tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67786337229007926622024-03-17T17:42:00.913-04:00Pastoral SoleA UCC Pastor's walk through the spiritual waters of Scripture, pop culture and life.Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.comBlogger860125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-72499758855360129792024-03-17T17:41:00.001-04:002024-03-17T17:41:24.034-04:00Show Us Your Socks Message; Mark 13:1-23<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">March 17, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Mark 13:1-23<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">…so- we know what ya’ll thinking- “<i>That’s</i>
the reading for today?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This scripture full of doom and gloom is what
we’re preaching on for ‘Show Us Your Socks Sunday’?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We have all these wonderful, beautiful people
from ARC, including staff, clients, and Donna, the Director of Development and
this is what we’re preaching on?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We’re here today to show off our colorful,
lively, socks in support and acknowledgment of people living with Developmental
Disabilities….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">…and what we just heard is wars, earthquakes,
lies and liars!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">A Dios Mio!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How is this possible?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And the answer is this- Emmanuel is not
afraid to speak the hard topics.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">It would have been so easy to skip today’s
scripture and find something nice, like Jesus feeding folk or a woman searching
for lost pennies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But here’s what we know- when we take the
easy way, we don’t grow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">When we face the hard times, the difficult
moments, <i>that’s</i> when we can grow, when we can become better versions of
ourselves, and we become closer to God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">That’s when we become Superstars.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">So, let’s take a look at today’s reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus is in Jerusalem with the disciples
looking at the Temple, and one of the disciples says “Wow- look how beautiful
this is.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And the Temple was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herod the King had spent all the people’s
money to make it a sight to be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Supposedly, he had the entire Temple covered in gold so that when the
sun hit it just right, it lit up in magnificent ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">“Look how beautiful this is!” the disciples
say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus is not impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, he knows that hard times are
coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows that soon there is
going to be great pain and suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">So he says “Don’t be impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This building will not last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be prepared- hard times are coming our
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be alert- how you respond to the
difficulties will make all the difference.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus is being very real.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">By not sugar coating anything, Jesus is
allowing his followers to understand what’s going to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He gives them the gift of being prepared, not
devoting all their energy to things that don’t last.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus is very honest with those he
loves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be wars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be disasters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be hunger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">There will be fathers disagreeing with their
children; there will be siblings fighting amongst each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Kind of sounds like today, doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Kind of sounds like things happening in
places, like Haiti, Ukraine, Advent Hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Kinds of sounds like things gong on in our
own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How many here are currently living through a crisis
in which it feels like your world is ending?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How many here are having issues with Mom and
Dad, sister and brother, son and daughter, grandchildren?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How many here are struggling with a car that won’t
work properly or paying rent or homeowners insurance?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How many feel like they are constantly on
alert, unable to get a proper night’s sleep?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">By speaking these realities, Jesus acknowledges
just how difficult and scary life can be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">It can feel as if there is no comfort in this
scripture…but today’s story does not end here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is more that we did not read today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">See, in chapter 14, right after Jesus speaks
all these words of doom and gloom, he goes to the house of Simon for a meal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Simon is an interesting fellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is <i>different</i> from all the other
people in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simon is not like
everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simon is someone that not
everyone knows or is friends with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Because Simon is different, he may spend a
lot of time alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People say unkind
things about him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How many people here today have ever felt
different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But Jesus didn’t care that Simon is
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Jesus goes into
Simon’s home to have a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Who knows what they ate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe pizza and Mountain Dew?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps chicken nuggets and iced tea.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Who knows what Jesus and Simon Peter talked
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they discussed Disney
Princesses, or Marvel Super Heros, or Legos.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">As Jesus and Simon are sharing a meal, a
woman comes in, carrying a beautiful alabaster jar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Alabaster is so beautiful, so shiny that it
captures the light and it can show off the colors of the rainbow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">So after Jesus speaks about the doom and
gloom, and he’s hanging out with Simon, this woman comes in with a bright,
shiny jar…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">…and she proceeds to open it up and to pour out
its perfume and lotion all over Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">She pours from this beautiful alabaster jar
all this sweet sweet smelling ointment over Jesus and it runs down from his
hair to his beard to his chest to his legs, to his ankles, to the soles of his
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">…and Jesus is covered in beauty, and light
and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This woman covers Jesus in ointment and in
her own way she is saying “I see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am aware of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">In this single act, this woman literally
embodies the entire Gospel that Jesus came to teach.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">In this moment of unexpected generosity, in
the home of Simon who was so different from everybody else,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This amazing woman shows us just what it
looks like to Love God and what it is like to love our Neighbor as ourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">From the doom and gloom of today’s reading we
enter into awareness and love that one person can show another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And does this woman’s actions prevent the
pain and suffering from happening?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Does her actions stop the Last Supper and Crucifixion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Does her actions stop the realities of life
from creeping in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But what she, at this moment, is offer a
moment of grace, a moment of beauty and glamour and care that can empower one
to face the horrible and horrific.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Today’s reading may not be what we wanted,
but it is the reading that leads us to where we are today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Think about it- we are all wearing our most
colorful, beautiful, lively socks; some are wearing green hats, bowties and
necklaces.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">In some ways, our socks are anointing our
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">In some ways, our socks are like that woman’s
ointment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">They cover our feet with beauty, with heart,
with awareness and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Life is full of anxiety, stress, fear, anger,
worries about the unknown, and of being seen as different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">All those things we face on a day to day
basis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But today’s reading reminds us that we do not
have to face things alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Today, our colorful socks reminds us that we
do not have to do it alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Yes, we have God, yes we have Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But guess what- we also have each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus knew all the pain that was about to
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at that moment he has the
disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He has Simon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">At this moment Jesus has this woman with her
alabaster jar, pouring out love and awareness upon him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">The socks we wear today are a reminder that
we are not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we have one
another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We have Simons we can turn to when life seems
scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We have people like this woman who remind us
of the world’s beauty when the ugly seems to be too much.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We have amazing community organizations like
Ridge Area ARC, The Shepherd’s Pantry and the Garden of Hope.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We have amazing individuals like Shelly and
Samantha, Carlos and Candance, Jessica and Donna who are there to offer care.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We have God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have Jesus,
who knows exactly what it is like to face the scary, uncertain things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Buildings fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Problems arise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God’s word endures forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And God’s word reminds us to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To love God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To love one another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Today we show our socks despite all the
worries of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Today we show our socks as a sign of love,
just as the woman who anointed Jesus, body and soles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Amen and amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-22729025642028482162024-03-11T13:27:00.003-04:002024-03-11T13:27:14.482-04:00Loving Our Neighbors; Mark 12:28-34<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">March 10 ,2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Mark 12:28-34<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Next week will be a great day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our 1<sup>st</sup> ever “Show Us Your
Socks Sunday” in which everyone is invited to wear their most colorful,
beautiful, visually loud socks that they can find.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To bring awareness that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness
Month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To show our support for people
living with Developmental Disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And to raise money for Ridge Area ARC, our
local non-profit that focuses on providing a full, complete life to our
community sisters and brothers who are living with Developmental Disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Why do we this this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of love <b>and </b>because they are our
neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Each and every one of them is fully unique
and individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the folks who
grow vegetables in our Garden Of Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are the volunteers at the Shepherd’s Pantry, handing out quality of
life products.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">They are the artists who exhibited their
photography at the Peter Pollard Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">More than that, they are funny, they are
Romeos, they are Valentine Day Queens, they are introverts, extroverts, horse
riders, employees, Mountain Dew Drinkers, and next week some of them will be
worshippers with us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How awesome that as Emmanuel UCC we
understand the Gospel to be such that not only do we recognize our Veterans,
our Women, our Canadian, our Haitian, our Cuban, our Pilipino, our LGBTQ
neighbors, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">not only do we recognize those that lost a
child, our Fathers, our Moms, but we also now recognize and lift up our neighbors
who live with Developmental Disabilities…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">…because not too long such people were locked
away, kept away, not talked about, hidden, treated as less than.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And they are not less than- they are Children
Of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">That is the theme of today’s scripture, and
Thank God, because love is what we need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And not just mushy love; not just romantic
love, but the kind of love Jesus talks about- love for God and love for
neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Since we’ve been following Jesus this entire
season, we know that he is not ignorant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nor does Jesus have an unrealistic view of the world or of how things
work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">When Jesus says “Love your neighbor” he knows
exactly the kind of neighbors that are out there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Remember the guys who took apart the roof to
lower down their friend for Jesus to heal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">If that was indeed the actual home of Jesus,
it means he knows that loving your neighbor could mean your house gets messy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus says “love your neighbor”, and he
walked over 3,000 miles in his ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So he’s met a lot of neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus says love your neighbor and he’s referring
to the ones who appear to be demon possessed and those sick in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus says love your neighbor and he’s
referring to those fishing in the sea, those mending nets on the shore, and
those who work the fields and orchards and vineyards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus says love your neighbor and he has met
a tormented man in the graveyard, a non-Jewish family, a woman who’s been bleeding
and a little girl who is as good as dead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus says love your neighbor and he has been
rejected by his own townsfolk, doubted by his own disciples, and taunted by religious
and political leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus is not ignorant or unaware of the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anything, Jesus is fully aware
of the world and just who his neighbors are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And regardless if the neighbor is grumpy old
Frank telling kids to stop playing in front of his house, or it’s a child in
crises, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus says “love your neighbor as yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But what is love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what does love look like?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This week I heard a wonderful story about
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came from the son and daughter
of Carole Klein.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">They shared how Carole had a great eye for
art and design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She created the
packaging for the items Charlie sold. Carole could find a totally fine looking wreathe
at Marshall’s, take it home to add more to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Carole’s son shared that one year it was his
responsibility to pick out the family Christmas Tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought it would be funny to go and
purposely get the saddest, sickliest, skinny tree he could find.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He was only 15 at the time, so he can be
forgiven for his humor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But he took that Charlie Brown- tree home and
although Carole had her questions and she had her doubts, she went ahead and
decorated that tree.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Carole took something so sickly, so sad
looking and she filled it with lights and color and beauty and class and when
she was done she placed it in the living room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And then she turned to her son and said “Now-
we are going to get the real tree.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Carole knew all along that her son was
playing a prank; she knew it was meant to be a joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she turned that nothing into something,
and to this day THAT is the tree the family most remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">What Carole demonstrated that year to her son
was love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could have chosen anger;
she could have chosen discipline; she could have expressed disappointment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But instead Carole chose love, and her family
will have a memory they will never forget.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Love and neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Essentially the entire Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But what is Love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we show love to a neighbor especially
when our neighbors are not us and may show love in diverse ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Looking back over my life, I think of the
different people and different ways each showed love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">There was a friend’s mother from Sicily who
would show her love by feeding us whenever we came over, no matter how late it
was, even at 2 am in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And I learned that one way to receive and show
that love back was to graciously accept her food and ask for seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How do you show love to someone from
Haiti?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eat their rice and on May 18 to
tell them Happy Haitian Flag Day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How do you show love to someone from
Colombia?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accept their cup of Cafecito
and drink it without adding milk and sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Germans show our love by being on time and
honoring tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">English and Jamaicans may show love through a
cup of tea.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">If you see a Veteran, thank them for their
service.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">If there is an elderly person, don’t quickly zoom
behind and before them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">If you meet a person of color, learn to pronounce
their name correctly to honor the mother, auntie, grandmother who lovingly
chose that name.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How do we show love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you know an introvert, be quiet and treat
them to a night inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">To show love to an extrovert, you’re going to
have to attend a party now and then or not be jealous when they go without you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">If you want to show love to a grandchild,
niece or nephew who is a true Legos, D & D or comic book fan, take them to
a store and let them go go go while you sit down, allowing them their time in fan
club heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">The list for ways to show love to our
neighbors goes on and on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
beautiful thing, and it’s often so easy to do and costs so little.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus does such an amazing thing right here
in today’s reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he’s asked a
complicated question, he responds with the simplest and most life-giving of
answers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Love God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Because when we do, when we love God, when we
love those around us, heaven is one step closer, and the Gospel that much clearer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Love God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">That’s essentially the whole Gospel summed up
in 5 words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Carole Klein embodied that love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Next week we get to show that love to the
people of ARC as we wear our socks, welcome our sisters and brothers, and
praise the Lord together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-12176471030010301382024-02-28T10:31:00.000-05:002024-02-28T10:31:10.499-05:00Do You Believe God Is Distant? Have You Felt Like God Has Put Up a Fence? Mark 12:1-12<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">March 3, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Mark 12:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">“God, the Lord is my strength, he makes my
feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk
3:19</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Once upon a time, in the land of Israel,
there lived a prophet named Habakkuk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Legend has it that he was named after a plant that grew in the North.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Habakkuk loved the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he felt restless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a man attuned to the temperature of
his time and he could sense that war is about to begin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He sees the injustice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been witness to senseless violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s tired, so tired of the strife and
suffering of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But more than that, he’s tired with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s disappointed with the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks God is just being deaf
and acting lazy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">While other prophets place the blame on
the people and want to blame the leaders, Habakkuk does something else- he
places the blame on God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Habakkuk doesn’t mince his words; he
doesn’t play nice and gentle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He sees all the mess, all the chaos, all
the fuss around him and he says to God very bluntly “How long?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long are you going to let things keep
going the way they are going?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Habakkuk speaks directly to God and asks,
“How long do I, how long do <i>we</i>, have to cry out for help before you hear
us?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">“How many mothers need to see their sons
die and how many fathers need to hear their daughters cry before you step in
and do something?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Habakkuk’s faith is unwavering; fearless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His faith is formidable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He fully believes in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fully believes in the God of the Red Sea
who heard the cry of the captives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">He believes that God is strong, God is
capable, and God cares enough about the least of these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">With that knowledge he says<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long are you going to let sin surround
