Apostle St Philip
1610-14
Oil on canvas, 97 x 77 cm
Museo de El Greco, Toledo
Click to open Web Gallery of Art display page. Click on their image to enlarge/fit page etc.
Click to explore El Greco’s Apostolados: the Series of Christ and the Apostles.
3 nuggets to enrich your reading of Mark’s Gospel. Are they golden?
FROM THE ARCHIVES…
Note: From 1999-2003 Stan Hirsch facilitated the Sunday Morning Forum. He collected a wealth of information. To my delight he archived the material. In the weeks to come we’ll mine this archived material for Supplemental information on our work in the Year B Lectionary. Since space is not restricted, I may add to the original material from time to time. I encourage you to follow the links when given. Come back often, go exploring, keep learning. ~dan
Nugget 1. Rend, rent, rending … consider this:
“…‘O that you would rend the heavens and come down!’ These words of Isaiah 64:1 may have influenced Mark’s choice of language here: Jesus ‘saw the heavens rent open’ (1:10). This a very graphic way of doing christology. In Jesus there is a meeting of the God sphere and the human sphere…”
“First Thoughts on Year B Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: The Baptism of Jesus,” by William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia, 1999. http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/MkBaptism.htm (Checked 7 Jan 2012)
Nugget 2. A literary device used by the author of Mark?
“The Heavenly Veil Torn: Mark’s Cosmic ‘Inclusio’ ”
…Mark did indeed imagine a link between the tearing of the heavens and the tearing of the temple veil– since we can now see that in fact in both cases the heavens were torn–and that he intentionally inserted the motif of the “tearing of the heavenly veil” at both the precise beginning and at the precise end of the earthly career of Jesus, in order to create a powerful and intriguing symbolic inclusio…”
by David Ulansey. [Originally published in Journal of Biblical Literature 110:1 (Spring 1991) pp. 123-25] http://www.well.com/user/davidu/veil.html (Updated 7 Jan 2012)
Nugget 3. One answer (disputed, we’re Episcopalians after all) to the question of the authorship of the Gospel according to Mark (the Gospel account of Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary)
Note: Eusebius wrote c. 320-330 CE. Scholars writing today have to take into account this work from our church history. Agreeing or disagreeing, they must account for this testimony of Eusebius (who is quoting the Presbyter John and Papias and more on that in a later post).
Papias gives also in his own work other accounts of the words of the Lord on the authority of Aristion who was mentioned above, and traditions as handed down by the presbyter John; to which we refer those who are fond of learning. …
“This also the presbyter said: Mark having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord’s discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.” These things are related by Papias concerning Mark.
The Church History of Eusebius. Fourth Century Book III Chapter XXXIX nn 14-15. The Writings of Papias. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.viii.xxxix.html (Updated 7 Jan 2012)
Image: From the internet–http://travelerstrails.com
B Epiphany 1, Art for Readings for January 8, 2012
Come into an unforgettable Epiphany sermon
Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources is “a gift to the wider Church from the South Yarra Community Baptist Church in Melbourne, Australia.” It is one of my favorite places on the net. As the sun rises on this Feast of the Epiphany I invite you to come into the sermon shared by Pastor Nathan Nettleton on 6 January 2005—just 11 days after the worst tsunami in history ended more than 230,000 lives and displaced almost 2 million people in 15 countries. The South Asia Tsunami of December 26, 2004 | Images from the tsunami.
Invitation to the sermon: An Epiphany Tsunami. Here’s how it begins:
Epiphany
An appearance
A revelation
Deep truth suddenly becomes visible
The lights go onTsunami
A massive wave
A wave of destruction
An all-powerful surge of chaos and death
But perhaps too, an event where truth suddenly becomes visible
Perhaps too, this can bring light to bearEpiphany
An appearance
A revelation
A star rises in the West
Who’d even notice
A million stars come out every night
throwing their light in all directions
But they notice these things, those magi
those mystics from the East
from Iraq
To them it’s a sign
A revelation
The lights go on
Deep truth beckons them from the western sky
The plan of mystery hidden for ages in God is emerging
The chosen one is born
The one for whom all the world has been longing
The one before whom the rulers of the earth will bow
The light beckons from the western sky
A journey beginsTsunami
A wave of power and death
Totally unexpected
Spreading out
East and West, North and South
Awesome, unstoppable, all-conquering
One before whom all bow
or flee
or fall
And after whom all are changed
all are weeping
all are grieving
Finish reading this sermon. YES, it is well worth reading on this Feast of the Epiphany.
