? I use the term loosely to indicate what occupies the time of humans. Some things, such as counseling have existed for many years before becoming a paid occupation with titles such as ‘registered, certified, or licensed.’ Sometimes it is a gradation from lesser to more and other times appears to be a random change decided by others. It often subsumes duty, obligation, the job performed for others. A licensed counselor forms relationships. And yet, forming relationships is not just an occupation. It is something to which we are all called and which bids all of us to grow in relationship to each other. God calls us to be cultivators of relationships. A cultivator in the farming or gardening perspective loosens the earth and destroys or removes unwanted, unplanted growth. A grower tends to the plants to improve the plants or crops by way of cultivation. The function of a cultivator is to promote the healthy growth of the plants. However, despite careful cultivating, some crops will fail; some of our relationships will fail. Paul doesn’t give up on the Corinthians. Jesus does not give up on his disciples. The nature of faith is reciprocal. God loves us and is always open and accepting of us. God will not turn away from us. God gives us unconditional love. What is striking here is that when people reject Jesus, he doesn’t back down or retreat, he multiplies his efforts 12-fold by sending out his disciples. The awkward part, of course, is that we are also part of Jesus’ answer to the challenge of rejection. God’s love becomes effectual in us. It does us no good until we accept God’s love. In the absence of that acceptance or awareness of God’s love for us, we can have no relationship with God no with other people that has any meaning or depth. Relationships require reciprocity; otherwise, we are mere robots carrying out stipulations of duty, orders, job descriptions, what is supposed to be accomplished in a transaction in a business-like fashion. Or worse yet, there is total disengagement and disbelief. And Jesus’ message to the disciples is the same. If “they refuse to hear you,” move on to someone who in faith will accept God’s love. Jesus’ ministry and that of the early Church consisted “of preaching, teaching, and healing. When Christians throughout the centuries have been faithful followers of Jesus and the early church, they have continued the same threefold ministry.”1 The answer to rejection is not to simply give up, but to try a different method. Remember when Jesus tells the disciples that they will be able to do greater things than he? We are told that the disciples indeed were able to do what Jesus was not able to do. What Jesus did in his early ministry appears have to been transferred to the disciples. Jesus gave them authority over the unclean spirits. “So, they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” Here is succinct and ample evidence of what the early Church of Jesus Christ felt was their mission and ministry in the world. This world was very different from ours. This was a time of poor traveling preachers and poor house churches, united in the meal-hospitality at the center of the Jesus tradition. It is here presented as another outbreak from the weakness of Jesus. While Jesus is unable, the disciples sent by him are able. The mission of the Church, in its simplicity and poverty, in its dependence on hospitable meals and housing, even in whatever success it enjoys, is rooted in the cross of Christ, in the presence of God as little and weak with the little and weak. Many are again living in a poor state like the early Christians. The numbers of homeless people have multiplied in recent years. But none of this type of environment stopped the early Christians. They were on a mission fueled by their passionate belief in God. Not even rejection allowed them to think that they should stop believing, stop preaching, stop teaching, stop healing and curing people. At the very least, Jesus’ ministry included laying on of hands on a few sick and healing them. Even in the weakness of Jesus, power breaks out, even in the situation of unbelief. In the seeming weakness and helplessness of Jesus dying on the cross, resurrection and the promise of eternal life with him occurs. Belief requires us to die to ourselves, to come before God in all humility, to allow God to transform our lives into God-centered lives rather than self-centered lives. Nobody can prevent the inbreaking of the kingdom of God and nobody’s disbelief will stop it. The kingdom is here and God’s power to heal is here, whether we believe it or not. 1. Healing and Christianity, Morton Kelsey, 1973.

