Faith Lens

Scott Mims, Virginia Beach, VA

Warm-up Question

When you are sick or not feeling well, what are some of the things that help you to feel better?

Going Viral

Currently, the Wuhan coronavirus is one of the biggest stories in world news. At the time of this writing, the number of confirmed cases in China has surpassed 20,000, with at least 207 other cases being reported in over two dozen countries. Doubtless ,by the time you are reading this, many more people will have been sickened by this potentially deadly disease.

Part of what makes this virus so frightening to world health officials is that it is new, so little is known about how best to treat it. Add this uncertainty to global mass movement and travel, and there is the potential for a worldwide pandemic. Because of this, several countries, the United States included, have evacuated their citizens from impacted areas and have imposed strict travel restrictions as a way of hopefully containing the virus’ spread. Even so, global impacts from this crisis have already begun to ripple outward.

Discussion Questions

Have you heard about the Wuhan coronavirus? If so, are you worried about it? Why /why not?
In the years 1918-19, well before ocean-crossing airliners and other high-speed transportation, a flu pandemic infected nearly 30% of the world’s population. Over 50 million people died. What are some of the challenges involved these days in dealing with deadly viruses and so-called “superbugs”?

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

These days we often hear about items such as videos going “viral.” Shared easily via email or social media, they spread rapidly from person to person reaching millions within a matter of days. In a similar (though much slower) way, the impact of sin can also go viral, spreading out in ever widening circles. In our gospel, Jesus attacks the root of the problem in several common life experiences, inviting us to become people of wholeness and grace.

We return this week to the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus teaches about what life in the kingdom of heaven looks like. Specifically, these verses (Matt. 5:21-37) are part of a six-section set that is known traditionally as “the antitheses,” which means “contrasts” or “oppositions.” This set, which also includes verses 38-48, is so named for the pattern which Jesus uses to introduce each section: “You have heard that it was said…But I say to you….” And though in each case Jesus addresses a specific commandment or teaching from Torah, it is not because he thought them obsolete or useless. After all, Jesus has come to fulfill the law, not to throw it out. (Matt. 5:17).

No, Jesus has not come to abolish the law, still, in each case, he goes deeper into their true intent. So, for instance, he cuts murder off at its roots, teaching us instead to deal appropriately with our anger. Just think of how easily situations escalate and spiral out of control, between individuals, different groups, and nations when anger flows into insults and disregard. Jesus calls us to deal with our internal “stuff” before our words can cause injury to another person. Reconciliation and forgiveness, this is the true and godly work we are to pursue.

Likewise, Jesus attacks the root of adultery by setting boundaries around lust. In the over-the-top, hyperbole of plucking out eyes and cutting off hands, he calls us to take care that neither our gaze nor our touch turns other people into objects for our own sexual gratification. Included in these limits is the need to abstain from the all too available trap of pornography. “Just looking” is not okay.

When it comes to divorce, Jesus goes further than the law (Deut. 24:1), especially in protecting those who were often the most vulnerable in the marriage covenant. In his time and culture, it was “legal” for a man to easily divorce his wife for just about any reason. This left her without means of support, which often meant poverty, prostitution, or, if she were fortunate, remarriage. Jesus, however, points to God’s original intention regarding marriage as that of life-long monogamy. Sometimes, of course, the healthiest course of action is for a marriage to end. Even so, Jesus’ teaching on the intended enduring nature of marriage is clear.

And finally, in a world of “spin,” misinformation, and downright lies, we are called to be people of truth. To avoid swearing falsely, don’t swear oaths at all. That is, instead of needing to prop up our credibility by swearing oaths and making promises, Jesus’ teaches us to be the kind of people others can trust. Tell the truth. Live with integrity. “Let your word be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no;’ anything more than this comes from the evil one.”

As commentators on Matthew’s gospel note, Jesus isn’t unique in setting boundaries against the impact of sin by going deeper into the intent of the Ten Commandments and Torah. Other teachers have done the same. Even so, as Son of God and Messiah, Jesus’ words have a different level of authority for Christians. Ultimately, what is presented in this passage – and indeed, in the whole of the Sermon on the Mount – is not a new take on the Law, but a call to a whole new way of life.