Though these words of blessing were composed by Nathan I pray them for you, asking God to bless you, dear reader:
Go now, seek out the Christ wherever he may be found,
and share the good news with all who bear him no ill will.
Bring light to those in thick darkness,
a voice to those no one speaks for,
and hope to those no one cares for.
And may God make you a sharer in the promised light.
May Christ Jesus fill you with his sense of what is right.
And may the Holy Spirit be to you like rain
that gives life to the fertile earth.
A blessing for the Feast of the Epiphany on Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources
More importantly, what does it mean to you?
Epiphany. Well, what does it mean to you? What’s the big deal about Epiphany? Decide for yourself.
Here is the “official” description of Epiphany shared by our Episcopal Church in its book Holy Women, Holy Men:
The name “Epiphany” is derived from a Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “appearing.” Anglican Prayer Books interpret the word with an alternative title, “The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.” The last phrase, of course, is a reference to the story of the Wise Men from the East.
A Christian observance on January 6 is found as early as the end of the second century in Egypt. The feast combined commemorations of the visit of the Magi, led by the star of Bethlehem; the Baptism of Jesus in the waters of the River Jordan; and Jesus’ first recorded miracle, the changing of water into wine at the marriage of Cana of Galilee—all thought of as manifestations of the incarnate Lord.
The Epiphany is still the primary Feast of the Incarnation in Eastern Churches, and the three-fold emphasis is still prominent. In the West, however, including Anglican Churches, the story of the Wise Men has tended to overshadow the other two events. Modern lectionary reform, reflected in the 1979 Prayer Book, has recovered the primitive trilogy, by setting the event of the Baptism as the theme of the First Sunday after the Epiphany in all three years, and by providing the story of the Miracle at Cana as the Gospel for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany in Year C. Page 158
Here is another write up that we can discuss in the Sunday Morning Forum. As you will see, I/we might dispute some of what is written here:
Epiphany — which is variously known as Theophany, Three Kings Day and El Dia de los Tres Reyes — is a Christian celebration of the revelation of the birth of Jesus to the wider world. This is embodied most in the story of three wise men visiting a newborn Jesus with gifts, found in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. Read the article and view more images of Epiphany.
I encourage you to view the pictures that accompany the article (above) about Epiphany. There is no disputing that the Feast is observed and celebrated these thousand of years later in ways to capture the imagination and the heart.
Twelfth Day of Christmas: You
You
The need is great. The opportunities to make a difference are just as great. Let the words of St. Ignatius guide your efforts in 2012: “Pray as if everything depends upon God and act as if everything depends upon you.”
January 6th is the Epiphany. The love of God, enfleshed in Jesus, is manifested to the whole world. It is our calling to continue to reveal Jesus, the Christ, to the whole world in the place we are and in the time we have.
With the Feast of Epiphany this calendar will be renamed “Opportunity Calendar” because it will present you and other viewers with the opportunity to make a difference in the life of one person or one family or one village. Choose to become involved.
Pray. Your prayers lifted to God to comfort those in need and strengthen those sent to meet the needs are more powerful than you can imagine. Believe it; I do.
Pray and study. Increase your awareness of need and response as you pray and study. Read and listen and watch, taking it all to our God in prayer. The encounter will change you. I know.
Study and share. Raise the awareness of others by sharing information, especially stories. Write letters to your elected representatives. Become the voice of the voiceless.
Share time, talent, and treasure. Volunteer your time and love by serving others (it is the model given us by Christ). Make donations (even small donations help) to an organization that is making a difference.
Remember a promise made to you by Jesus, revealed as “Emmanuel” in this time of Christmas and Epiphany: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~dan
The Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar in one place
About the Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar
For further reflection
In our Baptismal Covenant we promise God and each other to act as if everything depended on us:
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
I will with God’s help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will with God’s help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
I will with God’s help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will with God’s help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will with God’s help.
