Proper 8 (June 28, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
II Sam. 1:1, 17-27; Lam. 3:22-33; II Cor. 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43

We spent the week in Amman, meeting with staff and partners, editing completion reports for a number of projects and preparing for upcoming travel to Iraq and Israel-Palestine.

One evening over dinner, we listened to two young adults from the United States talk about their experiences in Jordan. Both ventured to Amman after college to spread their wings and share their gifts. At one point, our conversation turned to the church. “I love Jesus,” one of them declared, “It’s the church that I don’t like.” It was challenging commentary as we reflect on how the church can be more engaging, compelling and welcoming to the younger generation.

The situation in Iran continues to be tense in the aftermath of the June 12 presidential election. Supporters of the opposition candidate allege that the voting was marred by irregularities. Small demonstrations continue in spite of warnings by Iran’s Supreme Leader that they will not be tolerated. A significant debate is unfolding inside Iran. MCC has issued a call to pray for Iran.

Iraqis mourn the loss of life in Baghdad (AFP photo from Al Jazeera website)

There has been an up tick in violence in Iraq as U.S. troops prepare to leave major urban areas. In one attack, a suicide bomber killed more than 70 persons in a Baghdad market. In a second blast in Iraq's capital more than a dozen persons were killed.

The Common Lectionary readings this week reflect on lament and hope.

In the Old Testament reading, David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. While it is no surprise that David would mourn the loss of his dear friend Jonathan, it is remarkable that David grieves the passing of Saul, who had tried many times to kill him (II Sam. 1:17-27).

Jeremiah despairs that God has made him to see affliction, driven him into darkness, turned against him, besieged him and shut out his prayers (Lam. 3:1-9)! “He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has put heavy chains on me,” Jeremiah laments (v.4). And yet Jeremiah finds this hope: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23).

In the Epistle reading, Paul laments the financial hardship that some in the Christian family are experiencing. He urges the church at Corinth to respond generously and justly – according to what it has not what it does not have (II Cor. 8:12). This kind of sacrificial giving has been modeled by the Macedonian church (vv. 1-5) and by Jesus himself (v. 9).

In the Gospel reading, Jarius, a leader of the synagogue, laments that his 12-year-old daughter is near death. He repeatedly begs Jesus to heal her (Mark 5:21-23). At the same time, a woman who has languished in sickness for 12 years touches Jesus’ garment in hopes of being healed (vv. 24-34). Jesus shows compassion and heals both the girl and the woman. “Daughter, your faith has made you well,” Jesus tells the woman, “Go in peace, and be healed of your disease” (v.34).

There is much to lament as one reflects on the violence around us. The human family struggles to treat one another justly, compassionately and with love. The Lectionary readings remind us that, like David, we are to love enemies as well as friends and that we are to share generously with those in need. This biblical challenge is rooted in the fact that God’s steadfast love never ceases, that God’s mercies are new every morning and that God’s faithfulness is great. As demonstrated in Jesus, God continues to bring healing to the most despairing and desperate of situations. This is our hope!

Proper 7 (June 21, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Job 38:1-11; Ps. 107:1-3, 23-32; II Cor. 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41

We enjoyed several more days with our children this week – including a visits to Jerash, Ajloun Castle and the Dead Sea -- before they returned to the United States on Wednesday. It was our first family vacation together in two years. Visiting historic sites was fun, but it was equally good to play card games and sit together over meals.

Jeremy floats on the Dead Sea

There is a lot going on in the region. This week, large crowds of Iranians have spilled into the streets to voice their concerns about the announced outcome of the recent presidential elections. The demonstrations have largely been nonviolent. Still, at least eight persons have been killed and many more detained by Iranian authorities. The situation could quickly turn violent if crowds continue to gather in defiance of the Supreme Leader’s call on Friday to end the protests.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently gave a major policy speech, announcing for the first time support for a conditional Palestinian State but refusing to yield on the issue of Israeli settlement growth in the West Bank. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter visited the Gaza Strip and met with leaders of Hamas to talk about a just and peaceful path forward.

In Iraq, U.S. troops are scheduled to leave major urban areas on June 30. Some expect a surge in violence during this transition.

The Common Lectionary readings this week reflect on God’s power over the forces of nature. Three of the texts specifically mention God’s command over the seas.

In the Old Testament reading, God responds to Job’s complaints by asking, “Who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb? – and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?” (Job 38:8, 10-11).

Salt-covered rocks on the shores of the Dead Sea

The psalmist describes those who go down to the seas to do business on the mighty waters (Ps. 107:23). They become terrified when God raises a stormy wind, which lifts the waves of the sea (v. 25). The travelers are “at their wits’ end” (v. 27) and cry to the Lord in their trouble (v. 28a). God delivers them from their distress by making the storm be still, hushing the waves of the sea and bringing them to their desired haven (vv. 28b-30).

Likewise in the Gospel reading, a great windstorm arises when Jesus and his disciples are sailing across the Sea of Galilee. The waves beat against their boat, swamping it with water (Mark 4:37). Jesus is asleep in the boat and the disciples wake him. “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” they cry (v.38). Jesus rebukes the wind and commands the sea, “Peace! Be still!”(v.39a). Immediately, the wind ceases and there is “dead calm” (v.39b). Jesus chides his disciples, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (v.40).

