Should I Forgive - Mark 5 (w 2 Samuel 1) - Proper 8B

Should I Forgive?

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Reflection based upon Mark 5: 21-43, 2 Samuel 1:1-27

Opening Prayer

The lesson today involves two different woman with few details other than their particular conditions. 

First, a young daughter who is sick and dying and her family has some privilege to be able to call upon Jesus for help. Second is a woman who has a condition that causes her to be isolated from society and questions whether to even try to ask for help.  

Of the second, we know this because the purity laws of the time discarded people with disease to the outskirts of civilization. People were ignored, forgotten, isolated and yes discarded for nothing more than have a health condition, like hemorrhaging. 

There is an action by this woman, who I am sure has a face, pretty hair, soul-full eyes and laughs (when she could) with “can-do” attitude.

“If I but touch his clothes…”

This act of reaching is truly faith that something good will happen. 

The response is to bless and to acknowledge that faith has made her strong and well.

Of the first, people around the young daughter say she is gone, lost and should be discarded. Jesus shouldn’t be troubled. Yet Jesus goes to her, reaches to her. 

Jesus brings life into being both by faith to simply touch and despite the lack of faith that can (often does) surround people.

For us there are questions that rise from these. 

1) Who in our lives do we cast aside, forget, isolate, push away, discard, whom deserve something else?

2) Who in our lives should we forgive that deserve our forgiveness and why? 

3) Who in our lives should we forgive where we have been hurt and torn and why should we forgive?

These are questions for us to consider of the people we see around us (familial, friends or passing by on the street). These are questions for us to consider for the people we have met, the people in our lives, relationships that have gone amuck even when pain or heartbreak has been, or is the current, the result.

Of that, a wise Master once gave me a rule about relationships that I think works here: “Shame me once, shame on you; shame me twice, shame on me.” He followed that up to say we can and should be willing to forgive, just as Jesus teaches.  

Yet, if the folly persists, we have not learned, we have not understood, we (as in I) have let boundaries drop that should have been kept. Yet in these instances, one should not allow the self to be made fools again. Even then, we can forgive, but our actions from there must change because we should not live with more folly. 

Learn from our mistakes unless we mean to be more a fool.

We can stand in witness to the power of two people that rise to immense challenges and find purpose with each, like in the story of David and Jonathan. Their bond is so powerful and intense. This funeral eulogy in 2 Samuel that David gives is heart wrenching but beautiful expression of love.

That story is characterized depending upon how one wears glasses the day they read it. Clearly to me, this bond is love, and one that cannot be denied. This love should (and does) give people hope, especially those whom celebrate “pride” this weekend. 

Many (I personally) have wishes for such love.

It is proposed by Midrash writers that David’s decision-making is profoundly impacted by the loss of Jonathan as David attempts to fill that. 

Who can deny someone’s pain and loss because we all know grief? How can we help those around us also in grief so that they are not isolated, alone or withdrawing?

Loss doesn’t just happen when a person dies, but when something happens that blows up “perfect” relationships into shattered pieces of heart as well as painful torments. 

Standing, looking at the pieces of once beautiful idea and work but now,  trying to figure out the path forward.

A question one might consider is whether we loved the relationship or the person.  

If we love the person, then what we could do to repair might be considered - if the other person will repair as well. Does pain, or ego, prevent reconciling damage? Does pain or ego prevent our understanding of what happened or what should be done next?

You cant avoid truths or pain - all emotional / physical pain take time to heal. Work and faith are needed when trust ruined and boundaries smashed.

Ego is rarely reliable helper making decisions. Further, decisions with pain or doing so with haste make bad situations worse (exception where emotional and physical safety is threatened.)

Yet, these women along with David and Jonathan provide perspective.

Are there people around us that feel isolated and hurt? I guarantee yes. What can you do? Let the spirit guide you.

Do I forgive? Jesus tells us, not just once, twice or seven times, but 70000 times -> Always. 

Our hearts must be willing to forgive always for that allows the spirit to work in us, to heal us that are hurting, and to help find options going forward. As long as we are listening to the still-speaking spirit, listen for that path. 

As one mentor described, that response may be a “holy no,” but it is truthful worth considering. Take time, digest what has happened and know that one does not have to do this alone or hastily.

The courageous act of a faithful woman tells us there is possible; there is a blessing to have.

The courageous act of faithful family to be with Jesus brought possible into being, despite the naysayers. 

The story of David and Jonathan tell us that love is love: a powerful force between people.

Then, that is, with Jesus, possible is possible, and with faith in Jesus’s love that possible is powerfully possible. 

Thanks be to God. 

What Does the Kingdom Look Like - Mark 4 - Proper 6B

What does the Kingdom look like

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Reflection based upon Mark 4: 26-34, Psalm 92, and Ezekiel 17:22-24

Opening prayer

Jesus asks, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God?” He tells us about the life of a mustard seed that grows from such a tiny seed into a tree that is the greatest of all. 