Because Mark is a Short Gospel

7EasterB, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, May 12, 2024 by Annette Fricke, OPA Likely because Mark is such a short gospel, this Sunday is devoid of any Markan texts. Instead, the source of the texts is Luke and John. And, when we look at the comparison of Luke’s accounts, we find a contradiction in his reasoning in Acts compared to Luke’s gospel. Luke’s definition of the apostles is “those who were with Jesus” from his baptism until his ascension “now to serve as witnesses’ of Jesus’ words and actions, “especially the resurrection.” In other words, inclusive of the following, “(1) belonging to the Twelve, (2) exercising a ‘ministry,’ or office of service, (3) giving witness, and (4) being chosen, gifted with the Spirit, and sent.” This obviously does not apply to Paul since he calls himself an apostle! He and Mary Magdalene are exceptions because they are witnesses to the resurrection and disciples with Jesus in his ministry, but not of the Twelve. “Luke, himself, by delaying the account of the choice of the Twelve until chapter 6 of his gospel, cast doubt on their having been in fact present at Jesus’ baptism!” And thus, the question that follows is this, Are the Twelve considered to be more legitimate as the authoritative ones to follow as to the teachings of Jesus and the account of what happened?” At my time in a Roman Catholic seminary, studying the writings of Paul meant studying Protestant writings. A different perspective. Luke’s “account insists in the choice of a twelfth man to” restore the original number of twelve. This follows the Old Testament way of casting lots to show that the choice is God’s. Although we know that lots being cast is mentioned 70 times in the Old Testament and 7 times in the New Testament, we don’t know the details as to how that was done. This is no longer a practice in Christianity. Decisions are made by reading and meditating on the scriptures, listening to the Holy Spirit, and prayer. “As eyewitnesses, they guaranteed the truth of the tradition to be handed on,” …forming “a bridge between Jesus’ life and the future church.” They were the Twelve “for their lifetimes, but no successor apostles were ever chosen.” Although Judas, as a betrayer to Jesus is replaced, Peter, who also betrayed Jesus, here takes the lead. “No rehabilitation, no redemption for Judas—only replacement—supervised by the same Peter who ‘three times’ repudiated Jesus. This is yet another facet of the Judas problem the New Testament leaves hanging.” We, like Peter, can try to explain why Judas did what he did, but we really don’t know the reasons or the future fate of Judas. All we know is that we are the present-day disciples, all of us who are not apostles; all of us who are not meeting any of the criteria put forth according to the Book of Acts. The ministry of the Twelve, the restored Twelve is what has shaped the ministry from that day forward. “The Holy Spirit soon engulfs all believers, regardless of age, gender, and social class. Outside the 12, Barnabas, Stephen, and Philip the evangelist (not apostle) emerge as key servant-ministers.” “Unnamed missionaries spread the gospel outside Jerusalem, Paul is transformed from arch persecutor to chief proclaimer of Christ, and women like Tabitha, Lydia, Priscilla, and Philip’s four daughters become leaders, teachers, and prophets in local congregations.” A tradition continued by modern-day Bishop’s committees and vestries: “in replacing Judas, the very process of nomination and selection stresses cooperative involvement by the apostles and assembly—with God!” What does this piece of scripture teach us? Cooperation and working together, always asking God to guide our decisions to carry on the sacred work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth; forgiving as God forgives us.

For All the Saints

All Saints Sunday, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, November 5, 2023, by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP All Saints’ Day “Commemorates all saints, known and unknown, on November 1. All Saint’s Day is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year, and one of the four days recommended for the administration of baptism. All Saints’ Day may also be celebrated on the Sunday following Nov. 1.” In case you weren’t aware, in Church history, there were once three feast days rolled up into one, but each with distinction: October 31—Known as All Hallow’s Eve. And yes, the word ‘Halloween’ means the same thing. Night before All Saints (also called All Hallows or Holies). Think of the phrase “Hallowed be they name”. A time to remember God’s triumph over evil and death and to poke fun at it with cheesy ghosts and pumpkins. November 1—All Saints’ (Hallows). The day to celebrate those Christians who lived exemplary lives of faith and virtue. These are our extended family, the ties to which do not fully break even at death. November 2--- All Souls’. The day to remember and pray for the faithful departed loved and lost, as we and they await the day of resurrection when death’s defeat will be complete, and we all enter the redeemed new Heavens and new Earth. First, the ‘blessed are’ phrasing was common in many religions of the day, in Greek, Egyptian, and Jewish literature. It can mean happy, fortunate, or favored by God. ‘Favored by God’ appears to be the best translation. Who are the favored of God? Who is Jesus’ audience? Matthew says it is the disciples who wait for Jesus to sit down, then they come to him. That means that we are also being addressed as Jesus’ present-day disciples. We are the favored of God, even when we are not able to recognize it. In a sense, we are bundled with Mary who says in Luke that she is that God “has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. From this day all generations shall call me blessed.” It’s like saying, because I have been favored to bear the Son of God, the generations to come will also see it that way. The first blessing is for those who are beggars, who are poor. Jesus never degrades the poor. The poor are honored. He tells his disciples to just go with one coat and a stuff. Travel lightly. The poor in spirit are humble and teachable. The second blessing says that those who mourn shall be comforted. Even Mary goes through the sorrows experienced by other humans as we go through life for example her loss of her husband Joseph and son, Jesus. In the generations to come, many families have been wiped out by plague or other illnesses. It also looks ahead to when the women would be preparing Jesus for burial and the rites of mourning. And joy comes when they see that he has risen from the dead! The third blessing is “Blessed are the meek.” Meek does not mean weak but also is inclusive of strength. They are not putting on airs, do not see themselves as self-important, but are considerate of others and humble. The fourth beatitude is about being in right relationship with God. That is the definition of righteousness. To seek and follow where God is leading them. It means taking care to interact and relate to people and the created order in a manner that nourishes and sustains them. The fifth blessing is for those who show mercy to others. It is assuring them that God will show mercy in return. This seems to be related to when Jesus was teaching his disciples how to pray. Showing mercy allows another person to grow to maturity. It helps foster a climate of being given a second chance, just as God gives us even more than a second chance. The sixth blessing is the promise to see God face to face, something that is denied even to faithful prophets. The pure of heart are those who have not sworn falsely nor been idolaters (gone to other gods). The seventh beatitude, those who do as Jesus does and follow his ways of forgiveness and reconciliation share in the same intimate relationship with God as Jesus. The eighth relates to the fourth one. Jesus tells his disciples what types of persecution they will suffer. He also promises that God will reign, the disciples will have the reward of the kingdom of heaven. In the ninth, Jesus tells the disciples that they will suffer from verbal abuse. They are assured their reward is in the kingdom to come and therefore, are to find joy in the middle of many trials. It will be a ministry of rejection. Jesus is telling us that to truly follow him will not be easy, but at the same time, it will be rewarding. We are to keep our courage and keep going. Jesus is always at our side to comfort and bless. As we think about the saints that have gone before us, may we remember most their faithfulness and how they kept their eyes on Jesus, moving forward, not turning back. May we also follow in their footsteps. An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, Armentrout et al., Church Publishing Incorporated, 2000. The Gospel According to Matthew, Barbara E. Reid, OP, Liturgical Press, 2005.

