Irreplaceable Charlotte!

Proverbs 18:18

We all have irreplaceable times, locations, events, and persons in life. We may not often speak of the irreplaceability of persons, because we desire some sense of modesty or humility or separation. By whatever it may be called, there may exist one or more reasons as to why we do not communicate what we know to be a reality - persons may be irreplaceable in life.
      Jesus is irreplaceable as our Savior and Messiah in the Christian tradition. Faithful spouses are irreplaceable in Christian marriage. Friends with sincerity of heart are irreplaceable, according to the wisdom writer of Proverbs. What would make a local church member irreplaceable?
      I was a member of a local United Methodist Church, until I was ordained and became a member of the annual conference. Ordained clergy are not local church members, and we do not own the local United Methodist Church. Interestingly, laity though members of local United Methodist Churches do not own the local United Methodist Church. Local United Methodist Churches are in trust to the local congregations as properties of the annual conference. The pastor and the property of a local United Methodist Church are under the authority of the annual conference and entrusted to local congregations. So, what would make a local church member irreplaceable?
      When laity join local United Methodist Churches, they vow to uphold the United Methodist Church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. These five seem to mean different things to different people, when in essence they ought to be the same for everyone and with the same degree of energy given for a synergy in "making disciples for Jesus Christ." A sermon may be built on that alone. The purpose in this writing is to focus on: "What would make a local church member irreplaceable?"
      I was born into a parsonage family. From the moment of the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church with the Methodist Episcopal Church to form the United Methodist Church, I knew that I would devote my life to ordain ministry in the United Methodist Church. Without doubt, I am who I am in the United Methodist Church. Since 1975, laypeople have been irreplaceable in local churches I have served. The mere existence of a layperson in the pew means there is no other like that particular person. Existence proclaims a lay person to be irreplaceable...not prayers, not presence, not gifts, not service and not witness...mere existence speaks to the irreplaceability.  This is no new thought, it is seen from the beginning. Jesus is considered a second Adam, because the first Adam is still Adam and as irreplaceable as Eve.
      Irreplaceable Charlotte! Charlotte H died 20 twenty years ago. Her existence in the lives of the Rouse family came in 1986 and instantly it was as though we existed as sister and brother throughout life. Our families became family. Our days, weeks, months, and years were shared. Our children bonded. Our spouses called the other the moment one of us needed support. As sister and brother ought to be, we were friends. Our friend is buried in Greenwood, SC. During a gravesite visit, I stated: "Charlottee, every year in observing All Saints Day, I will remember that you are 'IRREPLACEABLE". You see, love was not buried in the grave, because it is planted in the living heart.
      May you, too, remember, no matter what... WE ARE IRREPLACEABLE!

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and grant us the grace to live in authentic being, so as to know we are genuine, sincere of heart and irreplaceable. Amen.

 

Being A Shepherd in the 21st Century

Read: 1 Peter 5:2

 

In 1995, Ray Sherman Anderson wrote a book on Self Care: a theology of personal empowerment and spiritual healing. The focus on self is important for pastoral care and counseling. Knowing about the self and how God empowers human beings into a divine image is key to effective shepherding. Self-care has to do with experiencing self worth, building emotional health, and embracing a vital faith.  Henri Nouwen became known for his many works on solitude. One of them geared especially toward priest is his work on The Wounded Healer.

      Both of these gentlemen point out from a protestant and catholic perspective, respectively, the reality of human hurt that is experienced in the lives of servants and shepherds. The works give insight into how healers serve through the pain of personal wounds.

     Out of the experience of lost, hurt, and abuse may come a shepherd to attend to the flock appointed by God. It is done not in arrogance or sense of superiority. Rather in the discovery of authentic self experiences of wounds and the healing of wounds, pastors accept the empowerment of God to work beyond brokenness, so as to know the reality of healing, guiding, sustaining, reconciling and nurturing as defined by Howard Clinebell in the Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling.

    September 11th carries deep pain for so many people in the United States of America, especially in New York. As this blog is published, a few days have past from our gathering in Heckscher Park of Huntington, New York to remember the lives lost eleven years ago during the disheartened attacks in New York City. On that day, eyes were filled with tears, voices resounded from cries, and prayers uttered remembrance...

Prayer: "God of everlasting to everlasting, we remember the people harmed and lives taken by acts of terrorism during our living in the world divided into nations with differing ethical perspectives.

United on this day of remembrance we share in prayer that walls of division will be replaced with Peace Walls, not only within our individual hearts, but through each human community, symbolizing our commitment to non-violence and fairness.