And so it is with God, to scatter seeds and wait in patience for the garden and shrub to rise.

For me as a gardener, the parables illustrate an aspect of God’s vision, or plan, and the attitude that God conveys.

Let me start first with the attitude. 

I threw seeds in a part of my garden and waited an entire year before anything besides weeds grew. Yet, this year, I go out and find the mix of wildflowers. 

I have planted roses and watched a couple struggle. With diligence, love and care, the roses made it, and they produce vibrant colors today.

This year, we have a guest family that decided the bottom of our shed was a great new home. They have decided to help themselves to some newer plants. Hopefully, I will see plants come back, and maybe, the rabbits find new homes.

This patience, this hopefulness, this caring, this diligence and this labor of love are part of this attitude. The gardener, God, has this for you, me and even the people we disagree.

The vision.

I as a gardener, usually have a vision. It may be loose for something’s like the wildflowers or more specific like the roses. That plan has to be fairly flexible, given not all weather is great, not all seeds grow the way I want and, of course, homemaker rabbits.

I have to think this is similar for God, although I don’t what the actual plan is. Yet from Genesis to beyond, God set forth something universal, mystical and full of love with hope beyond our comprehension.

Thing is that God wants our participation. Not just throwing seeds. There is desire for community and love in us. 

It is said that forests will communicate with each through roots and the soil. All mechanisms to help foster grow of community of trees and plants as well as people and animals. Yet, we as people and animals can use our voice and our expression of the God-given love and presence with family, friends and yes even enemies.

That is a root of the Ezekiel passage and the teachings of Jesus in Mark. The first shall be last, the last shall be first. “I will dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. “

Even a cat can share some of God’s grace, and our house thanks Marquis for all that he demonstrated of that. 

Jesus’s parable invokes a measure of pain and loss with the images of the sickle in harvest. I submit that is because to live is not avoiding pain but understanding that life involves pain and suffering. 

This may be what the Buddha invokes in the Four Noble Truths. Life may, itself, be suffering, and the fact that we feel means we can, and should, respect all life and the emotions that come with living. 

There are paths beyond suffering and pain through how we live and how we pray.

Yet, life is not just about suffering, and suffering is definitely not a reward for abuse. 

Although as mortals, we cannot escape suffering. There is no amount of alcohol, drugs, withdrawal, violence we inflict or complaining we do that can change that. Struggles and suffering happen. 

We can live and help others to live through those struggles. There, we can see past our own lives of privilege and blessings to help others around us find some for themselves, whether youth needing direction, a homeless mother, a queer adolescent looking for identity and safe space, or American Native hoping for simple respect. 

With God, there is hope - beyond the struggle - for you - a seed that has been planted. There is an attitude and a vision for you as one of those seeds.

I often hear people talking about this “vision-plan”, and I will admit, I don’t know what exactly God saw when planting us. Yet, I disagree with folks saying that anyone with a cheap prayerbook might screw up this design. 

I know that having my father in my life was grace even though I endured suffering and pain of his loss. Perhaps, it would have been better to not endure the loss of my cats, Mr Snuggles and Marquis (or any pet), but life was/is so much the better with them being in our lives.

“I could have missed the pain, but I’d had to miss the dance.” (Garth Brooks)

It isn’t about what I want (or what pain I could avoid). It is much bigger than myself. It is about what God gives us and what we do with it.

God, the gardener, has more than a vision, but desires for those involved to share their colors, their unique aspects, their life as family and children of God. God wants to see us flourish with these gifts of love, compassion, and justice. 

We flourish by sharing those gifts. For those who hoard grace, wealth and privilege are certain to lose it. 

Thus, this “kingdom” is not about power and privilege. It is not about honor seats at the table.

God’s kingdom is for all God’s children because “All truly are welcome here.” 

Give thanks!

When you give thanks and sing praises to that sacred Name, remember your part. Your family and neighbors, far and close, also deserve that. 

That love and devotion is for you and for me to grow and flourish together.

So Beloved, Is that the kingdom you were looking for ?  If so, step this way…

Thanks be to God

Whom Shall I Send - Isaiah 6 - John 3 - Trinity B

Whom Shall I Send?

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6: 1-8, Romans 8:12-17

Happy Holy Trinity Sunday!

We steer from the Easter season into the season after Pentecost with great discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus.  Nicodemus questions the idea that one can be “re-born,” and Jesus’ s response is a call to witness the Spirit of God. 

The spirit is like the wind - that it goes where it chooses. One may hear it but from where it came and where it goes is a mystery. 

To be “re-born” is to allow and to acknowledge the living sacred mystery that binds us as children - that is to witness - To witness the awesome mystery and the Spirit working. 

When we do, we see beyond the traps of brokenness and deceptions that divide.

Question for us here is if we are witnesses of this, what do we do with this witness?

God calls upon us not necessarily to be pastors, nuns and apostles (although some are), but God calls upon us children to be followers of the way - the way of love, compassion, empathy, and care. 