I am Christian

Proper 24A, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake; by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP The early church had no building, no money, and no political influence; and they turned the world upside down. JD Greear Imagine you are a man or a woman on your way to work. As you drive over a bridge, you notice a dog in the water that appears to be alone and struggling. There is no other animal or human around. There is no hint as to how the dog got into this situation. The clock is ticking away. The dog is having difficulty keeping its head above water, appearing exhausted. What would you do? Would you strip down to underwear and shirt and swim out to get the dog, even if the water is very cold? What will happen if you don’t act? If you just ignore the dog and drive on to work without even making a call for someone else to rescue the dog? What will your boss say or do if you tell the truth as to why you are so late for work? What if it was Jesus who came upon this situation? What would Jesus do? How does it change things as a human, not Jesus? That is what the Gospel lesson is about. How do we live with the tension of living in this world, yet owing everything to God because God has given us the world for which to care? How do we determine our priorities to distribute justice to all the created world? There is always room for improvement. There is always room to care enough to act. There is always room to change our priorities both collectively and personally. This is what life presents us. There are many dilemmas which we find ourselves in as we go through life. Again, and again different situations call for us to decide and cause us to think about the statement Jesus made, “Give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s.” There are some choices in life that we choose differently depending on the context and what age we are, what we learned along the way. We don’t think the same as we did when we were a few years younger. That is what keeps this text from Matthew fresh. That choice is always before us as we live day to day. What belongs to the government and what belongs to God? Jesus seems to imply that we should give to both. We will have divided loyalties as citizens of the United States and Christians, loyal to Christian teaching which calls for social justice. When there is a moral conflict between the two, we should side with God, what we believe is right in God’s eyes. There are two groups that are trying to trap Jesus. His answer is very clever in that it totally avoids being trapped. They are unable to trap him at this point, so they go away. He can neither be accused of betraying the Roman government nor encouraging others to rebel against Rome. As Ellie mentioned last Sunday, the United States is one of the first countries to be established without a monarchy. We didn’t like the taxes imposed by King George III. We chose to be independent and make our own rules and regulations. If we had remained a British Colony, our money would not have our presidents and other important people on it, it would have a monarch of Great Britain on it, like Canada has. Our government is for the people and by the people, which means we have elected officials working for us and have the right to tell them what we want or vote them out of office. We have a conscience guided by our loyalty to God. The values we hold as Christians should take the lead in what we do in relation to our government. As to our church, we are called to be faithful to God and vote also for those we want as leadership as well as what we want in our mission statement to be as well as how we are choosing to follow that mission statement. It is expected that we will evaluate what it is we want in the mission statement and how we will support that mission statement to the end that God is the one who has the glory. May we always focus on doing God’s work in the world today and into the future. May we always be ambassadors of God’s love. The early church had no building, no money, and no political influence; and they turned the world upside down. JD Greear *This sermon is meant to start as a children's sermon with a dialogue about US coins, asking first whose picture is on each of the coins. I was going to give the Canadian penny to the youngest of the children just to see if he/she noticed that it says "Canada" on it and is a picture of Queen Elizabeth II.