Holy One refresh our souls, so that someday of oneness is realized in this day of hope with faith in our ability to love each person as you love us.

Anoint the eagle to again carry our prayer for unity in diversity with the power of love as assurance. Lead us to equip people, who are red, yellow, brown, black and white with the armor of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, and the shield of faith, so as to be crowned with salvation in the proclamation of liberation for ambassadors protected by integrity and godliness as we await your acts of restitution and reconciliation.

We have come to embrace and to be embraced. Today, heart to heart in sincere search for peace. Peace, peace, peace... Let this be the blessed moment, here and now, of healing peace.

In the powerful and blessed name of the Lord. Amen!"

Agape!

    

    
 

Read Psalm 37:3

Proverbs 3:5 is a favorite Scripture to many believers. Another Scriptural giant on trust is John 14: 1. Bishop Claude Rouse, Sr. held dear Psalm 26:1 and would sing before or after preaching a commentary on the Word: "Trust In The Lord". 

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is still favored around the United States of America as a summertime opportunity to teach elements of faith to our children and youth. Many experiences today provide a chance for youth to mentor children as they assist adults in VBS. United Methodist Church Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor has such an awarding VBS with adult and youth workers teaching children using visuals, crafts, songs, activities, etc. to enhance the enjoyment of learning in the Christian faith.

One of the best letters a pastor may receive concerning VBS was emailed as follows:

SKY...EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD! 2012 VBS THEME!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL RECAP

TERRI SHEPHERD ......ALONG WITH HER TEAM OF ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUNG ADULTS TRULY CREATED A WEEK OF FUN AND SPIRITUAL LEARNING FOR 40 PLUS CHILDREN THAT THEY WILL REMEMBER FOR WEEKS TO COME. THEIR FINAL PRESENTATION TODAY WAS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD.

IF YOU HAVE MISSED THE FINAL PRESENTATION OF THE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL,

YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE FOR YOURSELF ON SUNDAY, JULY 1st AT THE 9:30 WORSHIP SERVICE. THE SERVICE WILL BE OF CASUAL NATURE HELD IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL OF OUR CHURCH. AT THIS TIME, AGAIN, TERRI AND HER CREW WILL RECAP THE WEEK'S ACTIVITIES. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT AND MAKE TIME TO SEE WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT!

YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU WITNESSED IT!
Thank you, Creator God, for this mid-summer day and the gifts it holds.

Help us recognize them as blessings from you.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY - WEDNESDAY, JULY 4th

May you all be safe as you make plans and approach a very favorite holiday for all Americans! And as you pray, pray for our Church, especially during this week as we have experienced some unexpected expenses with the Lift a vator, Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall air conditioning and the lower level Dihumidifier. Expenses that unfortunately have not been budgeted in the current expense. So we continue praying, that this too, we shall once again overcome!

God Bless Us - One and All!

United Methodist Church Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor / 180 West Neck Road / Huntington, New York 11743 /

The experience on Sunday was above and over expectations. There was great joy as dancing, singing, clapping, waving and tearing filled the experience of worship, while the recapping of VBS filled the atmosphere following Holy Communion.

Trusting God and leading the next generation into trusting God has never been sweeter at United Methodist Church Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor.

Agape!

Luonne Abram Rouse

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and guide all people into trusting God. Amen.

SON OF GOD SPEAK

Read: John 19

SON OF GOD SPEAK

BY LUONNE ABRAM ROUSE

Son of God speak,

The words of love ringing good news.

So eloquent in motivating people to see

The Kingdom of God, which we dare to choose.

So it is the Voice, we come to follow;

From the river of Jordan with the dove,

To The Cross of Calvary, we hear the Father holler:

“You are my Son, in whom I love!”

Forever on Sundays and then, recalling the swan song;

Are men and women preaching with clarity

The declaring of God forgiving the Wrong –

Who in sincere heart abide in faith, hope and charity.

Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday is the time of year, when joy rejoices to witness the coming of children, youth, men and women to celebrate – Life. The most popular name for it is Easter or Easter Sunday, when observing Easter Monday and other days of the Easter season.

The Random House Dictionary (Concise Edition) defines Easter as an annual Christian festival in commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why should you observe Easter, when you may not be a confessed Christian? Should a preacher in the Christian tradition invite people with or without Christian faith to join in the commemoration of Jesus Christ? Yes! We invite everyone. It is as simple as this: You are invited to worship with us because Jesus Christ exists for you, too.