Discussion Questions

As you read through these verses, what are some of the things you find most challenging? Most helpful?
Is it possible to do the things Jesus calls for? Wholly possible? Totally impossible? Or Somewhere in-between? Invite participants to share the reason for their answer.
If the gospel is supposed to be “good news,” then where do you find grace in this passage and for whom?
How might living more in line with Jesus’ teachings here make for a better life? A better world?

Activity Suggestions

Read through Martin Luther’s explanation of the Ten Commandments in the Small Catechism. For each Commandment note how Luther expands and deepens the meaning. What are some of the “practical” day-to-day actions you notice?
Invite participants to consider one area, either from the Catechism or from today’s gospel, that they can work on. What is one small step, one small action, that they might take in this area in the coming week? If people are comfortable, have them share. Prayer for each other and the Spirit’s help.

Closing Praye

Gracious and loving God, source of every good gift, give us eyes to see your love in Jesus’ call to lives of grace and wholeness, and lead us by your Holy Spirit as we seek to follow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Herb Wounded Head, Brookings, SD

Warm-up Question

How much sleep do you usually get? Is it enough?

Are You Feeling Salty?

We all need sleep in order to be able to function at our best from day to day. According to one study, if you’re a teenager you need 8-10 hours of sleep. If you’re a young adult, you need 7-9 hours of sleep. In this day and age, it seems harder and harder to get enough sleep. It can be daunting, to say the least, in these years of busy-ness and homework and deadlines, to get enough sleep.

A story on National Public Radio reports that one school in Michigan is trying some new things in order to help students function at their highest level. Eastern Flex Academy in Lansing, Michigan has a pilot program where students start their classes at 3pm, (3pm!) and goes until 8pm at night. The program was started to help students with internships, part-time jobs and even family responsibilities. One student noted that the they can get the sleep they need to and can do more throughout the day while having a good night’s rest.

Discussion Questions

What would it be like for you to get a good night’s rest every night?
What changes would you make in your life in order to make sure you get enough sleep?

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]

Matthew 5:13-20

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

What would we do without salt? Our body needs a certain amount of salt in order to function. It is used as to cure meats and on the sidewalks to make them less slippery. It is used as seasoning on food to give it a better taste. But if salt is overused or mixed with too many other things, it loses its saltiness. So it goes with Jesus’ disciples. If we find ourselves doing too much and spreading ourselves too thin, we can lose the saltiness which is our relationship with God, and even our own sense of purpose in the world. One of the ways we can notice that we are spread too thin is by our sleep patterns. Do you get enough sleep and rest? It’s difficult to answer God’s call if we aren’t taking care of ourselves.

God places a high calling on our lives. Not so much that we need to be the purest, most holy, or best disciples. Far from it! Our calling is to be people of God, such that we reflect God’s holiness and righteousness in and through us. We are a beacon on a hill which shines so brightly in our baptisms that all the world can see the glory of God. This is indeed a high calling, one in which God has called our true, salty, sinful selves into action. God needs us, as we are, in order to make God’s kingdom known throughout the world.

All too often, we think that we aren’t invited to this high calling. We can see this by our own activity in the world. Are we living too much in comfort? Are we too conformed to this world, so that the busy-ness of life becomes something that we think we need in order to succeed? God calls and redeems us through God’s light in the world, Jesus Christ, to provide justice, mercy and love to an all too broken world.

Discussion Questions

How can you be the salt of the earth?
What are some ways that you can do justice in the world?
Where can you provide mercy?

Activity Suggestions

Make a 3 foot by 3 foot square out of duct tape in your meeting place. Tell your people that they all need to fit in this square in order to complete the task. If the square is too large for your group, make it smaller. This activity relies heavily on teamwork and communication and is a good team building tool for small groups.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly and gracious God, you have called us as your own and have formed and shaped us to be your people. Help us to grow more fully into a community of believers that trust in your Word. Be with those who are not with us, who may be struggling or suffering in this world; give them a sense of peace that passes all understanding and bring us all closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Ginger Litman-Koon, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Warm-up Question

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Everyday Héroes

We all know that heroes rule the box office, but did you know they now rule the internet? Throughout 2019, Google analytics data showed a global increase in searches centering around “heroes.” Sure, some of those searches had to do with what action movies were playing in theaters, but many of them were centered around what they call “everyday heroes.” Google even aired a YouTube video on New Years featuring a montage of all the “everyday heroes” videos that circulated the internet during 2019.

