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Readings for this Week before Pentecost are about the coming Kingdom designed by God. They include stories that we’ve known, and bow to the Spiritual Visions which were and are today rampant. Perhaps God’s Spirit is seeking YOU to explore territories which are new but not-so-new! Read on, and find where God’s Spirit is calling each of us…

St. Paul & Co. have been working the mission field in Asia Minor, what’s now Turkii. And Paul has a vision of a “man of Macedonia” (he could tell by the costume?) calling out an invitation. (ACTS 16:9-15) So they went right away, and spent some time in Phillippi, the capital of Macedonia. On the sabbath they found Lydia and some other women (!) ready to hear about Jesus; she found the God who was finding her and opened her home to be the disciples’ base of operations. This is the convergence of Divine Initiative and human obedience: the story reminds us that God sets up such discernment.

REVELATION 21:10 tells of the New Jerusalem spilling out of heaven upon the Earth, a second Incarnation. (“Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him”–Christina Rossetti) And we continue in verses 22 through 22:5 to hear about how this City “looks”. (Notice that there’re no Pearly Gates!) “The revealing light of God illuminates every corner and every closet. There is no longer a place for pretense or deception.” (Paul Johnson, FEASTING on the WORD, C 2:488) The Empire–Rome? Babylon? America?–is but transitory; this City shall last forever. How do you envision it??

Jesus’ Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper detailed so well by JOHN (14:23-29) tells of Jesus’ interpretation of what this final kingdom will look like. Not the Age of Aquarius, it DOES fill with Peace and Love. This vision announces that even if Jesus is “gone” from them, he himself will be there to steer them into a new/lasting community. Here is the crafting of a “home” for this community, now that the Temple is ruined and other capitals lost.

There’re few opportunities for the Visionary in today’s system. Our prophecies seem irrational, and only TV commercials show us what’s necessary for successful living. Yet the challenge is out there: if we but follow the Spirit of God’s leading, others with vision will join us. Dark days for the Church are all about us, but we’re instructed to persevere in our visionary journey.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come every Tuesday with your friends to be confronted by scriptures from the Revised Common Lectionary which will be heard on the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com

The quickest way to wreck almost everything is to say who’s In and who’s Out. This is true of the Christian Church, as well: too many wars have been fought (some of them local) over belonging to the movement. The stories to be told on the upcoming weekend give us some idea about how to include those who’re thought to be different than us. I believe that as we’re met by the Risen Christ that we need to pay attention to NOT excluding those not quite like us.

The reading from the Book of ACTS of the Apostles, 11:1-18, retells the story of Peter’s vision on the roof prayer-area in Joppa. He’s been called to account by the Church leaders for visiting with and speaking to those awful Gentiles, and he tells them of God’s encounter with him. Although these men of Cornelius’ home in Caesarea, near Joppa, were not of the Jewish tradition, Peter recognized God’s Spirit working within them. “Who was I, that I could hinder God?” It’s to the credit of the Church leaders that they then acknowledged these Gentiles and included them at the table.

We need to remember that John of Patmos was writing the REVELATION to bolster his faith-community as they cringed from the ongoing persecution. So to ensure that they weren’t guilty of the same kind of exclusion, he wrote in 21:1-6 that the ultimate home of God is with the mortals God created: “God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more, mourning and crying and pain will be no more…” We have yet to find out how God deals with non-followers–but that’s not our problem: God is present at our birth, at our beginnings AND at our “death”, at the fulfillment of time.

The Gospel lesson is provided by JOHN the Evangelist, 13:31-35. Here at the Last Supper Jesus reminds his friends about the “new” commandment to love each other. Not just this inner circle, but ALL who’ve been created! Perhaps this reading is indicative of how the early Church struggled to accept the unlovely and the awkward. Certainly the Church of today wrestles with the same problem: how can we give a place to the late-comer, the unwashed, the ones not like us?

Who’s watching? Will they know we are Christians by our love? Is there something remarkable about our attitudes of inclusion? A poet has written that “home is the place where they’ve gotta take you in.” Will our Church become Home to the wanderer not far away?