God's Continuous Invitation

Proper22A, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, October 8, 2023, by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP In today’s Gospel text, God is the landowner who builds a vineyard. The tenants are the religious authorities like the Pharisees, chief priests, and elders for example. The slaves are the prophets, and the son is Jesus himself. During Jesus’ time, the tenants would contract to give the owner an agreed-upon portion of the crop, keeping for themselves what was left. This parable is known as the Parable of the Wicked Tenants or Treacherous Tenants. God’s expectation of the tenants is that God and the tenants will enjoy the produce, but this simply does not happen, God is ultimately disappointed. What will God do? Notice the similarity to the Isaiah passage I read today. This text asks the question, “What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it?” God is pleading the people to be faithful stewards, has even provided all the means to do it, yet the people continue to fail to bear fruit. In Isaiah, the expected grapes are wild grapes. In Matthew, God has a solution to the failure of the tenants. God will take away the kingdom of God from Israel and give it to a people who will produce the fruits of the kingdom. The problem with parables is that interpretation is difficult. Parables about vineyards do not always give the same picture which can make them confusing. You cannot say that that all the parables about vineyards are alike. God is very generous in the vineyard story of chapter 20, but in this one, God appears to be mean and ineffective in getting results. God talks about taking away the kingdom and giving it to others. Is that an allusion to Israel being the chosen, but since they rejected Jesus, it will be given to the Gentiles, the non-Jews? Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we hear about bread and wine as well as the ingredients used to create them. They were a common staple, much the same as bread and milk not many generations ago. Common and essential. In the Old Testament, “Vineyards” seem to have been a frequent metaphor for a lover, an example of that is found in chapters 7 and 8 in the Song of Solomon just in case any of you might be interested in studying this subject further. Think about the Isaiah and Matthew texts as God is the owner and the Church is the vineyard. God loves the vineyard very much, so much that God tries to protect the Church by setting up a fence or wall and built a watchtower. God reaches out many times but is continually rejected. God’s own people fail to be faithful to God and what God wants. The idea is not that God is rejecting Israel; they are still the chosen people of God by way of covenant. It is not that God is rejecting the leaders of Judaism, but their behavior. They are continually sent prophets and teachers and always could listen to and heed God. But they chose to plot Jesus’ arrest. I think the most helpful way of looking at this parable is to think of it in the context that Jesus is getting closer and closer to crucifixion. The parable is a look into the future, a glimpse of what rejecting Jesus looks like. Unfortunately, it appears to be predictive of violence. Jesus is divisive simply by being God’s son. He is born into a world where each faction of Judaism has their own teachings and beliefs. Nicodemus is thought to believe that Jesus may indeed be the Messiah but wasn’t known to commit. Belief is never forced. St. Thomas Aquinas explains it this way: “We love God for himself and everyone else as they are in God or capable of being in him. We love God in loving our neighbor when we love others as they are related to him. Love of God with our whole hearts does not diminish but should enhance our love of others because we will also want the greatest good for our friends and because the love of God enables us to be friends with others all the more, as it is the source of those feelings that are part of friendship.” In this parable, God reminds us of who we are—that we are “responsible for what God has given us.” Even though we will never be the faithful Christians God envisions, and that we will continue to struggle with our baptismal vows, God still beckons us to follow the example Jesus has shown us. Jesus does not promise us an easy life but does promise to walk with us. God is a landowner who owns a vineyard. New Proclamation, Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN; 2005, p.210 The Gospel According to Matthew, Barbara E. Reid, Liturgical Press, 2005., p. 109. Selman, Francis, “Aquinas 101: A Basic Introduction to the Thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas,” 2005. New Proclamation, Ibid., p. 215.

