Second Sunday After The Epiphany
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle C
Object:
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5 (C, RC, E)
This passage, part of what is generally referred to by those in the know as Trito-Isaiah, is an anthology of prophetic poetry. In this passage, the poet evangelist pronounces God's promise of restoration of the ruined city, that Zion will be restored and her exiled people will return. The city shall be great again. He uses the analogy of a young couple happily and newly married, promising that God and the people will continue in a relationship which will be happy and intimate.
History, of course, still holds the secret of Israel's final future. One could look with pessimism on this passage, knowing that any real fulfillment of this promise lay well in the distant future. But is it not possible that one by one, those who responded, who maintained that close relationship with God were still able to find some measure of happiness and peace? It's so easy for us to view an "ancient peoples" as though they were all alike. History says otherwise. There were the faithful, the self-righteous, the outcasts, the sincere, the jealous and pretentious -- God must have kept this promise in different ways for different individuals.
In preaching to the twenty-first century, the same is true. We're not all alike either, and the promise of this passage will settle upon us just as Jesus described in his parable of the sower.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (C, E); 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (RC)
I like the version of this passage in The Message where we read: "God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit." There's Paul's point: We don't all have the same assignment in life. Nor do we all have similar gifts, as is obvious. "God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit."
In a sermon, I would emphasize these two facts: we all have gifts which benefit us, humanity, and God's work; and we all must labor with limitations which could, if we're not careful, create envy in us. I would also briefly relate this to the church as it suggests that some belong on the Board of Trustees, some in finance, some in Bible study, and some on the Missions Commission. The catch is to try to be a square peg in a square hole.
Gospel: John 2:1-11 (C, RC, E)
This story places before us a clear decision: Do we believe Jesus performed magic tricks which some would call miracles? Probably not, in my opinion. I can't see Jesus doing that. There's a better explanation for this story. When a person drinks too much over a period of time, it causes dehydration. This party apparently had lasted for a while. Jews are well-known as moderate drinkers, if they drink at all. I'm guessing these folks were carried away with their partying, and I happen to know from my fraternity days as well as my days as an Infantry soldier in the Army that when you recover from a serious drunk, nothing tastes better than cool, fresh water. It seems probable to me that Jesus simply supplied the party with just that, fresh water drawn from the well. And those guys finally getting their bearings after a long drinking party discovered that the water tasted better than the finest wine.
What, then? I realize that some scholars, even the distinguished William Barclay, accepts that Jesus did turn the water into wine. Since I'm not a scholar, the reader must decide what's true, but I do not see Jesus doing what could only be seen as magic. Furthermore, I think we could raise the question as to whether Jesus could have done such anyway, even if he wished. I doubt it. That's a faith question.
There are, however, three elements here which tell us about Jesus, and thus about God. First, Jesus was at the party. Since there would have been great hilarity there, Jesus must have had a great sense of humor. Second, this was a humble gathering, probably peasants, with all the folks from the area invited. Jesus was most comfortable among the people least socially prominent. We see how often Jesus became irritable among the Pharisees, those self-righteous, buttoned-down, stiff-necked people who were so fastidious about what they deemed to be correct. And we have seen how relaxed and gentle Jesus was among the outcasts, the poor, the religious rejects. Third, Jesus cared about people in their ordinary situations of life. True, his mission was mainly of profound and eternal dimensions. But he cared about ordinary folks in their routine life situations as well.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Judgment And Mercy"
Text: Isaiah 62:1-5
Theme: Usually, when the prophets pronounced the word of God, it contained the two elements of judgment and mercy. Clearly, God intends that the universe hold together, that there must be rules and things just wouldn't work unless those rules are enforced. We can't have folks going about stealing, lying, dishonoring promises, ignoring their religious duties and the like. His analogy of the husband and bride was later to be interpreted by Paul who would tell brides to obey their husbands and husbands to love their wives. That must be modified for our times, as it's a rare young woman in today's world who is comfortable with the balance of power suggested by that instruction. But in the marriage relationship nonetheless, we have the idea of covenant. Each pledges, and owes, fidelity to the other. In this instance, God will be faithful to his children (or, to use the analogy, his bride), and God expects the bride (Zion) to be faithful as well.