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come join us every Tuesday as we’re confronted by the texts the Common Revised Lectionary suggests for worship on the upcoming weekend.

During these few weekends after Easter, we’re being confronted by the stories about the Risen Christ. These old stories remind us that God’s strength in raising Jesus continues in his disciples–and us. They also acknowledge that God is working in areas which might surprise us, using people who are themselves surprising to spread the Good News.

The first story is about the conversion of Saul/Paul, ACTS 9:1-20. But this is about GOD’s power, expressed here through Paul and his company. We especially like Ananias, whom God sent to expedite the occasion: he said, “WHAT?!? You want me to go see this guy who’s after us?” And God replied, “Yep, I’ve decided to use this fellow to help change the lives of many, even into the 21st Century!” Some commentators point out that it’s a matter of Holy Light: first Paul is blinded by it, then he sees with the release of his former life–and then he dedicates himself to spreading this Light as a new way of seeing.

REVELATION 5:11-14 is not really a “story” but is a vision, cast in the throne room of God. The first part extols Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb, worthy of ruling over God’s Kingdom and unlocking the future of holy living. Then we move to the praise of God, “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea” singing of celestial glory. Who are these who worship? The easy answer is, “The Church”; but even more, this praising community is made of those who’re least likely to be considered “Good”, those who’ve been separated on Earth by artificial boundaries.

JOHN 21:1-19 is an epilogue to the main Gospel, where Jesus throws a Barbecue on the Beach. Peter & Company have been fishing, not knowing what else to do. But in the growing light, Jesus stands on the beach; the disciples don’t recognize him yet. “Have you caught any fish?” “(grumble, grumble)” “Then throw your net on the OTHER side of the boat (oy, vey, what’m I gonna do with these guys?)” The upshot is that the disciples finally realized that they were seeing the risen Christ… This whole story reminds me of the CALLING of the fishermen at the start of Jesus’ ministry: were they starting again?

So where have we seen Jesus but haven’t recognized him? Will his clothes glow with Heaven, or will they look like any other down-and-out wardrobe? Are we surprised when someone says, “Y’know, I think God was here!” The Psalm for the day, Psalm 30, concludes, “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.” Where have you seen Jesus today?

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come join us every Tuesday to be met by scripture readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com

The low attendance and participation at worship services brings us to an obvious conclusion: most people will pay lip-service to a faraway God, but run like anything when this God shows up on their doorstep! Lessons to be heard on this Second Sunday after Easter remind us that a pro-active God continues to pitch God’s tent in our backyard. How will I acknowledge that God’s here?

ACTS 5:27-32 continues the story of Peter & John, who have been arrested for preaching in Jerusalem about the Lordship of Jesus. (Readers should try to put this into context, which is all of Chapter 5.) Their challenge–our challenge–is to discern how to obey God rather than the System. This is no easy task, because the voices of the System are loud and strident and widely accepted as the Way Things Are. Can we do this successfully without harming others? Now that my life is just about over, what shall I risk of all my hard-earned perks?

We turn also to the beginning of the Book of REVELATION 1:4-8. This is the start of the message of John of Patmos (not the disciple/evangelist) to the community in the Mediterranean area which affirms their ideas of the Presence of God. In this pericope, the author tries to tell his audience that Jesus is not only REAL, but involved in their daily lives: “Look! He is coming with the clouds…” and that coming is to straighten out the bent part of this world. The question remains of his immanence: When? and has he already come? Or is this coming a daily thing which has influenced our ancestors and will influence us and our descendants?