The Generosity of God

Proper 20A, September 24, 2023, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP o It’s all about the generosity of God. This gospel passage is all abou the generosity of God and so are the other lessons. Jonah tried to run away from God. Instead of heading north-east to Nineveh (about 725 miles) he set off for Tarshish which is present day Spain (3,000 miles away). Jonah did not want to preach against the city. God saved the city of Nineveh because they turned from their evil ways. Then, God provided a bush for Jonah to give shade over his head, to save him from discomfort. The next day, the tree died, it became hot, and Jonah became angry. God confronted him and said, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?” Then God pointed out that Jonah didn’t do anything with the bush. Why should he be angry? God asked Jonah, “Should I not be concerned about the city of Nineveh that has 120,000 persons and many animals?” God decided that Nineveh should be saved. Generosity. o Add to this the Psalm which ends with verse 8, “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and of great kindness.” Generosity. o In the Philippians passage, Paul is probably in prison and can’t decide if he wants to continue preaching the gospel or depart from this life and live with Christ. He then states he will continue and admonishes the congregation to live their lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ despite the congregation also living a life of struggle. Generosity. o Matthew is writing to a congregation described as ‘mixed’. It includes both long-time Jewish Christians and others who have joined just recently, likely Gentile converts. This congregation has ex-Lutherans, ex-Catholics, and a few cradle Episcopalians. Some, like me, have been here less than ten years. Sometimes in our humanness, we may grumble about some who do a great deal of work for St. Martin’s and others who don’t do so much. o But just like our coffee hour, God always gives us what we need and “everyone has plenty”, but not too much. The same for the invitation to partake in the Eucharist. Remember the manna given to the people in the wilderness when it rained down from heaven? When the people tried to gather more than their share, it became spoiled and wormy. Both leaders and servants received the same amount. The physically fit as well as the disabled both receive the same equally, people who work all day and those who don’t. It is a gift from God. Jesus is at work to create a new order where all are the same, not this person above that one, but all are recipients of God’s generosity. The social order is not based on competition and inequality. There is room for everyone in God’s kingdom. To our minds, it seems upside down. God’s equality is not ours. We tend to compare one person to another and rank who is better than others, whose occupation is worth more to society. o But this parable is not about our sense of justice, but God’s vision of justice. Although it seems that the most natural fit, the most visible and hard-working people should get a bigger reward, they don’t. The people who have believed in Jesus for a much longer time should have a bigger reward than those who converted near the end of their lives. Here is where it is spelled out in very plain language to be not true at all. o It would not likely work at a job to give daily pay as happens in this parable. If so, all would clamor to get a job as one of the first employees of a job site. However, we can work towards seeing that other people have enough food, clothing, shelter, access to medical and social services, job training. The generosity of God is to be distributed through us who believe that Jesus is the Christ and is worthy of being followed and imitated. Our stewardship of resources, of food and offerings help accomplish the generosity of God so that all may know and live in the grace that God gives so freely to all. Always remember that God wants us to treat all the same. No one person is better than another because we are all each an individual with different gifts, talents, and resources. And it takes many people working together to do the ministry of God. When we all work together, we can accomplish so much. o As we come to the end of another church year, consider carefully how you can help this congregation or the diocese to do the work of God’s generosity. It’s all about the generosity of God.