1. God is inherent in the world around us. I once saw a cartoon featuring two fish, nose to nose in the lake, and they were apparently discussing theology. In the caption, one fish said to the other: "This business about water is nonsense." I believe the point was that whether that particular fish happened to believe in water had little to do with the reality. He was only alive because of the water. So with us and God. The individual who does not believe in God does, nonetheless, exist only by God's sufferance. Or perhaps I should say God's love. And just as I cannot defy the natural laws of the universe, neither can I defy the spiritual laws of the universe.
2. God promised a bright new day. We all face darkness at times. Who among us is spared those down days, those times when a loved one dies, a job is lost, a friend betrays, a beloved rejects, an illness besets? God, though, assures us that if we are loyal to God, God is loyal to us and our personal darkness will be followed by light and salvation.
3. God requires of us that we be faithful. C. S. Lewis said God can't give us happiness apart from him because it does not exist. That's one of those spiritual laws. Of course there is a form of pleasure which we may define as happiness. But without some sense of spiritual presence, true happiness isn't possible. Every one of us who has done much counseling is familiar with those sad people who, swimming in money and success, are miserable. And we also know a few who, facing very stressful problems, seem to have a joy of life because they know the Lord and walk with the Lord day by day.
Title: "We Have These Gifts"
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Theme: There was a movie a few years ago about a girl who was somehow catapulted back in time to her high school years. One of her classmates was the classic nerd, pocket protector in his shirt pocket, slide rule at hand. Then the scene eventually shifted to the present when everyone was pushing forty. The nerd who was outside all the social groups returned to the class reunion as a multi-millionaire, famous for his achievements. My point isn't the money, it's that all these things tend to even out if we trust God.
1. Each of us has gifts and limitations. The limitations are important, as we need to realize that no one has it all. When we're young, especially in middle school and high school, it's easy to think that nearly everyone else does better than we do. But God has something special for each of us to do. If we are willing to find what that is, the same self-esteem and contentment can be ours as comes to others.
2. Our particular gifts are to be used for the good of others. For ourselves too, but we are to make a contribution which leaves this world a better place as well. For some it may seem humble. We had furnace problems last week. The young man who came to fix the problem came to me, after an hour, covered with dirt, perspiring. But he smiled and said, "You know, I don't suppose I'll ever have a nice house like yours. I'm just a blue collar guy and I'll never make a lot. But I love what I'm doing and I'm happy with it." I rest my case. Some might urge that young man to strive to "better himself." I think if you ask him, he couldn't be better. And since God elected to make me an absolute hopeless clod when it comes to anything mechanical, I celebrate that young man's dedication.
3. We are to do the best we can with what we have. While that young furnace man seems to me to be on the right track, it's also true that some people, instead of maximizing their potential, sit around and grouse because someone else has more. Instead, God wants us to find what we are good at and do that. I remember a pastor who served one of this city's premier churches several years ago. He was a fine man with a dedicated pastor's heart. He just couldn't preach. He tried, really tried. He just didn't have the gift, and he was eventually asked to leave. Facing a damaged career because he lacked a necessary skill, he instead began working in an allied field with great success. He originated a program which became famous nationwide and returned here not long ago as featured speaker about that marvelous program. He had found his way.
Title: "Now Fill Your Pitchers"
Text: John 2:1-11
Theme: What a joyous story, this. Jesus at a party. People having fun. The Jews had a strong aversion to drunkenness, but they weren't so stuffy that they couldn't have a good time. God seems to be happy when he sees us having fun, so long as we observe some limits, and so long as we aren't exclusive about the matter.
1. Jesus loved fun and good humor. I think you and I would have liked Jesus. Anyone who has socialized with clergy knows that nearly all of us have great senses of humor, love to get together, know many of the latest jokes, and that we are careful to include those who wish to be with us. And we never say the things which hurt or demean. Given that, Jesus would be with us. This also means that we are free to have fun, to join in riotous fun times. But it means we, too, must be sure we never hurt anyone, even by unintended rejections in the process.
2. Jesus cared about all of us. We have all heard about the little gatherings of homeless people around a campfire on a cold night, their frigid fingers curled around their bottles of Mogen David wine covered in brown bags. There's tragedy there. But there's Jesus there as well. But just as surely, when we gather with friends and loved ones, Jesus joins us, willing for us a joyous occasion. The kind of happiness we find in get-togethers with friends and colleagues must warm the great heart of God. So, too, we are to include people who may be lonely or feeling rejected. To limit our participation to groups which are prominent or popular, and to allow someone we know to feel left out is not Christian.
