January 2, 2023  – Christmas +8 —“Shout The Good News”

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” Matthew 16:13-20

“Use no reproachful language against anyone; neither curse nor revile.” (George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation; number 49; p. 18, Applewood Books”)

When I see people acting rude and inconsiderate, I feel less of a person. There is no reason for people to act mean-spirited toward one another – whether it is because of political differences, family arguments, or religious disagreements. Just this past Christmas season my wife and I would ask different baristas and other service providers if people were being rude or mean. Too often they quickly answered in the affirmative. It is these moments when I need to hear the good news about the love of Jesus.

Matthew 16:13-15 is just one of the many verses throughout the Bible that tells us to share and declare G-d’s love and mercy. When Jesus asks his disciples “But who do you say I am?”, he is giving them a chance to share their opinion about his ministry.

There are a million different ways to share G-d’s love with our neighbors and the world. There are some churches where people often stand in front of the congregation and share their testimony—their own personal story of how G-d has come into and impacted their lives. We know, as Lutherans, this is very foreign to us. But we need to learn to say to people what it means for us to declare that Jesus is the Messiah. It is not part of our religious experiences to declare our faith story in front of an entire congregation – and that is fine. But we can work out a story to share with one or two people – especially if we overhear someone being mean-spirited or rude.

Jesus has asked each one of us to share the good news, but it often will not come easily or immediately. But the more we practice, the easier it will become.

Let us pray: Lord, we often miss those moments to share our stories because we are afraid. Help me to be present in all moments and to share how your love has impacted my life. Amen.

Pastor Dave

January 1, 2023  – Christmas +7 — “Pray For Forgiveness”

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

“When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased, but always show pity to the suffering offender.” (George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation; number 23; p. 13, Applewood Books”)

One of my favorite parts of our worship Mass comes in the corporate confession, and absolution. That special time invites G-d to heal our guilty hearts and minds. But I am not so sure that we use it appropriately most of the time.

Everyone has a hard time letting go – letting go of our junk, especially the memories of someone hurting our feelings or treating us poorly. That is what this part of the service is supposed to be about. When we bring our difficult memories and feelings to G-d’s heart and to our minds, it should remind us to pray for forgiveness, and to offer the same to our neighbors and congregation members. We come to this time with the idea and the understanding that G-d truly and totally forgives me, and you, and encourages us to forgive ourselves and others.

Exchanging the peace should not be a time to catch up on lunch plans, saying hello to those we have not seen in a while, and complaining about the hymns. The best use of this time is to reflect upon how we might change our ways — do something about our guilt-ridden hearts and minds. Sharing the peace presents us the opportunity we have to act out of love, with a refreshed confidence in G-d’s grace and goodness toward all of us.

What does asking for forgiveness mean to you? What do you think asking for forgiveness means to G-d? Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness? Find a way to connect with that person and do what you can to make the situation right. Commit your conversation to G-d, and pray for the right words to speak, and a soft heart to listen.

Let us pray: Lord, you offer us unlimited forgiveness. Help us to live with the same forgiving heart. Amen.

Pastor Dave