The Book of Common Prayer, pp. 304-305
Eleventh Day of Christmas: F.I.N.D.
F.I.N.D. Food In Need of Distribution
Years before my arrival at St. Margaret’s (1993) the parish had forged a relationship with FIND and was distributing food once a week. Over the years the need for this source of food has grown, and so has the response. I am proud of the work being done by FIND in the Coachella Valley and by the parish volunteers who distribute food every Tuesday morning. Here is a way our parish has partnered with a community resource to “change the world.” ~dan
FIND (Food in Need of Distribution) Food bank, is dedicated to mobilizing the resources of our community through education and awareness to relieve hunger, the causes of hunger and the problems associated with hunger.
Our Vision
To create, a community where our citizens are free of hunger insecurity. By educating our clients about alternative healthy food choices and informing them of various programs available to them to alleviate the upward spiral of demand. We envision our food insecure clients obtaining nourishing food through channels that are not solely dependent on private sources; where our clients can learn to become self-sufficient while mindful of healthy choices. (“Mission and Vision” on the FIND website)
FIND Home Page
The Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar in one place
About the Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar
For further reflection
Frequently Asked Questions
Who We Are
Q What is FIND (Food In Need of Distribution) Food Bank?
A. FIND is the Coachella Valley’s only Food Bank and it is our responsibility to ensure there is sufficient food to feed the hungry.
Q. How does FIND get the food?
A. We get our food from four sources.
- Large and Small (food drives) food donations from entities such as General Mills, Nabisco, Kraft, Cargill and many more.
- We are the USDA distributor for the Eastern Riverside County.
- We have 5 trucks operating each day going from different local grocery stores and products that are either close to expiration, damaged containers or just overstocked product.
- We purchase large quantity of product at wholesale prices to meet the needs of our agencies and operational programs such as Desert Kids Summer Feeding and Seniors Brown Bag.
Q. How is the food distributed?
A. Food is distributed through either our partnering agencies or directly through our emergency food programs.
Q. What geographical area does FIND serve?
A. Find serves the Eastern Riverside County along with parts of the high desert.
Q How many people does FIND help feed?
A. We are currently reaching on average 80,000 individuals monthly.
Q. How does FIND address food safety and nutrition?
A. We operate our warehouse under the strictest guidelines for food safety and are continuously working to obtain higher nutritional value type foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Programs and Support
Q. What is FIND doing to help people support themselves?
A. We are reaching out to the people we serve through our partnering agencies and helping them find alternative sources of aid, such as Food Stamps, WIC and general case management services.
Q. How successful is FIND is its fight against hunger?
A. FIND is working aggressively each and every day to end hunger in the Coachella Valley. Once we have a full commitment from our community we will be able to state, “We are a hunger free zone”.
How You Can Help
Q. How much of my donation will be used for acquisition of food?
A. For every dollar we are able serve 7 meals. This is because 98% or 86% of your donation goes to food acquisition.
Q. How many people will I feed with my donation?
A. $1 = 7 meals
$10 = 70 meals
$100 = 700 meals
Q. Why should I support FIND?
A. FIND Food Bank is the main provider of food to those who find themselves food insecure. This could mean a child, a senior, a family or a homeless individual.
Hunger does not Discriminate.
Hunger knows no age limits.
Hunger knows no boundaries.
WE KNOW HUNGER!
Serving Hungry Families in The Coachella Valley Since 1983.
Join us in our pledge to fight hunger in the Coachella Valley.
Q. How can I become a partner?
A. Either browse our web site and find the many ways you can make a difference through a donation that fits your needs or call us 760-775-FOOD (3663)
Q. Can I make recurring partner donations?
A. Yes, by donating on a recurring basis allows us to implement programs to better serve those in need.
Q Are volunteers needed?
A. Volunteers are the back bone to our success, we are always looking for opportunities to work with individuals or groups. Call or go to our web site for further details.
From the FIND website 3 January 2012
Tenth Day of Christmas: Heifer International
Heifer International
Heifer International works near and far to end hunger and poverty. ~dan
To End Hunger & Poverty
Heifer International’s mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth.
By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope.
