"Keep awake!"

Scripture

 “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” (Mark 13:37)

Reflection

With this new season of Advent, we launch into the Gospel of Mark. As usual for the First Sunday of Advent, we “begin with the end in mind,” with our text for this coming Sunday from the so-called “Little Apocalypse,” Jesus’ prediction of the end-times. In this, the last Sundays of the prior Church Year and the first Sunday of the new one sound a common tone: “Be ready.”

In Matthew 25, from which the Gospel readings on the previous three Sundays came, we found ten bridesmaids, five of whom were “ready” and five whose oil had run out. In the same chapter, we see three slaves who are called to account for what they have done with their endowments from their master. Next we see the division of sheep and goats, with Jesus to be found in the “least of these.” Three scenes of being “ready” or not.

What does it mean for us to “keep awake”?

Prayer

Gracious God, Keep me alert for your coming into my life in many and various ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"O that you would tear open the heavens and come down . . ."

Scripture

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down . . . (Isaiah 64:1a)

Reflection

What a far-cry from Isaiah 40, where our prophet sings, “Comfort, comfort my people . . .” in anticipation of the return of the exiles from Babylon to their beloved homeland. The prophet of chapter 64 is impatient. The long longed-for return has not gone as hoped. The old city and its temple are still lying in ruins. Other people have settled the lands that had been theirs and their parents’ and grandparents’. The task of rebuilding seems monumental. The prophet cries to God in desperation and frustration, “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down . . .” 

Where is God when things don’t go as expected or as hoped? The prophet’s cry is also ours.

We begin our season of Advent longing for God.

Prayer

Longed-for God, Tear open the heavens and come down! Amen.

Commemoration Jehu Jones Jr.

Commemoration

Jehu Jones Jr., d. September 28, 1852; transferred from November 24

Reflection

Jehu Jones was the first African American to be ordained a Lutheran pastor. Unfortunately, racism followed him, both in the North and in the South, even from his pastoral colleagues. His father was the proprietor of a large hotel in Charleston and who purchased the freedom of several slaves. Jones felt a call to be a missionary in Liberia, and, knowing that pastors in the South would not ordain him, he traveled to New York City bearing letters of recommendation from his pastor back in Charleston, and he was ordained by the Ministerium of New York in 1832. When he returned to Charleston to prepare for his voyage to Liberia, he was jailed and later freed on condition of never again returning to his native state. He went with his wife and nine children to Philadelphia, where he established St. Paul’s Church (the cornerstone still stands). When his congregation experienced financial difficulties, his ministerial colleagues refused to help, and the Ministerium of Pennsylvania seized the property. Jones disappeared from the scene disillusioned. Douglas Strange observes that other African American pastors who have followed Jones into ministry in the Lutheran Church “have exhibited, by their decision to do so, a greater tolerance and unfeigned forgiveness toward us than that shown to Jehu Jones, Jr.”

Prayer

Gracious God, Forgive us the deeply-ingrained sin of racism. Make us ambassadors of your peace that knows of no divisions of race. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Commemoration William Passavant

Commemoration

William Passavant, d. June 6, 1894 (transferred from November 24)

Reflection

Of William Passavant, his close friend and associate H.W. Roth said, “When others dreamed, he dared and did.” A pastor of congregations in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Passavant was a tireless worker in the cause of relieving human suffering. Regular services were held in jails, and he sought out the poor, the sick, and the neglected. He was a mission organizer; a founder of hospitals in Milwaukee, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville, Illinois; of orphanages in Mount Vernon, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. He was also a founder of Thiel College, Chicago Seminary, and the General Council. He introduced the deaconess movement to America.

In his publication The Workman, Passavant wrote: The Church must not only be a witnessing Church but also a working Church. If she is not this, her testimony for the truth and her solemn services are in vain. Only when the Church truly believes, is she in a position to teach, to confess, and to live the life of her blessed Lord. . . . And because of such faith, bringing with it forgiveness of sin and the peace of God, the Church must follow in the footsteps of her Lord, and out of the depths of her grateful love do His works. Having been much forgiven, she will love much. And to do this, she must daily sit at His feet and learn of Him.

