4th August Trinity 2009, Gathered Wisely

4th Trinity August

Luke 9: 1-17

He called the twelve together and gave to them potent authority and formative power, so that they could work against all demonic mischief, and heal all sickness.  And he sent them out to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, appearing now on earth, the kingdom of human beings filled with God’s spirit.

And he said to them, “Take nothing with you on the way: no staff for support, no bag for collecting, neither bread nor money, no change of clothes. If you enter a house, remain there until you go further. And where they do not accept you, leave their city and shake the dust from your feet as a sign that they have refused community with you.”

They left and walked through the villages of the country, announcing the joyful message of the new working of the kingdom of the angels and healing everywhere.

Meanwhile Herod the Tetrarch heard of all that was happening and he was very perplexed, for some said, “John is risen from the dead,” and others said that Elijah had appeared, and yet others, “One of the Prophets of old has risen again.” And Herod said, “John I have had beheaded; who now is this, about whom I hear all these things?” And he wished to see him himself.

And the apostles returned and reported to Jesus everything that they had accomplished. So he gathered them to himself and retreated with them to a city called Bethsaida for special instruction. But the people became aware of it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God of the future, of the human kingdom on earth filled with the divine spirit, and he healed all who had need of it.

But the day began to decline. The twelve came up to him and said, “Send the crowd away so that they can reach the villages and farms in the vicinity and find food and lodging, for here we are in a deserted place.” He however said to them, “From now on it falls to you; you give them to eat.”

They answered, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we go and buy food for all of them?“ There were about five thousand people.

Then he said to the disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty”. And they did so, and all reclined.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his soul to the spirit, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. And they ate, and all were satisfied. And they took up the pieces that remained: twelve baskets full. 

4^th August Trinity

August 16, 2009

Luke 9:1-17

Events on earth can be described with certain facts and a particular narrative. But behind what can be seen and heard stand beings who give vitality and direction to these events.

Today’s reading describes two events: sending the twelve disciples to work together in the world, proclaiming the good news and healing. They are acting as Christ’s messengers. The second event involves a mysterious feeding of a great number of people.

But behind the earthly narrative stand mighty beings working in concert. One is John the Baptist, Elijah, whose name is interposed between the two events like a rumor. The other is of course Christ, who backgrounds Himself so that the disciples can step forward and work as mediators of His spirit. John works like a guardian angel for the circle of the disciples, helping gather and direct the flow of the Christ-stream into their working.

And so it is even today: John with his great prophetic spirit works in tandem with Christ, behind the scenes, supporting those who are students of Christ. They both work invisibly, like angels, behind the narrative of world events. They support those who work, like the disciples, to proclaim the ever-resounding good news, those who work to heal the world’s ills, those who seek to nourish bodies, souls and spirits. To become aware of their working is to increase our collaboration with them. So in the words of John O’Donohue:

A journey can become a sacred thing:

Make sure, before you go,

To take the time

To bless your going forth,

To free your heart of ballast

So that the compass of your soul

Might direct you toward

The territories of spirit

Where you will discover

More of your hidden life,

And the urgencies

That deserve to claim you.

May you travel in an awakened way,

Gathered wisely into your inner ground;

That you may not waste the invitations

Which wait along the way to transform you.[1]

www.thechristiancommunity.org

---

[1] John O’Donohue, “For the Traveler”, in To Bless the Space Between Us, p. 53

4th August Trinity 2010, Angel of Healing

4th Trinity August

Luke 9: 1-17

He called the twelve together and gave to them potent authority and formative power, so that they could work against all demonic mischief, and heal all sickness.  And he sent them out to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, appearing now on earth, the kingdom of human beings filled with God’s spirit.

And he said to them, “Take nothing with you on the way: no staff for support, no bag for collecting, neither bread nor money, no change of clothes. If you enter a house, remain there until you go further. And where they do not accept you, leave their city and shake the dust from your feet as a sign that they have refused community with you.”

They left and walked through the villages of the country, announcing the joyful message of the new working of the kingdom of the angels and healing everywhere.

Meanwhile Herod the Tetrarch heard of all that was happening and he was very perplexed, for some said, “John is risen from the dead,” and others said that Elijah had appeared, and yet others, “One of the Prophets of old has risen again.” And Herod said, “John I have had beheaded; who now is this, about whom I hear all these things?” And he wished to see him himself.

And the apostles returned and reported to Jesus everything that they had accomplished. So he gathered them to himself and retreated with them to a city called Bethsaida for special instruction. But the people became aware of it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God of the future, of the human kingdom on earth filled with the divine spirit, and he healed all who had need of it.