us before you do what you are supposed to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">…and here is the cool thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God hears.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">God hears Habakuk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">God acknowledges his concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">God accepts the challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">God responds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">God says “Believe me when I say that I
see; believe me when I say that I hear; believe me when I say that I know.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">God hears all the bad that Habakuk says
about God and God says “Hold on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be faithfully
patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And wait.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">“I know waiting is not your strong suit,
but wait…and you will see just how much I do love, how much I do care, and how
much I can do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And though this message doesn’t solve all
of the current problems Habakkuk sees, it gives him space to breathe, time to
reset.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And it gives him Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope that God is still there; hope that God
is still being God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">With that hope comes a sense of peace, and
a sense of comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">At the end of his conversations with God,
in which Habakkuk feels heard and comforted, he says-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">“God, the Lord is my strength, he makes my
feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And that is so beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">What else is beautiful is that through
Habakkuk we have a biblical role model of how we can be honest with God, how we
can say what we mean, we can discuss what distresses us…and God hears.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">What’s so beautiful is that we can
question, we can wrestle, we can even disagree with God, as long as we stay in
communication and relationship with our Creator… <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">All of this leads us to today’s
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a reading I dislike, a
reading that comes across as most uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">For me, it doesn’t feel like it fits;
doesn’t seem to reflect where we have been in our journey with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This year we’ve presented a vision of
Jesus who is right there, hands on, validating the life and intimate aspects of
the human experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus has been at our workplace, in our
bedroom, in our places of mental disarray and medical issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jesus shows us again and again that the
Lord is our strength, who makes our feet like the feet of a deer, and makes
us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tread upon the heights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">When not visiting with us, Jesus has been
telling parables about things we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sowing seeds, planting crops, baking bread.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">But here comes a parable in which the
every-day person is presented as evil, the workers are the bad guys.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Modern theologians question if this story
was even told by Jesus or if it was made up by Mark or inserted by someone else
to make the religious leaders of their day look bad…and I may agree.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">The story starts with a man who plants a
vineyard, puts a fence around it, and then leaves for another country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Right away, with the mention of the fence,
there is a visceral reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Sure, fences can be a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can keep you safe, keep your dog from
running into the street, but they also separate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Right away, I think of my childhood neighborhood
where we had a grouchy neighbor named Frank who was always complaining, always
yelling at us kids when we played in front of his house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We’d be playing football, baseball, tag
and at some point Frank would pop his angry head out the door and yell move
away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">So this parable rubs me the wrong way, as
if God is an middle aged grump who doesn’t want anyone to have fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">What’s worse, though, is this sense of
desertion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">After this man puts up the fence, and
leases it to the tenants, he ups and leaves, he goes to a different land, never
to be seen again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This does not strike me as the God in
Genesis who walked with Adam in the cool evening breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This doesn’t sound like the God who sat
with Abraham under the oaks of Mamre.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">It certainly doesn’t sound like the God
who wrestles with Jacob.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This does not sound like God is the Lord
of our strength, who makes our feet like the deer, and our spirits tread upon
the heights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This sounds as if God is absent, uncaring,
and too busy with foie gras and Cuban cigars to care about the people in God’s
care.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Yes, there’s the wine press, yes, there’s
the watchtower, but they seem more as a babysitter than the actual presence of
the landlord.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">So when his slave is sent to the people,
they don’t respond so kindly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe what
they really wanted was the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
didn’t want some peon coming along.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Maybe they really missed the man, maybe
they wished there would be some more “water from the rock” and “manna from
heaven” moments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Maybe like Habakkuk, they felt the owner
of the vineyard was away too long, and therefore too uncaring and far too
inaccessible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">So instead of being like Habakkuk and using
their words, they use their actions, they use their hands, they use their
fists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This is not to get the tenants off the
hook, but what if part of what was really going on is that they really missed
the man, they really missed his presence, they really missed his miracles?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">What if what they are feeling is “Does it
matter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does anything we do make a
difference if the landlord is far far away, so distant, and so uninvolved in our
lives?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Like Habakkuk, like Jacob, I wrestle with
this parable, because it feels upsetting that a fence has been put up and he
went away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And it so goes against what Jesus has been
talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Throughout Mark, the God that Jesus seems
to embody, seems to represent is a God who is very hands on, who is very
present, who is very much there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Throughout Mark, the God that Jesus seems
to embody is one who has no fence, who is not Frank the neighbor, who is right
there, right amongst the people be it work, field, home or graveyard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">The one saving grace is that this parable
is not aimed at the every day person, this story was not told to point a finger
at the average person just trying to make ends meet and see another weekend
come along.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This parable was aimed at the chief
priests, scribes and elders who were the head of the religious institution. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">This was aimed at those who were supposed
to know better and act differently.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Still, this scripture sits uncomfortably,
and it leads more to a set of questions than to any kind of answer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">How do you perceive God to be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you imagine your relationship with
the Lord is like?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Do you see God as close at hand or do you
see God as out of the country, and how does this affect your relationship?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Do you see God as active in your garden,
or do you see God as walking away once it’s built?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Do you see God as putting up fences or
tearing them down?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">And if you believe there are fences that
God constructs, what are their purposes and are they for good?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">We ask these questions and we continue to
speak with God as we make this Lenten journey, knowing that just as God heard
the captives and God heard Habakkuk, God hears us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">May we each be able to receive an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like Habakkuk, may we each be able to say
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">“God, the Lord is my strength, he makes my
feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-79571284345374183642024-02-17T10:35:00.004-05:002024-02-17T10:35:56.392-05:00When Wealth Gets in the Way of Relationship; Mark 10:17-31 <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Feb 18, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Mark 10: 17-31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As we journey with Jesus from the Jordan to Jerusalem, sea to mountain, you
may have noticed something important- the restoration of relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">With virtually every demon cast out, every body that’s healed, there is a
mention of returning to home, family, friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Which is so fitting as we celebrate Canadian Heritage Day which encourages
family and friends to go out in their community to appreciate all the gifts of
the earth, of artists, of architecture, parks, together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sure, you can see all these things by yourself, but it is so much better
when you have somebody by your side to turn and talk to, be it in admiration
for what’s before you or chisme about who’s around you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Remember back in September when we were at the wedding in Cana with Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We discussed the importance of family and community in the Latin culture and
how this sense of belonging to something greater than you is consistent in many
cultures, especially in Biblical times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">You can’t reap the benefits of being part of something if you are kept
apart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So when Jesus heals someone he is doing more than bringing about wellness,
he is empowering them to return to community life, to worship, to home, work, to
those that love them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The daughter of Jairus’ who gets to resume eating with her Mom and Dad.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The man in the graveyard who is encouraged to go home to his amigos, and travels
through the Decapolis amazing people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Peter’s mother-in-law gets to go back to being the family’s matriarch as she
serves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Each case we see how healing brings an opportunity to go out into the
world and be a part of something greater.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But then we come to this very sad story about a man who has his chance
for restoration, and leaves with deep grief and depression.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It is interesting to encounter this story about a person who appears to
have it all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The way we are told that Jesus looks at him with great love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The verbal back and forth that shows what a
great student this man is; the potential he has to be an amazing disciple.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Within the full spectrum of Mark’s narrative, this story seems to be something
more than what our ears hear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Is this a complete condemnation of wealth?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Or is this another story of a man who is demon possessed, of a person who
is unwell and in needing of healing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It almost feels as if this man doesn’t <i>have</i> money, but that the
money <i>has</i> him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Just as the man in the graveyard is tormented by demons, is it possible that
this man is in his own kind of graveyard where he too is tormented?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The woman who was bleeding loses all her money to be made well; this guy
has all the money but almost seems as if he has been bled out and is just as
distressed as her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Is Mark hinting that his wealth has not increased his life, but has actually
held him back and overshadowed his life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We don’t know much about this man or his money; how he earns it, chooses
to use it, how he spends it, how he saves it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Did he inherit his wealth from Daddy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did he earn each cent by working hard and being frugal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Was he a greedy landlord or a benevolent employer?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Is it fair that Jesus gave him such a binary ultimatum?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This man came to Jesus with such an inquisitive question, yet he is given
an either/or answer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The man asks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus looks at him
with great love, then says what are the hardest words for this particular man
to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And he walks away, alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He walks away grieving, sad, distressed, upset, nauseous.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This man has an encounter with Jesus and doesn’t end up transformed or
healed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He does not go and serve, he does not go into the Decapolis sharing the
good news, he doesn’t join Mom and Dad at the dining room table.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Unlike the daughter, the graveyard man, the matriarch, this man leaves
Jesus, and he leaves unrestored, he leaves alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is such a sad sad story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And I wonder- did Jesus have to be so black and white with him?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Could Jesus have asked “Tell me, how are you using your financial gifts?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could Jesus have engaged in a more insightful
conversation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What if this man had been like Abraham bartering with God?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What if the man said “Jesus, I hear you, but what if I give 20%” and see
what Jesus says?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What if the man had said “What if I give 30% and start a food pantry, orphanage
and school?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Would Jesus have engaged him in that conversation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or would the answer still be the same?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This man who left alone and broken hearted, so sick with sadness because all
that he has <i>actually</i> has him and he can’t let go.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is a complex, complicated story, one that makes us think, and makes
us ponder about our own relationship with God, with money, with those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When told to sell it all how many of us would say “Yes”?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Thinking back to Christmas, do we allow money to make us like Ebenezer Scrooge
in which we suffer with gruel and guilt, alone in our emptiness?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Does our relationship with money allow us to be part of change, act with
compassion, care?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For this particular man at this particular moment, he was too possessed
to be a part of something bigger than himself, so he walked away alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wouldn’t we love to know more about his story, to discover what he did
afterwards, if there was any kind of change, any kind of middle ground?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But for now we are left with this brutal lesson with this cold tale, and
like the parables, we are left to ponder, to wonder, to look deep within
ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And that is fitting for today, as we enter Lent, as we journey with Jesus
to the Cross.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Knowing that every step, every moment may not be easy, may not feel good,
but we do not have to be like this man, we do not have to be alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For in Jesus we have an experience that brings us into community, brings
us to the table, empowers us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For we have each other, we have God, and we have Jesus to make this walk
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that we can say “Amen.”</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-48783120369249282024-02-11T08:08:00.001-05:002024-02-11T08:08:33.299-05:00Following the Beloved One; Mark 8:27-33; 9:2-8<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">February 11, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">Mark 8:27-33; 9:2-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today we come to a pivotal moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus reveals what is about to happen, where his ministry will lead and
how he will endure great suffering and pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And the disciples do not get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How are they supposed to get it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Six days later Jesus takes three of them up a hill where a magnificent
event occurs, and Peter doesn’t quite get the significance of what just
happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Often, when sharing these readings in Bible Study, the people participating
have so many questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Usually the number one question is “Why don’t the Disciples get it?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The disciples were there to hear his teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were there to personally witness the
healings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In chapter 6 the disciples themselves go out in groups of two in which
they preach, cast out demons and bring wellness to others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How did they not get it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing
Peter’s mother-in-law going from being sick to serving, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">seeing the man in the graveyard go from self-harm to being well groomed,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">watching a restored girl share a meal with her Mom and Dad.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After all the teachings, healings, the disciples just don’t seem to get
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The demons got it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A non-Jewish woman
got it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those without sight and sound get
it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But not the Disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t they
get it?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">…perhaps we are being too unkind and impatient with Peter and all the
others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After all, here we are 2,000 years later with a Bible full of their
foibles and follies and we get to see the Big Picture as those who weren’t
there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At this point of the story, the disciples knew nothing about the
Crucifixion or the Resurrection, they had no notion of Jesus being a Messiah
who suffered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They thought Jesus would be the Messiah who saves them from unfair taxation,
foreign threat, and Roman rule.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They thought Jesus would whip society back into place, not be whipped by
society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Disciples don’t get it, and we ask “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And maybe it is not about whether Peter and the disciples got it or not…but
the point is that they followed…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They did not always get it, they did not always understand what Jesus was
about, but they followed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And maybe </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">THAT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that’s what
it is about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Maybe that is what Peter and John and all the rest are role modeling to
us today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Even when the Disciples did not fully understand, even when they didn’t always
get the point, they </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">still</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> made the choice and they </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">still </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">followed Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They followed him among the shore, they followed him to private homes, to
the graveyards, they followed him to where people have diseases and children
die.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The disciples followed Jesus, and let’s be honest, Jesus was not easy to
follow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For one thing, Jesus and his style of healing was not always consistent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law by taking her hand, but the daughter of
Jarius he says “Talitha cum.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus heals a leper by touching him and saying “be made clean” but a
woman with blood receives healing by touching his clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus heals a deaf and a blind man by using spit, but he offers healing
to a leper by using his words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The only thing consistent about Jesus and his form of ministry is his
compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">His compassion for anyone, regardless if they are amongst the least of
these or a family in power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus is consistent with his compassion for anyone seeking wellness, a
better life, a new beginning, restoration, relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Maybe, just maybe following Jesus has nothing to do with understanding,
but it means- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to follow in faith, to follow with your heart, be it full or broken, in
love or ostracized.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Maybe following Jesus without fully “getting it” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">is</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> the point.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Following Jesus does not come with a guarantee, or the promise of
consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Following Jesus is not all hearts and roses, romance and dazzling clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Following Jesus is to follow in faith, it is to follow in kindness, care,
it is to follow in humility.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And who is this Jesus we follow?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In Mark 9:7, God calls Jesus the Beloved One.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Which means that although we may not always understand, we may not always
“get it”, we are following God’s Beloved One.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The One who called the working men and women, the menders and maligned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We are following the Beloved One who cared about the children of leaders
and the daughters of gentiles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God’s Beloved is the one who cared for the deaf and blind, those living
with disabilities and those with restless spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Does following the Beloved One mean that you have to always understand?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Does following the Beloved One mean that you have to be perfect?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No one is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No place is
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No government is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No church is perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But in our imperfection, in our questions- are we still willing to follow?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In your imperfections, in your doubt will </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">you</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> follow?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Will you follow the Beloved One, and not just on the glorious mountaintop