3. Jesus cares about our best interests. Dr. Barclay suggests that he turned the water into wine because it would have been embarrassing to the hosts to have run out. I myself think Jesus cared about them but that the best way to do so was as suggested above. In any event, Jesus does care about our personal feelings in the everyday situations of life. This means that when we pray, God goes with us in the ordinary situations of our lives day by day.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
"Our pursuit ... of the restoration of oneness ... may be an act of sickness or of health, may be a fearful retreat from the world or an effort to expand it, may be deliberate or unaware. Through sex, through religion, through nature, through art, through drugs, through meditation, even through jogging, we try to blur the boundaries that divide us. We try to escape the imprisonment of separateness."
-- Judith Viorst (Necessary Losses, p. 35)
____________
"Not that I would not, if I could, be both handsome and fat and well-dressed and a great athlete, and make a million a year, be a wit, a bon vivant, and a lady killer, as well as a philosopher, a philanthropist, a statesman, warrior, and African explorer, as well as 'tone poet' and saint. But the thing is simply impossible.... Such characters may conceivably at the outset of life be alike possible to a man. But to make any one of them actual, the rest must more or less be suppressed. So the seeker of his truest, strongest, deepest self must review the list carefully, and pick out the one onto which to stake his salvation. All other selves thereupon become unreal."
-- William James
____________
John Croyle was a "standout" football player at the University of Alabama. He turned down a lucrative football career to open a ranch -- Big Oak Ranch -- designed to take care of homeless boys. "He has pulled little boys out of junked cars and lifted them from beds filled with their own grime," reported Reader's Digest. The story goes on to report an inspiring example of a man for whom the lives and happiness of children are more important than the money. Croyle has devoted his life to the care of these children. At times it gets discouraging. But Croyle told of the time it had been arranged for a small boy to spend a weekend with his father. Though the Dad was scheduled to arrive at dusk, the boy had all his things arranged and laid out by mid-afternoon. By late evening it was apparent that the father wasn't coming. The boy fell asleep and Croyle gently gathered him up and carried him to his room. The boy awoke, looked up and said, "Dad, is that you?" Croyle said that when he gets tired, he remembers that and realizes that there are many boys out there waiting for him. I record this as a reminder that we have a Father who does not disappoint us.
____________
Dr. Lynn Harold Hough told about a college president who felt that one of his new professors was a bit too radical and controversial in his views. However, not wanting to alienate the young fellow, he contrived to walk with him to chapel where they were to hear a speech on "The Diplomacy Of Jesus." Afterward, walking back to their offices, the president said, "I hope you learned something from this, young man. We can get many things done by quiet, friendly diplomacy. Just follow the example of Jesus." The young man replied that he understood what his boss was getting at. However, after a few moments' reflection, he said to the president: "I do understand what you are suggesting. But I have a question: if Jesus was so diplomatic, how did he manage to get himself crucified?"
____________
Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name includes a chapter titled, "Why Jesus Went To Parties." In it he observes: "Where did we get the notion that a good Christian is a solemn Christian?" (explaining why Jesus went to the wedding at Cana). "Fun. Jesus went to the wedding because he liked the people, he liked the food, and heaven forbid, he may have even wanted to swirl the bride around the dance floor a time or two. (After all, he's planning a big wedding himself. Maybe he wanted the practice?)
"So, forgive me Deacon Drydust and Sister Somberheart. I'm sorry to rain on your dirge, but Jesus was a likable fellow. And his disciples should be the same ... I am simply crusading for the freedom to enjoy a good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 36:5-10 -- "Transgression speaks to the wicked."
Prayer Of The Day
Lord, we find it difficult sometimes to accept ourselves the way we are. We see people who seem to have gifts we don't have, gifts for which we dearly wish. At times, we almost could give up our own seemingly small talents for some we see in others. But you have created us for the role we are here to play. In this life not all of us are rewarded the same, but deep down, we do understand that there are other rewards which will come later. Not that we are to do what we are here to do for reward, yet without reward we find it difficult keeping on. Help us, then, to be faithful, and to leave the matter of rewards in your hands. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 62:1-5 (C, RC, E)
This passage, part of what is generally referred to by those in the know as Trito-Isaiah, is an anthology of prophetic poetry. In this passage, the poet evangelist pronounces God's promise of restoration of the ruined city, that Zion will be restored and her exiled people will return. The city shall be great again. He uses the analogy of a young couple happily and newly married, promising that God and the people will continue in a relationship which will be happy and intimate.
