What do we need to know about the Gospel of Luke?

We are currently in Year C of our 3 year cycle of Sunday readings (otherwise called The Lectionary), and Year C has a particular focus on the Gospel of Luke (Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and the Gospel of John gets thrown in all three years here and there). Each of the four Biblical accounts of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection brings with it a unique perspective of who Jesus was and what he was about. It is one of the cooler witnesses of our faith that all four accounts were included in the Bible, even though they can differ from one another. This tells us that, even very early on, there was a breadth and depth of belief and understanding within the Christian faith and that Christians have always made room for a variety of ways of relating to, walking with, Jesus.

As we hear parts of Jesus’ story week by week, you may begin to notice themes and currents that run through the Gospel of Luke, Luke’s picture of Jesus asking to take shape in our hearts and imaginations. Like all of the Gospel accounts, Luke’s was written anonymously. Luke was one of the travelling companions of the Apostle Paul, and although he is not named as the author, early on in Christian history this writing became associated with his name. What we do know about ‘Luke’ is that he was a
well-educated writer who passionately researched and compiled this account of
Jesus’ life and proclamation. His Gospel was probably written about the same time as Matthew’s (75-80 AD – although the dating of the Gospel is interesting and could probably use its own bulletin insert), likely using the Gospel of Mark as one of his sources. In fact, Luke is upfront about stating in his preface that he is not speaking from his own experience of Jesus – he is seeking to provide ‘an orderly account’ of the eyewitness reports and various stories that have been circulating about Jesus, addressing his Gospel to the mysterious “Theophilus” (Beloved of God).
There has been ongoing speculation about who this Theophilus might be.
Was he a Roman official? Is Theophilus a code name for a whole community of people, following Christ? Was Luke trying to convince someone to believe, or to strengthen people who already believe?

‘Luke’ is also unique in that his account doesn’t end with Jesus’ death and resurrection. He writes a sequel — “The Acts of the Apostles,” thereby providing a stirring witness to the conflict, challenge, and excitement as masses of people
began to follow Jesus.

Here are a few things to notice as we listen to the Good News according to Luke:
-universalism – Luke believed Jesus’ message was ultimately for all people, not just Jews
-social justice – for Luke, the proclaimed Kingdom is coming here on earth, changing the lives of those who are oppressed
-women – women have a special and unique place in Jesus’ ministry in this account

What else do you notice as themes through our readings this year? What do you hear in Luke’s unique perspective and account? Enjoy paying attention to these questions as our year unfolds and as we draw closer to this faithful and passionate writer in faith.

Blessings to you in the week ahead,
Reverend Martha.

Leader: The Lord be with you;
All: And also with you.
Leader: Peace be to this house
All:  and to all who live, work, and visit here.
L: The Magi came to Bethlehem in search of the Lord. They brought to him precious gifts: gold to honour the newborn king, incense to the true God in human form, and myrrh to anoint his body, which one day would die like our own.
L: Let us pray. O God, you once used a star to show to all the world that Jesus is your Son. May the light of that star that once guided the Magi to honor his birth, now guide us to recognize him also, to know you by faith, and to see you in the epiphanies of the daily experiences of our lives.
L: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord — Jesus
born of Mary — shall be revealed.
All: And all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.
Leader: As the Wise Men once sought your brilliant light, O Lord,
All:  So may we seek to live and work in your splendor.
L: O God of Light, bless this (our) house and this (our) family. May this be a place of peace and health. May each member of this family cultivate the gifts and graces you have bestowed, dedicating our talents and works for the good of all.
L: Make this house a shelter in the storm and a haven of rest for all in need of your warmth and care. And when we go out from this place, may we never lose sight of that Epiphany star.
All: As we go about our work, our study, our play, keep us in its light and in your love.
A Blessing of the Chalk for Marking the Door: 
Lord Jesus, through your Incarnation and birth in true human form, you have made all the earth holy. We now ask your blessing upon this simple gift of your creation — chalk. We use it as a tool to teach our children, and they use it as a tool in their play and games. Now, with your blessing, may it become a tool for us to mark the doors of our home with the symbols of your wise servants who, so long ago, came to worship and adore you in your first home.
People in turn mark the doorway with one or more of the symbols:

20 + C +  M +  B + 19

The Magi of old, known as
C         Caspar
M         Melchior
B          Balthasar
Followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us
two thousand
19   and nineteen years ago.
+    Christ, bless this house,
+    And remain with us throughout the year.

L: O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star. We pray that you
bless this home, and all who live and visit here, with your gracious presence.
May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction;
All: May we be Christ’s light in the world. Amen 

What is important to know going into it?  Should I be giving something up?

The word “Lent” comes from an old English word for “Spring,” which is a helpful starting place when considering what Lent is, what Lent is not, and what we might consider in the next few weeks before Lent begins.  In its most basic definition, the season of Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) which precede the celebration of Easter.  Modelled on the story of Jesus spending 40 Days in the wilderness following his baptism and before beginning his public ministry, this block of time is preparation for entering into the mystery of Easter.

One of the most well-known ways of observing Lent has been through the adoption of a particular discipline, or ‘giving something up.’  Chocolate, caffeine and meat are popular items to forego during this season.  It is important to know why we are doing this, however.  Lent is a time of renewal and regeneration.  Rather than merely a time in which we do something to please God, Lent also very much becomes another one of God’s gifts to us – an invitation to claim some space, or create some space, to focus on the things which (or The One who) truly gives us life.  The wisdom of the ages tells us that there are many powerful and creative ways of entering into this space.  Some examples:

–Almsgiving – it is easy to spend money mindlessly, to consume food that is bad for us, entertainment that numbs us, to buy things that we don’t need.  Commit yourself to giving a certain amount of extra money away during Lent – to the church, to a cause you believe in, to someone in need, to St. George’s Refugee Sponsorship, to the Water Project – and then spend the smaller amount of money you have left with mindfulness and gratitude.