full of sunshine and glorious light.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Will you follow Jesus by the shore full of fishermen and farm folk?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Will you follow in the home, in the sickbed, the chores, the bills?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Will you follow in the graveyard, in the death and depression?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Maybe, Jesus is Ok with us not knowing or getting it all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Maybe Jesus is Ok with us just…following, knowing that we want him to be
our King, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">that we want to be better citizens of his Kingdom, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">we want to be better citizens of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">That we are willing to Follow Jesus with our imperfect hearts, our
imperfect bodies, and to see him as our Beloved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For that, we can say “Amen.”</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-7553366981419240192024-02-03T18:42:00.002-05:002024-02-03T18:42:25.978-05:00Food Of Heaven; Meal of Restoration; Mark 5:21-43<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">Feb 4, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">Mark 5:21-43<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Anyone who came to church on Tuesday stepped into a sensory delight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sherrie was cooking in the kitchen and even before opening the front door,
you could smell the homemade goodness and love she was putting into her Chicken
Ala King.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sherrie’s cooking not only warmed up the entire campus, but it smelt “warm”
like a turkey on Thanksgiving or soup on a rainy day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Warm not in temperature, but warm as in Mom and Abuela and GG.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Warm as in “welcome” and “sit down” and “let me make you a to-go plate covered
with aluminum foil.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tuesday afternoon our entire church was warmed by the aroma of Sherrie’s cooking.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Why was she making a homemade meal?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To feed the people who were busy restoring our restrooms so they would
have something to eat when they took their lunch break.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bravo to Sherrie for doing this; she didn’t have to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When we hired these folk, and signed the contract, there was nothing that
said “Emmanuel will supply a scrumptious, rib-sticking, soul smiling meal.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We’re paying this company good money to fix our facilities; we did not
have to provide a single thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Yet, that’s what Sherrie did- making sure the men had something to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sherrie embodied the Gospel of Mark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">She knew folk were working, she knew they’d be hungry; she made sure they
had more than a sack lunch from home or a takeout meal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Perhaps THAT is why the Fellowship Hall not only felt warm but smelled
warm- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">she was embodying the Kingdom of Heaven in a pure, fundamental, and most
holy way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What Sherrie did felt like a warm hug- because it was. She didn’t have to
do it, but she did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Food is so essential to our faith; food is so essential to our relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think of Ridge Area SDA who invites us to be the first to eat when they
share a meal after worship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think of Fe, who happily shares dishes from the Philippines, watching as we
enjoy them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ari’s family, who if you ever have the honor to eat with, will encourage
you to try their lamb, their coquito, their meatless chicken legs, and watermelon
Agua fresca all the way from Miami.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When we share food with others, we share ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When we eat the food of others, we are validating their personhood, their
culture, their mothers, their ancestors, their heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Anytime anyone says “Come, eat,” they are saying “I like you,” “I trust
you” and “I want to spend time with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Skyline Chili from someone in Ohio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oxtails from someone in the South.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arepas from someone in Columbia.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Food plays an important part in today’s reading, even if you may not
notice it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus has come back after greeting the guy in the graveyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowds surround him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He’s asked to heal a man’s daughter; a woman who’s bleeding touches his
robe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He’s dealing with life and death, death and life, all while regular folk
try to have a piece of him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He's surrounded by weeping and wailing, naysayers and laughers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Just as he did with Peter, he goes into the home and personal space of a
family in crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He speaks words of life to their daughter, and she begins to walk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The family is amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thought
their child was dead; sure their daughter was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But Jesus steps into their life, Jesus steps into their home, Jesus goes
into their most private of places…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">...and their family is restored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The family receives the gift of new life, new possibilities, they receive
the gift of a future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And what does Jesus do?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Does he hand them an Emergency Room bill and say “That will be $390.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like to set up monthly payments?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Does he say “Now that I healed your child, your daughter is mine”?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Does Jesus says “I am Lord of All Creation, bow down and grovel at my
feet”?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus does none of these things, even though he could.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What does Jesus say after restoring this family?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He says “Give her something to eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Once again, in the Gospel of Mark, we see how even the most mundane of
things becomes sacred and important to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Give her something to eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now why would Jesus say something like this?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Well first of all, the dead don’t eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So to have the little girl fed means that she is alive and with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Second, food is one way to say that you are welcome and you belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be Jesus’ way of saying “Welcome
back to the land of the Living.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Third, back then, there was no belief in heaven as we have today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back then, dead was dead. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And death was the ultimate separation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To say the little girl is dead means that she is no longer part of the
family; it means their relationship is over.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Because she is brought back to life, Jesus has restored their
relationship; he has restored their family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Because their relationship has been restored, she gets to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad and daughter get to sit at table
and be one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And that is beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When Jesus says “Give her something to eat” he is saying “Welcome her
back” and “continue the relationship you have.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And some ways, that’s what Communion is about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion is not just about the Last Supper or a Holy Meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion is about relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s about the bonding we share when we come to the table.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When we participate in Communion it means that no matter what we’ve been
through during the week, no matter what we are each going through, at that moment,
we are bonded and we are united via food.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion reunites us after being separated for a week or a month or a
crises like COVID.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion is a way we can be restored- I’ve seen people at odds with one
another make amends after sharing the broken bread.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion means that we are ALIVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It means that we are still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion means that we are free to experience the Kingdom of Heaven
right here, right now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion means that we get to live another day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It means we are free to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Coming to this table to be fed means that we are free to experience the
Morning Savior, regardless of what we have been through or what we have done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The food we are given today means that we are restored to experience the
Savior of the Mundane, Savior of the Menders, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Savior of the Matriarchs, and Savior of the Children and Most Vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today’s reading reminds us that just as Jesus was present to the man in
the cemetery, just as Jesus is present in the crowd, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus is present in our pain, Jesus is present in our most intimate of
moments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And Jesus does what Jesus can to restore our wellness, restore out relationships,
and ensure that we are fed, body, mind, and spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus is not just the Savior of Our Mornings, but he is also present in
our meals, our needs, and our relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For that, we can say “Amen.”</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-65400525212974818352024-01-27T18:24:00.001-05:002024-01-27T18:24:06.047-05:00If I Matter to Jesus, I Matter to Me; Mark 5:1-20<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Jan 28, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;">Mark 5:1-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Last week, Carnide blessed us with the song “If it matters to me, then it
matters to the Master.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It perfectly summarized the context in which we’ve been meandering
through Mark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Scene after scene we have noted just how much Jesus is involved in the
mundane-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">His moments with menders and Matriarchs, his being familiar with fishers
and farmers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The possibility that his home became a haven for healing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For someone so spectacular, Jesus is right where we are, not just in our
home or at our job, but even where death dwells.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Work, home, the soil, the grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
full human experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today we enter a new world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
Jesus has spent time on the west side of the water, he hops on a boat and heads
east.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But where he goes is not a place of sloping green or pot roast simmering
on the stove.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus arrives at a graveyard full of death and decay, bones and
foreboding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In this place is a man living in constant torment and sorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His days and nights are filled with howling and
self-harm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Friends and family fear him, so they’ve deserted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shackled and strangled by chains, he is
living in total hell.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Filled with demons he runs to Jesus, throws his scabbed filled body against
the putrid soil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus casts the demons into swine, and jumping right off the cliff, there
goes breakfast! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A little while later, the man reappears, this time dressed clean and
sparkling like a diamond.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus says “Go home to your people, tell them that what matters to them
matters to the Master.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He who once howled with hurt is now glowing with the Good News.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Did you notice how artistically Mark paints this picture?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Images of doom and tombs, chains and chaos that seem like a monster
movie, not the kind of thing you’d expect for a service devoted to praise and
joy, pajamas and comfy clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And yet it fits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After being where people work, eat, and sleep, Jesus is now where imperfection,
wounds, tears, loneliness are the reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is a 180 from the Christmas Season we just celebrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is sooo far from the light of the nativity.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Yet, this story holds great, good news.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Take a moment to think of our self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our true selves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The self that
most people never get to see.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think of our morning self.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Yes- many of us today may be in our pjs, but this ain’t what we look like
first thing in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is what we look like after an hour of preparation with a shower,
some deodorant and coverup.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If we saw each other in the morning, would we recognize one another or want
to get too close with our bad breath, messed up hair, baggy eyes?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But guess what?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Lord does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord recognizes
and see us, and the Lord is not scared if we have BO or pre-morning coffee
attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If Jesus could interact with a man living in scabs and shackles, Jesus
could handle us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think about this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think of our own unique vulnerabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think of our own issues of self-worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our times of self-doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think of those who spend time sowing demonic seeds of doubt, trying to
tell you-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">that you may not be smart enough, light skinned enough, speaking the best
business English.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Think of all the self-appointed scribes and Pharisees who love to say who’s
in and who’s out, who is worthy or unworthy of rights, compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How many here today or watching online have ever wondered if they truly
matter to Jesus, do you truly matter to God?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How many have you ever woken up in the morning and just wanted to get
back into bed and run from the day?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Who has ever contemplated- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord- in my pjs, in my comfy clothes, in my headwrap, in my bonnet,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">With my whiskers, crusty eyes and dry mouth, with my aches and pains, fears,
and quirks,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Without my makeup, without a shave, without a suit and tie, without my
first morning cup of coffee-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do you really care about me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do you really care about the things I do?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do you really care about the things that have hurt and wounded me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do you really care about the things I do that hurt and wound me, that can
separate me from others?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And the answer is “Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Jesus
cares.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We go a step further during this PJ service of praise and joy-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Just as Jesus is amongst those who work and those who are the Matriarchs,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus is also a Morning Savior-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">That Jesus is right there with us, regardless of morning breathe,
wrinkled sheets, messy hair, no makeup, baggy eyes and lack of coffee…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus is there, Jesus sees us, Jesus hears us, and Jesus cares for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And with that knowledge, with that assurance, we discover something else-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If I matter to the Master, then I matter to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Let us repeat that- <i>If I matter to the Master, then I matter to me.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And if I matter to me then I am more that what I wear, how I look, and
what others think.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And that, that is powerful, powerful good great news, worthy of all
praise and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For that, let us say “Amen.”</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-26360189226806739812024-01-19T20:18:00.007-05:002024-01-19T20:18:51.649-05:00Jesus Goes to Where We Are; Mark 4:1-9, 26-32<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">January 21, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark 4:1-9, 26-32<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we come to an exquisite reading, one that really
shows how Mark understands that Jesus is for the people, from the people, and
of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We’ve seen Jesus go out into the wilderness, call upon menders
of nets and gatherers of fish, offer physical restoration to a Mom, and possibly
allow his own roof to be dismantled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Now we have Jesus back by the shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is casting his own kind of net, using breath
and words to bring light to the people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is such a holy scene set in such an important setting.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is preaching to the people at a place in which the
water, the boats, the men making an honest living fishing are behind him,
beside him…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…and in front of him are the sloping hills of green,
filled with people farming the land who could be clearing the earth of thistle,
plowing the soil, swinging their arms as they sow seed, or stooping to harvest
the grain.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The lesson Jesus teaches today is told in a spot in which
the fishermen can look up and see the farmers and the farmers can look out and
see their brothers upon the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is situated between two groups of hard-working individuals
who make sure that everyone eats and has food on their plate.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is preaching between the often ignored, forgotten,
poorly paid members of society.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And what does Jesus teach about? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The everyday things that the people would have understood-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">sowing seeds and yielding a crop, the ripening of grain,
the time of harvest, weeds that grow wild, and birds that find home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Once more Mark shows us how REAL the Jesus experience
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That the Son of Man chooses to go to where the people
are, while they are doing the most regular and underappreciated of tasks, and
he uses <i>what</i> they do as parables for the Kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus did not have to choose this route and teach in this
way.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus could have stayed in the synagogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could have hung around the court of
Pilate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could have went to the homes
of the elite and offered to tutor their children.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But Jesus chooses to be beside the sea with its sweat and
smell and songs of adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus could have used any image to discuss the Kingdom of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He could have used golden scepters and bejeweled crowns,
he could have used opulence and over-the-top characters.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But instead Jesus used what the people knew, who they
were-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Of the earth, from the land, attached to the seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In doing so, Jesus once again validates the sacredness of
the every day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Once again, he makes us marvel at the miracles in the
mundane.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He offers validity to what the people do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In other words, Jesus is saying to them “I SEE you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your reality is worthy of representing God
and the Kingdom of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Think about us right here in Highlands County.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We live where 376,000 acres are devoted to agriculture,
making up 53% of the ground around us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The market value of agricultural products we sold was
$196 million in 2017, making us the 12<sup>th</sup> highest in the state.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But yet, how often do we see state and national politicians
come our way to visit us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How often do we tell people where we are and the response
is “Where’s that?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last week we visited Rev. Kuiper at the Fort Meyers hospital
and each medical person who came in the room had to be taught a geography
lesson about Sebring.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Think about this- in a County in which 53% of the land is
agriculture based, how many of us know someone who works the land and plays a
part of putting orange juice in our glass and beef in our bellies?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How many people here in Highlands go unnoticed, doing
what they do so the people around them can eat?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">THOSE are the people that Jesus talks about today, they
are the people Jesus calls to follow, they are the people Jesus offers healing
and restoration to.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That is amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because by seeing them, by valuing what they do, that means
Jesus sees us too, that Jesus values who we are and what we do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is not easily impressed with magi and wisemen,
kings and scribes, politicians, and power players.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is at the water, sitting in a boat, no doubt
getting his clothes dirty and feet wet, and he is teaching while all around him
men fish and folk farm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And he says “Listen- a sower sows seed into good soil and
yields thirty, sixty, hundredfold.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus says “Listen- the Kingdom of God is a harvest of