History, of course, still holds the secret of Israel's final future. One could look with pessimism on this passage, knowing that any real fulfillment of this promise lay well in the distant future. But is it not possible that one by one, those who responded, who maintained that close relationship with God were still able to find some measure of happiness and peace? It's so easy for us to view an "ancient peoples" as though they were all alike. History says otherwise. There were the faithful, the self-righteous, the outcasts, the sincere, the jealous and pretentious -- God must have kept this promise in different ways for different individuals.
In preaching to the twenty-first century, the same is true. We're not all alike either, and the promise of this passage will settle upon us just as Jesus described in his parable of the sower.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (C, E); 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (RC)
I like the version of this passage in The Message where we read: "God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit." There's Paul's point: We don't all have the same assignment in life. Nor do we all have similar gifts, as is obvious. "God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit."
In a sermon, I would emphasize these two facts: we all have gifts which benefit us, humanity, and God's work; and we all must labor with limitations which could, if we're not careful, create envy in us. I would also briefly relate this to the church as it suggests that some belong on the Board of Trustees, some in finance, some in Bible study, and some on the Missions Commission. The catch is to try to be a square peg in a square hole.
Gospel: John 2:1-11 (C, RC, E)
This story places before us a clear decision: Do we believe Jesus performed magic tricks which some would call miracles? Probably not, in my opinion. I can't see Jesus doing that. There's a better explanation for this story. When a person drinks too much over a period of time, it causes dehydration. This party apparently had lasted for a while. Jews are well-known as moderate drinkers, if they drink at all. I'm guessing these folks were carried away with their partying, and I happen to know from my fraternity days as well as my days as an Infantry soldier in the Army that when you recover from a serious drunk, nothing tastes better than cool, fresh water. It seems probable to me that Jesus simply supplied the party with just that, fresh water drawn from the well. And those guys finally getting their bearings after a long drinking party discovered that the water tasted better than the finest wine.
What, then? I realize that some scholars, even the distinguished William Barclay, accepts that Jesus did turn the water into wine. Since I'm not a scholar, the reader must decide what's true, but I do not see Jesus doing what could only be seen as magic. Furthermore, I think we could raise the question as to whether Jesus could have done such anyway, even if he wished. I doubt it. That's a faith question.
There are, however, three elements here which tell us about Jesus, and thus about God. First, Jesus was at the party. Since there would have been great hilarity there, Jesus must have had a great sense of humor. Second, this was a humble gathering, probably peasants, with all the folks from the area invited. Jesus was most comfortable among the people least socially prominent. We see how often Jesus became irritable among the Pharisees, those self-righteous, buttoned-down, stiff-necked people who were so fastidious about what they deemed to be correct. And we have seen how relaxed and gentle Jesus was among the outcasts, the poor, the religious rejects. Third, Jesus cared about people in their ordinary situations of life. True, his mission was mainly of profound and eternal dimensions. But he cared about ordinary folks in their routine life situations as well.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Judgment And Mercy"
Text: Isaiah 62:1-5
Theme: Usually, when the prophets pronounced the word of God, it contained the two elements of judgment and mercy. Clearly, God intends that the universe hold together, that there must be rules and things just wouldn't work unless those rules are enforced. We can't have folks going about stealing, lying, dishonoring promises, ignoring their religious duties and the like. His analogy of the husband and bride was later to be interpreted by Paul who would tell brides to obey their husbands and husbands to love their wives. That must be modified for our times, as it's a rare young woman in today's world who is comfortable with the balance of power suggested by that instruction. But in the marriage relationship nonetheless, we have the idea of covenant. Each pledges, and owes, fidelity to the other. In this instance, God will be faithful to his children (or, to use the analogy, his bride), and God expects the bride (Zion) to be faithful as well.