–Service – our lives become cluttered with obligations, appointments, chaos and stress.  Make a choice to do something for others during Lent, to take on a project or service that is over and above what you normally do.  What do you need to let go of in order to do this?  How does this project give you life and energy?

–Worship & Education – Lent began in the church as a season of catechism (i.e. teaching.)  It was a time in which Christians made a particular point of learning and growing in their faith, of making time for both spiritual and mental renewal, for nourishing the brain and the soul.  You can join us for our Super Tuesdays:  6:50pm to 8pm for one of two study options.

The first is the book study “Let Me Go There” by Paula Gooder; the second is “Just the Basics” – a look at the fundamental teachings of our Christian faith.  On Sunday mornings, you can participate in our “Following Jesus” Bible Study from 9am to 9:45am in the Asbil Lounge.  On Wednesday nights, you can share in our “Women in the Bible” sermon series & Bible Study from 7pm to 8:30pm.

–Consumer Choice – rather than giving something up, try changing your consumption habits to more clearly reflect your values and beliefs.  Buy locally.  Eat food that was produced within a 100 mile radius.  Or commit to fair-trade coffee and chocolate.

–Giving Something Up – Giving up meat or dessert, caffeine or alcohol, is still a viable Lenten option, just be clear about why you’re doing it.  If it’s because you want to lose weight, or because you think you should do something, it’s probably not the right choice.  If foregoing a luxury moves you to be more compassionate for those who have less, or if you simply want to create enough of a break in your regular patterns of consumption so that you can once again appreciate the blessings of this life, then go for it.

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14^th,  with Ash Wednesday.  Consider how you want to observe Lent 2018.  These questions may help you in your decision-making:  Where does my life feel out of kilter?  Where do I feel lost or hurting?  What do I most want/need to receive from God right now?  What questions are most persistent in my faith life?   With this in mind, give careful, prayerful consideration to where and how you might create the space or practices in which to bring these needs, hopes, and questions before God over the course of these 40 Days.

——————–
Blessings to you in the week ahead,
Reverend Martha.

“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,^, a light for revelation”

The ancient church was adept both at piggy-backing on already established pagan festivals to create new Christian festivals, as well as lining their festivals up with the rhythms and seasons of the natural world.   Which is why the “Christmas   season” — a season that is obviously well past in the secular world — continues in the church until February 2^nd .  Candlemas is the Christian Festival of Lights, and this celebration marks the end of Christmas.  Forty days after we tell of the birth of Jesus, we encounter the story of his presentation in the temple, and Simeon and Anna’s recognition that the light of God is revealed in this baby boy.  It falls at the mid-point of winter and also became a practical celebration — during the “candle” Mass, candles used in the church and in homes are blessed for the upcoming year.  (Interestingly, the secular world has used the same maneuvers of the early church, claiming February 2^nd away from its Christian connotations and marking it instead as Groundhog Day).

Although we no longer rely on candles to light our homes and churches, Candlemas nonetheless invites a simple and meaningful expression of faith in our modern world.  This year, we will be celebrating Candlemas at Advent Café on January 31^st at 7pm.  As part of our Sermon Series & Bibles Study (Women of the Bible), we will be reflecting on the prophet Anna, one of the first to recognize who Jesus was, even when he was just 40 days old.

The format of the evening is simple.  If you use candles in your home, bring them with you this evening to share in a blessing.  With that sign of light and blessing as a physical reminder, we can reflect together on what it means to be called into darkness, to be present ‘here in this place’ as bearing witness to, inhabiting, God’s light.  We conclude our evening with fellowship and refreshment as we enjoy a tangible sign of the joy that we receive in God’s life.

Leader: The Lord is with you;
All: And also with you.

Leader: Peace be to this house
All: and to all who live, work, and visit here.

L: The Magi came to Bethlehem in search of the Lord. They brought to him precious gifts: gold to honor the newborn king, Frankincense to the true God in human form, and myrrh to anoint his body, which one day would die like our own.

L: Let us pray. O God, you once used a star to show to all the world that Jesus is your Son. May the light of that star th at once guided the magi to honor his birth, now guide us to recognize him also, to know you by faith, and to see you in the epiphanies of the daily experiences of our lives.

L: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord — Jesus born of Mary—  shall be revealed.

All: And all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

Leader: As the Wise Men once sought your brilliant light, O Lord,

All: so may we seek to live and work in your splendor.

L: O God of Light, bless this (our) house and this (our) family. May this be a place of peace and health. May each member of this family
cultivate the gifts and graces you have bestowed, dedicating our talents and works for the good of all.

L: Make this house a shelter in the storm and a haven of rest for all in need of your warmth and care. And when we go out from this place, may we never lose sight of that Epiphany star.

All: As we go about our work, our study, our play, keep us in its light and in your love. A Blessing of the Chalk for Marking the Door:
Lord Jesus, through your Incarnation and birth in true human form, you have made all the earth holy. We now ask your blessing upon this
simple gift of your creation — chalk. We use it as a tool to teach our ch ildren, and they use it as a tool in their play and games.
Now, with your blessing, may it become a tool for us to mark the doors of our home with the symbols of your wise servants who, so long ago, came to worship and adore you in your first home.

People in turn mark the doorway with one or more of the symbols:

20 + C + M + B + 18

The magi of old, known as

C         Caspar
M        Melchior
B         Balthasar

Followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us

20        two thousand
18         and eighteen years ago.
+          Christ, bless this house,
+          And remain with us throughout the year.

L: O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star. We pray that you bless this home, and all who live and visit here,
with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction;

All: May we be Christ’s light in the world.
Amen