But the day began to decline. The twelve came up to him and said, “Send the crowd away so that they can reach the villages and farms in the vicinity and find food and lodging, for here we are in a deserted place.” He however said to them, “From now on it falls to you; you give them to eat.”

They answered, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we go and buy food for all of them?“ There were about five thousand people.

Then he said to the disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty”. And they did so, and all reclined.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his soul to the spirit, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. And they ate, and all were satisfied. And they took up the pieces that remained: twelve baskets full. 

4^th August Trinity

August 15, 2010

Luke 9: 1 -17

We have all experienced how a simple meal becomes a feast in the company of friends. In such a setting, our souls are nourished, as well as our bodies. If it was also the occasion of the announcement of a joyous coming event, our spirits would rise as well.

Archangel Raphael, Healer.
Margarete Woloschina

In the Gospel reading, both Christ and those He sends out are announcing a joyous coming event: it is the establishment of a new realm, one populated by human beings filled with divine spirit. Human hearts will be reconnected to the realm of the angels, from whence they have come. And, like the angel who stirred the waters at Bethesda, human hearts, out of their angelic connection, will be healed of what ails them. And they will heal other hearts.

This good news from the realm of the angels nourishes the spirits of those who hear it. It raises their hearts in hope and anticipation. They gather together around Christ and his disciples for further food for their souls. And then, as day declines, Christ asks His disciples to provide a meal.

At first the disciples are helpless; but Christ adds such vital, living force to their meager supply that people are satisfied with very little. For He first satisfies their spiritual hunger.

In the Act of Consecration of Man, the communion service, we re-enact something of this event. We hear the good news from the realm of the angels. We elevate our souls and spirits to receive the vital living force of Christ. And our hearts overflow with solemn joy.

So in the words of John O’Donohue,

May the Angel of Awakening stir your heart

To come alive to the eternal within you,

To all the invitations that quietly surround you.

May the Angel of Healing turn your wounds

Into sources of refreshment.[1]

www.thechristiancommunity.org

---

[1] John O'Donohue, “A Blessing of Angels” in To Bless the Space Between Us

4th August Trinity 2011, Fed in Abundance

4th Trinity August

Jan Luyken

Luke 9: 1-17

He called the twelve together and gave to them potent authority and formative power, so that they could work against all demonic mischief, and heal all sickness.  And he sent them out to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, appearing now on earth, the kingdom of human beings filled with God’s spirit.

And he said to them, “Take nothing with you on the way: no staff for support, no bag for collecting, neither bread nor money, no change of clothes. If you enter a house, remain there until you go further. And where they do not accept you, leave their city and shake the dust from your feet as a sign that they have refused community with you.”

They left and walked through the villages of the country, announcing the joyful message of the new working of the kingdom of the angels and healing everywhere.

Meanwhile Herod the Tetrarch heard of all that was happening and he was very perplexed, for some said, “John is risen from the dead,” and others said that Elijah had appeared, and yet others, “One of the Prophets of old has risen again.” And Herod said, “John I have had beheaded; who now is this, about whom I hear all these things?” And he wished to see him himself.

And the apostles returned and reported to Jesus everything that they had accomplished. So he gathered them to himself and retreated with them to a city called Bethsaida for special instruction. But the people became aware of it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God of the future, of the human kingdom on earth filled with the divine spirit, and he healed all who had need of it.

But the day began to decline. The twelve came up to him and said, “Send the crowd away so that they can reach the villages and farms in the vicinity and find food and lodging, for here we are in a deserted place.” He however said to them, “From now on it falls to you; you give them to eat.”

They answered, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we go and buy food for all of them?“ There were about five thousand people.

Then he said to the disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty”. And they did so, and all reclined.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his soul to the spirit, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. And they ate, and all were satisfied. And they took up the pieces that remained: twelve baskets full. 

Margarete Woloschina

4^th August Trinity

August 14, 2011

Luke 9:1-17

When we go to sleep at night, our souls and spirits travel to the stars. We rise in sleep to the world of the stars. We commune with the angels. They feed us ‘star bread’ and ‘star wine’, nourishment for our spirits, so that we return to earth strengthened and refreshed.

Even on earth during the day, when we are very hungry, we can feel how, with a good meal, body and soul come together again, realigning themselves. This happens, not because of the food’s material content, but because of the life force it offers.

In today’s reading, the crowds stay with Christ, to hear the good news, the message from the realm of the angels. And as the day approaches night, the first stars appear, and Christ feeds them from the realm of the stars. For Christ’s thanks and blessing brings down the life force that streams in from the stars. With the food, the people take in ‘star bread’, offered to them by the angels, distributed by the disciples on earth.