ripe grain.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus says “Listen- the kingdom of God is like a teeny tiny
seed that grows into a home for the birds of the air.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And we are all the better because of it because once
again Jesus is saying that what we do matters, where we are matters, who we are
matters to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And that is exquisite information to have.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen and amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-74156268433469421242024-01-19T20:14:00.004-05:002024-01-19T20:14:19.485-05:00The House of Jesus (?); Mark 2:1-12<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jan 14, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark 2:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the streaming service HULU there is a new documentary
on world famous entertainer Raffaella Carra.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Born in Italy, Raffaella was the Beyonce of the 70’s and
80’s, putting on stunning shows with dazzling outfits.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Raffaella was adored in Italy, but when she toured South
America, the people went into a near religious frenzy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Their love for her was so great that her fans began to idolize
her like a saint or a deity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There is a clip where Rafaella is trying to make it
across the street and the crowds have descended upon her to the point that she
can barely move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see someone reach
out a hand, and pluck a strand of hair from her head.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This image of people wanting a piece of her, interrupting
her intimacy is like today’s reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark tells us Jesus has returned to Capernaum and is now at
home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus was in the wilderness where the demons dwell, being
baptized and meeting us in our loneliness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus has been at the work site of Andrew and James who
were fishing and mending broken nets.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus has been in Peter’s house, where he entered the
most private of places to bring healing to the family matriarch, affirming her personhood
and role.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then, like Raffaella and Beyonce, Jesus embarks on a tour
of Galilee, sharing his bright light, proclaiming the good news, evangelizing
to everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When his tour wraps up with remarkable success, he returns
to Capernaum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Word gets out that he’s at home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">People crowd around Jesus, so much there’s no room, not
even by the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next thing you know “Bang”, “Crack”, “Whoosh,” the
ceiling falls in and a man on a mat living with paralysis is lowered down by four
of best friends.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holy Maria and Madonna!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Raffaella had a fan take a string of hair from her head, here Jesus has
men take the roof off his house!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I just
say “his house”, as in the house of Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Haven’t we always been told that Jesus was a wanderer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haven’t we heard again and again that Jesus
was homeless?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Doesn’t Jesus himself say in Matthew 8:20 </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">(and Luke 9:58)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"> that the
Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark 2:2 says that Jesus is “at home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is this possible?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Welcome, sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers to the
wonderful world of the UCC where we take scripture and look at it very closely and
try to figure things out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark, which is the first Gospel written, and said to be
the most historically accurate, has done something to further expand our mind
and our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark makes it clear that Jesus is headquartered in
Capernaum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark also says that Jesus is
at home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But what does home mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Does home mean that Jesus is staying at his Momma’s
house, eating up all her food and letting out all of her electricity?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe this is Peter’s house and after being healed, his
mother-in-law said to Jesus “You are now part of the family; our house is your
home.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Does home mean that Jesus is at home the same way we feel
when we return to our childhood town; or how we feel when we go to our favorite
spot in the world, like the beach, or Back Bay Mission?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Does Mark mean “home” as in “heart” or home as in “house”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark is not here to answer our questions, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so we will never know, but here is the
beautiful thing- <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">we now have another opportunity to think deeper about
Jesus and why we follow him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When Jesus was speaking to the people, and they filled
the home, blocked the door, and took down the roof…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…does it mean more to you historically, theologically, spiritually
if this was the actual home of Jesus; or does it mean more to you to think of Jesus
as a 30-year-old homeless man?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the traditional way of viewing Jesus as a wanderer of
the land who depends on the kindness of others, we see the value of hospitality
and how our Savior depended on the food, shelter, and goodness of others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So if Jesus depended on the welcome of others, then we
should do our best to welcome the hungry, the cold, the traveler.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand…if Jesus actually had a home, and he actually
had day to day upkeep and day to day responsibilities, like sweeping the floors,
going to the market, then that makes Jesus more real…. more human…more like <i>us.</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And if Jesus actually had a home with bills and things to
get done, then this means Jesus really knows what it’s like to be us; like
really really know.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which means that all Jesus taught, all he said about
blessed are you who hunger, blessed are you who thirst wasn’t just cool-sounding
poetry, but that he knew, he actually knew.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which means that when Jesus toured the nation, when he
went from desserts to storms at sea to standing before Pilate…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…he could have been safely at home in his PJS, undisturbed,
watching the Great British Bakeoff on Netflix.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which means when those crowds filled the room, it was his
living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When those four guys cut a hole in the roof, it was his
roof!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">I can’t tell you what to believe or how the Holy Spirit is
calling you to understand this text, but for me, today…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…for me, today I feel even closer to Jesus than before because
it indicates “for me” that Jesus really put everything on the line and he
really gave it all to us and everyone around us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So that we can be witnesses to the Kingdom of Heaven, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">so that we can see Heaven on Earth,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">so that we can experience our stupid, stupid mistakes
being forgiven,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">so that we can be reminded that we are not forgotten, we
are not forsaken, we are not insignificant.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">If Jesus really had his own house, and if Jesus really
really allowed his roof to be taken down and his front door blocked, we have an
even more amazing image of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That not only did Jesus choose to begin his ministry by
going into the wilderness where the wild things are and our loneliness dwells,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Not only did he go into our places of honest work and
broken nets,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Not only did he go into our homes, and into our most
intimate spaces and validate our mundane day to day tasks,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus invites us into his home, Jesus invites us into his
house, to evangelize, to speak, to heal, to forgive, to restore.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The home of Jesus is indeed the house of the Lord…and we
are invited in, and we are all worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And that is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-910089678588458102024-01-07T07:35:00.006-05:002024-01-07T07:35:46.964-05:00Jesus Honors the Everyday; Sermon for Jan 7, 2024<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jan 7, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark 1:21-31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last June we witnessed a horrific experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 men went undersea to view the Titanic and
died in a catastrophic implosion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There was a tide of reactions as it captured our worse fears
- deep, deep waters, claustrophobia, no way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It was chilling to think of those men under all that
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There were those who felt no sympathy- these men were
billionaires going on a foolish trip, spending foolish money.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why were we discussing them dying horribly while the rest
of the world was horribly suffering- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>starving children in Somalia, 26 million
people in Yemen struggling to meet the most basic of needs?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 men died underwater while in Haiti 51 people died in
floods and 6,000 were evacuated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Where is our focus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who do we deem important and worthy of our collective attention?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Grace goes out equally to the families and children affected
by the lives lost in the Titanic tragedy, Somali, Yemen, and Haiti.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we continue journeying with Jesus as he travels
through the landscape of Mark.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">After last week’s reading it has become clearer what an
amazing, unique message Mark has.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark does not begin with the birth announcement of Matthew.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark does not begin in the Temple with an angel like
Luke.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark does not feature profound poetry like John.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark starts in the bleakest, loneliest place one can be-
the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark chooses to tell us the Good News of Jesus Christ by
first bringing us to a place of absolute nothingness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the wilderness where all the demons and wild things
run free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the wilderness where
loneliness is real and comfort does not exist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">THAT is where Mark dares to begin and introduce us to the
Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">From the wilderness, we see Jesus baptized, tempted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he enters the land of the living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He proclaims, he tells.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He sees Simon and Andrew fishing and says “Follow me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees James and John mending and says “Follow
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He sees a man enslaved by an unclean spirit and sets him
free.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He enters the home of Simon and upon hearing that his
mother-in-law is unwell in bed, Jesus enters her room and gives her the gift of
wellness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There is something astounding about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus embarks on his ministry, note who he
interacts with and where he goes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus goes to where the people are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes to the most everyday, typical
locations, where everyday people are doing everyday things.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He goes to the lake where hard-working folk are trying
their best to earn a living.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He goes into the family home, the most basic and
important of all dwellings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus goes into this woman’s bedroom, the most intimate
and personal of spaces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">She has probably worked so hard and done so much that she’s
exhausted in bed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus dared to reach out a hand, lift her up, and she’s
made well.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">She becomes the first person in Mark to experience a
non-demon related miracle of healing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Side note- once the fever leaves, she immediately served
them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever wonder if she was like “Dang,
I really just wanted to sleep!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But do you hear this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How amazingly mundane this all is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus first comes to men who are fishing; meets men who
are mending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He goes into a multi-generational household to heals the
matriarch.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The salvation of Heaven and gifts of the Good News are first
given to regular, everyday people who <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">have seen their share of storms, dealt with their share of
broken stuff, who tend to tasks like sweeping, washing, and figuring out how to
make a dollar feed a family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is to the people, the most vulnerable, the most
underappreciated that Jesus goes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Yes, Jesus goes to the local synagogue, but he doesn’t first
go to the majestic and mighty Temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
does not go to the council of chief priests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He does not go to the courtyard of Pilate or the backroom
where billionaires make deals.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe if he had, he would not have been so feared,
perhaps he would not have been killed, perhaps he would have been instructed
how he could use his talents to make a buck.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That is not what Jesus does.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He goes out into the world, out to where ordinary life
takes place, and he sees, and he speaks, he hears and he offers a hand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus says to those who work and those who mend and those
who worship and those who are feeling unwell.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Follow me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
made well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sit up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand strong.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we celebrate 34 years of serving Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we celebrate 34 years of doing our best
to be Christ to the community.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we are thankful for all the ways in which Jesus has
met us, and continues to meet us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are those of us who have been following Jesus from
birth, those of us who are new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are those of us who found Jesus when we were the
most broken, the most unwell, the most tortured by spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are those of us who feel like we are following
Jesus anew with enriched insight and a different understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Whoever you are, wherever you are- in the wilderness, by
the sea, in the church, at home, sick in bed, Jesus will meet you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus will come to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus knows who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Jesus is ready to call, ready to hear, ready to extend a hand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is ready to say “Bienvenidos- Welcome into the
Kingdom of God and welcome into the Extended Faith Family of Heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-4319649038884912702024-01-02T10:40:00.004-05:002024-01-02T10:40:37.174-05:00Remembering Our Baptism; Mark 1:1-11<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dec 31, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark 1:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">After weeks of anticipation, our Christmas Season nears
its end.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today is Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday our Puerto Rican friends will celebrate
Dia de Los Reyes Magos- when The Wise Men come to Jesus with gold, frankincense,
and myrrh.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">These stories appear in Matthew and Luke, but not in Mark.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mark’s Gospel does not begin in a Temple or a home, or
feature shepherds or Reyes Magos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
begins in the wilderness with a call to baptism.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How interesting that Wise Men travel from afar, so they
can come to a town and offer gifts to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">While Mark has people leave their towns so they can travel
into the wilderness to leave their sins behind and be baptized.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In Matthew, the Wise Men travel to see the face of Jesus,
but in Mark, Jesus travels to the people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">While the Wise Men travel to give Jesus worldly gifts of
economic value, Mark has Jesus travel to the people so they can receive gifts
of the Heavenly kind.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Matthew shows Jesus receiving gold and myrrh, but Mark shows
Jesus traveling to us so we can receive goodness and eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Here we are- the mystery and “the why?” and wonder of
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That while Jesus is the Son of David, the Son of God, Jesus
does not use those titles to demand or seek gifts, rewards and accolades.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Instead, Jesus as the Son of David, Son of God, uses his
position to seek us out, to give us heavenly gifts and to welcome us into the
Kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last week we prepared for Heaven to enter into our world
through the birth of Mary’s Baby.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we prepare to become participants of Heaven through
the words, miracles and actions of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">John invites folk into the wilderness so they can turn
from their mistakes and be baptized in preparation for the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus comes to John to be baptized and begin his earthly ministry
and heal the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus does not go to the Temple or City Hall, he does not
go to the University…he goes to where the people are-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He goes into the wilderness, the lonely place, the scary
place, the deserted place.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">If Jesus were in Germany, he would have gone into the
Black Forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Jesus was in Florida,
he may have gone to the Everglades.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus go into the mysterious, unsafe place to be baptized
and to begin his ministry to us and his ministry for Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How amazing that Jesus as the Son of God, doesn’t simply
sit on a throne and say “You want to be healed, you want to be loved, you want to
be seen- come and grovel at my feet.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus comes to the wilderness where we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is baptized alongside us so that he can
speak and share and be the Good News.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we have a chance to meet Jesus again and to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today, no matter who you are, no matter where you have
been in your journey, no matter what cities, towns, desserts you have traveled
through, you are invited to come forward.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">You already confessed within your heart, you’ve already
received the gifts of forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
you have repented, you are ready to recall and restore.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">You are invited to come to this Holy Font, to
reexperience the waters of Heaven and to remember your baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-85744649454660384872023-12-26T11:35:00.002-05:002023-12-26T11:35:10.033-05:00Jesus Reshapes Our Language; Luke 1:57-64<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dec 24, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Luke 1:57-64<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This morning we gather with anticipation for the birth of
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today there will be Carols sung, ancient scriptures read,
and candles lit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is a joy to welcome Baby Jesus into our lives, to
remember that even in the cold of winter there is a Light.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Another chance to journey to Bethlehem, another chance to
follow Jesus, another chance to transform our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Perhaps for today, following Jesus could mean paying
attention to how Jesus inspires our language and changes the words we use.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For example, how Jesus will inspire us to call God “Papa”,
and how Jesus will use the word “Blessed” to describe those who have difficult
days.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But first- a language lesson, a lesson in something called
“phrasal verbs.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Phrasal verbs are something all native English speakers
use and most of are unaware of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Apparently, all of us who grew up speaking English have a
particular way of communicating that we are not aware of.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Phrasal verbs are used to describe things we are doing, about
to do, or have done, such as “stand up”, “sit down” and “get away”.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But for those who speak another language and are trying
to learn English, these phrases make no sense.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why say “stand up” when all we have to say is “stand”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why say “sit down”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course when we sit, we are sitting down.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How did “get away” even become a phrase?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you “get” away?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We say these phrasal verbs all the time, unaware we are
doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">English has over 100 phrasal verbs that take up much
space and time in our communication that could be spent sharing more chisme or
drinking more Cafecito.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">No wonder people who speak Spanish sound like they’re
speaking so fast because they don’t have all these extra words.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is fascinating when we learn about speech, what we say,
such as today’s reading. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Zechariah has been unable to speak for 9 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife Elizabeth gives birth and when
Zechariah confirms her choice of names, he has his speech restored and begins to
praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Gives birth” and “Begins to” are both phrasal verbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Language is so fascinating.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">As stated in the beginning of today’s message, one of the
many gifts Jesus gives us is the gift of language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus will teach us new ways to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">1<sup>st</sup>- Jesus will change what we call God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For nearly 2,000 years the extended faith
family has called God things like Yahweh, Lord, Elohim.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">All powerful, stately sounding names, holy and royal, but