With gifts of livestock and training, Heifer projects help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. We refer to the animals as “living loans” because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal’s offspring to another family in need. It’s called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of our mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace. (“Our Work” on the Heifer International website)
Heifer International Home Page
The Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar in one place
About the Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar
For further reflection
USA – Building Healthy Community Food Systems in Arkansas and Appalachia
Project Profile:
Building Healthy Community Food Systems in Arkansas and Appalachia will help to organize and provide resources and support for local communities to fight hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. The project will specifically target high-need populations in two regions: Lee, Monroe, Phillips, St. Francis and Woodruff counties in the Arkansas Delta and Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties in North Carolina, and Johnson County, Tennessee in the high-country of Appalachia
Heifer USA will be facilitating and building the capacity for collaboration among key partners. With partners, this project will work within the value chain to create and support the establishment and sustainability of community food enterprises linking small and medium-scale farmers to diverse markets. Limited resource families will have increased access to, and the ability to influence the quality and availability of, local, healthy food within their own communities. Education and awareness-raising as well as public policy work are also key strategies as part of realizing long-term, systemic change. Please read more about this new initiative
Check out the The Heifer Blog for more stories, inspiration, and encouragement.
Ninth Day of Christmas: Mission to Seafarers
Mission to Seafarers
Some of you may remember Fr. Bob Crafts as the Rector of St. John’s in Indio. When he retired he moved back to San Diego and began a new ministry as a Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers. As a diocese we support Fr. Crafts in prayer and practice as he provides ministry to those who sail the seas. ~dan
Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Around the world, The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.2 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
As a Christian agency, we work in 250 ports caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through our global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers we offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services. (“About Us” on the Mission to Seafarers website)
Mission to Seafarers What We Do | Mission to Seafarers Home Page
The Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar in one place
About the Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar
For further reflection
Did you know:
- 90% of world trade is carried by the sea, providing work to more than a million seafarers.
- 30 million people make a living by fishing.
- The rate of suicide for international seafarers is triple that of shore workers, and they are 26 times more likely to be killed at work.
- Shipping is a truly international industry: in today’s global market you might have a Greek-owned vessel, registered in Malta, with officers from India and a mixed crew from Thailand, Indonesia, Vanuatu, and the Philippines.
- Piracy hit an all-time high in the first six months of 2011, with 266 attacks worldwide, up from 196 a year earlier, according to statistics from the International Maritime Bureau. Of the 266 attacks, 60% were carried out by Somalia-based pirates.
- Seafarers are among the most exploited and abused groups of workers in the world, yet their plight is barely recognised by the mainstream media and public opinion, says the ITF report, ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’.
Source: Facts and Figures on the Mission to Seafarers website
Do you remember:
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Matthew 25:34-36
Eighth Day of Christmas: Bread for the World
Bread for the World
Over the years Bread for the World has been one of my “go to” organizations. At home and around the world Bread for the World, in action, reminds me that at Baptism the community interceded for us so that we would receive grace in order to have “the courage to will and to persevere.” Challenged to feed the world, members of Bread for the World will themselves to action and persevere in their advocacy. I agree with their heartfelt conviction: “God is up to something and is calling us to share in this new creation.” It is humbling to be part of this effort. ~dan
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
God’s grace in Jesus Christ moves us to help our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state, or the next continent.
Confronting the problem of hunger can seem overwhelming.
What can one person do? Plenty.
Bread for the World members write personal letters and emails and meet with our members of Congress.
Working through our churches, campuses, and other organizations, we engage more people in advocacy.
Each year, Bread for the World invites churches across the country to take up a nationwide Offering of Letters to Congress on an issue that is important to hungry and poor people. (“What we do” on the Bread for the World website)
Bread for the World What we do | Bread for the World Home Page
The Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar in one place
About the Twelve Days of Christmas Calendar
For further reflection
About hunger
In 2005, the latest year for which data are available, 1.4 billion people in developing countries lived in extreme poverty—on less than $1.25 a day—down from 1.9 billion in 1981.
In the United States, 14.6 percent of households struggle to put food on the table. Nearly one in four children is at risk of hunger.
We can end hunger in our time. Everyone, including government, must do their part.
By making our voices heard in Congress, we make our laws more fair and compassionate to people in need.
Source: About hunger on the Bread for the World website
Hear what the Spirit is saying 