In the Act of Consecration of Man, with Christ’s help, we too raise ordinary bread to receive the life of the universe. Though but little in material terms, we are fed in abundance. Our hearts, our souls, our spirits drink deep at the wellspring of life, and our spirits are satisfied.

www.thechristiancommunity.org

4th August Trinity 2012, Accept the Miracle

4th Trinity August

Luke 9: 1-17

He called the twelve together and gave to them potent authority and formative power, so that they could work against all demonic mischief, and heal all sickness.  And he sent them out to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, appearing now on earth, the kingdom of human beings filled with God’s spirit.

And he said to them, “Take nothing with you on the way: no staff for support, no bag for collecting, neither bread nor money, no change of clothes. If you enter a house, remain there until you go further. And where they do not accept you, leave their city and shake the dust from your feet as a sign that they have refused community with you.”

They left and walked through the villages of the country, announcing the joyful message of the new working of the kingdom of the angels and healing everywhere.

Meanwhile Herod the Tetrarch heard of all that was happening and he was very perplexed, for some said, “John is risen from the dead,” and others said that Elijah had appeared, and yet others, “One of the Prophets of old has risen again.” And Herod said, “John I have had beheaded; who now is this, about whom I hear all these things?” And he wished to see him himself.

And the apostles returned and reported to Jesus everything that they had accomplished. So he gathered them to himself and retreated with them to a city called Bethsaida [beth-say’uh-duh] for special instruction. But the people became aware of it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God of the future, of the human kingdom on earth filled with the divine spirit, and he healed all who had need of it.

But the day began to decline. The twelve came up to him and said, “Send the crowd away so that they can reach the villages and farms in the vicinity and find food and lodging, for here we are in a deserted place.” He however said to them, “From now on it falls to you; you give them to eat.”

They answered, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we go and buy food for all of them?“ There were about five thousand people.

Then he said to the disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty”. And they did so, and all reclined.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his soul to the spirit, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. And they ate, and all were satisfied. And they took up the pieces that remained: twelve baskets full. 

4^th August Trinity

August 12, 2012

Luke 9:1-17

Here in the north, we are experiencing the long lit days of summer.  Long daylight hours and our urban night-lit skies, veil our experience of the stars. This is unfortunate, since there is nothing quite so majestic, more awe-inspiring, than the fullness of the night sky. The stars, with their calm radiance, send us the message that we are surrounded by hope. They are pouring their manifold influences into our lives.

It is meaningful that today’s gospel reading begins with the twelve apostles and ends with the twelve full baskets. For Christ works with His Father’s light, His abundance of radiant life and love. They pour out of the heavens to us through the twelve doorways of the stars. During the day, Christ directs these powers into the apostles, as He sends them out with a message of joy. And at night, as the day declines, He pours them into the five loaves and two fish. He blesses them, strengthens them with words of gratitude and of love. The people receive His loving, healing strength. There is more than enough to go around. Their abundance fills twelve baskets full.

Book of Hours, Duke Berry

Mary Oliver comments on this passage.

Why wonder about the loaves and the fishes? If you say the right words, the wine expands.
If you say them with love
and the felt ferocity of that love
and the felt necessity of that love,
the fish explode into the many.
Imagine him, speaking,
and don't worry about what is reality,
or what is plain, or what is mysterious.
If you were [are] there, it was [is] all those things.
…. Eat, drink,….
Accept the miracle.
Accept, too, each spoken word
spoken with love.[1]

www.thechristiancommunity.org

---

[1] - Mary Oliver, “Logos” in Why I Wake Early

4th August Trinity 2014, Written in Heaven

4th Trinity August

Luke 9: 1-17

He called the twelve together and gave to them potent authority and formative power, so that they could work against all demonic mischief, and heal all sickness.  And he sent them out to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, appearing now on earth, the kingdom of human beings filled with God’s spirit.

And he said to them, “Take nothing with you on the way: no staff for support, no bag for collecting, neither bread nor money, no change of clothes. If you enter a house, remain there until you go further. And where they do not accept you, leave their city and shake the dust from your feet as a sign that they have refused community with you.”

They left and walked through the villages of the country, announcing the joyful message of the new working of the kingdom of the angels and healing everywhere.

Meanwhile Herod the Tetrarch heard of all that was happening and he was very perplexed, for some said, “John is risen from the dead,” and others said that Elijah had appeared, and yet others, “One of the Prophets of old has risen again.” And Herod said, “John I have had beheaded; who now is this, about whom I hear all these things?” And he wished to see him himself.