In Epistle reading, Paul describes storms of another kind – afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonment, riots, labors, sleepless nights and hunger (II Cor. 6:4-5) , which he has endured in order to proclaim God’s good news.

With all the stormy circumstances around us, it is comforting to know that the same God who commands the seas to be still, is also sovereign over the political and economic affairs of the nations. Do we have faith to believe it?

Proper 6 (June 14, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Ezek. 17:22-24, Ps. 92:1-4, 12-15; II Cor. 5:6-17; Mark 4:26-34

We traveled to Palestine this week with our children, who are visiting from Colorado, Virginia and Pennsylvania. It has been delightful to be together as a family and to share “our world” with our children -- Jessica, Holden and Jeremy.

Holden, Cindy and Jeremy inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

In Palestine, we stayed in Bethlehem, where we visited the Church of the Nativity, the Shepherds’ Fields and olive wood artisans. We enjoyed engaging shop owners who talked about the difficult economic circumstances of living behind the separation wall that cuts off Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Some of the olive wood artisans are now producing crèches with a wall around Bethlehem, which blocks the wise men from visiting the baby Jesus.

Jessica braves a camel ride on the Mt. of Olives

We also spent a day in Jerusalem, visiting the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western Wall. Jessica was the only one brave enough to ride a camel! We tasted falafel at a variety of stands in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It was difficult to decide which was best!

Jessica rides Kojak

This week’s Common Lectionary readings are about leading fruitful and productive lives.

In the Old Testament reading, God promises to take a sprig from the top of a tall cedar and plant it on a lofty mountain where it will produce boughs, bear fruit and provide shelter for every kind of winged creature (Ezek. 17:22-23). All this will bear witness to the fact that the Lord is God (v.24).

Olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane

The psalmist says that the righteous will flourish like palm trees and grow like cedars (Ps. 92:12). Even in old age, they will always be green, full of sap and produce fruit (v.14) – demonstrating that God is upright (v.15).

In the Epistle reading, Paul writes that, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (II Cor. 5:17).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells parables about seeds that grow mysteriously, bearing fruit and providing shelter for the birds of the air (Mark 4:26-34). Even the smallest of seeds can produce useful plants (v.32).

These readings offer hopeful reminders that our lives bear fruit – they have meaning and purpose -- as we stay connected to what God is doing in the world.

Trinity Sunday (June 7, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Is. 6:1-8; Ps. 29; Rom. 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

We spent the week in Iran, visiting partner organizations and exploring next steps for exchange programs between Mennonite and Iranian universities. While we were there, Iranians commemorated the 20th anniversary of Imam Khomeini’s death. Iranians from across the country streamed to Khomeini’s burial site just south of Tehran – many on foot.

Shopkeeper in Tehran

Presidential elections will be held in Iran, June 12, and supporters of the main candidates campaigned in the streets into the wee hours of the morning – honking car horns, handing out leaflets and displaying banners. Many Iranians expect a change of administration.

Two men enjoy conversation in Tehran park

We feel fortunate that MCC has developed a rainbow of relationships in Iran. For example, we began one day visiting some of Iran’s most conservative Muslim clerics and ended the same day sharing dessert with an evangelical Christian couple.

Cindy walks with Iranian woman on streets of Tehran

The hospitality in Iran is remarkable. One day we traveled south from Tehran to Qom – about 80 miles (130 kilometers). Our host organization in Qom sent a driver to pick us up in Tehran. The driver brought along his daughter – who speaks fluent English – just to make us feel welcomed. Back in Tehran later in the week, another family invited us out for dinner. Before going to the restaurant, they stopped by a nut shop to purchase gifts for us to take back to Jordan.

Tehran mountains were still capped with snow

The Common Lectionary readings for this Trinity Sunday are about God’s majesty, transcendence and might – but also about God’s intimacy.

Isaiah is humbled to be in the presence of a holy and majestic God. “Woe to me,” Isaiah exclaims, well aware that he is a man of unclean lips and yet has seen God’s glory (Is. 6:5). And yet God’s angel offers Isaiah assurance of pardon and when God looks for a messenger, Isaiah responds, “Here am I. Send me!” (v.8).

The psalmist declares that God sits enthroned as king forever (Ps. 29:10). God’s voice is powerful and majestic. God’s voice breaks the cedars (v.5), flashes forth flames of fire (v.7), shakes the wilderness (v.8) twists the oaks (9a) and strips the forests bare (9b). And yet this powerful God gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace (v. 11).

The New Testament readings highlight God’s intimacy and care. Paul speaks of our adoption as God’s children. When we are led by God’s Spirit we are no longer slaves to fear but able to address God in intimate terms, “Abba! Father!” (Rom. 8:15). And John’s Gospel says that God loved the world so much that he sent his Son – not to condemn the world but to give fullness of life to all who believe (John 3:16-17).

We had a few moments this week to sit quietly in the majestic Armenian Orthodox cathedral in Tehran, adorned with stained glass, beautiful murals and candles. There we reflected on the God who transcends the political conflicts that plague the nations. But in the beautiful array of persons that hosted us in Iran, we also experienced the intimacy and care of God – who indeed blesses his people with peace.