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for the life and witness of your servant, William Passavant. Give to us the same passion to live our faith as he did. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Commemoration November 25: Isaac Watts

Commemoration

Isaac Watts, Hymnwriter, d. 1748

Reflection

Isaac Watts is known as the creator of the English hymn. Dissatisfied with the poor quality of the versified psalms in use in the church of his day, he set out to do better, and his Hymns and Spiritual Songs collection demonstrates the results of his labors. He was an ordained pastor, but failing health forced him to spend his last 26 years in the house of Sir Thomas Abney, preaching and teaching only occasionally. These years were prolific for the brilliant scholar and writer of theology, philosophy, and verse. He died after many years of suffering. He has been called the Melanchthon (Martin Luther’s close friend and defender of the Reformation) of his day because of his learning, gentleness, and devotion. A monument to Watts is in Westminster Abbey.

Watt’s hymns include “Joy to the World,” “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed,” “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Give to Our God Immortal Praise,” and “Jesus Shall Reign.” 

Prayer

O God, Whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven with hymns and spiritual songs of praise: Give us the wings of faith to behold the joyful glory of your saints, and to be so strengthened by the vigorous poetry of your servant Isaac Watts that we may faithfully walk in the path you have set before us, and at last, through your grace, possess the land of pure delight opened to us by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Philip H. Pfatteicher)

Commemoration November 24: Justus Falckner

Commemoration

Justus Falckner, d. September 22, 1723; Pastor in North America

Reflection

Our calendar of commemorations lifts up three “Pastors in North America” on this day; we will devote three days this week to remember them.

Justus Falcner was the first Lutheran pastor ordained in North America. His ordination was truly ecumenical, as Falckner, who was German (born in Saxony), was ordained by a Swedish pastor, to serve a Dutch congregation. The service was held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Philadelphia (a Swedish congregation), and it featured an organ, orchestra, and men’s choir singing in Latin. Falckner and his two brothers followed the vocation of their father and grandfathers on both sides for six generations. Falckner wrote a Dutch catechism for adults, and he is remembered for his hymn, “Rise, O Children of Salvation” (LBW 182, unfortunately not in our current ELW).

Prayer

Eternal God, Whose praise by the saints in light thunders like the sea, you brought together a diversity of peoples and traditions in the ordination of your servant Justus Falckner: Strengthen, we pray, all servants of your church in their ministry that, supported by the fellowship of the faithful and bold who were victorious in their spiritual warfare, your people may be steadfast in the truth, united in purpose, and comprehensive in their ministry to the world; through your Song Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Philip H. Pfatteicher)

Prosper the Work of Our Hands

THE TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Year A, Lectionary 23

November 16, 2014

Psalm 90:1-8, 12

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Matthew 25:14-30

Pastor David Tryggestad

Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church

Duluth, Minnesota

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

Every congregation I have served has its own rhythm. In addition to the rhythm of weekly worship and the annual cycle of the Church Year, which are shared by thousands of congregations across the country—across the globe—each congregation has its own particular rhythm. Some events are weekly, like Bible studies, choir rehearsal, confirmation or high school ministry. Others are every other week, like serving supper at the Union Gospel Mission. Still others are monthly, like Bridges to Christ or the Altar Guild. Annual events include the Trunk or Treat event, just held a few weeks ago, with at least 17 families showing up with their trunks filled with candy and goodies, and perhaps 100 children from the community involved. Then there are ongoing but unscheduled events that include providing hospitality for grieving families at the time of a funeral or memorial service.

Just this past Thursday our quilters gathered for their monthly rhythm of service and fellowship. As always, the Fellowship Hall was abuzz with conversation and activity and color—glorious color—as many quilts were being worked on simultaneously, each in various stages of construction. I thought about the last verse of our psalm appointed for today, Psalm 90:

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

In many ways, our quilters are a microcosm of the life of a congregation. Some of them bring quilt squares they have been working on at home, while they all bring their lives with them when they gather, as they share their joys and their sorrows with one another. Martin Luther called this the “mutual conversation and consolation of the brothers and sisters in Christ.” Though there is much they might cry about, as most are in their 70s and 80s, joy and laughter dominate the atmosphere. When they sit down for lunch, one of them shares a devotion, after which discussion follows, including the business of numbering the quilts and determining where they should go, where they might serve the greatest need. The new Steve O’Neil Apartments are high on their list this year.

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

Our psalmist would have been right at home with our quilters—in fact, perhaps he was talking about them! “The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong . . .” (vs. 10a). If 80 years old is strong, some of our quilters are even stronger! Some are approaching fourscore years and ten! And still they quilt—they move those tired hands and fingers over those beautiful fabrics and assemble gifts of love for strangers across the street or across the globe.