You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRCdORJiUgU

The heroes featured in the video are strangers, teachers, first responders, children, athletes. While there were some exceptions, most of the heroic actions

emerged from adversity: illness, danger, injury, loss, prejudice, natural disasters. Watching the video will bring happy tears to your eyes, because of the acts of courage and love shown by each of the individuals. It will leave you feeling a sense of hope for the world, despite the fact that many of the scenarios show struggle or hardship. So many of the stories in the montage are examples of light shining amidst moments of darkness.

This season of the church year is called Epiphany, where we highlight the ways Jesus is shown forth to the world. The season begins with the Day of Epiphany, when we commemorate the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus, following the light of the star. From the first day of this season to its end, light continues to be a prominent theme. Look for symbols of light used in your community’s worship (music, liturgy, paraments, images, etc) this Epiphany season.

Discussion Questions

When have you seen light shining amidst the darkness, hope in times of struggle?
Have you ever encountered an “everyday hero”?
Why does it seem that sometimes the best in people comes out in the worst of times?

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

In today’s Gospel Reading, Jesus speaks in paradoxes. Often we hear Jesus speaking in parables, but when it comes to the Beatitudes, the Jesus’ teachings seem contradictory. Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are those who mourn…Blessed are those who are persecuted…Blessed are you when people revile you.” This formula,“blessed are,” is not one we would use in everyday speech. But in the original language, “blessed,” could simply mean “happy.” Jesus is saying, “happy” are those who are poor, grieving, persecuted or reviled.

By the world’s standards, people in these pitiable situations would not be called the “happy” ones! This teaching is paradoxical indeed. In the words of St. Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians (1st reading for today), it “sounds like foolishness.”

Jesus is setting up a contrast between the values of heaven and the values of earth. He’s saying that the things people think they need in order to be happy – wealth, answers, popularity, lack of adversity – are not at all what truly makes one blessed. True blessedness, real happiness, comes from knowing Jesus, from following him, and from finding our value in him. While the values of earth are all about what you have – possessions, status, influence – the values of heaven are all about who you know (namely, Jesus).

In today’s reading, Jesus doesn’t stop at listing the paradoxes of the Beatitudes. He goes on to say, “When people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account, rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” Sure, we may understand that our true worth does not come from earthly standards, but are we really supposed to rejoice when we are hated, rejected or denied? Are we really supposed to be glad about our misfortunes? It’s difficult to wrap our heads around the idea of rejoicing over loss and rejection.

So how do we live this out? How do we take what Jesus is saying to heart? Well, some Christians might say that Jesus is simply telling us that the world brings hardships, but if we just make it to heaven, we’ll be rewarded there. Some might say, “Hey, life is rough, but heaven will be great!” But there’s more to Jesus’ message than that.

Jesus is helping us to see the true blessedness that appears even amidst the road bumps of life. Jesus is pointing us towards the light that shines even in the darkness. Jesus is challenging us to see the moments of mercy, grace and peace which happen in the places the world might call unredeemable. He is showing us that, through him, we can experience glimpses of the kingdom of heaven even amid the struggles of earth.

Have you ever felt peace even in a time of loss or grief? Have you ever experienced “the holy” in a time of sadness? Have you ever felt God’s presence when you thought you were completely alone? It may have come through a friend, a parent, or a stranger. It may have come through a feeling or a sense of calm. It may have come with no explanation at all. In Jesus’ teaching today, he’s challenging us to look past what the world may see, and to keep our eyes open for the unlikely moments of true blessedness.