1. God is inherent in the world around us. I once saw a cartoon featuring two fish, nose to nose in the lake, and they were apparently discussing theology. In the caption, one fish said to the other: "This business about water is nonsense." I believe the point was that whether that particular fish happened to believe in water had little to do with the reality. He was only alive because of the water. So with us and God. The individual who does not believe in God does, nonetheless, exist only by God's sufferance. Or perhaps I should say God's love. And just as I cannot defy the natural laws of the universe, neither can I defy the spiritual laws of the universe.
2. God promised a bright new day. We all face darkness at times. Who among us is spared those down days, those times when a loved one dies, a job is lost, a friend betrays, a beloved rejects, an illness besets? God, though, assures us that if we are loyal to God, God is loyal to us and our personal darkness will be followed by light and salvation.
3. God requires of us that we be faithful. C. S. Lewis said God can't give us happiness apart from him because it does not exist. That's one of those spiritual laws. Of course there is a form of pleasure which we may define as happiness. But without some sense of spiritual presence, true happiness isn't possible. Every one of us who has done much counseling is familiar with those sad people who, swimming in money and success, are miserable. And we also know a few who, facing very stressful problems, seem to have a joy of life because they know the Lord and walk with the Lord day by day.
Title: "We Have These Gifts"
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Theme: There was a movie a few years ago about a girl who was somehow catapulted back in time to her high school years. One of her classmates was the classic nerd, pocket protector in his shirt pocket, slide rule at hand. Then the scene eventually shifted to the present when everyone was pushing forty. The nerd who was outside all the social groups returned to the class reunion as a multi-millionaire, famous for his achievements. My point isn't the money, it's that all these things tend to even out if we trust God.
1. Each of us has gifts and limitations. The limitations are important, as we need to realize that no one has it all. When we're young, especially in middle school and high school, it's easy to think that nearly everyone else does better than we do. But God has something special for each of us to do. If we are willing to find what that is, the same self-esteem and contentment can be ours as comes to others.
2. Our particular gifts are to be used for the good of others. For ourselves too, but we are to make a contribution which leaves this world a better place as well. For some it may seem humble. We had furnace problems last week. The young man who came to fix the problem came to me, after an hour, covered with dirt, perspiring. But he smiled and said, "You know, I don't suppose I'll ever have a nice house like yours. I'm just a blue collar guy and I'll never make a lot. But I love what I'm doing and I'm happy with it." I rest my case. Some might urge that young man to strive to "better himself." I think if you ask him, he couldn't be better. And since God elected to make me an absolute hopeless clod when it comes to anything mechanical, I celebrate that young man's dedication.
3. We are to do the best we can with what we have. While that young furnace man seems to me to be on the right track, it's also true that some people, instead of maximizing their potential, sit around and grouse because someone else has more. Instead, God wants us to find what we are good at and do that. I remember a pastor who served one of this city's premier churches several years ago. He was a fine man with a dedicated pastor's heart. He just couldn't preach. He tried, really tried. He just didn't have the gift, and he was eventually asked to leave. Facing a damaged career because he lacked a necessary skill, he instead began working in an allied field with great success. He originated a program which became famous nationwide and returned here not long ago as featured speaker about that marvelous program. He had found his way.
Title: "Now Fill Your Pitchers"
Text: John 2:1-11
Theme: What a joyous story, this. Jesus at a party. People having fun. The Jews had a strong aversion to drunkenness, but they weren't so stuffy that they couldn't have a good time. God seems to be happy when he sees us having fun, so long as we observe some limits, and so long as we aren't exclusive about the matter.
1. Jesus loved fun and good humor. I think you and I would have liked Jesus. Anyone who has socialized with clergy knows that nearly all of us have great senses of humor, love to get together, know many of the latest jokes, and that we are careful to include those who wish to be with us. And we never say the things which hurt or demean. Given that, Jesus would be with us. This also means that we are free to have fun, to join in riotous fun times. But it means we, too, must be sure we never hurt anyone, even by unintended rejections in the process.
2. Jesus cared about all of us. We have all heard about the little gatherings of homeless people around a campfire on a cold night, their frigid fingers curled around their bottles of Mogen David wine covered in brown bags. There's tragedy there. But there's Jesus there as well. But just as surely, when we gather with friends and loved ones, Jesus joins us, willing for us a joyous occasion. The kind of happiness we find in get-togethers with friends and colleagues must warm the great heart of God. So, too, we are to include people who may be lonely or feeling rejected. To limit our participation to groups which are prominent or popular, and to allow someone we know to feel left out is not Christian.