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

I thought of our psalm when I came in yesterday afternoon and found our volunteer piano tuner sitting at our Mason & Hamlin piano up front. He had been out of town with his wife almost all week attending to a daughter undergoing a battery of medical tests and procedures and came home on Friday to learn that both pianos in the sanctuary needed tuning before worship this morning. He is self-employed and no doubt had a list of his own projects to attend to.

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

While here yesterday, I noted that the Altar Guild had been here to prepare the altar, with final details being completed this morning before worship. One of them baked our bread at home. Next week when you come for worship, you will note that all the paraments will have been changed from green to white in celebration of Christ the King Sunday. In celebration of this festival of the conclusion of the Church Year, one of the members will provide port wine for the Lord’s Supper. And when you come the Sunday following, you will see that all the paraments will again have been changed, this time to blue, to usher in the season of Advent, the beginning of a new Church Year. All of this in addition to the paraments having been red for Reformation Sunday at the end of October, then white for All Saints Sunday at the beginning of November, and then back to green. It is worth noting that our green paraments were lovingly handmade by one of our members, who serves both on the Altar Guild and the quilters.

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

Many, many people share their time and their talents to make a congregation vital. Our English word talent comes from our Gospel for today, though the talents that Jesus is talking about are not traits or abilities, but rather money—lots of money. Depending on which biblical scholar you read, a talent is worth the equivalent of 15 or 20 years of labor. Multiply your annual income by 15 or 20, and, regardless of your salary, a talent is a lot of money.

As much as every congregation depends on the time and talents of all its members, Jesus is talking about money. Yet it seems that, whenever the church tries to talk about stewardship, we tend to steer the conversation away from money and towards issues of time and talents, thinking that, if we’ve offered our time and talents, we’ve offered enough.

The master in our Gospel lesson is incredibly generous, despite what the third slave says about him. Whether you have received five talents, or two talents, or one talent, you have been entrusted with a great deal. It is only right and fitting that we should return a portion of what has been entrusted to us. Yet we are so ready to do nothing to invest what has been entrusted to us in the work of our Lord. As another psalmist sings, “What shall I render to the Lord for all God’s benefits to me?” (Psalm 116:12). “What shall I give back . . .?”

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

This past week has seen many children and young people coming together. We have 26 enrolled in Sunday School, many more than in previous years. We’ve had several weeks with 100% participation among our dozen confirmation youth, and we have more high school youth coming regularly than we have had in a long time. Our children’s and youth leaders are enthusiastic and committed. Five are attending the Middle School Gathering next weekend, in addition to the adult leader; seven are participating in the 10-day Synod Journey next summer, in addition to the adult leader.

In a few minutes we will sing, “Christ, Be Our Light” (ELW 715). The Apostle Paul says in our Second Reading, “. . . for you are all children of light and children of the day . . . Therefore encourage one another and build up each other . . .” (1 Thessalonians 5:5a, 11a).

A large part of that encouraging and building up each other involves your financial contributions to our ministry. Our children and young people depend on it. And our lives of faithful discipleship depend on it.

 

. . . and prosper for us the work of our hands

—O prosper the work of our hands!

Thanks be to God!

The Wise and the Foolish

THE TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Year A, Lectionary 32

November 9, 2014

Amos 5:18-24

Matthew 25:1-13

Pastor David Tryggestad

Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church

Duluth, Minnesota

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

the time is drawing nigh.

The parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids has always troubled me. First of all, I don’t like it that the wise bridesmaids don’t share their oil with the foolish. Their excuse is that, if they were to share, they would all run out of oil and the bridegroom would have to come without a welcome; there would be no light whatsoever for his arrival. Imagine a totally dark wedding banquet.

But, for me, the more troubling thing is the conclusion—the response of the bridegroom to the foolish bridesmaids who eventually show up, having purchased oil for their lamps. The door has already been shut. The bridegroom replies, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.”

The response seems harsh. It seems particularly harsh when the bridegroom represents our Lord.

Doesn’t Jesus say somewhere else in Scripture: “I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14)? How does Jesus know his own and how do his own know him?

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

the time is drawing nigh.

If our Gospel for today is not troubling enough, there’s Amos, the prophet from our First Lesson, through whom God sings:

I hate, I despise your festivals,

and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies [read, “worship”]. . . .