You are invited to make an intelligent decision about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ based on the only evidence we have:

1. The Gospels
2. New Testament Writings other than the Gospels
3. The existence of the Christian Church/Faith with beliefs in the Old and New Testaments of Holy Scripture by followers of Jesus today.

We celebrate life within worship in the Christian community believing: “… God created (human beings) in his own image, in the image of God he created (them); male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27). Faith in God is a given in United Methodist Church Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor. We hope persons seeking a place of peace will come through the doors of this local church and return throughout life on earth. The Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ is taught and proclaimed here as Lord of lords and King of kings, our Redeemer.

Any given Sunday, worshippers share in an affirmation of faith. One that is taken to heart is the historic confession of the Christian faith - The Apostles Creed:

• ·          I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believer in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen

Holy Week observances move from the mixture of triumphant entry, through the suffering servant and onto the joy of Easter. Easter has meaning for every person, who has patience to listen and hear the truth of the last week in the earthly life of Jesus. Jesus travels into Jerusalem on the return trip home to God. When we worship through Holy Week onto the cross and from the cross to the grave; and from the grave to the ascension, we, too, are participating in the journey of faith. This is a faith journey through the acts of God’s salvation for human beings, including but not restricted to Christians. Then, why believe Jesus is our Savior? You will believe, once you experience God and center on Jesus as the Son of God, who rose to defeat death, even for us.

Travel into Huntington Village, New York (part of the Township of Huntington on Long Island) is so refreshing, following a train ride on the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station – New York City. If you ask why, then I will consider Huntington Village is not considered your place of peace and rest. The hustle and bustle of New York City is grand and indeed the cheers around the different places in the metro-city of the world can be superb. However, there is a truth to the saying: “There is no place like home.” Huntington is home for now. It has not always been home, having been born in South Carolina. So blessed through the years, it would be a discredit to the grace of God to speak of downs. Still without the downs the grace would not be significant. We live today, not by merit, but by grace. Through the sufferings and pains responsible to no one but ourselves, we have come this far and will go the distance by faith in the grace and mercies of God. At the rising of the sun at Easter, you are invited to worship the God, who carries us through the storms of life to a blessed peace - home.

Home is to be the place, where you can leave it all behind and be done with the troubles of traveling, working, meeting, entertaining or even being entertained. It is often at home that we find comfort and love or simply a place of solitude. Jesus went home, after toiling on earth, where he revealed the nature of God and redeemed human life. Come and recall the home going of Jesus Christ and find a home for your soul on earth, right here and now. In his home on earth, the Son of God speaks through singing, prayers, preaching, witnessing, and in silence. On the cross, he says: "It is finished." (John 19:30b) In the body of Christ - the Church, we say: Son of God Speak!



Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and speak. Amen

KONY: 3 things UNICEF needs you to know to help children in conflict

Read: 1 Corinthians 13

Reminded of the suffering of peoples around the world, do you some times wonder? Do you ever wonder what can be done to end the maltreatment of people by people?

Learn the happenings among people in the world, then join the interactions for change...good change.

Men and women caring for people around the globe are intentionally interacting to realize peace with justice.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and help us bring to justice the unjust. Amen.
 

Bishop Claude Rouse, Sr.

Read Proverbs 8

February 2012, I revisited nine years ago, remembering the suffering and dying of my father. Usually, when I think of Dad it has to do with lessons learned about church administration or community relations or just his unfailing love. Great man, best father, my friend forever and ever.

Recalling the teachings of my father brings laughter and wisdom. When I would be incorrect on a matter, Dad would say: "The more I try to teach you, the dumber you get." Then, we would laugh harder and harder as I would retort: "No wonder I am so dump, look who is teaching me." Then, I would make the necessary change and vow to aspire for his wisdom.

I had so much fun growing up in the midst of struggles and joys, joys through struggles. Living life to the fullness of the opportunities before us was to order of each day. For numerous years, we would end the day with good games of scrabble. Dad would be the one to make up words and grant permission to himself, since he was the preacher. Oh, the joy that filled my heart laughter at the man, who was beyond compare as my friend.

Strange how I thought living without him would be necessary, when he died. I actually believed that there would be no more lessons learned from my teacher - preacher. I was wrong. In error, yet again. I have tried to make it on my own and think of him as dead and not alive. I have had dreams where my mother, who died ten months prior to dad would come as clear and adorned in glory telling me to go into the next room and talk to my father. When I would open the door to the next room, I would picture him dead not alive and turn to Mom but she would be gone.