And the apostles returned and reported to Jesus everything that they had accomplished. So he gathered them to himself and retreated with them to a city called Bethsaida for special instruction. But the people became aware of it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God of the future, of the human kingdom on earth filled with the divine spirit, and he healed all who had need of it.

But the day began to decline. The twelve came up to him and said, “Send the crowd away so that they can reach the villages and farms in the vicinity and find food and lodging, for here we are in a deserted place.” He however said to them, “From now on it falls to you; you give them to eat.”

They answered, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we go and buy food for all of them?“ There were about five thousand people.

Then he said to the disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty”. And they did so, and all reclined.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his soul to the spirit, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. And they ate, and all were satisfied. And they took up the pieces that remained: twelve baskets full.

4^th August Trinity

August 17, 2014

Luke 9: 1-17

Science has clearly demonstrated a link between the quality of our thinking and our general health. Negative thoughts, constant worrying and anxieties elevate the stress levels in our blood. They break down our immune system and erode our wellbeing. Such negative, destructive thought patterns are the working of demonic, hindering forces in us.

The gospel reading says that Christ gives his followers, his students ‘potent authority and formative power ‘ over these demonic , ill-making mischief makers. This protection against the demonic is Christ himself working in us, along with his angelic hosts. For we all carry him within us. The potent authority he gives us is our ability to notice and recognize those negative thoughts, those demonic workings within us, when they arise. Just noticing them, naming them, weakens their hold, diminishes their strength. Christ’s formative power in us is our ability to say no to negative thoughts and worries, and to replace them with thoughts that are true, good and beautiful.

All that the demonic forces can do is to try to destroy.  When we do the work of recognizing our habitual false, evil, and ugly thoughts, when we work to replace them with thoughts inspired by Christ’s angels, we can hope for the grace of Christ’s blessing strength. We will partake of his nourishing of our souls and spirits. For the good, the true and the beautiful have creative power. They generate, they create more of themselves, deeper goodness, broader truth, higher beauty. And so, as John O’Donohue says:

May the beauty of your life become more visible to you, that you may glimpse your wild divinity.

May the wonders of the earth call you forth from all your small, secret prisons and set your feet free in the pastures of possibilities.

….

May you allow no dark hand to quench the candle of hope in your heart.

…

May the outside voices of fear and despair find no echo in you.

…

May the shelter and nourishment of all the good you have done, the love you have shown, the suffering you have carried, awaken around you to bless your life a thousand times.

And may you know that despite confusion, anxiety and emptiness, your name is written in Heaven.[1]

www.thechristiancommunity.org

---

[1] John O’Donohue, “A Blessing for Beauty”, in Beauty – The Invisible Embrace

  

4th August Trinity 2013, Nourishment

4th Trinity August

Luke 9: 1-17

He called the twelve together and gave to them potent authority and formative power, so that they could work against all demonic mischief, and heal all sickness.  And he sent them out to heal and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, appearing now on earth, the kingdom of human beings filled with God’s spirit.

And he said to them, “Take nothing with you on the way: no staff for support, no bag for collecting, neither bread nor money, no change of clothes. If you enter a house, remain there until you go further. And where they do not accept you, leave their city and shake the dust from your feet as a sign that they have refused community with you.”

They left and walked through the villages of the country, announcing the joyful message of the new working of the kingdom of the angels and healing everywhere.

Meanwhile Herod the Tetrarch heard of all that was happening and he was very perplexed, for some said, “John is risen from the dead,” and others said that Elijah had appeared, and yet others, “One of the Prophets of old has risen again.” And Herod said, “John I have had beheaded; who now is this, about whom I hear all these things?” And he wished to see him himself.

Kenneth Dowdy

And the apostles returned and reported to Jesus everything that they had accomplished. So he gathered them to himself and retreated with them to a city called Bethsaida for special instruction. But the people became aware of it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God of the future, of the human kingdom on earth filled with the divine spirit, and he healed all who had need of it.

But the day began to decline. The twelve came up to him and said, “Send the crowd away so that they can reach the villages and farms in the vicinity and find food and lodging, for here we are in a deserted place.” He however said to them, “From now on it falls to you; you give them to eat.”

They answered, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we go and buy food for all of them?“ There were about five thousand people.

Then he said to the disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty”. And they did so, and all reclined.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his soul to the spirit, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. And they ate, and all were satisfied. And they took up the pieces that remained: twelve baskets full. 

4^th August Trinity

August 18, 2013

Luke 9: 1-17

The grapevine is a transformer. It draws up the waters of the earth. With the power of the sunlight, it transforms those waters into rich sweet juice. The vine’s powers of transformation continue as the juice ferments into fine wine.