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Proper18A, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, September 10, 2023, by Sr Annette Fricke, OPA “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” St. Paul-Romans 13:8, 14 As St Thomas Aquinas would put it, because God is Love, we are created out of Love and for the purpose of love. With that in mind, what is Paul saying to us about love? There are some who look at this passage and immediately think about owing debts, in a monetary sense. Some of us have had the experience of borrowing money or items from another person and struggled to pay them back. We know the agony of owing, especially if that person is a friend, someone who is quite dear to us. Even if we don’t know to whom we owe, like financial debt for a mortgage, there remains an albatross over our shoulders until that debt is paid in full. It is a seemingly inescapable moral and/or emotional burden. It carries with it a strong sense of guilt or enormous responsibility. It is something so burdensome that it impedes any action or progress. In the world of finances, we simply need to say “no” to all other financial obligations until the one big debt in our lives is paid off. Most people cannot afford to owe for both a house and a car at the same time without feeling totally buried, under extreme stress and pressure. No one wants to deal with foreclosure or repossession. Nobody likes the feeling of agony either in the present, nor the future. However, once a house and car or cars are paid off, there are still monthly bills of some sort. A recent visit to a new widow pointed this out to me. The thing she misses the most about her husband is figuring out the finances and having him there for consultation on financial decisions. Consider for a moment the way the Presbyterians pray the Lord’s Prayer. In the Lord’s Prayer, we and many others pray “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” That very phrase which sounds so inclusive is a phrase not used by our brothers and sisters in the Presbyterian faith. Instead, they say “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” The other version in modern use is “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Some pastors have mentioned that it really depends on the congregation they pastor as to the preferred wording used. Although every single one of us may think to ourselves that our chosen way of saying it is the correct one, the truth of the matter is, in the original Greek text they are all valid translations. When we prayer the Lord’s Prayer, or the Our Father, we are always in that realization of knowing that our transformation in Christ is now, but not yet. We continue to struggle with a sense of being both oppressor and the oppressed, the giver and the receiver, the one who hurts and feels hurt as we live our lives out day to day. We are the strong and the weak and everything in between in all our thoughts, verbal interactions, and behaviors. We question ourselves, “How can I turn a conflict into an understanding, a perceived enemy into a friend? Why must there be this painful aberration in our dealings with others?” We know of Christ’s presence in our daily lives, yet we also know that this bane of existence, what some still call a veil of tears, will someday become whole and complete again in Jesus. We were created for love by Love. We are to walk in that love day to day, allowing God to transform us into the loving beings that we were meant to be from our births and from the beginning of creation. It may seem, at times, that our lives are full of sorrow. But life is both a bane and a blessing. There are many times of blessing, if we would only open our eyes to that which is good around us. Take note of the songbirds, the blossoms, and the colors of nature all around you. There are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. There are healthy relationships for which to give God thanks. Whenever we get caught up in a conflict or struggle of some sort, we should remind ourselves about all the good in our lives. We should consider the loving relationships we have with others. Dwelling on the negative will only drive us downward, possibly into a depressed or angry mood. We should remain open to God’s work through us to be the initiator of reconciliation between us and our source of conflict. Rules are rules, but we must look beyond them and be flexible, showing love and support to those we don’t always agree. Even if we think they are wrong, others may still have some wisdom they can teach us. We should not be quick to judge because from the perspective of others, we could be just as wrong as we perceive them to be. This is the main point of both the Romans lesson as well as the lesson from Matthew. Be slow to judge and quick to reconcile. And how does Paul say we are to accomplish this task? He says that we are to put on Christ. Paul writes about the second coming of Jesus to be an event that is coming soon. It hasn’t happened and we may even poke fun at Paul, just as people have done with the several groups that have predicted the end of the world, we now also know was wrong. Think of it this way, what if we were to think of the end of our lives here on earth as Jesus’ second coming? What if, as some believe, Jesus already came a second time by coming to us in the form of the Holy Spirit? What if God’s restoring us in the end happens when we die? If that is the case, we should be thinking about how we honor Christ in our daily lives, knowing that sometimes sudden death occurs. There are some for whom it is difficult to predict or expect with any accuracy a date and time of death. Both a second coming of Jesus and our own time of death remains a mystery. We are unable to predict the future. The good news is that even though we sin, trespass, or are indebted daily, we are justified by the grace of God. The good news is that our faith will count as righteousness just as it was for Abraham. The good news is that in Christ, we have hope, having been included as God’s chosen ones and the ending to the story of Adam and Eve’s banishment is reversed. The good news is that the law can be both a guide and a sword. It informs us where we have gone astray and guides us into daily faithfulness. We were created for love by Love. Because of God’s gracious and overflowing gift of abundant love towards us in Jesus, we can live in confidence knowing that as Jesus walked in love, we too have potential for that capacity. We too can be shaped into and transformed by that love by putting on Christ. As in I John 2:5b-6, “By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked.