So often, when people of faith are asked to share a time when they most clearly felt God’s peace or blessings, they point to a moment of loss: “When my grandmother passed away,” “when my friend died,” “when I didn’t get into the college I wanted.” People often say, “That was the moment when I knew God was there with me, surrounding me.” No, when it comes down to it, we may not feel much like rejoicing in those moments, but so often, it’s there that we discover the blessing of being known and loved by God.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever felt God’s peace, even amidst loss or disappointment?
Do you ever struggle with the paradox or “foolishness” of our Christian faith?
Who can you reach out to when you are struggling to see light in the darkness?

Activity Suggestions

Watch the video noted in the opening section of this week’s Faith Lens. In your group, share which heroes were most meaningful to you and why?
Has there ever been a time when you felt “reviled and persecuted” for doing something because of your faith? Was it worth it? What might it say if we have never gotten any heat for following Jesus, since Jesus seems to assume that opposition is inevitable when we are faithful?

Closing Prayer

God of light, this Epiphany season, we pray that you will show us the light of your love, no matter what darkness surrounds us. Draw us closer to you through your Son, who gave himself for our sake, so that we would know the riches of heaven here on earth. Amen.

Leslie Weber, Chesapeake, VA

Warm-up Question

What was the last thing you bought? Where did you buy it from (online or in person)? What was the shopping experience like?

Hidden Costs?

A November 2019 article represents a collaboration between The Atlantic and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting. It tells a handful of different stories of Amazon Warehouse employees being injured, and in one case even killed, on the job. The article argues that most the injuries were either due to lack of safety training or overemphasis on efficiency. It blames Amazon’s “obsession with speed” for having “turned its warehouses into injury mills.”

The other result of the company’s high quotas and strict expectations for workers is the company’s ever-growing domination of the marketplace and its founder’s ever-growing net worth. Amazon is second only to Walmart when it comes to private employers in the US.

As consumers have gotten used to the perks of a Prime membership, the company has made steps to make the shopping experience even better; this past holiday season, certain purchases came with guaranteed one-day free shipping. Of course, that translates to more work in Amazon’s warehouses and even stricter deadlines and quotas for workers.

The Amazon spokesperson who provided written comments for the article says that the reason that Amazon’s work-related injury statistics are higher than the industry standard is that they are extra diligent about reporting all injuries. However, employees, who remained anonymous for the article, and a former OSHA employee, who investigated the fatal accident at an Amazon warehouse in Indiana, tell a different story.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever considered a company’s labor practices before making a purchase? Why or why not?
Will hearing stories like those contained in the article will change how you shop in the future? Why or why not?

Third Sunday of Epiphany

Isaiah 9:1-4

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

After John’s arrest, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee. While quoting Isaiah 9:1-2, the Gospel of Matthew refers to that place as “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Matthew 4:5, NRSV). During Isaiah’s time, that region was ruled by a foreign power—Assyria—and during Jesus’ time, it was ruled by a foreign power—Rome. In both cases, these Gentile empires caused the locals to live in a “shadow of death” (Matthew 4:16, NRSV). As Biblical commentator, Warren Carter, puts it—”Roman imperial structures and practices were bad for people’s health.”

The Roman’s Empire’s demands on local laborers to provide food for the empire and to pay taxes, led many to live in poverty and with the resulting poor health. Carter suggests this is why there were so many people with disease and sickness seeking healing from Jesus as he began his ministry.

Jesus’ ministry is one of ending current imperial oppression and instituting God’s reign, which is marked by new work (v. 18-20), new family/community (v. 21-22), and a new chance at life (v. 23). When he proclaims in verse 17 that “the kingdom of heaven has come near,” he is saying that Rome is not ultimately in charge—GOD IS! With his acts of healing, he works to counteract the damage that imperial greed causes.

Discussion Questions

Can you think of other examples where “empire” (governmental and non-governmental forms of greed and selfishness) has led to suffering of a population?
How might we participate in Jesus’ ministry of repairing damage caused by greed and selfishness?