It’s traditional, this Second Sunday, to read the story of “doubting Thomas”, JOHN 20:19-31. Actually, it’s the story of God’s breaking in–again!–to the lives of God’s People. This year, I’d like to lift up the idea of Jesus’ presence even though the doors were locked. What locks are on YOUR doors? Are they there out of fear of “the Jews” (the System)? Why can’t people, even GOD’s people, expect that the Holy Presence will be among them, encouraging their risk, sending them into the rest of the earth with the News that we are not condemned? Perhaps it’s more comfortable for us to accept that we’re really tarnished beyond salvation, and live accordingly…

Worship on this Sunday after Easter will be low in attendance. Very few of us will catch a glimpse of the resurrected Jesus, because it’s more convenient to let him stay in the grave. But he hasn’t.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Friends are urged to share this blog, knowing that it’s available every Tuesday at horacebrownking.com

Kay Medicine Bull, writing in the newsletter from Heritage Living Center, says, “From political unrest to devastating wildfires and unprecedented plane crashes, it seems the world is shifting in ways we never expected. Inflation continues to rise, and many are struggling with job security, making it harder to afford even basic necessities.” Each day we’re bombarded with news of illegal deportations and unwise ecological choices. Dare we really celebrate Easter?

ISAIAH writes to returned exiles from Babylon (65:17-25) whose lives are in chaos: “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” The newness of course for Christians is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Even predators will exist on fodder, and children will be born with the expectation of Life. Who woulda thought? This newness will do away with evil and sordidness, and the hoped-for longevity will be common.

ACTS 10:34-43 is Peter’s declaration of the resurrection of Jesus to Cornelius and friends, a group of Gentiles. This is the centrality of Easter, and indeed all of the Christian Life. Before Easter, the idea of peace and tranquility was absurd–but now? More than for merely the Jewish returnees from Babylon, the possibility of new things was for all!

JOHN 20:1-10 is the story of two guys who didn’t expect to see the Living Jesus. Running to the tomb where they had last seen him, they peeked in and didn’t find him. There are those (many?) this Easter morning who don’t expect to see the Living Jesus. They’ll peek in, but then slowly shake their heads and go back to their usual business. Can ANYone believe, almost 2000 years after the fact?

The Church grows smaller, day by day, yet ever more insistent that Jesus was resurrected for even the selfish and the ingrown. You and I are called to believe the story is true, and to live as though the Lord is risen…He is Risen Indeed!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come join us every Tuesday to be explored by the Revised Common Lectionary scriptures assigned to the upcoming weekend–at horacebrownking.com

Palm Sunday brings a whole lot of options to the Biblical scholar. One of those is the political dimension: the people of Jerusalem and environs had been subjugated by the Romans for the last century and a half, and they had had it. They were ready to welcome ANYone who looked like the Messiah of Davidic times. Palm branches had significance for those who remembered Maccabean days: the palm and its branches were talismen of the “new” kingdom which put aside the Syrians and tried to restore the relative calmness of the Greeks. (Coins of the Maccabean period often featured palm branches.)

Psalm 118:19-29 is a psalm of ascents, to be sung/recited on the way up Mt. Zion to the Temple: “Bind the festal procession with branches…” Back in The Day (of David?) it was necessary to negate the laments of every day with shouts of hope and praise. “O give thanks to the Lord, for (God) is good, for (God’s) steadfast love endures forever.” As the worshiper approaches the altar, he/she is recognized as One Who Comes in the name of the Lord, blessed in intent and profession.

LUKE 19:28-40 is one retelling of the Triumphant Entry; notice that no palms or branches are mentioned here. The writer evidently sees this parade as a contrast to business-as-usual, more than a statement of Messiahship (see Matthew’s account). Here is the humble Jesus, riding a farm animal against the military pomp and strength of Rome. We who see this story in retrospect can claim it as God’s use of the alternative; those of the early Church were called to either embrace or deny the Lordship of Jesus as here presented. Those who sit in the pews this year are urged to choose this leader against the System of having/owning which so dominates our politics of today.

The message of Palm Sunday is this: that God’s way endures, be it ever so simple. No matter what idiot is in the White House, no matter who rattles rockets at us, no matter that we’re being told every day that my Social Security will be chopped off–God’s way endures. Thanks be to God!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come join us every Tuesday as we together unpack scripture lessons assigned by the Common Lectionary to the upcoming weekend–at horacebrownking.com

Laura S. Mendenhall, in FEASTING on the WORD (C 2:134): “Lent is…a time to set aside distractions in order to focus on our relationship with God and with Christ’s Church, a time to let the Holy Spirit work on us in order to remold us into the image of God as individuals and as the body of Christ….During Lent we look again at what shapes our identity and gives us security…” Scripture passages to be read this weekend confront us with the eternity of Grace and the responsibility of living as God’s person.

