Re-Turning to Purpose: We Shall Not Murder
March 8, 2015
Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, GA
The 3rd Sunday in Lent
Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22
When we hear this story about Jesus turning over the tables and driving the livestock out of the temple grounds, we often use this as an example of Jesus’ HUMAN nature, as opposed to his DIVINE nature. There’s something comforting when we see this other side of Jesus; a Jesus who gets mad and starts throwing things. THIS is a Jesus we can relate to!
But I contend something very different is happening in today’s story.
First off, today’s reading comes from John’s gospel, which handles this event differently than the other gospels. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, the cleansing of the temple, as it is often called, happens near the end of Jesus’ ministry. He’s entered Jerusalem for the Passover and goes to the temple. But, in these gospels, the charge that accompanies the table-flipping is that the temple has become a den of thieves. And, it is this act in the temple that becomes the catalyst for his arrest and execution.
But that isn’t how John tells it.
In John’s gospel, the table-turning is at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus has just left Cana and the infamous wedding where water has been changed into wine. Like the other gospels, he’s in Jerusalem for the Passover, but his actions in the temple grounds came not with an accusation of robbery, but instead carry an indictment that the Temple’s purpose has been usurped. They have turned a house of prayer into a marketplace. The temple had become a place of other things, and has lost its primary purpose – a place to meet God; to be connected with God.
What the Promise is For
February 22, 2015
Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, GA
The 1st Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
Today’s Old Testament lesson is the very end of the story of Noah and the ark. Y’all remember Noah – he was a righteous person, chosen by God to build an ark. And, in spite of the ridicule he surely received from those around him, he built a HUGE floating barn, and then gathered up all the species of animals, two-by-two, and loaded them into the ark.
He must’ve looked like a fool, but for him, he was being obedient to God, even if it didn’t make much sense – that’s what made him righteous. Then, you remember what happens next, it started to rain… and it rained, and rained… and NOW who looked foolish? Not Noah!
He and his family boarded the ark with all the animals and the story says that it rained for 40 days and 40 nights until water covered the whole earth; as far as they could see. After the rain stopped, they floated around awhile as the water receded and the ark was finally resting on solid ground. Noah, his family and the animals were once again on dry land, and when it was all over God made a promise: Read the rest of this entry »
Jesus: Cooing; Colicky; Christ
May 4, 2014
Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, GA
3rd Sunday of Easter – RCL Year A
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35
Today, I shared the pulpit with Kathy Smith, Wife & Mother,English Teacher, Youth Leader, and so much more, as you will surely see…
Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
The Lord is Risen indeed, Alleluia!
During the Easter season, as you may have noticed, the Old Testament reading is replaced by a reading from The Acts of the Apostles. This book of the New Testament is actually the second volume of the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ life – his birth, his teachings, his death and resurrection. This second volume tells us just what the title suggests – it shares the ACTS, or actions, of the Apostles – those things they did in response to the experience of the resurrected Christ.
In today’s reading from Acts we see Peter and the other apostles declaring to those they encounter that this man who was crucified, Jesus, is Lord and Messiah. When the people hear this, it says “they were cut to the heart.” The New American Standard Version says “they were pierced to the heart.”
We hear similar words from the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Even though they do not yet recognize Jesus, when they reflected on their time with him, they said “were our hearts not burning within us when he spoke.” There is this power and conviction they felt without fully knowing why or how. Have you ever had that feeling – the feeling that penetrates you to your core? When it happens, it stops you in your tracks, right. Read the rest of this entry »
Joseph’s Turn Prepares the Way
December 22, 2013
Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, GA
4th Sunday of Advent – Year A RCL
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
STILL WAITING… 
But now things are getting interesting!
Today’s gospel lesson begins by saying: “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.” We’re on the edge of our seats! We want to hear the story; the WHOLE story – because then it will be Christmas! No more waiting!
And although we DO hear the whole story in today’s reading, it isn’t the one we’re used to hearing. It doesn’t mention the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, or the journey back to Bethlehem. There are no shepherds in the field startled by a multitude of angels announcing the birth of the Messiah. No baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. All of that is in Luke’s Christmas story – in that story, Joseph doesn’t get much attention, instead Mary is at center-stage.
Matthew’s story, though, is very different, where Joseph has the prominent role.
jodygreenwood 