Activity Suggestions

Play a board game (like Monopoly…if you have the time), first, with every player playing for themselves; then play it again with all players working together as a team. Discuss the difference in the experience and relate it to the idea of community and empire.
Have teams work to build a tower out of blocks or similar material. First, do this untimed, to allow for precision. Then, do it timed (multiple times with less and less time), to focus on efficiency. Discuss the difference in the experience and relate it to the idea of favoring productivity (profit) over people.
Divide into three groups, and have each group act out one of the three parts of Jesus’ initial ministry:
- Calling of Peter & Andrew—new work (v. 18-20)
- Calling of James & John—new family/community (v. 21-22)
- Healing—new life (v. 23)

Closing Praye

Gracious God, thank you for loving us and giving us new life. Be with all those who daily feel the oppression of modern-day empire. Help us to see your kingdom come near and be part of Jesus’ work of shining your light and love into the world. Amen.

Brian Hiortdahl, West Hills, CA

Warm-up Question

Who inspires you and how?

Saying It Forward

The Lucas family lost their son and gained a cause. When 18 year old Jonah died, his grieving family decided to start a program inspired by his caring relationships with people experiencing homelessness. They now collect coats and other clothing items for distribution to those in need, and have attracted the attention and support of others in the community. KUTV in Salt Lake City, Utah featured this story under the heading “Pay It Forward.”

Discussion Questions

When have you seen a simple act of goodness expand, maybe even go viral into something bigger?
What lessons can others learn from the Lucas family?
Where is there unmet need in your community? How can you respond? Who will you invite to join you?

Second Sunday After Epiphany

Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

John makes a stunning claim about Jesus, calling him “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world.” That’s a lot of sin. The Greek word for “world” is also familiar in English: the word is “cosmos.” It can mean either the universe or the ordered system, the structure of the way things are. Either way, removing what is wrong in the cosmos is an enormous project.

How will God’s lamb do this? The gospel’s next move is surprising. Jesus slowly begins to attract a few followers with (maybe despite) awkward conversations. It feels like trying to conquer homelessness by walking into a clothing store. But perhaps Jonah and his family (in the news item noted above) weren’t trying to house everyone, but to love them…and that is the direction the lamb of God takes. Theologians say that sin means separation—from God, from others, from self. Jesus comes to bridge and remove that separation from the cosmos.

The story ripples forward like kindness. John tells everyone about the Messiah, then his disciple Andrew tells his brother Simon, and the news will continue in the following verses to reach Philip and Nathanael. A network is slowly being built based on relationships. Separation will be overcome by connection. The disciples’ question, “Where are your staying? will echo again in chapter 15, because the word “staying” also means “abiding, remaining”…the same word Jesus uses to describe their enduring relationship (John 15:4). Jesus’ answer,”Come and see,” is the same phrase Philip will say to wary Nathanael (John 1:46). Even Jesus’ first question,”What are your looking for?, will be echoed at the second beginning of the gospel in the garden of resurrection (John 20:15). As with best friends, the same words and phrases on different lips reveal connection, togetherness. Separation is replaced with relationship.

This is at the heart of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream, in which the children of slaves and slave owners “sit down together at the table of brotherhood” and “little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers.” (I Have a Dream, 1963). Disciples of Jesus work for the removal of socially reinforced separation—cosmic sin—which is the cause of justice. It takes many different forms, but it always involves careful listening, caring speech, and honoring the dignity of all people. Sometimes this happens slowly, even awkwardly, one face, one conversation, one jacket at a time.

Discussion Questions

What are you looking for in life?
How do you introduce Jesus to others?
Where do you see sin at work in the world? What is one small, concrete thing you can do to counter it?

Activity Suggestions

Select, read, and discuss any three speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What does he say about the way things are (the cosmos)? What light does he shed on sin, love, justice, and relationships?
Write a letter of appreciation to someone to whom you are close. Include as many words, phrases, “inside jokes” and meaningful references in your relationship as you can.
Organize a drive at your church to collect coats, clothes, toiletries or other necessities for people experiencing homelessness in your community, or make a donation to Jackets for Jonah.

Closing Prayer

Lamb of God, connect and keep us all in your love. Remove our sin, renew our hearts, and open our hands to help and bless our neighbors in need. Amen

February 16, 2020-Going Viral

February 9, 2020-Are You Feeling Salty?

February 2, 2020–Everyday Heroes

January 26, 2020–Hidden Costs?

January 19, 2020–Saying It Forward