in some ways, they are impersonal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">With just one prayer, Jesus changes that forever.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus teaches us how to pray and how to address the Lord as
“Abba.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abba means “Father.” But it’s more
intimate than. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Abba is up close and personal, gentle.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Think of Abba as Daddy. Pa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Papi, Pa-pa, tatay (ta-die), baba.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus changes our speech to address God, creating the
image of a parent who is there to care for, love, provide and be there.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus changes how we address God, which changes how we
interact with God, and how we understand God to be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus encourages us to speak of God as one who lifts us
up, twirls us around, cares with a calming heart and endearing spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Another transformative use of language that Jesus does is
the use of the word “Blessed.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In Luke 6 Jesus is with the crowds out in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people are living with diseases, enduring
great pain, troubled minds, and paralysis of various kinds.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus is amongst people who are very worried, very
scared, people who have been mistreated, unseen, blamed for their lot in life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus calls them an unexpected name- he calls them “Blessed.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In a world with so many words and ways to describe people
living with sores on the bodies, tears in their eyes, and trouble in their
spirits, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus chooses to call them “blessed.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">His words change everything.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus says “Blessed are you who are poor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Blessed are you who are hungry.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus says “Blessed are you who are crying and depressed
and feeling the winter gloom.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus could have called this group of people anything, anything
at all, and yet he chooses to call them <i><u>“Blessed.”</u></i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And by calling them <i><u>Blessed</u></i> Jesus gives them
hope, Jesus fills them with inspiration, Jesus is saying “You are seen and you
MATTER.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For months we’ve asked <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the question “Why Jesus?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today, another answer comes our way- because Jesus changes
how we speak, Jesus shapes the words that we use.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus changes the world, with nothing more than air and sound
and letters pieced together.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus changes how we see God, how we see others, how we see
ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So as we prepare for tonight, as we prepare to make way
for the Light of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Let us also get ready to reevaluate how we speak, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">what we say, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">and reimagine what words mean.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For the words we use are the words that can bring hope
for the world <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">and usher in brave new beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-88666278296098966872023-12-17T09:03:00.004-05:002023-12-17T09:03:20.006-05:00Rebuilding Community; Ezra 3:10-13<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dec 17, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ezra 3:10-13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A few weeks ago at Bible Study we were reflecting upon family,
Thanksgiving, traditions, days in the past and moments in the now.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lisa was sharing what it’s been like this year with decorations
and classic shows. At one moment she said, “I remember what that felt like.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">She said it with enthusiasm, a memory to summon hope for
the world, summarizing what the time between November 23 and January 6 is
supposed to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“I remember what that felt like.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The warmth of an oven filled with a turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fantasia of colors and flickering lights.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anticipation of coming to church on
Christmas Eve to sing “Silent Night” in a darkened sanctuary.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“I remember what that felt like.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joy, the love…yet there is also the pain,
the loss.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s reading captures all of this so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We come to a complicated time in Jerusalem’s
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 50 years ago they were
viciously attacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Temple was burned
to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A group of people are taken away to Babylon, as is all of
the Temple’s cups, plates, silver, gold.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For fifty years, their house of worship lays desolate, it’s
altar, chairs, steps no more, forcing the people to find a way to worship God,
to maintain their spiritual identity, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">to remember what it felt like when things were the way
they were.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Fifty years have passed, and their enemy has been
defeated and the people get to go back home, and are encouraged to rebuild-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">to rebuild their homes, rebuild their fields, rebuild
their Temple.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The first thing they do is set up the altar- the place
where they offered gifts to God, the place where they showed thanks, repentance,
community.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is a day to remember- a big day in which they give
offerings from sunup to sundown.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the plans to lay the foundation; folk give generously
for the masons and carpenters.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the 2<sup>nd</sup> year of return the foundation is
done and all of Jerusalem attends from priests in bright robes to musicians
with cymbals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The people shout with gladness for once more they will
have a Temple…but then we are told of the elders who weep loudly as they remember
the first Temple.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are family heads, religious leaders, who cry and
sob while the crowd shouts and celebrates.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The author tells us that at this vital moment, you could
not distinguish the tears from the laughter, the sobs from the singing…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">… this is perhaps one of the most “accurate” stories in
scripture, regardless if it really happened this way or not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This moment of a community coming together and having two
different responses couldn’t be any more true than if we were watching it
unfold in real time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How many of us here today can relate to those who are
crying out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How close to home does this
hit in a post-COVID world?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How close to home is this for Emmanuel after a summer of
having to worship in the Fellowship Hall not because we wanted to but because we
had to?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How many people here today are finding that this is not
really “tis the season”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How do we shout for joy when Maureen has died without any
of us having the chance to say goodbye, and Miss Roxie has moved to South
Carolina?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Scholars ask why the people cry, but the real question is
“How can they not?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are those crying for what has been lost, crying for
folk who are no longer there.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are those who are having the reality of their trauma
set in.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then there is another element- “Just how long is this going
to take?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Sure, they put up the altar and yes they laid the foundation,
but now they got to put up the walls, put in hallways, install the seats.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Who’s going to go to Marshalls and TJMAX and Sams Club to
get the pottery and artwork and tchotchkes and bulletin boards?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How many committees and subcommittees is this going to
take?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s the budget; what’s the timeline?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">As with any project there are probably those who are excited
about all the moving parts…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">and then there are those who may be thinking- <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Big deal- we put in the foundation, but it is a long time
to go before this is completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Will any of it matter; will I be around to see it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some see all the steps this endeavor will take, and they
are excited; others see all the steps that are left to take and probably feel overwhelmed,
defeated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And the truth is, this project is going to take a good 23
years to be completed, so many of those alive to shout and sob today will not
be there tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But here is one thing to consider- this is not just a
story about rebuilding the Temple…this is a story about the rebuilding of the
community.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The community that was bonded by what the Temple meant,
were wounded when the Temple was gone, and is coming back together with each
altar, each foundation, each wall that is built.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a story about community, a community being
restored, a community feeling a multitude of feelings all at once- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>joy and sadness, loss and hopefulness, grief,
and gladness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because that’s what it means to be part of a
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it means to be united
around a common theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What does it mean when a community allows space for
people to feel different ways and to show their emotions?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Notice how the author does not try to dismiss the weeping
or hide their presence; instead the author creates space for all the people,
feeling all the emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which is what Jesus does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">As we wait for the birth of Jesus, who becomes the living
Balm of Gilead, as we prepare to once more sing “Silent Night”, we are mindful
of who Jesus is and why we follow him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That Jesus created a compassionate community in which
there was space for sorrow at night <i>and</i> joy in the morning, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In which you can mourn and be blessed; in which friends
do die, and as Jesus demonstrated himself, it is ok to weep for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“I remember what that felt like,” Lisa said a few weeks
ago; today we are reminded that we also remember.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In those memories, there is joy and there is pain, there
is gladness and there is sorrow, there is hope and there is melancholy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And with all those shared emotions comes another
opportunity for compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Another reason why we follow Christ, another reason why
we as Emmanuel shine a light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And that is OK because that is what it means to be human,
and that is what it means to be part of the family, the community of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That even in our sorrow there is a Balm of Gilead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because Jesus is that Balm, we are able
to laugh and we are able to weep, we are able to extend compassion and we are
worthy of being comforted.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-28627641339429329922023-12-03T17:25:00.003-05:002023-12-03T17:25:29.831-05:00Heaven's Wine; Jeremiah 33:10-16<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dec 3, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jeremiah 33:10-16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas is a special season; an emotional season; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a season of joy; a season of sadness; <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">a season of anticipation; a season of stress; <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">a season of remembering times past; a season of making memories
that are new.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas is the time to share a tradition like watching
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, while it is also a reminder of who is not there to
watch it with.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas is a time to decorate the tree and recall the
memory attached to each ornament while also adding new ornaments that will have
new stories to tell.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas is a time to be thankful for those who are in
your life while mourning those who are gone, or slipping away.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas is a combination of joy and grief, hope and hopelessness,
fondness and unfairness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas is honoring the light in the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a baby in a manger, it is shepherds in
a field, it is you and I traveling once again to Bethlehem to see what God can
do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And part of what God is preparing to do is to bring
Heaven right here on earth in the form of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which makes today’s reading so wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we have discussed since September and all
we are preparing to do appears in this text.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today is a reading written during a time of despair and uncertainty,
a time when the nation is in chaos and the extended family of God is in
mourning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jeremiah’s words are to the people of Jacob and Rachel,
Ruth and Boaz.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Things have not been so good for their kin- the family
chisme tells us there has been all this in-fighting, poor decisions, deceit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Each generation of Jacob’s family has lost their focus,
they have strayed from the teachings that King Josiah had rediscovered.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So the land is suffering, the economy has tanked, their
family bonds have been decimated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jeremiah addresses this, but then he does something so
beautiful- instead of saying “That’s it- the family is over”, he brings in a
source of light and hope.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Hold on,” he says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The parade is about to begin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
is ready to do something new.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Soon there will be weddings again, soon their will be
songs of joy, sounds of mirth, there will be singing and thanksgiving.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">To this broken extended faith family of God who haven’t had
a reason to celebrate in years, Jeremiah says “A wedding is about to happen soon,
and God has put your invitation in the mail.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This will be a time of food, festivities and wine
flowing, made from grapes that are so so good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Hold on,” is the message from God “Watch how heaven
breaks in.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…If you recall, back in September we did Stump The Pastor
and someone suggested John 2- the Wedding at Cana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">I said how perfect it was after the Sabbatical because during
the summer I had come to learn more about the Latin community and how
instrumental the family is, and family gatherings are.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In John 2 we saw Jesus and Mary attend a wedding in which
they ran out of wine, so Jesus turned water into something delicious- good
wine, “the best wine.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Old Testament, wine was used to represent the
inbreaking of Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When writers and prophets wanted to express God’s Kingdom
here on earth, they used wine to represent how wonderful God’s heaven is.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Wine, freely flowing, shared by all, overfilling our
cups, was a way to symbolize the presence of God in the here and now.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So when Jeremiah offers this image of mirth and gladness
of a bride and bridegroom, we can imagine the food and drink that is present,
such as goblets of wine filled with sacred juice of the vine.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A few weeks ago we discussed Isaiah’s image of God being
the wine maker, making the ground good for us to grow as grapes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In other words, God tills the soil so we can become the
products and participants of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So in some ways we get to drink the wine of Heaven as
well as become part of the wine.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Let’s take this image to the wedding of Canaan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve heard this story so many times but now,
let us hear it in a different way.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jeremiah 33 points to a time when there will be a bridegroom
and a bride and there will be songs and laughter, joy, and mirth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">John 2 presents to us a day when such a wedding occurs, when
family and friends and the entire town come together.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What happens- Jesus turns water into wine, not just any
old wine, but the best, the most choice.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But Jesus does not act alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It involves his mother encouraging him as
only a mom can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It involves a multitude
of workers who carry the stone jars to and from the well, filling it with
water.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It takes the steward to taste, the servants to serve, the
participants to drink <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the entire community
to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Wedding at Cana is not just about a miracle, it’s an
act of Heaven breaking into the world and everyone being recipients of it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It's about the extended faith family coming together and
being part of an ancient tradition that creates new memories.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It’s about Jesus finding a way to fulfill the words of
Jeremiah, who said to the people that though they can’t see it now, the Kingdom
of God is real, and the ways of Heaven will arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This promise of Jeremiah that Jesus makes real does not
dismiss the darkness, nor ignore the pain that life entails, but it points us
to a promise and an image, and a sound of what joy can look like.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So as we embark on our journey to Bethlehem, as we
prepare to see the face of the Christ Child again, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">lets us be aware of the loss and stress and grief we have
endured, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">but also look beyond to the heavenly possibilities that
await for us, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">as individuals and as members of this amazing extended
faith family known as Emmanuel.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen and amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-61151519769711673862023-11-26T08:26:00.005-05:002023-11-26T08:26:56.670-05:00In God There is ALWAYS Another Chance; Sermon on 2 Kings 22:1-11<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">November 26, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 Kings 22:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A few days ago our nation came together to remember a
meal, a time in our country’s heritage in which our ancestors had survived one
of the harshest of seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So they celebrated with a supper featuring foods that
connected their past, their present, and the local indigenous people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There are stories and memories that is passed down about
that meal, and who knows what is true, what is fabricated, and what was hoped
for.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But like the story of Manna from Heaven, or the Loaves
and Fishes, the story we hear and tell about America’s first Thanksgiving is
one that is meant to remind us of where we have come from, how far we have gone,
and fill us with hope about future possibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What really happened, who was there, what was actually said
and eaten is left for our collective imagination, passed down generation to
generation, meant to unite us, and remind us of what we look like when we are
at our best.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Same can be said about today’s scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is presented as a fact, but there has
always been the question about the historical accuracy of 2 Kings and if things
really happened as reported.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s reading is an example of how sometimes the Bible
is more interested in telling us an idea than it is in offering investigative journalism
that can stand up in a court of law.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s story goes like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once upon a time in the South, there was a
bad bad king who did bad bad things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he dies, a new king took over and he was good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This new king decided that all the people who helped to
build the Temple, care for the Temple, and run the Temple should be paid.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So this good king has his assistants go and count the
money so he could pay all the workers what they deserve.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Well- when they went to count the money they found a very
special, very old book that belonged to Moses telling the King and all the
people what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This book featured the 10 Commandments and the Laws and
the rules about caring for orphans and widows and foreigners and plants and
animals and how resting on the Sabbath was important and it was never good to
spread lies about your neighbor or to steal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When this good good King was given this book, his heart
broke because he knew that his country had not been doing any of those things
for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So this good king reached out to a very smart, very wise
woman named Huldah, and she said “Because you have empathy and care deeply
about all the wrong that has been done, and because you are sorry and have
cried for your people, the Lord has heard your heart and you will live in and
die in peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is a beautiful narrative designed to tell the people
how their nation and King was able to remember what it is like to follow the
ways of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is a story full of a large cast of characters, great coincidence,
in which the narrator invites us in, and makes it sound as if that is exactly
how it happened.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">I don’t know about you, but I am OK if this story is
fabricated just a bit, if the facts have been fudged, if the who what where
when and why could never be proven .<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because what it so likeable about this story is the idea
that no matter what, no matter who, no matter where, no matter why-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">in God there is always another chance, there is always
another opportunity, there is always another moment to say “Let’s make it
right.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a story about what happens when a person, a
community, a nation forgets, and not only that- forgets that they even forgot…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…and somehow, someway the Word of God comes along and
they are reminded, they are moved, and their heart says “What have we done?”