This year, it came to me. I cannot live without ever. I was wrong when I told him it was alright to go so that I could make it without him. Dead wrong was I. I need my teacher to come back to be as clear with me as my mother.  The error is at the end of the first paragraph of the original obituary I wrote in 2003. I limited myself not trusting in God to fulfill his promise for me with Dad as he had done with me. Low and behold the day has come for me to say to God: "Thank you!" The thanks is not for the life he lived or that I can make it without him. I am thanking God, because "though he died, yet does he live." God knows what to do with limitations, and God has given me the power and authority to rise above the limit unto the unlimited faith in the resurrected life. I see my father's smile again and I accept his teachings again as he is with me. February is behind me now after nine years of holding be captive to the death of one, who is yet alive. This March, I am marching with my father again. Thank you, God!

“Jesus Wept” (John 11:35)

                On his dying day, Dad opened wide his eyes toward heaven, stretched out his hand, smiled, freed his spirit, and traveled into eternal life. No more pain. No more sick days.  No more screaming out in the night – “Lula! O boy! O Lord!”  After eighty-three years and twenty-nine days God lifted him from the troubles of this world.  And, I am not happy about it, but I accept it.  One day I will be able to look back, and say to God: “Thank you,” but right now allow me to say to you - I miss my father.  If I could have kept him alive forever and ever I would have, but I am too limited.

United Methodist Minister and prominent advocate of justice for oppressed Americans through a theology of love and grace, Reverend Bishop Claude Rouse, Sr. challenged racial segregation and discrimination throughout his adult life in the church and community. Bishop, son of the Reverend Hiram Bishop Rouse (1896-1964), attended public schools in Lumberton, North Carolina.  In the 1940s, while a soldier, whose father was a Methodist pastor in Marion County, he met Lula Alberta Woodbury (1928-2002) who resided in Marion, SC. They were married in 1947.

He completed theological studies at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA in the late forties having graduated from Allen University after serving in World War II. His pastoral appointments included: Easley Charge - Easley, SC, 1949-58; Level Green - Bennettsville, SC, 1958-60; Centenary (Hartsville Circuit) - Hartsville, SC, 1960-64; Wesley - Columbia, SC, 1964-71; Mt. Zion - Kingstree, SC, 1971-76; Lake City Charge - Lake City, SC, 1976-80; Bamberg Parish - Bamberg, SC, 1980-84; and Chesnee, SC, 1984-85.

Throughout life, inspired by his father and uncles – preachers, he accepted the teachings and ministries of the Methodist tradition.  He mastered the art of preaching salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.  A leader among local clergymen, he felt it important to guide and assist young aspiring candidates into the ordained ministry. Bishop's preaching abilities and sincere pastoral leadership would lead to church growth in membership, building of adequate facilities, increase in programmatic ministries, and dynamic worship experiences.

           In November of 2002, he moved to Greenville after a brief stay at Bradford Gardens Assisted Living facility and hospitalization at the Marion Regional Medical Center in Marion. This extraordinary Christian preacher, superb father, and first class friend died at Laurel Baye Health Center of Greenville, SC in the presence of his daughter-in-law, Connie.  Predicted to die due to illness in 1950, five years prior to my birth, my father promised me in 1961 that he would live until I was able to manage without his presence on earth. He kept his promise. Thanks God!

           Services: Visitation - Mt. Zion UMC in Kingstree, SC, 2/22, with Rev. Dr. Clyde A. Anderson; Celebration Service of Resurrection 2/23, - Wesley United Methodist Church, Columbia, S.C. with Bishop Marshall L. Meadors; Committal - Devotional Gardens, Marion, SC, February 24, 2003, by Rev. Dr. Luonne A. Rouse.

He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: Bishop Claude Rouse, Jr. (Minnie) of Danbury, Conn.; Bernard Jerome Rouse, Sr. (Ruth) of Frederick, MD, and Luonne Abram Rouse (Connie) of Greenville, SC; a sister: Bess Ball of Philadelphia, PA; a foster brother: Dale Barnes of Marion, SC; a mother, Geneva Rouse of Orangeburg, SC; a sister and brother-in-law, Ghussan Rouse-Greene (George) of Orangeburg, SC; Linda Booker Rouse of Philadelphia, PA; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, colleagues, friends, and neighbors.