The Prophet ISAIAH addresses the barriers which exist between God’s perfection and our own wilderness. In 43:16-21 he writes encouragement to those exiled in Babylon, now on the brink of returning to what they think they remember. To land-locked Jews, he points out that the Sea has been a life-shaper, and that even in the desert there will be rivers of life. But what about the barriers which enslave us today? God is “about to do a new thing” for each of us by helping us across the barriers of old history… Does that mean giving up our past? What ancient goods do we keep in storage? Why?

St. Paul writes to the PHILIPPIANS (3:4-14) that although born “rich” he is now throwing it all away, consigning as rubbish “the vain things that charmed us most” in order to make room in his life for knowing/participating in Christ. “Trusting solely in God’s grace, we give up past certainty for future hope.” (Mendenhall, ibid., 136) Where is God bringing resurrection even today? And do we shy away from the suffering which precludes it?

The Gospel lesson is a story told only in JOHN (12:1-8), where Mary (sister to Martha & Lazarus) anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. Is this also a part of God’s New Thing? Jesus is preparing for his revelation through resurrection, certainly an alternative to death as usual. Lazarus is present because he’s already done the trip; Mary rejoices in promised life, and spares no cost in announcing this New Thing. Her action came in the midst of a System promulgated on consuming resources and celebrating what WAS, not that which is to come.

I confess that I’m a person who admires the Past, and deals in the Good in which I was brought up. I mourn Today’s Wealth–although I enjoy modern things and snazzy inventions… Can I throw away all that I am–should I?–in order to make room for that which is to come? Questions about my possessions continue to haunt me… Should I change my name as Saul/Paul did? In all of it, I hope to receive this New Thing which God is about to do, and is already doing.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Join us each Tuesday to explore the scriptural passages assigned by the Common Lectionary to the upcoming weekend: at horacebrownking.com

does that mean giving up our past?

“Be it ever so crumbly, there’s no place like Rome”–B. Bunny. Wait a minute, Bugs! That last word should be HOME! Home is a man’s castle, and a place from which a woman tries to escape. Home is a sanctuary from the World, a place of safety and warmth. Home is where the cat sleeps on his back in front of the fire, with one eye open and one paw extended… Where is YOUR home? Do you have one, here?

JOSHUA 5:9-12 continues the story of the newly-arrived Hebrews in the Promised Land of Canaan. As they bear in mind the past of yesterday (manna) they celebrate the fact that they’re home today by eating “the produce of the land”. Now that they have a base from which to move, there’s an implication that they need to remember their own wanderings by establishing a home for those yet aliens and strangers. And so they ate in God’s name, with God’s blessing and the anticipation of gardening in their own backyard.

St. Paul speaks of this newness of perception in II CORINTHIANS 5:16-21–“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” Old standards of wealth and social prestige have disappeared in favor of all beings bearing the mark of Christ and living within his reach. To give up hope for even the Evil one is to deny the power of God to change the System. The Church, God’s community, has provided a home for the outcast and other fellow pilgrims.

The Gospel lesson, LUKE 15:11-32, tells the familiar story of the Prodigal Son, really the story of the Prodigal Father. You know it well: the second son takes his share of the family fortune and squanders it on loose living, comes to his senses and decides to go back home where he can have at least the security of the servants. BUT his dad has been keeping the light lit and the door unlocked, and welcomes him back with a big party! Everyone’s happy ‘cept the big brother, who’s been a good doobie and feels neglected. This story isn’t so much about the sons as it is about the Father, who gives more ‘n’ more to ensure the fulfillment of his children. A major part of this is welcoming the wanderer (you and me?) home…

When I was in college and grad school, my Mom & Dad were accepting new assignments and moving around a bit. I was most envious of my friends who said the were “”going home” for the holidays, because I felt as if I had no home to which I could return. Since then, God has provided various places where I could laugh and dare to live; I’ve grown by accepting where I am as “home”. When you come rolling home, I pray that you’ll sense a party in your name, and not be reluctant to come in…

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Every Tuesday we explore the texts to be read on the upcoming weekend in worship, and are likewise explored by them! Come join us at horacebrownking.com

The Season of Lent acknowledges that despite our activities to produce great wealth, not everything is OK. Even though the taxes are manageable and we may have gotten good news about our investments, still the homeless sleep under bridges and show up for community meals. Still we lie awake in the early morning hours wondering where God is. Readings heard on the upcoming weekend tell us of ancient struggles within modern situations. Human madness includes being hungry and thirsty for steadfast love.