and “What can we do?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s reading is about the glorious gift of grace and new
chances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about that lost coin,
that lost sheep, that trampled grape vine and the way in which God enters in
and a new opportunity is presented.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And note, this story of new beginnings and peaceful redemption
doesn’t just involve one person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
not just about one king who happens to be good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a story that involves a multitude of people- <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">mothers, daughters, great-grandparents, sons, priests,
workers, carpenters, builders, masons, handymen, purchasers, accountants, administrators,
female prophets, wardrobe assistants.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">On Thursday, we got to share a meal, a sacred national
supper in which our memories were focused on a time when we overcame the worst
to face our best.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we share a story, a sacred community story, in
which our memories are focused on a time when the nation of God was at their
worst and rediscovered who they are, what they were meant to be, and how to
best live their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Those who took part in that moment in time got to live
out a life of peace and die with content hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">May we, as members of Emmanuel, as followers of Christ,
as grapes of the vine and members of the extended faith family of God, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">May we also find our own ways to remember and reapply all
that we have learned, all we know to be true, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">so that we can live as if God’s Kingdom is on earth and
experience the gifts of heavenly peace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-17955059065704956282023-11-18T14:33:00.005-05:002023-11-18T14:33:31.915-05:00Grapes of Gratitude; Nov 19 2023 sermon on Isaiah 5:1-7<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nov 19, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Isaiah 5:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last week we saw Jesus as a small-town son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well - Isaiah is a southern boy, prophesizing
to the lower part of the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">If storytelling is an art form in small towns, natured based
sayings are essential to the south.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“She hasn’t got the sense God gave a goose.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s pitching a hissy fit with a tail tied
to it.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Sayings that expect you to have some idea of what a goose,
possum and tater are.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last week, we heard Hosea use family terms to express God’s
relationship with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, Isaiah uses
agricultural terms.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He portrays God as a grape-growing wine maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT not the bourgeoise kind of landowner who
hires others to do the work.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The God that Isaiah offers us is like the Lady in Luke 5 who
looks for the Lost Coin, who sweeps the floor, gets on her hands and knees to
search every nook and cranny.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Isaiah’s image of God is similar- hands on and willing to
dig in the dirt, clear away stones, who prunes and plants with precision.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Isaiah portrays God as intentional, caring, creating safe
boundaries with watchtowers and plenty of water.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In verse 7, the people of God are presented as a <i>pleasant
planting</i> expected to produce justice and righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Verses 1-3 have this image of God as Robert Mondavi, and
Old McDonald.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It’s like Genesis 2 in which God digs into the mud to form
Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Isaiah does not show God as distant or disinterested, but
God as hands on, all in and covered in muck, manure and mulch.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which brings us to today’s thought- if this image of God
as vintner is to be embraced…what kind of grape do see yourself as?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Not all grapes are the same; there are so many varieties-
muscadine, merlot, chardonnay.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">If you like Isaiah’s image of God as a grape grower, what
kind of grape do you see yourself to be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Sweet or bitter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mild or tart?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Apple juicy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large
and delicious?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Would you say you are a Hardier European?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ripe and black?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dark and sun warmed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cuban wild?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What kind of spiritual grape would you call yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The praying kind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Preaching kind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The host and hospitality
kind?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What kind of spiritual grape are you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The feeding hungry bodies kind?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The educating minds kind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The caring for church property kind?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What kind of spiritual grape are you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Grape of gratitude?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Surf and sun kind?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Monitoring the money kind?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So many grapes and so many different varieties-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Are you the Living in simplicity kind, studying world
religions kind, slowing down to enjoy the day kind, the “hopeful expectation”
kind?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So many grapes that God grows, each with their own uniqueness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There is the more extended faith family and communal question-What
kind of grape is Emmanuel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When the Holy Spirit saw fit for our church to be planted
in 1990 there was a purpose in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What kind of grape is Emmanuel UCC?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The FL Conference, founding pastor and founding
members had an idea in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Back when Rev. Loffer was alive, he said that Emmanuel UCC
was founded to be a “progressive presence in central, rural Florida.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We have been that grape, which some have found to be sweet,
some have found to be sour.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What kind of grape is Emmanuel UCC?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For what purpose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Over the years we’ve proclaimed that we are the variety that
believes in justice, kindness and humility; we are the variety that has a passion
for God and compassion for all. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Over the years we’ve been a particular vineyard of God
that feeds 150 families a month in addition to 5 local agencies.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We are a vineyard that shows up, speaks out, stands up
and stands with.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Over the years this vineyard has been one of education,
illumination, collaboration, one of spirit, soul, multiculturalism, Pride, and
Women’s equity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We are a vineyard that is Open and Affirming and still growing
into what else we can be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">If Isaiah was alive today, what sassy southern saying
would he say about us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“They’re as happy as clams at high tide.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Many hands make a light load.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Say yer prayers n blessin.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe he would say “They’re alive and living, sweet and
ripe, products of the Sun, filled with the Spirit, and Watered by the Word.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We are one of God’s beloved vineyards.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">As such, we continue to grow and learn, live and love, in
passion and compassion, justice and kindness, followers of Christ, lovers of
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen and Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-5265287469275470562023-11-12T09:01:00.003-05:002023-11-12T09:01:24.614-05:00God As Sacred Feminine- Nov 12 2023 sermon on Hosea 11:1-12<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nov 12, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hosea 11: 1-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus was pretty much a small-town boy living in a rural
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like those born and raised in
small towns, there were certain things Jesus liked.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He cared about his Momma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t mind talking about God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He loved a good meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hung out
with folks who worked the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could
tell a good story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Storytelling is currency in small towns- the ability to
spin a yarn, give the right amount of detail, talk about things people knew and
did on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">One day, Jesus told a story that was just 2 sentences
long- A woman loses a coin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she lights
a lamp, sweeps the house and searches carefully until she finds it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she calls her friends and over and says
“Let’s celebrate for what was lost is found.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This parable shows how God will search us out when we are
lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So simple, so sleek, so relatable.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Who hasn’t lost a $20 bill and searched high and low for
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Who hasn’t lost something at home and you’re moving
around furniture, reaching under the couch, lifting up cushions?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Who here hasn’t been at a point in their life in which you
needed to gather all your coins if you wanted to put gas in your car?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So we understand this woman’s plight, we appreciate her
search.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But there’s more going on here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is telling this story at a time in
which people do not have a tiled floor or white linoleum.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Wood was expensive so floors were made from pounded down dirt
or it thatch-style flooring, made of straw, water reed, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So this woman isn’t just looking for a lost coin, she’s putting
in the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s getting dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s having to look between the crevices and
hiding places the straw and reeds can create.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And she does not stop, she does not quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She keeps lighting the way, sweeping the
path, seeking through the earth, peering in the palms until she finds that most
valuable, exquisite, one-of-a-kind, important coin- YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And then she celebrates with joy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Do you notice the radicalness of this narrative- Jesus
dares to portray God as a woman, and not just any woman, but a salt-of-the-earth
kind of woman who does housework and uses a broom!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Think of how amazing this is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a time in history in which women were not
valued, or seen as trustworthy witnesses in a court of law, a time in which
daughters could be sold off as things…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus dares to compare the God of All Creation as a
woman, a She, a Her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For weeks now we’ve been asking “Why Jesus?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have another answer- because Jesus’ faith
and understanding of God was so great that he could see God as a woman and not be
all upset.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We share this parable from Luke 15:8-10 because it gives
us one of the few times the Bible portrays God as the Sacred Feminine…but it’s
not the only time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Proverbs portrays Wisdom as a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah shows God as a mother offering
comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s reading from the Book of Hosea is pure Sacred Feminine
as we have God the parent who teaches the people how to walk, lifts them up,
and bends down to feed them- a reference to breast feeding.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Imagine that- within our holy text is an image of God
breast-feeding the lost people of Israel, providing them with sacred milk.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This whole passage is like an oasis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words appear like green grass in the
middle of a spiritual dessert in which the prophet Hosea is going on and on
about the sins of the people, the many, many tragic mistakes they have made.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This passage takes place after God goes on a rant about
just how disappointed, how hurt God is by the actions of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, the Heavenly Matriarch of the Family saying
to all the sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins
and grandparents-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“What’s happened to our family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t how it was supposed to be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you were a baby, I called you for my own,
but you kept running away.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, heartbroken saying “You were raised better
than this, but you keep going against all that you were taught so now the whole
place is in chaos.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, the fed-up head of the household saying “Day
after day I watch you hurting yourself, hurting others, and hurting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I should just give up on you…forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, the Heavenly Mother who says “But how can I
turn my back on you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My womb that
carried you is filled with love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember your first steps.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“I remember when I held you to my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember when I held you to my heart and
you suckled from my breasts.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God saying “No matter what you have done, no
matter what hurt you have caused, no matter what horrible experiences you have
endured, you are still my child, and I will always, always love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, as the Mother who waits up all night for her
child to come back from the prom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is God, the parent who waits for their child to come back from war.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, as parent who keeps the light on and a plate
of food in the fridge.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God, who like the woman in Jesus’ parable, does
not stop, does not quit, who is willing to dig in the dirt or look through the
thatch if that’s what it takes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Good News for us, for all of us, is knowing that no
matter what mistakes we make, no matter what sins we have committed, we can
always turn back to God, we can always return to Home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For that, let us say “Amen.”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-73514956668851469892023-11-11T10:24:00.001-05:002023-11-11T10:24:08.520-05:00Sitting In the Green Grass with Jesus; Nov 5 2023 sermon- 1 Kings 18:20-40<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nov 5, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 Kings 18:20-40<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It’s been 60 years since we last gathered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King Rehoboam messed up everything by
choosing to overwork and abuse his extended faith family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So bad was this decision that he was chased
out of town into the south.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The northern part of the nation has split away, and
things have gotten out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Our distant 3<sup>rd</sup> cousins twice removed are
living in Carmel doing all sorts of unholy things.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Instead of worshipping God and following the 10
Commandments, the people are worshipping the pagan god baal who requires the sacrifice
of children.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">These long distant cousins of ours believe that baal
brings the rain and causes crops to grow, so if baal requires burning their
first born alive, that’s what they’ll do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This upsets and angers God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could this have happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could 10 of the 12 Tribes of Father Jacob
resort to such a thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How could they forget God who freed their ancestors from
slavery and led them to the land of Milk and Honey?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The unholy, ungrateful actions of the people causes a
drought to spread across the land, limiting access to water, making it hard to
live.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The prophet Elijah sees the suffering of the people, he
knows their hunger, he is aware of their thirst, but he also sees their sin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In a show of grandiosity, Elijah comes up with a plan to
pit God against baal to prove that God is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Elijah so wants the people to turn back to the way things were, turn
back to the Commandments, turn back to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But did ya’ll notice something in today’s reading?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you notice that the story seems to be
more about Elijah than it is about God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pay attention to the text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No where do we ever hear that any of this was
God’s plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At no point do we hear God
speak or confirm anything Elijah does.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What we get instead is Elijah being super zealous, openly
challenging the priests of baal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is Elijah who says “Hey, lets cut up a bull and see
which god sets it aflame!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is Elijah who taunts and teases the priests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Elijah who turns to bathroom comedy as
he suggests their god is asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is Elijah who puts on a grandiose show, rebuilding the
altar, digging a trench, slicing the bull like he’s a chef at Benihana, commanding
12 jugs of water being poured out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then Elijah’s prayer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A Dios Mio!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is sooo self-centered-
“O Lord- let it be known that you are God, and I am your servant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it be known that I have done these
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Answer me God, answer me.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Yes, we are told a fire of the Lord fell and burnt the
bull to a crisp…but really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Really Elijah?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">During a drought that lasted 42 months, Elijah thinks the
best use of God’s resources and time is to waste water and to send fire down to
bone-dry ground?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Really Elijah, really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He couldn’t think of a better way to show the people the glory of
God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He couldn’t think of another way to turn people’s hearts
back to God than burning a bull until nothing is left?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Really, Elijah, really?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…for the past 4 Sundays we have been asking the question “Why?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we follow Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And today’s answer is a really big “why” to balance
Elijah’s “really.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Our answer to “Why” is found in the Gospel of Mark, and
it is a beautiful “Why.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In Mark 6:30-44 we have the story where Jesus and the
disciples decide to go out into the dessert to be alone so that they can rest.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus and the disciples have been so busy preaching,
teaching, healing, that they just need some time in an Arizona-style spa.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But the townspeople hear about this and follow Jesus into
the dessert.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus looks upon them with compassion, seeing them as
sheep without a shepherd.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So Jesus teaches this crowd, who are hungry for the
Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when nighttime comes, they are
hungry for something else.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Seeing how hungry they are, Jesus tells the disciples to
feed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although there are just 5
loaves and 2 fish, Jesus does something amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In Mark 6:39, Jesus has the people sit down…on the green
grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Though they are in the desert, somehow, someway there is
a green pasture for them to sit upon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the hungry people sit on the green grass in the middle
of the dessert, Jesus takes the bread, takes the fish.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He looks up to heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He blesses the bread.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He breaks it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He gives the loaves to the disciples to set before the
folk.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then he divides the fish.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">All ate.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">All were satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 backets of leftovers are collected.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">As far as we know Jesus did not give a grandiose prayer;
Jesus did not say “me, me, me, I, I, I.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle of a dessert, as the people sat in green
pastures, Jesus blessed, Jesus broke, Jesus gave.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How utterly and completely different than Elijah who in
the middle of a drought ridiculed, wasted water, and sought fire to burn a bull
to ashes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Why Jesus?” we ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today we have another answer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because when Jesus looked upon the people, he had
compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus had the chance to
turn folk away, he welcomed them to sit down.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When Jesus had a chance to show God’s glory and might, it
was not done by wasting resources, it was not done by dazzling fire.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Instead, to show God’s glory, Jesus opted to take what
little they had…and turn it into much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When Jesus had the chance to show God’s might, it was
through compassion, it was through food, it was through meeting the needs of people
right where they were.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
Jesus didn’t just live the 10 Commandments, he embodied them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus showed Heaven on Earth not by sending down fire,
but by blessing, breaking and sharing bread.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because in him we see how the Lord is our Shepherd, we
shall not want.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Lord makes us lie down in green pastures, our souls
are restored, and goodness and mercy follows us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In Jesus our cup overflows, and we shall dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-30276621274460973932023-11-09T10:12:00.004-05:002023-11-09T10:12:53.115-05:00Jesus as King Who Gives Us Rest; Oct 29 2023 sermon on 1 Kings 12:1-19<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Oct 29, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 Kings 12:1-19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Since September, we’ve explored the concept of the extended faith family,
chisme, and the question “Why?”- why do we follow Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today, as we honor the Saints, remember the Reformation, and celebrate
the Gift of Grace, these themes unite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We watched as our Spiritual Forefather Jacob sinned against his brother and
did what he could to make it right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We heard God tell our Ancestor Moses “I AM WHO I AM” and offer the 10 Commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We witnessed a city of women come together to celebrate Naomi, Ruth, and
the birth of her child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We were there when King David unified the nation around the Ark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today, we see a very sad moment in our faith family’s history- when King
David’s grandson ruined it all with his ego and lack of care about the extended
faith family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is a pivotal moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 12
tribes of Israel, made up of the 12 sons of Jacob, have come together to crown
Rehoboam as King.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is not a nation of unconnected individuals- these are aunts, uncles,