                                                                                                                                Luonne Abram Rouse

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on us, so that when we think it is over a divine revelation will come to allow us to see a victorious life of faith. Amen

Focus On Existence

Read: Mark 1:1-15

Focus on Existence is the first matter of living the sacred life. Scriptures speak of humans existing in response to the love of God. The Marken account of Jesus touched my inner being and gave a thrist for God. I found refreshment in reading Psalms 4:3, 23, 25:6, 30:5, 32:1, 33:9, 34:7, 37:3, 41:1, 42:8, 46:1 & 6, 50:15, 62:12, 73:1, 76:6, 77:14, 84:11, 89:8, 91:1-16, 103:2,13, 104:10-30, 107:1 &9, 112:4, 121:3, 127:1, 128:2, 139:3, 144:5, 145:16; and 18:1, 31:23, 37:4. All within being human is due to the Being of Existence.

The question of being in the world is an ontological essential. Rene Descartes, (1596 - 1650), placed rational knowledge at the root of existentialism as opposes to information received through senses. His famed philosophical gem is cogito ergo sum, meaning "I think, therefore I am." Descartes in the mindset of most scholars went too far in downplaying the physical world, still his stress on subjectivity and individuality has influence the philosophy and theology of existential being. While Descartes has forever been rooted within, it is the work of Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), Paul Tillich (1886-1965), and increasingly Edmund Husserl (1859-1938) that impacts writings of the laptop theologian. The challenge contrast between rational knowledge and "sense data" motives a deeper search for peace.

Husserl concept of intentionality as a state of consciousness in awareness of something, which consciousness is always in a state of awareness. Within current thought is the seach for peace through faith in the intention of divine creation. God had an intentional beginning and has an eternity intention that will not be denied believers though interrupted by the sin - estrangement that creates angst. Existence allow human beings to exist in reality. Blessed human existence is confirmed by conscious awareness of existing in affirmation of the intentionality of the Creator of life, which is Existence that I have learned to call God. In reality, grace is the characteristics of God known by mere human existence.

When Lily was baptized in United Methodist Church Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor, it was in response to a sermon her parents heard preached at a funeral of a friend. When the eulogy was delivered, I barely knew our mutual friend. However, the means of grace in our mutual existence affirmed a birth as much as it confirmed an existence beyond death. In all that we say as well as in what we do may there be divine intervention, so that grace and mercy brings us to an appreciation of existence. By the grace Existence, dare to believe you exist because Existence is in you, so as to know without doubt you exist in Existence.

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus appears in rapid doings during his three years in public ministry, and Mark seems to rush his readers to the cross, where Jesus in the final chapter is finally identified after fifteen previous chapters of evangelical theology. Though the briefest of the four gospels with evangel zeal the Markan account affirms the acknowledgement of Jesus by the demonic near the beginning & centurion near the end, so that the wise may come to know the Son of Man, Son of God. May our identity stated in the beginning be confirmed in the end, and on the in between may our socio-theology be embodied in evangelization that brings individuals from every walk of life to the awareness of existing by the grace of Existence.

A theology of intentionality grounds believers in the will of God, so that the intention of God appears unintentionally automatic in the lives of righteous beings. Only humans are capable of such Christian perfection. Jesus having been the only one intentionally born with such perfection sacrificed, so that the born free might will to be in the intention of God as opposed to living void of God's love. Thus, ask the question that I exist to answer: Are humans saved into an existential relation with God without Jesus?

Existentialism in reality dies without God. It is an existence doom to fate void of existing grounded in Being. Through the reality of God found in Jesus Christ, the only source of human perfection, flawed humans overcome estrangement and angst by faith in Christ alone for eternity beyond a mere good life on earth. People may live good without having faith in Jesus, yet I have never met one with an eternal focus on Existence void of the blessed assurance of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and bless our souls unto eternal Existence. Amen.

Immediately

Mark 1:1-15
The Gospel of Mark benefited from the upswing of the  historic-critical method in biblical studies.
Noted to have been written by John Mark, son of Mary 0f Jerusalem (Acts 12:12), who was a cousin to Barnabas - co-worker of the apostle Paul, this brief Gospel of Mark speaks to the supernatural power of Jesus Christ over nature, disease, and demons. The divine power of Jesus Christ delivers good deeds to all people, so even Gentiles should believe he is the Son of Man - Son of God. Mark is a narrative void of the intellectual appeal found in Matthew and Luke with much of its sections having as a key joining word “immediately.” Mark does not contain infancy narratives, Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount, or the Lord’s Prayer, and compared to Matthew or Luke there is an adequate supply of parables. The gospels of Matthew and Luke seem to contain more intellectual theological subjects.