ISAIAH 55:1-9 probably marks the beginning of New Things. The Exiles (or their children) have returned from the glitz of Babylon to find the Land they Dreamed About has gone to wrack and ruin: the Temple has been razed and a bunch of Samaritans now have taken over their land… And God invites them: “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters!” This is more than we had hoped for, or even deserved! Can we really be the People of God? “The prophet addresses a people who have wasted their resources and their striving on things that are of no benefit to them.” (Richard C. Puckett, in FEASTING on the WORD C 2:77) YOU shall call the nations.

Some will read I CORINTHIANS 10:1-13 as the gloomy side of St.Paul, filled with warnings of dire consequences for idolatry, sexual immorality and complaining. Here are not “hard sins”, but rather temptations to follow the crowd–which God alone can get us through. Where is God leading them/us? Amid the chances and challenges of Life Today, we’re tempted to abandon our own faithfulness before seeing the way out which only God provides…

LUKE 13:1-9 talks about self-righteous anger: “Did you hear about our fellow Galileans that were assaulted by Herod?” Where is God’s Grace? Where is God’s steadfast love? Were these evil people who’re getting their just desserts? No, Jesus says; they were ordinary folks who just happened to be there. Even still, they were putting their best step forward, letting God do what God does best: redeeming not-yet-productive fig trees even if it takes a whole year. God provides, without money and without price.

Lent is always a roller-coaster. Aware of how grievous our sin is, we still celebrate a God who provides Goodness even in the midst of poverty of our souls. Come to God’s Banquet and be glad!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Please tell your friends to come join us in exploring the biblical texts which are scheduled to be read on the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com

The song from the show that I remember says, “Where ya going?” “I don’t know.” “When will you get there?” “I ain’t certain; all that I know is I am on my way.” And aren’t we all on our way? Scripture lessons for this Second weekend in Lent are to remind us that we don’t know just where we’re going–but we do know that God goes with us! From the Wilderness to Jerusalem–or whatever the name of our Holy City.

GENESIS (the Book of Beginnings) 15:1-12 tells us the story of Abraham preparing to journey to the Promised Land. Like us, he’s full of questions, mostly about his yet-unborn descendants. Who’s gonna inherit this “Promised Land”? But yet he goes, trusting in the God who said, “Don’t be afraid”. What are the costs to Abraham? What are the costs to US? For what dare we hope?

Paul’s Letter to the PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1 compares those who follow Christ to the Rest of the System. “Their minds are set on earthly things.” There’s part of us which WANTS to question, which WANTS to be rational. Our community, our selves are engaged in the messy part of living, clinging to injustice, pride and all that goes with it. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior…” What do we expect? Dare we expect a Savior who gives us his own life to model?

Last week we found Jesus in the Wilderness; and this week we read that he’s on his way to Jerusalem! The intervening text will tell us of his healings, his miracles and his teachings about God’s Kingdom. Not even the threats could keep him from the site of the Temple, of government, of tradition. Just as the prophets before him, he wanted to lovingly protect the People, “How often have I desired to gather your people together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”, still forseeing the destruction and dispersal of the Jews. Were they too stubborn to accept God’s shelter? Are WE?

All of these–Abraham, Jesus and the Philippian community–are on their way with God. It’s to be pointed out that none of these knew exactly where this was, or where they were going. But they did leave every- thing behind, no easy job. Where are you going? Paint your wagon and come along!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

You’re invited every Tuesday to grab an advance look at Scriptures to be heard on the upcoming weekend–at horacebrownking.com…Tell your friends!