nieces, nephews who are connected through blood or their shared experience of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As chisme tells us, this family of Israel, who call Abraham father, have
a simple request for their cousin Rehoboam- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Please don’t treat us harshly like your Dad did, let our burdens be
light and our yoke easier and we will diligently work beside you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They’re not asking for special treatment- they’re saying “Let us work honest
hours, earn a livable wage and we will follow you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The elders advise him to be a servant to the people who speaks kindly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The younger advisers say-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Heck with them, that lazy lot- tell them you’ll make work harder for
less pay and if anyone complains, you’ll whip them until they bleed.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When Rehoboam could have shown equity and kindness, he chooses cruelty
and punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Immediately 10 of the 12 tribes say “Nope!” and create their own labor
union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Rehoboam flees to the only family member who will have him- Judah,
located in the south.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What could have been a joyous experience of love and unity becomes the
moment when Israel goes from a nation of 12 tribes, to a nation of 1, leaving
the faith family exposed and vulnerable to the enemies that surround them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">All because the uncles, aunts, cousins dared to say “Treat us right and
we will love you forever,” and Rehoboam said “I would rather have you bear a
heavy burden and show me fear.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">…so this story leads us to a question, one we’ve been asking for weeks- “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Why do we choose to follow Jesus as our Shepherd King, and not someone
like Rehoboam?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What is it about Jesus that we know, that we experience, that we <i>feel</i>
that makes Jesus our “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This morning we glean a second answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Jesus had the opportunity to engage in a possible power struggle,
he spoke a word that still resonates today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In Matthew 11:28-30, the followers of John the Baptist come to Jesus to
ask if he is the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Instead of a “yes” or a “no,” Jesus recounts what’s been done, praises
John’s work, gives thanks to God, and says these words- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Come to me, all you that are weary, and are carrying heavy burdens, and
I will give you rest.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in
my heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Why Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">…Last week we saw how Jesus learned from and listened to a woman of
another culture and expanded his ministry, offering healing to her family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today we see how Jesus, as the Shepherd King, reaches out to us who are weary,
to us who feel as if we are dealing with too many worries, too many things, and
says that he will give us comfort, he will offer rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">King Rehoboam says “You think it’s hard now, wait till I make your back
break!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shepherd King Jesus says “I know your aches, I know your pains, come and
lay in my arms.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Why Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Because Jesus looks upon us with compassion and care, sees the way our
worries dig into our skin and bends our back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shepherd King Jesus says “Share my work, gain wisdom from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See how I am gentle and humble, so that you
can…exhale.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Why Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Because when rulers like Rehoboam would rather watch us cry and make us
bleed, Shepherd King Jesus says “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Note that this is not Jesus the Enabler who will clean up our messes so
we are forever helpless.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Nor is this Fairytale Jesus who says “With a wave of my wand all your
yokes and burdens will disappear!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is a very real, a very healthy King Jesus who says “Walk with me,
follow me, learn from me and you will discover ways in which your unbearable
burdens don’t weigh you down and there are ways in which you can breathe.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And one of the ways in which we breathe, one of the ways we feel less of
a burden is through the grace we find in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The grace we find in Jesus that says we are enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grace that says we belong to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grace that says we are assured a place in
God’s heavenly kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Grace that says there is nothing we can do, nothing we can say, nothing
we can fall victim to that will separate us from God’s love, God’s promise, and
God’s glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Because of Jesus, we are part of the Family of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which means we are part of the messiness of
our ancestors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are part of the soulfulness
of the Saints.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We are One in the glory and the power of the Lord, forever and ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No earthly king can destroy that, no foolish decision can cancel that, no
tragic mistake can undermine it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Thanks to the grace of Christ, the call of Jesus and the love of God, we
are assured that we are not alone and our lives are not in vain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For that we can say “Amen.”</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-68730491850553556542023-11-08T19:14:00.005-05:002023-11-08T19:14:44.163-05:00Contrasting King David With Jesus; Oct 22 2023 on 2 Samuel 6:12b-19<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Oct 22, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 Samuel 6:12b-19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem there was a Shepherd
King.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He didn’t live in a palace, but was born in a
manger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t seen with a crown of
gold but a crown of thorns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of entering
the Holy City with wild dance, he sat upon a lowly donkey.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">His name was Jesus and he had a reputation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A reputation for who he ate with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A reputation for going toe to toe with
authorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A reputation for engaging with
women in compromising conversations.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Samaritan Woman at the well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman who was hemorrhaging.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Canaanite woman with a sick daughter who Jesus calls
a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the proudest moment of
Jesus’ ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Matthew 15 gives us the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is touring around town, speaking here,
talking there, when a foreign woman with a sick child comes up to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Have mercy on us,” she begs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ignores her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she would not stay silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get rid of her,” the male disciples say.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus says “I was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not fair to take the food of children
and through them to the dogs.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a moment of classism, racism and misogyny all
wrapped up in one, in which Jesus is showing his very human side.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This does not deter the woman with the sick daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” she says, standing firm, “But even
dogs get to eat the scraps that fall from the master’s table.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This reply amazes Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says to her “Woman, great is your
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it be done as you wish.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">With that the daughter receives healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus reveals that his ministry has expanded
to include those of other faiths, other cultures, and those who society deemed
as the least of these.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We see Jesus, who was very much a man of his day and
culture, be humbled, held accountable, and he learns something new.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Which makes Jesus even that more amazing, that more
welcoming, that more real.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When Jesus had the opportunity to dismiss and discard, he
instead listened and included.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Very different from what we today’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we have David, the original Shepherd
King, and a moment of pomp and power that ends with his not too happy wife,
Michal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The story of Michal is a very sad story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes like this-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Once upon a time, Michal was a princess, the daughter of
Saul, the 1<sup>st</sup> King of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David was a young, up-and-coming warrior that made Saul nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Saul was jealous of David, always looking for a way to
kill him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when he found out Michal
loved David, he created a scheme- if David kills 100 Philistines, he can marry
Michal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Saul assumed David would be killed, but when David killed
his quota, Michal was his to marry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
scared Saul even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Years later, David cheats on Michal with a woman named
Abigail, and Saul gives Michal as a bride to a man named Palti.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then, when Saul is killed, and David is to be crowned
King, he demands that Michal returns as his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she makes the journey, Palti follows,
weeping.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Here is Michal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Princess daughter of King Saul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She loved David from back in the beginning when he was basically a nobody.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Her Dad used that love as a ploy to have David
killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was cheated upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ripped back to give David’s new position some credibility.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">All which bring us to this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David has been anointed as the Shepherd King over all of
Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His coronation unites both the
North and the South as one.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then Kind David decides “It’s time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time to take the Ark of The Covenant
out of storage and bring it into the capital city.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is the Ark that carries the 10 Commandments; the Ark
that Moses and the ancestors carried through the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This Ark was seen as so valuable that it was put into storage
like the family’s good China or wedding silver.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">With Michal as his wife, David decides it is time to
bring the Ark out and into the city to remind everyone who they are and how God
is the center of their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David is so excited, so ecstatic that the infamous Ark is
finally coming into Jerusalem that he begins to dance, and not just dance- he
gets down to his underwear and he shakes shakes shakes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Michal looks out her window and is shocked- there is her
husband, the king, her 1<sup>st</sup> love, leaping and dancing for all the
world to see, for all the servant girls and lower-class women to see.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">She gets so mad, she despises him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind you can only have for someone you
truly loved.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Michal comes out to meet her husband and says “My, my,
my.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How the King honored himself today,
uncovering himself before all the female servants and slave girls, just as a
drunk sailor would do on a Saturday night.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David does not take kindly to his wife’s comment, responding
with a sarcastic response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from that
day on, Michal is childless, which means the family line of her Dad, King Saul,
dies with her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What we see here today is a contrast of kings, a contrast
of servant hood and Shepherding.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">King David has a desire to make the Commandments the
center of the citizen’s life, but it seems as though he is the star.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus has a desire to make the Commandments the center of
our lives, but he does so by sitting with us in the green grass or meeting us
at the shore or within our homes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David enters the city with great fanfare, sacrificing animals
every six steps, in his underwear, shouting, jumping as trumpets blaze.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus enters the city from the side gate, sitting quietly
on a donkey allowing others to sing, gather palm branches, lay down their
cloaks.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kind David is a man who cheats on Michal, demands her
back, dances provocatively in front of other women, and then gets upset that
she is upset.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus meets a foreign woman who will do anything to have
her daughter healed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When the woman displays great courage to stand her
ground, speak up, go toe to toe with Jesus using logic and reason, his response
is to not feel threatened or use sarcasm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">His response is to publicly praise her, learn from her,
and expand his ministry because of her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last Sunday and Today we asked “Why?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why doe we have a passion for God and
compassion for all.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus gives us a really good why, and Jesus really shows
us how.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because from what we see in the scriptures Jesus is someone
who cared not just about men, but women and children.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus wasn’t just about spectacle of salvation found in
the 10 Commandments, he was about embodying the salvation found in the 10 Commandments
by how he lived, who he ate with, how he communicated with others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Why Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Because unlike mere mortals, when we confront Jesus, when
we speak up for ourselves, when we have the courage the challenge Jesus, we
discover that Jesus is right there, Jesus listens, Jesus hears, and Jesus can
even learn.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David was king who dismissed, Jesus is the king who
welcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David is the king who uses authority to get what he wants;
Jesus is the king who discards his authority so we can get what we need.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">David is the king who denied his own wife’s feelings,
Jesus is the King who welcomes our feelings, honors them, and uses them to
bring about wholeness and healing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For that, we can say “Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-16545750981144857482023-11-08T14:52:00.003-05:002023-11-08T14:52:35.336-05:00When Women Come Together; Oct 15 2023 sermon on Ruth 4: 13-17<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Oct 15, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ruth 4:13-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A few days ago, Uncle Frank was on the phone, catching
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cousin Jeff just had his 5<sup>th</sup>
child; Maddie is in college.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Great Grandma came up in the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember how she always wore a hat pin in
her hair?”, he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was to defend
herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a weapon!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frail, proper Great Grandma walked around
with a hat pin as a weapon!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Oh yes,” said Uncle Frankie. “Whenever she went to the
bank, she’d keep her money in her bra, wear her black hat and keep her right
arm ready for any moment that she needed to stab someone.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Way to go Great Grandma!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What other stories could she share if we was alive today!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">…This morning we learn more about our extended faith
family, and if you know anything about great-grandparents Naomi and Ruth, you
know the chisme is hot!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Here's the faith family gossip-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Naomi lived as a proper Jew in Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She married a proper Jewish boy and had two
proper Jewish sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A famine hit the land, so they immigrated to Moab, where their
sons married non-Jewish women.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then, in a series of unfortunate events, Naomi’s husband
and sons died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She moved back home, and
Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law, pledged to go with her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">When they returned to Bethlehem, Naomi felt like a broken
woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No husband, no sons, no grandbabies
to inherit the family land or carry on the family name.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">BUT there was a custom in her country- if a relative married
Ruth, then the child would be considered a proper grandchild, thus able to inherit
the land and continue the family name.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So Ruth and Naomi came up with a great plan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naomi had a rich relative named Boaz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruth said, “Let me go to his field to gather some
grain, and let’s see if I catch his eye.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Of course, the plan works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boaz spots Ruth in the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says “We have heard all you have done for
your mother-in-law; may God reward you with great favor!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Boaz invites Ruth to sit beside him and dip a morsel of
her bread into the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes home
to tell Naomi how well the first meeting went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Noami is <i>muy</i> <i>feliz</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Naomi gives Ruth new instruction- “Anoint your body and
put on your best clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Boaz takes
his post dinner nap, uncover his feet and lie down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will tell you what to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Naomi’s plan goes exactly as planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boaz marries Ruth and they have a child.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The town’s women come to celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naomi holds her grandbaby against her breast
as the women name the child- Obed, who will become the granddaddy of David.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s story works on so many levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, it has elements of Resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What seemed to be a dead end has now become an open road.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Naomi experienced such great loss and a deluge of death that
she assumes the memory of her family will go forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But through a series of choices and the presence of God,
new life emerges from Ruth’s belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Second- the story is about return. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Naomi returns home, discovering it is not the same as
before, nor will it ever be, and she finds a way to get new meaning in her return.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Third- there is the imagery of female community.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">So often it can feel as though images of strong, sacred femininity
is missing in Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Eve is condemned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel
and Leah are presented as fighting over a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mary of Magdala is maligned and Martha keeps getting put into the
kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But when do you recall a story in the Bible in which a
child is presented in a room full of women?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Earlier, the men are seen at the gates of the city,
dealing with the legal aspects of family life, but here in this room are the
women of the city coming together to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Here we have the elders, the aunties, the neighbors, the
moms, coming to congratulate Naomi.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Blessed be the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May your grandson refresh your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His Mom is worth more than 7 sons.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Something wonderful happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women aren’t saying that Ruth or Naomi have value just
because of the baby boy, they are saying that the baby boy has value because Ruth,
his Mom, has value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ruth, a foreign woman who once worshipped a foreign God,
is seen by the local women as being worth more than 7 men.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">They also see the extended family at play, that it is not
just Ruth, but it is Naomi, who benefits from the baby.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then, as if we are witnessing the coronation of a king,
we hear the women of the town come together to name the child.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It’s powerful, because naming indicates responsibility,
it represents legacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It’s as if the women of the town are saying “No matter
what, we are here for you, and if there is anything you or your child needs, you
can call on us.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In other words, it feels as though by naming the child,
the women are saying “It takes a village…and we are your village.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Naomi starts today’s story leaving her home, losing her
family, and at the end she discovers she has a village.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ruth starts the story as a foreigner who discovers she is
part of the village, seen by the citizens as a person of value; a person of
worth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ruth is a story full of chisme, a story full of faith
family members doing things to survive and thrive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ruth is a story about welcoming someone from another
nation, it is a story about aging, it is a story about death, birth, marriage,
work, and new identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In other words, Ruth is a story about life, about God,
and about community, how we are more than just ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen and amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-23358669888015317412023-11-06T13:55:00.002-05:002023-11-06T13:55:16.481-05:00Sermon from Oct 8, 2023- Celebrating Cuban Independence Day<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Oct 8, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Deuteronomy 6:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we celebrate Cuban Independence Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do so, there are 2 things we’ll discuss- colonialization
and Carlos Manuel.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Colonialization is the act in which people from one country
go to another and take it over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a nation
saying “We want your land, we want your resources, and to do so we will annihilate,
humiliate or enslave your people.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is what Spain did in the 1500’s, and Spain did very
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Places like Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Philippians, and Cuba.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Colonialization is not simple, easy, romantic, or violent
free.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Spain came to Cuba with military might, saying “This is
ours,” building a fort, using violence, acts of oppression, often empowered by
the consent of the Church to force the people of the land to speak their language,
worship their God, and enslave them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Colonization has forever shaped our world, from Jamaica
to Hawaii, St. Augustine to India, Hong Kong to the Philippines.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then, there is Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, known as Father
of the Fatherland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to hear
the chisme, or gossip, about him?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Carlos was a man of means. The owner of a sugar plantation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was an artist, a writer, a musician who composed
songs about amor.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Carlos was a great lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chisme tells us that he had 2 wives, 2 lovers, and 10 kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">There was wife number 1- Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wife number 2- Ana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was Cambula, the 17-year-old daughter of