Take away from me the noise of your songs;

I will not listen to the melody of your harps. (Amos 5:21, 23)

The one thing more than any other that constitutes a Christian congregation is corporate worship, and, before Christ, the regular worship of the Jews in the Temple and synagogues. How can God possibly say, “I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies”? And perhaps the one thing we do more than anything else is to sing. How can God say, “Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps”?

I grew up in the church. I probably missed no more than two or three Sundays a year going to worship. But I don’t think I ever really heard the words of our prophet until I was in my late 20s, when I had the job of my dreams as full-time director of music at a large Lutheran church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. My life centered around preparing choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists to lead four different worship services every weekend. I thought I had the most important job in the world! And most fun! Then I heard, as if for the first time, the words of our prophet thundering as if from heaven itself:

I hate, I despise your festivals,

and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies . . . .

Take away from me the noise of your songs;

I will not listen to the melody of your harps.

I felt as if the prophet—or was it God?!—had negated everything to which I had devoted my life. I had to ask over and over again that good Lutheran question, “What does this mean?”

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

the time is drawing nigh.

So what do we make of our troubling Scripture readings for today? From our Gospel: “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” And from our prophet:

I hate, I despise your festivals,

and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies . . . .

Take away from me the noise of your songs;

I will not listen to the melody of your harps.

God does not stop there. God continues:

But let justice roll down like waters,

and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24)

It seems God is interested in justice and righteousness. As we read further in Amos, we find that the same people who come to worship on the Sabbath go out and live lives centered on themselves the rest of the week. In so doing, the poor in their midst suffer, and most egregious of all is that some of the so-called righteous not only ignore their suffering but even contribute to it by withholding what they might contribute to help alleviate suffering, and to work for justice.

When we opened our worship this morning singing “Let Justice Roll Like a River,” we were not just singing a peppy, bouncy, upbeat tune; we were committing ourselves to the lyrics we sang . . . or were we? Do we mock the poor and mock God by singing the lyrics but not living them?

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

the time is drawing nigh.

Then there’s our Gospel for today: “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.”

Evidently, the bridegroom knew the five wise bridesmaids because they were ready and waiting for him with their lamps burning brightly. They had oil enough to keep their lamps burning. The five foolish bridesmaids had run out of oil, and they were “in the dark,” literally. They were not present to welcome the bridegroom. Therefore, he did not know them.

How would he know them? How would he know anyone of us?

Do you ever receive a card or letter in the mail and know immediately who sent it because you recognize the handwriting? Do you ever pick up the phone and immediately recognize the voice on the other end? Do you ever look at your caller ID and instantly recognize the number of the person calling? Why is that? Does if have to do with being in frequent communication, frequent conversation?

We committed one of our dear ones to the arms of her Lord a couple weeks ago and a candle burned for her on the altar last week on All Saints Sunday. As I spoke with her family in planning her funeral, her brother handed me several pages from her journals, which I had permission to share.

 January 21, 2001, 9:36 p.m.: Jesus, I need you for my Savior, and I claim you for my Savior. I humbly beseech you to heal me.

July 7, 2012: We can’t begin to live until we’re prepared to die.

August 17, 2008: [The] 53^rd Chapter of Isaiah is the heart of the Bible. Please bless me that I might be a blessing. Amen.

Undated entry: “I would like Isaiah 53 to be in my funeral.”

Then, as to be certain that the reader who might find this journal would take her instruction seriously, she signed her name. (Isaiah 53 is one of the Servant Songs of the prophet, interpreted by Christians to prophesy Jesus, the suffering Messiah.)

It was evident that this person read her Bible and that she was a woman of prayer before her Lord. I fully expect that our Lord would have said to this person, “Truly I tell you, I truly know you.”

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

the time is drawing nigh.

How do we keep our lamps “trimmed and burning”? It seems it might have to do with having enough oil and to be ready.

I wonder if keeping our lamps trimmed and burning has something to do with our prophet Amos, and God’s admonition,

But let justice roll down like waters,

and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

And I wonder if keeping our lamps trimmed and burning has something to do with being in constant conversation with our Lord, in daily Bible reading, weekly worship, regular Bible study. I wonder if it has something to do with praying unceasingly. Our song continues:

Brother, don’t stop prayin’,

sister, don’t stop prayin’,

brother, don’t stop prayin’,

see what the Lord has done.

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

keep your lamps trimmed and burning,

the time is drawing nigh.

Thanks be to God!