Transfiguration/Anglican Order of Preachers

Proper13A The Transfiguration, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, August 6, 2023, by Sr. Annette Fricke, OP. "If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire." -St. Vincent Ferrer, O.P. The transfiguration has always been a mystery to me since the first time I was called upon to preach on it. I believe it’s not the toughest challenge in my life, but darn close. This is not about me and yet it is all about me because everything before us is not just about God and God’s saving grace, but how we are to access that grace and what we do with it. During our annual Chapter meeting which I attended the better portion last week, we discussed what it was like to be Episcopalian and Dominican and the various traditions we all came from. There was a common theme, and it could be summarized in the following way: ‘You are saved! That’s it!’ (pause) But what comes after that? Why do congregations die or become just a social club? For that very reason. We fail to deal with that last question. What comes after that? How do we share that faith in the world around us? And don’t put it all on the priest? Lay people and clergy alike are called to always share the gospel of God’s kingdom in all places. That is a profound difference in the Anglican Order of Preachers. We are not separated into men and women, and it is also inclusive in that membership includes married as well as unmarried, clergy as well as laity. Yes, you are also called upon to study, learn, and research ways to address the modern world as it informs evangelism. The Transfiguration, according to St. Thomas Aquinas is this: “It is a Eureka moment—one that makes a lasting impression. Jesus’ human soul and body is transfigured, communicating the clarity and the glory of his divinity is a miracle.” Instead of Jesus performing miracles pertaining to other humans, “Jesus performs a miracle on himself. Jesus’ soul and body are human and fallible like us except it is united to his divine nature. We share in the divinity of Christ in the Eucharist.” Thus, receiving the Eucharist is empowering. We receive Christ’s divinity in the Eucharist, giving us the strength to go out into the world and witness to God’s saving grace. We become like Jesus. But, in the life of a Dominican, it does not begin with evangelism, it begins with prayer. “Prayer is a reference point through which we all better know God. And for Dominicans in particular, it forms the very center of our lives and the starting place for our mission. The liturgy draws us out of ourselves, to pray with Christ and the Church and so to grow in compassion for all. The Dominican cross is flanked by the motto of Latin words meaning, “to praise, to bless, to preach (AND (not part of the Latin) to contemplate and hand on to others the fruits of contemplation.” Our bishop uses a method in our studies with the church meetings of both lay and clergy. It is the ancient method of studying the Bible which is termed Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina was the ordinary way to read the Bible even before ordinary non-clergy and non-religious community people had the chance at an education. It has these steps: “Reading. Read a passage slowly and carefully within the bible. ...Meditation. Thinking deeply or dwelling upon a spiritual reality within a text. ...Prayer. Having a loving conversation with God. Contemplation. Resting in God’s presence. Action. Go and do likewise.” My vows: “In the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Recognizing the sovereignty of God, and desiring to be ever in his service, and in deeper fulfillment of my Baptismal vows, I now come before the Divine Majesty and before you my Brothers and Sisters, most solemnly to make a humble profession of my Life Vows. Before God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, I vow, for the rest of my earthly life, to carry out in my life the love and example of Jesus Christ as understood by the Anglican Order of Preachers. Specifically, I vow: -To be obedient to Almighty God by placing myself under the authority of the Anglican Order of Preachers and the direction of my superiors in the Order. -To be chaste and pure according to my state of life being unmarried. -To live simply, not going after gain of temporal things, but using all things given to my charge for the building of the Kingdom of God. -To be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments; to uphold their authority, and to seek to understand them in the light of the Holy Spirit; to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, by word and example, unto the salvation of souls and building up of the Church, the Body of Christ. -To be diligent in regular and catholic prayer; for intercession for the Church and for the world before God, for the strengthening of my faith, and for the formation of my soul.” “If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire." -St. Vincent Ferrer, O.P.

The Confession of St. Peter, Leader of the Church

Proper 16A, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Moses Lake by Sr. Annette Fricke Immediately after Jesus tells his disciples to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the discourse changes. Pharisees claimed Mosaic authority for their interpretation of Jewish religious law, while Sadducees represented the authority of the priestly privileges and prerogatives established since the days of Solomon, when Zadok, their ancestor, officiated as high priest. Jesus made it a habit to meet with just his disciples during his ministry. This is one of those moments. He asks an important question. “Who do people say that I am?” It appears that Jesus is asking for feedback. The disciples say that they are comparing him with other important figures in history including a contemporary, John the Baptist. The others in the list have long since died. Perhaps he wants to know this information to get a read on how his teachings are being received. He is also getting close to the time when he will be crucified, and he is aware that his time is short. He is also keenly aware that it is the disciples who will be left to carry on his ministry. He wants them to be prepared. He is testing the disciples. He has been with them a few years now. So, he asks the disciples point blank, “Who do you say I am?” Now, Jesus moves to a related topic where Peter is significant. But why Peter? Isn’t he the one who later denies he even knows Jesus? Peter and the other disciples fell asleep as Jesus prayed before being crucified. Isn’t he also the one quick with his tongue, not thinking about what is coming out? Why is Peter the chosen one out of the disciples? And remember the disciples fighting about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and who will be sitting in the seats of power? What’s so great about Peter? Jesus calls him a rock. And perhaps Peter is dumb as a rock as well as having the right answer rock. It is a nickname, that is not a real name during Jesus’ lifetime here. Martin Luther firmly believed that this passage of scripture does not mean Peter is the first of the popes. Martin felt that the important succession was the teachings of Jesus and that we are all to carry on teaching others about God in the same way that he did. Another view is that it is the belief of Peter that is important. Belief, because Peter’s actions aren’t exemplary. Jesus here mentions that “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you!” Along that same line of thinking is the catechetical instruction in Luther’s Catechism that states, “The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth.” It means that God is always at work in the church here on earth. God is always at our sides to lead and bless our ministries despite our blunders, our awkwardness, our foolishness, and our mistakes. Peter is declared to be right in that he experienced Jesus as the gateway to the kingdom of God. Jesus is the Messiah. Messiah means ‘anointed one.’ Jesus is anointed like the kings of old who were anointed to rule over earthly kingdoms. To be anointed is to be set aside for a special purpose. But what does all this mean for us? It means that we are also anointed for ministry to lead others into the kingdom of God—baptism, confirmation, ordination, what is called the last rites before dying we are anointed with oil. It means that we are sent out like the disciples in our various ministries. It means that we are part of a team like the disciples and are to work together for the common purpose of teaching and preaching about the kingdom of God and gathering God’s people together. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies all of us. We are all Jesus’ modern-day disciples. It means sharing in the ministry of the church, participating in what goes on here and in the world where we live and work. Peter was chosen because he was a leader and believed in his heart that Jesus is the chosen one of God. Peter testified that Jesus is the Christ. Many years have passed now since the disciples were first sent out. Now it is our turn. There are structures within each of the Christian churches at local levels and above, each designed to push us forward, to encourage us to grow both individually and corporately. We are able, like Peter to grow to a mature faith that works to figure out a way to study and act, pray and navigate our ways both within and outside of these walls. We are strengthened when we come together for worship. We grow when we learn from each other. God has blessed us with many gifts and talents in this small gathering of people, but it always has the potential to become a vibrant presence in our community and reaching beyond our small corner of the world. That’s really what this gospel lesson is all about. It’s about us as a group and us as individuals. It is about us willing to let God lead us forward. The world is waiting. We have the keys. We have the authority. We have the promise that God goes with us everywhere and will never abandon us.