his foreman, and then there was the Widow Francessca.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Like Jacob, Carlos was protective of his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When there was the threat of danger, he sent
Cambula and their child to Jamaica.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Carlos was another kind of lover- of his country and the
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t like being under the
rule of Spain; he didn’t like being a slave owner.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">That is why, on Oct 10, 1868, he gathered the enslaved
people of the plantation, announced that they were all free, then gave what is
known as the “10<sup>th</sup> of October Manifesto.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In this Manifesto, Carlos said “We know our rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to enjoy the freedom for whose use
God created…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“We profess the dogma of brotherhood…tolerance, justice
and consider all men equal, abolish slavery…compensate whoever is harmed…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This became known as the “Cry of the Yara”, beginning <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a battle for independence that lasted decades.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Carlos freed the people of the plantation, and spoke for
the chance to live in equality, connecting so unbelievably well to today’s
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Here we have the story of Moses, a member of our extended
faith family, who has just come back from a meeting with God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Moses is standing before all the nieces, nephews, aunts,
uncles, mothers, fathers, cousins, grandparents, neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">He says to them- “Hear this, family of faith, the great I
AM who made promises to Abraham, who heard your cries, who set you free from
the Pharoah.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“The Lord has brought you out of your oppression and has
given you 10 Commandments to live your best life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love God.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Moses continues- “So that you, your children and your children’s
children can live their best life, love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul,
all your might.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">“Respect the Lord, keep these commandments, teach them to
your kids, your nieces, your grandsons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
these words dwell in your head, let them exist within your homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you all will live as if heaven is here on
earth.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">In keeping with the theme of the past month, it is best
we don’t think of the word “you” as singular, self-centered, and
independent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of “you” as plural, expansive,
and community based.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Just like Carlos Manuel, Moses is standing before the
masses speaking words of equality, liberty, and the healing of oppressive wounds.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Just like Carols Manuel, Moses is not speaking to just
one person, but he is speaking to many, for the benefit of all.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This passage today is pure beauty; it is pure
romance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is God conveying to the masses that we are a people
created for goodness, we are created for equality, we are created for love-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">To be loved and to love in return.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s reading is not about an angry God saying “I saw
that and you are going to burn in hell.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nor is today’s reading about a God who says “I side on
the one’s in power who enslave, kill and coerce.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is about the God who made a promise to our extended
faith family a long time ago about place, purpose, and people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is about the God who continuously works through our
extended faith family, no matter the mistakes we make, the obstacles we face,
the hopeless situations we are in, or the times we feel the most forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Just as we celebrate Cuba’s Cry of the Yara, today we
celebrate the Call from God to Love and to Love and to be loved in Return.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">For in loving God, loving one another, we experience the
greatest freedoms there are. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-2590649282328421442023-11-05T08:00:00.002-05:002023-11-05T08:00:28.527-05:00Sermon from Oct 1, 2023; The Chisme Continues, this time with Moses<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Oct 1, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Exodus 3:1-15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Two weeks ago we celebrated a wedding with Jesus at a time when family
was most important.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Last week we entered the world of “Chisme”, hot lively gossip about the ancestors
of our faith family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today, family and gossip combine as we see Moses at the pivotal moment of
our faith’s foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Today we learn who we are AND who God is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything has led to this moment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To keep you up to date with the chisme of our multi-generational faith
family, Moses is the biological son of Amram and Jochebed, relatives of Levi,
the son of Jacob, who is the grandson of Abraham.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">AND since you are in the <i>know </i>about the family gossip, you know
that Abraham is the one that God made a promise to- a promise of land, of
family, and blessing all the families of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So here we have Moses, kin of Levi, son of Jacob, grandson of Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s out doing his thing, watching over the flocks
when he has this most unusual experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Before his eyes is a bush on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He hears a voice “Remove your chanclas, this place is holy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It’s as if Moses has entered the house of God, and God is saying “Don’t track
in any dirt, and don’t let out any of my cool air!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As Moses hides his face in fear, God explains what’s going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see the pain of my people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear their cries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see how they are being oppressed and know they
suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come to set them free and
bring them from a place of pain to a place of purpose.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Right here God has revealed sooo much to Moses- that God cares about the Israelite
immigrants; God is aware that those in power are causing needless oppression.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Right here we learn that God sees, hears, knows the pain of the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God sees, hears, knows the pain of the powerless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God sees, hears, knows the pain of the family
he made a promise to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So God reveals a plan to Moses- Moses will go to the head of Egypt to
free the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, according to the
family gossip, Moses is not too keen on this idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Moses says “Uhhh...oooh...mmm… Not sure about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if go to my relatives and they ask for
your name?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how family can be, especially
Cousin Moesha.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God says “Tell them my name is I AM WHO I AM, and tell that Moesha that I
am the God of your ancestors Jacob and Abraham.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This story is so beautiful and almost deceptive because it features one
man on a mountain surrounded by sheep, but it’s not just about one man, it’s
about a whole entire family, a whole entire nation, the whole entire world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This story is about God, who God is, how God acts, and how God continues to
work out the promises made to Abraham.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A promise of place, a promise of people, a promise of blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the awareness that because we are part of
this faith family, we are also recipients of the promise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Moses may be one man on a mountain, but he is standing there because of
all the ancestors who came before, and he is standing there for the sake of all
the ancestors who will come after.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">With his bare feet standing on sacred ground, his eyes seeing the glory
of God, he gets to hear the Lord speak the magnificent name “I AM WHO I AM.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In other words, it’s as if God is saying “I AM the one who called out to
Abraham and told him to get up and Go.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is God saying “I AM the One at the Oaks of Mamre who made Sarah laugh.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is God saying “I Am the One Jacob prayed to when he was afraid of Esau.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is God saying “I AM the one who watched over Joseph and filled him
with dreams.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is God saying to Moses “I AM the one who will give you the right
words to say to Pharaoh.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“I AM the one to lead you, your brother, your sister, all your cousins,
aunts, uncles and extended family into freedom.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses may be standing on the
mountain, but he is not standing alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All who came before, and all who come after are beside him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We are part of that crowd, we are part of the witnesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are part of the privilege, and we are part
of the promises that God has made.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-88085530421055390142023-11-04T15:04:00.003-04:002023-11-04T15:05:22.202-04:00Sermon from Sept 24, 2023- The Chisme on Father Jacob<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Sept 24, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Genesis 32:9-21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Last week we discussed how Latin culture is very family focused,
such being in Walmart and seeing the grandmother, parents, kids, and cousins all
shopping together.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other aspects of Latin culture can be cleaning the house
on Saturday or how fresh scents, like laundry washed with Sauvitel is a way of
saying to family- I love you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Another part of Latin culture is “chisme”, which means gossip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not just any kind of gossip- lively,
detailed stories about family, friends, neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chisme is knowing that your friend’s Aunt Gina did not invite
her mother-in-law Helena to the baby shower, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">because Helana refused to watch Gina’s cat during her
second cousin’s wedding, and the cat’s name is Chispita.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chisme is an intricate art form of storytelling, a way
for busy families divided by space and time to stay connected.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We could say that the Bible is full of “chisme.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chisme about Eve being seen talking with that sneaky serpent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chisme about Abraham having a child with Sarah’s
servant-girl Hagar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Gospels are chisme about what Jesus said and
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul’s letters are chisme,
passionately expressing where he went and who he was currently upset with.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">If the Bible is “chisme”, think of how these stories of
family melodrama were used to pass the time while slaving away in Egypt or wandering
in the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Think of how these tales let multi-generations of
believers to stay connected, even if we never met.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today’s reading is pure chisme about our cousins Jacob
and Esau.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">The chisme goes like this- Uncle Isaac and Aunt Rachel
had twins who were always in competition.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Esau was trusting; Jacob was a trickster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years Jacob tricked Esau out of his birthright
and stole his blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">This made Esau so mad that he swore to kill Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob ran away to a land in which he became
very, very rich.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Eventually Jacob realizes it is time to go back home and
face Esau, not knowing if his brother will forgive him or seek revenge.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jacob sets out with his wives, children, livestock, and servants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hears that Esau is coming with a militia
of 400 men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob is fearful for his
entire family’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">It’s like a soap opera, the chisme is ripe with rich details-
We know who is there, how much there is.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">We know Jacob is afraid, so he prays, honors his ancestors,
asks God for deliverance, admits his fear, spends the night deep in thought,
sends his brother an abundant gift of nearly 600 goats, camels, and cows,
valued around $360,000 in today’s currency.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then he waits, at night, alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waits.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Sooo much chisme and we might ask ourselves- Why all this
minute detail of the gift he gives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
are we to learn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is this story’s point?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And maybe there is no point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe the story <i>is</i> the point- a remembrance of an
event in the life of our multi-generational faith family that for some reason we
still talking about 3,000 years later.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe the minute detail is meant to draw our attention to
the guilt Jacob has felt and carried around for decades- the guilt of tricking
his brother, the guilt of deceiving their father, the guilt of taking from Esau
what was rightfully his.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">To give one goat or camel may have been enough for a
simple mistake, but Jacob must feel that what he’s done is sooo wrong that he
gives 600.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe his desire to be forgiven is so powerful that he thinks
a $360,000 gift will take care of his emotional debt.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Maybe this chisme-filled story is a means for us to stop
and think-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Who have I wronged?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who have I hurt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have I done
that was not a reflection of my very best?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">How can I make it right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is it too late?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it ever too
late?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What if even after saying “I am sorry”, even after giving
such a generous gift, we are not forgiven?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">What is forgiveness worth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who benefits from being forgiven? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we hear a tale rich with chisme, focusing on one of
the most foundational, and controversial things Jesus taught-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Of ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness of our sins, our tragic mistakes,
actions we cannot undo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And because our aunts and uncles, abuelas and abuelos
chose to tell this story, passing it down for 3,000 years, it is a story for us
to listen to, think about, and share with those who come after.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Today we are reminded that in God it is never too late,
the distance is never too long to admit when we are wrong, and to try to make
relationships right.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cousin Jacob shows that seeking forgiveness is not easy, rarely
happens quickly, and asking to be forgiven comes with no guarantee.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">And even though we may find ourselves in a night or two
alone, to seek forgiveness, to own up to our mistakes, can be a beautiful, life
affirming thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Amen and amen. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6778633722900792662.post-538085274625583882023-06-07T12:46:00.003-04:002023-06-07T12:46:23.021-04:00PRIDE Message; June 11, 2023, Acts 18:9-17<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rev. George Miller<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">June 11, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Acts 18:9-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Years ago, when my Mom was still alive, and living in Arizona, she was telling
me about her church, how much she loved going there, and she told the people
about me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When asked if she told them that I was gay, she said “no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked “why?” and her response was-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to monitor what they say
around me, like if they say a joke, they don’t have to stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Being a pastor, I understood her reasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">BUT, the older I get, I think “My Mom chose their comfort over me!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Just WHAT kind of jokes were these people saying at this church!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Like, were people singing “Hallelujah” and then saying “How many drag
queen does it take to screw in a light bulb?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Which brings me back to one of the 1<sup>st</sup> lessons learned when I
came out in 1991- that homophobia affects everyone, even those who are
straight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The fear, the hatred of gays, lesbians, those who identify as bi, trans, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">does</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> affect
their family, their friends, those they work for, work with, and those in
legislature.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We are witnessing that right now, as members of City Council are
receiving mean-spirited correspondence because they gave the OK for PRIDE to
take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We saw that a few months ago when our County Commissioners were verbally
attacked for allowing me to give an invocation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For 13 years the faithful members of Emmanuel UCC have lived with the
reality of what does it mean to call an openly gay pastor and the occasional
comments they hear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hate is hate is hate regardless if you are gay, Black, Haitian, Hispanic,
immigrant or SnowBird.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And as we witness, even if you are none of those things, but care about,
live with, love, are friends with someone in that group, you can experience the
injustice of hate as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">That’s what we witness in today’s reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It’s a few years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul feels called to share the Good News with
as many folk as he can, but he is not always well received.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He spends about 18 months in Corinth, a city that sees itself as educated
and high-minded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He loves to debate, to educate, to share his side of the story, sometimes
a little too forceful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">One day the members of the main religious group have had enough with Paul
and his new ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They attack him, bring him before the council.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“We don’t like his view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want
the city government to stop him from what he’s saying.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But the proconsul says- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“If this was a true crime, we would do something, but since it’s about words
and contradicting beliefs, this has nothing to do with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So what does the crowd do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They grab
a man named Sosthenes and beat the heck out of him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now…who is Sosthenes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
really knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name means “Strong Protector.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There is a good chance he was a leader of the local synagogue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There might be a chance that he was a Jewish leader that was beginning to
follow Jesus, and that’s why he was beat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There’s a chance that in the group there were Christians who were anti-Semitic
and that’s why they beat him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There is a chance that he was a Jew beat by other Jews because he agreed
that Paul had the right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There is a chance that he was called to be the lawyer who persecuted Paul,
and he is beaten by the mob because he didn’t do a good enough job defending
their case against him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No one fully knows who Sosthenes is, or why he was beaten or who made up
the mob that beat him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What we do know is this- an angry group of people were <i>so focused</i>
on their religious beliefs being the right one that they sought to arrest and
harm someone, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">and</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> it didn’t matter who nor did it matter if that person was on their side
or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In other words- in today’s reading we get the perfect example of how unchecked
hate against <i>any </i>group of people can lead to harm to anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sosthenes could have been 100% Jew or 100% Jewish-Christian, it did not
matter to the group that wanted to punish Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And we see this today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hate is hate is hate regardless if you are gay, Black, Haitian, Hispanic,
immigrant or SnowBird.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And one does not have to be a member of any of those groups to feel the effect
of harmful words or harmful actions served their way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">…so now you may be wondering “But where is the Good News?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is God in all of this and what does God
have to say?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Good News is that God is all over this narrative and God has a lot to
say.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And what God says is “Speak.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In Acts 18:9-11, before all this chaos comes down, the Creator of All
comes to Paul and says –<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“You were not given a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do NOT be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use your voice, use your words, use whatever
means of communication you have.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God says to Paul during these difficult times, “Do not be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t be silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For I AM with
you…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">…and there are so many, many <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people here in this city who think just like
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In a time of uncertainty, at a time in which it seems like an angry mob
has complete control, and the final say, God says- <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Don’t be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use your words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know that I AM with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others believe as you believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are NOT alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And with that experience, Paul finds the ability, Paul finds the courage
to keep carrying on.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">With that experience, Paul finds his own way to say “I Will Survive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul finds his own way to say “You Won’t Break
My Soul.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Paul finds his own way to be a rainbow EVEN as it is storming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Paul finds his own way to be GOLDEN, to be BRAVE, to FAN HIMSELF OFF and
face the hate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Paul faces the injustice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faces
the ones who wish to silence him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hate is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hate not only harms
the ones who are despised, but it also harms those who are close to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hate gets in the way of progress; hate gets in the way of the Good News.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">But</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Hate does not have the final say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hate does not get the right to silence anyone’s presence or anyone’s
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Just as Paul experienced 2,000 years ago, the God of Creation, the God
who set the Israelites Free, who raised Jesus from the tomb…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Is the God who speaks to us, the God who says “Do not be afraid, speak…for
I AM with you always, until the end of time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Amen and amen.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Pastoral Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266323610605468329noreply@blogger.com0