The Gospel of Matthew is essentially intended to show that Jesus, born of Mary, is the Messiah of Jewish prophecy. Thought to have been written by the tax collector, who was called by Jesus to the making of disciples, the Gospel records the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy as a means convincing Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. The Gospel of Luke, written by "the beloved physician," historian, writer, and companion of the apostle Paul, carries the most complete biography of Jesus. Jesus is viewed as the Son of Man, who has compassion for the sinful and the poor. Eyewitnesses gave to Luke an orderly accounting and connecting narrative on the life of Jesus as the Christ. This gospel speaks to the grace of God witnessed in Jesus. It is the same grace granted in life today through which men and women are saved. We desire you to read and see without under estimating the grace of God.

What does the Gospel of Mark offer in terms of Christology? The task is to show
appreciation for the theology contained in the Markan account. Then, construct a picture of Jesus relying solely on the text of the Gospel of Mark and relate it to social justice. In fact, it may be best to search through the work of John Mark and grasp social fairness. The historical context in which this Gospel was written provides clues as to what Mark was trying to convey to the original audience, readers and hearers of the work. Most scholars consent that Mark was written at around A.D. 69-73 in Rome during the persecution of Christians under Nero. So, the subject matter of suffering and conditions necessary for discipleship are central to Mark, because of the hardships endured by the first Century Christian community. I content that there can be no justice in that, except for the mystic workings of God to ushering divine defeat of human injustice making possible for unjust human beings to practice fairness, even where there is no possibility of justice.

Immediately, Mark summarizes the theological subject of his gospel in the first fifteen verses. Mark ushers Jesus in as the One to fulfill the announce: "The time has come ," says Jesus, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15) The arrival of the kingdom of God on earth does not appear has the deliver of justice as expected and desired by the Jews. Rather, the kingdom comes to show the way to love with fairness.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and bring us to love with fairness in view of peace with justice. Amen.

Pastoral Words to the Hurting

Two days into 2012, and the voice on the twelfth phone call of the day speaks love as real as ever. Unexpected a few years ago, yet as promised over three decades ago love doesn't change though people do. Divorced after triple decades of marriage, a good marriage at that, it hurts being reduced to hearing people of the world say: "Get over the dog that has done you wrong."  "Go on with your life." "You deserve better." Such words even with good intentions are not pastoral. Pastoral words are given with respect and care for the thoughts and emotions of the hurting not for the ones intending to console. When caring for the broken in heart, listen with empathy.

Hearing the voice on the other end of the phone is not always easy, when you are in the deep rivers of responsibilities brought in with the New Year. Pastoral counselors, for sure, have to take care to be able to care for the souls of men and women. When pressures on the emotions of the counselor are too severe, the counselor needs to make clear the unavailability to attend to the needs of the persons in stress. Not intending to blow the opportunity to help, pastoral counselors should prayerfully pause and make sure to be available in authentic ways to the person or persons needing them. The caller had questions. While the caller did not need to hear the response of a pastoral counselor, the needy needed the pastoral counselor to be able to respond with true answers.

Things happen to good people in life, which are not so good. Searching for answers to why things happen is the nature of being human. Pastoral words to the hurting are meant to heal, guide, sustain, and in some cases reconcile. Words of truth should be pastoral, and you do not have to speak as a pastoral counselor to speak the truth in love. How do you tell love of years past that God has to make something out of the non-sense? While it is human to search for answers, it is human, too, not to have the answers desirable in the search.  When you have searched and searched, cried and prayed, and searched until you cried, and cried through your prayers, you hold on to faith, hope and love.

God does love the world and gave Jesus Christ, so that by believing we shall receive. The answer is in life, and the life of believers is eternal. What may not be clear today, shall be made clear by and by. Wait on the Lord, who gives all things to those who trust and obey.

Well, the answer has been found. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our resurrected Lord through all human hurt. When we pray the answer may not come from the source of inquiry but from God, and be given to both the researcher and the interviewed. Beyond every intentional question of why, there is an intended response for relief. God has the answer as revealed through Jesus Christ. "For this, too, he died." Forgiveness comes when the answers given in truth are the pastoral words representing God. God is gracious and merciful, righteous and good, so that even the disrespectable actions are forgiven as the reverence to God is given. The answer is wrong is wrong, and cannot be made right, but shall be forgiven, so that the children of God may process and step in the blessedness of reconciliation with God through Christ. The human to human relationship in the end fades by numerous means, but the Divine to human relation as with love cannot be changed though people do.

Prayer:  God of grace and righteousness, have mercy on us and grant us goodness in forgiveness, so as to be at peace within. Amen.