3. Jesus cares about our best interests. Dr. Barclay suggests that he turned the water into wine because it would have been embarrassing to the hosts to have run out. I myself think Jesus cared about them but that the best way to do so was as suggested above. In any event, Jesus does care about our personal feelings in the everyday situations of life. This means that when we pray, God goes with us in the ordinary situations of our lives day by day.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
"Our pursuit ... of the restoration of oneness ... may be an act of sickness or of health, may be a fearful retreat from the world or an effort to expand it, may be deliberate or unaware. Through sex, through religion, through nature, through art, through drugs, through meditation, even through jogging, we try to blur the boundaries that divide us. We try to escape the imprisonment of separateness."
-- Judith Viorst (Necessary Losses, p. 35)
____________
"Not that I would not, if I could, be both handsome and fat and well-dressed and a great athlete, and make a million a year, be a wit, a bon vivant, and a lady killer, as well as a philosopher, a philanthropist, a statesman, warrior, and African explorer, as well as 'tone poet' and saint. But the thing is simply impossible.... Such characters may conceivably at the outset of life be alike possible to a man. But to make any one of them actual, the rest must more or less be suppressed. So the seeker of his truest, strongest, deepest self must review the list carefully, and pick out the one onto which to stake his salvation. All other selves thereupon become unreal."
-- William James
____________
John Croyle was a "standout" football player at the University of Alabama. He turned down a lucrative football career to open a ranch -- Big Oak Ranch -- designed to take care of homeless boys. "He has pulled little boys out of junked cars and lifted them from beds filled with their own grime," reported Reader's Digest. The story goes on to report an inspiring example of a man for whom the lives and happiness of children are more important than the money. Croyle has devoted his life to the care of these children. At times it gets discouraging. But Croyle told of the time it had been arranged for a small boy to spend a weekend with his father. Though the Dad was scheduled to arrive at dusk, the boy had all his things arranged and laid out by mid-afternoon. By late evening it was apparent that the father wasn't coming. The boy fell asleep and Croyle gently gathered him up and carried him to his room. The boy awoke, looked up and said, "Dad, is that you?" Croyle said that when he gets tired, he remembers that and realizes that there are many boys out there waiting for him. I record this as a reminder that we have a Father who does not disappoint us.
____________
Dr. Lynn Harold Hough told about a college president who felt that one of his new professors was a bit too radical and controversial in his views. However, not wanting to alienate the young fellow, he contrived to walk with him to chapel where they were to hear a speech on "The Diplomacy Of Jesus." Afterward, walking back to their offices, the president said, "I hope you learned something from this, young man. We can get many things done by quiet, friendly diplomacy. Just follow the example of Jesus." The young man replied that he understood what his boss was getting at. However, after a few moments' reflection, he said to the president: "I do understand what you are suggesting. But I have a question: if Jesus was so diplomatic, how did he manage to get himself crucified?"
____________
Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name includes a chapter titled, "Why Jesus Went To Parties." In it he observes: "Where did we get the notion that a good Christian is a solemn Christian?" (explaining why Jesus went to the wedding at Cana). "Fun. Jesus went to the wedding because he liked the people, he liked the food, and heaven forbid, he may have even wanted to swirl the bride around the dance floor a time or two. (After all, he's planning a big wedding himself. Maybe he wanted the practice?)
"So, forgive me Deacon Drydust and Sister Somberheart. I'm sorry to rain on your dirge, but Jesus was a likable fellow. And his disciples should be the same ... I am simply crusading for the freedom to enjoy a good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 36:5-10 -- "Transgression speaks to the wicked."
Prayer Of The Day
Lord, we find it difficult sometimes to accept ourselves the way we are. We see people who seem to have gifts we don't have, gifts for which we dearly wish. At times, we almost could give up our own seemingly small talents for some we see in others. But you have created us for the role we are here to play. In this life not all of us are rewarded the same, but deep down, we do understand that there are other rewards which will come later. Not that we are to do what we are here to do for reward, yet without reward we find it difficult keeping on. Help us, then, to be faithful, and to leave the matter of rewards in your hands. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
