D-V's Desk

What if God was one of us Just a slob like one of us Just a stranger on the bus Tryin' to make His way home?   So asks the song by Joan Osburne.   As people of faith, we believe that we do not have to wonder.   We believe that God, did in fact, become one of us.   Tonight, we gather to remember that wonderful mystery.   God became human flesh and blood in a vulnerable, helpless baby.   Or, as Max Lucado likes to say, God moved into the neighborhood.   God pitched tent and lived among us.   As one of us.   Can you imagine that?   The Author and Source of all life became like one of us.   That is how much God, the Creator of the Universe, loves us.   Each and every last one of us.   The Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ Child is God’s personal love note to you and me.   God did not send another prophet.   No, God sent the One called Immanuel, God with Us, the Son, God’s very own Self to “...

This month the Diocese gathers in Binghamton at Christ Church for the 157 th Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central New York.   We will meet both in person and via Zoom.   Convention is one day this year, Saturday 18 October.   I confess, even as an extreme introvert, I enjoy Conventions.   There is something powerful about seeing all those Episcopalians in one place and worshipping together from across the Diocese (or across the Episcopal Church in the case of General Convention). Every Convention also includes carrying out the work of Convention.   We hear ministry reports, adopt a budget, vote on resolutions (including clergy compensation), and elect new leadership to various bodies or committees that help the Diocese carry out its ministry.   Delegates will also be elected to the General Convention in 2027 in Phoenix, AZ.   Bishop DeDe will present an address to the Convention that typically includes highlights of the past year and vision...

              Really, Jesus?   “I bring not peace, but division”?   “Whoever does not hate father or mother cannot follow me’?”   What happened to love God, love neighbor?   What happened to being a kind and caring neighbor from the other week?   Does Jesus really call us to hate our families and to actively seek division?   This just not sound like the Jesus we are used to.   Not at all.             Scholars consider our text today among the difficult sayings of Jesus.   I once had a college philosophy professor who liked to cite such passages as proof against Christianity.   The professor said Jesus sets such high standards that no one could possibly hope to meet.   Plus, there are the conflicting teachings of Jesus like here in Luke.   Thus, no rational being should or could be a Christian.    ...

  It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood A beautiful day for a neighbor Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Many, if not most of us here, grew up with these words.   Perhaps we watched the show as youngsters.   Maybe we saw it with children or grandchildren.   Or at least we are familiar enough to know where they come from.   Each episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood began with Fred Rogers singing this song as he entered his home.   A lawyer comes to Jesus asking how he can be sure of eternal life.   The lawyer wants to be sure that he has earned a place in God’s heavenly kingdom.   And, on the surface, the lawyer has succeeded.   He has done everything right.   He can even recite the two great commandments: love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus’ response to the lawyer’s question of “who is my neighbor?” is to tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan.   The Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ ...

  "Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum, fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.             Who could understand what I said?   (No offense, John, you have an unfair advantage).   Anyone else besides John?   Perhaps the cadence gave it away.   I was praying part of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin!   Very fitting on this day of Pentecost.   Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church.           Pentecost tells us that 50 days have passed Easter.   That is how we get the name, Pentecost.   Pente fifty.   Cost days.   The festival of Pentecost (or weeks) has its roots in the Jewish tradition.   Pentecost is one of the three high holy days of obligation, along with Passover and The Festival of Booths.   The festival explains the diverse audie...

  Let’s get some context here.   This is the end of Jesus’ “high priestly” prayer.   Jesus and his friends have shared a meal together.   Jesus has washed their feet and given them the commandment to “love one another.”   Judas has left the group to betray Jesus.   Jesus brings the other disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.             Jesus prays for the coming hours.   Jesus knows the betrayal and suffering that are ahead.   Jesus initially prays for the cup to pass.   To not undergo the fate that awaits Him.   A very natural and human response.   But, then Jesus also prays for the strength and courage to endure—Your will, God, not mine Jesus prays in the Garden (see Luke 22:39-46)             At such a time, it reasonable for Jesus to only think of Himself.   Yet Jesus spends a significant time praying ...