A Dixie cup of Cold Water

Proper 8A, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Moses Lake by Sr. Annette Fricke, OPA “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” (NRSV Leviticus 19:34) Today’s gospel “verses come at the end of Jesus’ missionary discourse to his disciples (10:5-42). Up to this point, Jesus has been talking about what the disciples are to do and the difficulties that they will face. In our verses, the focus is what others will (or won’t) do for the disciples. Will they welcome the disciples or not? What then will God do?” “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” What does it mean to be welcoming? For the day in which this was written, it was meant to be the same as if in the presence of the sender. Whoever welcomes you welcomes Jesus, and whoever welcomes Jesus, welcomes the Father; for all of these are one and the same. These words recall the Hebrew Scripture readings of sending messengers out between kings. They did not have phones equipped with text messages or email. They used people who delivered messages in the quickest form they knew. Everything sent by a messenger was the same as that person speaking directly to you. Even in the Middle Ages, the tradition continued. If the king sends a messenger, it is the same as if the king was speaking directly to you and held authority. With that in mind, if we see ourselves as disciples of Jesus Christ, our ministry is Jesus himself. We are not just the messenger or gopher. We are not simply middle management. We are not the poor laborer or slave of our master. Just as we are in Jesus, just as Jesus is in the Father, we are God to the person to whom we minister. People know God through us as Christian believers. ---Yet even though we are in the community of Christ, we are amongst a sea of unbelievers and atheists which are numerous and growing. If we do not make attempts to reach them, how can we claim to be faithful to our Lord? Have we failed because we walked away from the compulsory state churches of the old country? One Lutheran pastor I knew from my seminary was chosen to be a church planter as his first call. From the very beginning of his career went door to door recruiting children for Vacation Bible School which had morphed into the church’s camping program with counselors sent from the base camp to congregations, a different congregation each week. At his age, he still scoured the neighborhood for children to attend each year. It also didn’t matter if some belonged to the Seventh Day Adventist Church or had no church. A Roman Catholic couple, in addition to taking in a camp counselor, took in children that parents left with them while taking a vacation of their own. They also had those children attend our Day Camp. In fact, they not only took children to our Day Camp, but to other congregations holding similar programs throughout the summer. They also modeled the example of saying grace before each meal. Those two examples are simple, yet profoundly effective ministry. We too, can make a difference. We can be that difference. Just one more thing; after inviting the children, listen to them and the camp counselors. Camp counselors know the kids well because they work with kids throughout the summer. Just for Life was the theme for that summer. One of the exercises we asked the children to do was to make a list of “Needs” and a list of “Wants”. Water is a basic need. A counselor gave an example of not washing his camp shorts for a whole year. Many of the campers snickered and said things like, “Gross!” The point is, there are ways we can reach out and make connections with our community. “And whoever gives (even a Dixie cup of cold water) to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” “You shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” (NRSV Leviticus 19:34) *Brian Stoffregen, notes on the lessons of the day.