| HOMILY: First Sabbath after Epiphany. In the nine weeks following Epiphany, we follow the life and teachings of Jesus through the bible stories told by his apostles, disciples, and others who were close to him. It is fitting that the first story made liturgical after the Epiphany is the baptism of Jesus. As a word, baptism, was not used in the Old Testament and only first used by John the Baptist. Some biblical scholars pick out certain other rites and events as pertinent, foreshadowing, old covenant symbols of baptism. Circumcision, passage through the Red Sea, the Deluge, and other Mosaic purification rites are a few. The point could be made that this listing reaches rather deeply into the metaphoric pool. However, we must remember that the people were more magical minded, and naive 2000 years ago. They were raised on stories, parables, the Torah and Old Testament readings of their synagogues. They were not dazzled by TV, ipods, and fantasy games. We are discussing a time when a certain sect of Judaism gave way to a new religion begun by Jews, but became Roman and was propagated by Rome. It was named, Christianity, but grew into a true Roman phenomenon. It gave that dying Roman civilization new life upon which to feed and flourish again. After many shakes and schisms, we have reportedly 39,000 Christian denomination among us in mid 2007. It's awfully hard to keep from laughing in that very serious someone's face who declares that his religion is the one, true, faith. Yeah, sure, you, me, and Bobby McGee. Every week I go to youtube.com to find what I deem appropriate music for my message. Sometimes I use a phrase like Me and Bobby McGee above and find the music with that title. Last week it was One by 3 Dog Night. Another 3 Dog song today; one of the saddest songs ever written, produced, and performed. It brings back all the horror of our people who were conceived and born during or just after WW II. They are around 10 years younger than me, but so far apart in circumstance. I had my high school and college years in the 50s; the Happy Days. Some of them had their high school, war, and drug years during the 60s; the Crazy Daze. They are the ones who were spat upon when they returned home from Nam during the 70s. They are the ones kicked out of mental institutions during the 80s. They are the ones we see on street corners with signs that say, " How about some spare change; I'm hungry!" They are the ones I cry for and pray for and don't know what else to do for. One possibility is to purchase pre-paid breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at local restaurants. Then, when passing a person claiming hunger, give them one or more of these meal tickets. That way true hunger has been met and no guilt for possibly aiding an addiction. Too, giving a bit extra to the churches that give food and a place to stay during cold weather is a good thing. Putting the ones to work who want to work may be even better. As always, I write my piece, pray them a prayer, and play them a song. Too, I'm remembering the many who didn't fall through the cracks during those awful years. We have much to be thankful for in these fine people. Later; after this was written, my eldest son called and I asked him what he thought of 3 Dog Night and read him a bit of the above concerning the Nam vets and what was going on back then. He asked me why I was bringing up all that when we had so much to be concerned about right now with wounded Vets, homeless, and jobless? I said that hearing 3 Dog Night just made me so melancholy and that many of the homeless are from that era. Now that I think about it; perhaps many of the homeless are from Iraq and Afghanistan wars; I seem to forget how long we've been fighting over there. Too, many are victims of the economy. The homeless that I see certainly don't look like they're in their 60s and from so long ago. We need some soulful music to go along with the pathos of today's American Vet. Rap just doesn't make it nor does anything else I hear lately. Until some good stuff comes along; here again is 3 dog night for all of us who have lost the American dream. Respectfully submitted, J. Sue Gagliardi Week 15: Parshah Bo - Exodus 10:1-13:16 |
| "May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Oh Lord, My Rock and Redeemer." Psalms 19:14 Dearest Lord of my being, Thank you for blessing me with all that I need to be the best that I can be. I am so grateful for your love, light, and peace. May I always be aware of your presence and may I love and honor you above all things. I need you in my heart, in my soul, and in my life now and forever. Amen |
| astrologizing.net Sabbath Devotionals The Sabbath; Sat. January 8, 2011 |
| BIBLE READING NEW TESTAMENT Matthew 3: 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." |
| BIBLE READING OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 42: 1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations |
