Rev. Charles Hoffacker An old principle claims that we become that upon which we gaze. What captures our attention transforms us so that we resemble it. If this is true, then a preoccupation with gold and precious stones transforms us into something like them. They are beautiful, but they are also hard and lifeless.
When these valuables preoccupy us, we also become lifeless and hard. Psalm 119:127 offers us a different path, addressing God in these words: "Truly, I love your commandments More than gold and precious stones." The path that God provides for us merits our attraction far more than conventional wealth. If the gracious commandments of the Holy One occupy our hearts, we will become increasingly alive and come to resemble the God who is our focus. We will fulfill the purpose for which we exist. Every day we are assaulted by messages inviting us to devote ourselves to gold and precious stones. Through this hypnosis, we risk becoming hard and dead. Many people take this tragic path. Against this threat we can offer a bold prayer: Truly, I love your commandments More than gold and precious stones.
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Rev. Mary McCue
MJ Layton Solomon, the son of King David, was the second king of Israel. Early on in his reign, God granted him a request in a dream. 1 Kings 3:9 tells us that he asked for “an understanding heart” to govern God’s people (KJV). The Hebrew for this phrase can also be translated “a listening heart” or “an obedient heart.” Solomon over time became renowned for his wisdom, but this perhaps was his most insightful moment. He recognized that his own heart was inadequate and that if he wanted to hear and obey God, God would have to give him a new heart.
During Lent we become aware of our own inadequacies. We long to hear and obey, and at the same time we realize how prone we are to sin. May we too know that the heart that hears and obeys can only be placed in us by God. God is ready and willing to grant it, if we only ask. Rev. Charles Hoffacker "How sweet are your words to my taste!
They are sweeter than honey to my mouth." Psalm 119:103 While commenting on this psalm verse in one of his letters, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan in the fourth century, raises a question. What else can a soul desire when it has once tasted the sweetness of the divine Word, when it has once seen its brightness? What indeed? For nothing can compare with this light and sweetness. He goes on to cite the examples of Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament and Peter from the New Testament. Moses spent forty days on the mountain, but needed no food. Elijah sought refuge under a broom tree until an angel brought him food and water. After Christ’s Transfiguration, Peter did not wish to leave, but was content to remain, declaring “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” Each of these three in his own way tasted the honey of the divine Word and enjoyed the brightness of heavenly light. Thus they became content. Fasting presented no obstacle. Waiting did not make them impatient. Spiritual disciplines help us welcome God’s Word. Rev. Mary McCue
Rev. Charles Hoffacker St. Matthias the Apostle, whose feast is today, was not one of the original twelve apostles. He was elected to fill the vacancy left by the death of Judas. His story is told in Acts 1:15-26, a reading assigned for this feast. “Apostle” means someone who is sent. Their number soon exceeded twelve with the addition of apostles such as St. Paul and St. Barnabas.
The Nicene Creed includes four “notes” that describe the Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. According to the Prayer Book Catechism or Outline of Faith, the Church is apostolic “because it continues in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles and is sent to carry out Christ’s mission to all people.” The Catechism defines this mission as “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” How the Church does this is “as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.” Through whom then does the Church carry out its mission? Not through apostles alone. Not through bishops alone, although a bishop serves as apostle of a diocese. Instead, the Church “carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.” All of us together. No exceptions. Rev. Mary McCue Every year during Lent, I re-read a book of Lenten reflections and observations called, “Get Over Yourself: God’s Here!” Written by the Very Reverend Kate Moorehead, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s a look at how we can use Lent to not just repent, but to also draw closer to God. It’s composed of advice, Scriptural quotes, her reflections on the quotes as a long-time priest and rector, and questions for further study and reflection.
For today, the chapter title is “Take Time to Be Alone.” The quote from Scripture is “Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” (Mark 14: 32). Rev. Moorehead muses on Jesus’ need to be both with people, and to withdraw by himself to pray. He prayed by himself and he also worshiped in synagogues. She writes that she believes that, like Jesus, we need to balance an inner life of prayer and thought with an outer life of communication and interaction. He balanced time alone with God and time serving God in the midst of people. She poses these questions for reflection:
Zachary Baker Rodes
Zachary Baker Rodes Today the Episcopal Church commemorates the lives of three incredible women in 19th century China and who each independently helped spread the Gospel in their native country. However, I wish to start with some history. Many may not know that the story of Christianity in China dates possibly to the 6th century, though certainly from the 8th century, which is documented on the Nestorian Stele. However, the Christian faith would be banned in 845 and was extinct in China by the end of 900s. But by the 1200s, Christianity would reappear in China thanks to both Mongol tribes who were Christian and European traders.
By the 19th century, Chinese Christianity was influenced by the Catholic and Protestant colonial missions, making the faith suspicious to the Chinese authorities. Agnes, Agatha, and Lucy all were born into Christian families and were from southwest China (Guizhou or Sichuan provinces if you know Chinese geography). Agnes’ story is one of incredible resiliency for she lost her parents young and when she married, her husband and his siblings never fully accepted her for her Christian beliefs. When her husband died, she was cast away from her husband’s family. She was taken in by a wealthy Christian Chinese widow and learned more about the faith. Agnes was subsequently “found” by Fr. Auguste Chapdelaine who asked to help teach to faith to Chinese families. Agatha would open a school for girls and Lucy would start university but had to drop out to care for her dying faither. She would eventually help in teaching women and children as well. I have no found any evidence that they knew each other, as they were born in a close time period and lives in relative proximity, but each would become catechists of the faith and die for their faith as a result. Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly walked the way of the cross: Strengthen thy church through the witness of thy servants Agnes Tsao Kou Ying, Agatha Lin Zhao, and Lucy Yi Zhenmei to hold fast to the path of discipleship even unto death; for with the Father and Holy Ghost thou livest and reignest, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Rev. Charles Hoffacker Today is Ash Wednesday, the first of the forty days of Lent. One good practice for Lent—there are many—is to offer the Prayer of St. Ephrem each day. This prayer from the Syriac tradition has been translated into a long list of languages. In some churches it is accompanied by a pattern of bows and prostrations.
The saint for whom the prayer is named is known also as Ephraim. Born in Nisibis, he relocated late in his life to Edessa, both of which are now in Turkey. A teacher, poet, orator, deacon, and defender of the faith, he flourished in the fourth century. Called by the Syrians “the Harp of the Holy Spirit,” his hymns still enrich the liturgies of their churches. His sermons and poems often employ vivid and memorable imagery. During a severe famine, Ephrem distributed food and money to the poor and organized a sort of ambulance service for the sick. He died of exhaustion, brought on by his long hours of relief work. The Episcopal Church commemorates him on June 10. Here is the Prayer of St. Ephrem, slightly adapted from the translation by the American poet Scott Cairns. O Lord and Master of my life, remove from me this languid spirit, this grim demeanor, this petty lust for power, and all his empty talk. Endow your servant instead with a chaste spirit, a humble heart, long suffering gentleness, and genuine, unselfish love. Yes, O Lord and King, grant that I may confront my own offenses, and remember not to judge others. For you are—always and forever—blessed. Amen. |
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May 2021
authorsThe Rev. Charles Hoffacker is a retired priest of the Diocese of Washington |