Christ in the midst of His disciples worked like the vine. He drew up their native powers from the depths of their being. With His presence they were transformed into teachers and healers.  In His presence they became those who passed His strengthening forces on to others.

Christ continues to work in this way. His presence draws up our native powers from the depths. His light in our daylight transforms us into healers. Because of Him we can strengthen others.

In The Act of Consecration of Man we receive the nourishment of His bread, the ferment of His wine. We do so in order that we can continue to transform the earth in His light. We take communion so that we can continue His work of healing, so that we can work with His strength into the future of the earth.

 www.thechristiancommunity.org

3rd August Trinity 2007, Joy and Forgiveness

3^rd August Trinity

Luke 15:1-32

Now many customs officials, despised by the people, who called them sinners and expelled them from their community, sought to be close to Jesus. They wanted to listen to him. The Pharisees and teachers of the law however were upset by this and said, “This man accepts sinners and eats with them!”

So he told them this parable:

“What man among you, who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open and go looking for the lost one until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost!’

I tell you, there will be more joy in the heavens over one human being, living in denial of the spirit, who changes his mind, than over the ninety-nine righteous who think they have no need of repentance.

Or which woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one, does not light a lamp, sweep the whole house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it she calls together her friends and neighbors and says, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost!’

In the same way, I tell you, there will be joy among the angels in the world of spirit over one human being living in denial of the spirit who manages to change his heart and mind. “

And he said further: “A certain man had two sons. The younger of them said

to his father, ‘Give me the share of the estate which falls to me.’  And he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a far country and squandered his estate in the enjoyment of loose living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine came over the land, and he began to be in need. So he went and attached himself to a citizen of the country who sent him out into his fields and let him herd swine. And he longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, but no one gave him anything.

Then he came to himself, and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here of hunger. I will rise up and go to my father and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against the higher world and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired men [workers].’

So he rose up and traveled along the road to his father. When he was still a long way off, his father saw him, felt his misery, ran toward him, embraced him and kissed him. And yet the son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against the higher world and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired men [workers].’

But the father called his servant to him. ‘Quickly! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet, and slaughter the fattened calf. Then we shall eat and be merry. For this my son was dead and is risen to life. He was lost and is found again.’ And they began to celebrate.

Meanwhile the older son was in the field. When he returned home and came near the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants to him and asked him what it meant. He gave him the news: ‘Your brother has come home again. So in joy your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back again safe and sound.’

The son grew dark with anger and didn’t want to go in. But his father came out and pleaded with him. He however reproached his father saying, ‘Look! For so many years I have been with you and have never neglected one of your commands. But you never gave me so much as a goat that I might be merry with my friends. And now comes this son of yours who has eaten up your wealth in scandal, and you offer him the fattened calf.’

The father however said to him ‘Child, you are always with me and all that I have belongs to you too. But now we should be glad and rejoice, for this your brother was dead and lives; he was lost and has been found again.’

3^rd Sunday August Trinity

August  5, 2007

Luke 15: 11-32

When seeds are ripe, they fall to the ground and disappear. From the point of view of the mother plant, this could momentarily be seen as a loss. The potential for new life has disappeared; but only apparently. For at the right season, those seeds will indeed sprout and grow and blossom.

Frostad

Today’s gospel reading tells the story of humankind as a whole. At first we were at home, close to God our Father. But at a certain point we broke away, took our gifts and went out to explore and enjoy the world. And at first came the joy and excitement. But eventually we found ourselves, like the seeds buried in the ground, feeling nigh unto death. But whereas seeds are programmed to grow and rise, human beings need to make a choice. The lost son notices his own condition. As it says, “he came to himself”. And now he has the choice: he can continue crawling toward death, or he can overcome his pride, and his humiliation, seek out his Father, apologize for the waste and start over at a lower level.

What Christ wants to tell us with this story is the amazing fact that the Father does not judge. The older brother tries to, but the Father receives His lost son with nothing but joy and forgiveness. The younger son has judged himself. He has taken responsibility for his own misdeeds. Under those circumstances, the Father has no need to judge or punish. He is a being of Love, whose greatest joy is to see us face to face. He lets us go from Him in the hope that we will one day find our way back to Him, stronger for our experiences. He rejoices in our coming back to Him because we choose to, since He is aware of all our straying from Him, all our pretending that He doesn’t exist, all of our weaknesses, anyway.

Therefore we are bringing You, O Father the best we have to offer – ourselves. May You and Your angels rejoice at this celebratory feast. 

www.thechristiancommunity.org