The dreamer described in Isaiah 6 worships, asks for contrition, receives atonement, and offers service to the voice of God. 

In our broken world that spews destructive division with lies and distortions, we can find these in the words of Jesus, the comfort of God and the presence of the Spirit that breathes with us today. 

We can witness this in our breath, our heart-felt hopes and dreams. We can witness through the command to love our neighbors. 

Romans 8 tells us we bear witness of the Spirit through love of God’s children - without exception and beyond “thoughts and prayers” because we are all children of God - heirs to that love.

That means, as we read in the 1 John epistle during Easter, we bear witness also through deeds that lift the best of us and deeds that calm the fears instead of tearing at each other or superfluous status bragging. 

To love, to witness, begins with acknowledgment of our faults (we are not perfect), being healed, and continues with willingness to serve. 

We don’t serve with full cups or no room for the Spirit to meet us and teach us. We empty our cups to make room. We serve with open hearts and minds willing to be filled with love and Spirit - not for callous gloating but so that those around us can also witness in their hearts and minds.

God gave us, and continues to give, so much so that we may have life - true life in the word made flesh. Give thanks and praise. Be healed.

Yes, the spirit is guiding us. 

Are you willing and ready to listen - to witness? 

And when the spirit asks of you “Whom shall I send; who will go for us?”

Will you respond, like the dreamer, “Here am I, send me” ?

When you do, the possibilities abound.

That Beloved is…

Thanks Be to God.

Blessing - Pentecost - Year B

Prayer and blessing based upon John 15-16, Psalm 104, Acts 2. 1-21

It is appropriate that I wore red for yesterday's ride (and again for today) as we celebrate Pentecost this weekend. (It wasnt just so cars would see me, nor was it a fashion statement. Although I am not sure how cycling gear qualifies as fashion.) 

I think this is my favorite sacred holiday of the calendar because the power of the Spirit is ever tangible and ever present in the many ways people call upon that grace.

Just as the Apostles were given the breath of God through spiritual fire so that each could hear and understand in their native language, may we, too, hear different voices, different languages and different ideas and meet them with grace. (Acts 2) 

In this mental health month, let the Advocate come and be with you, heal you and teach you this day and more. (John 15) Listen for the still speaking Spirit in your life. 

"May the glory of the Lord endure forever." (Ps 104:31)

Yes, Let the Spirit guide you, encourage you, nurture you and be with you in the many wondrous and beautiful ways. 

Happy Pentecost!

Beloved this is…

Thanks Be to God!

Community of Love - 1John 5 - Easter 6B

Community of Love

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Reflection based upon 1 John 5:1-6, Psalm 98, John 15: 9-17

Opening prayer 

Last week, we read about loving God because God loves. Then it follows for us - you and me to love - in the same way. 

“There is no fear in love… it casts it out.” There are plenty of things in the world that cause anxiety and fear, but love conquers all. 

Thus we are to put away fear and turn to love. 

1 John reminds us that we are “children of God”. Thus we are to love the children. We love when we love God and abide in love of Christ. 

That is John 15: 12 “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this.”

Why do this loving?? 

“To bear fruit” when you love you share what God has given to you with those around you. That is bearing fruit because you are giving what grows to those and you in turn grow. 

“And this is the victory that conquers the world: our faith.” Our faith in that love for us is so strong that others will see the light and life within you - it catches onto them and they feel the light and they share it with others as well. 

So this love radiates and builds communities of togetherness rather than division. This builds communities that recognize the blessings bestowed not just for the self but for each other and that we are part of something much larger and greater than us: that we are children of God - in a community of love. 

Isn’t that what we need now? 

Some of you are questioning, some nonchalant, or worse, some dismissive.

Beloved, since God loves us so much, we are also ought to love one another. 

Why because there is power in love. 

When my son came home hurting and crying, I didn’t throw cold water onto him, but instead, I held him and let him cry. I hurt with him in those moments. We didn’t move for good long time as he just let it out. 

Beloved, sometimes, we need to let it out. We don’t need to hold it in because love is also letting people know what is inside not hidden behind the taunts and threats of a broken world. 

Our response isn’t to fuel the flames or the hurt, but instead for us to share love - to calm the hurts, the worries or calm the upset. We may or may not be able to fix what happened, but our response is love. 

Then, there are the times when we are glowing with happy. It is there that we ought to include instead of exclude. For what brings us to this moment is more than just oneself, but when we achieve, when we get to the point success, we can look back and find there was help along the way there. 

As a cyclist, making it up to the top of the “DAM” hill by Saylorville Dam is a tough climb for oneself, but exhilarating to make it. Most times, there have been people riding with me. Individually, each one of us could be thinking “I had to endure the climb” or “I am going to make it” or whatever motivates someone to keep going. 

Collectively, we were cheering each other and then celebrating the result. I also thought how the Spirit was riding with us too and then celebrating the result.

There were a couple of flats in the middle of the climb (not fun), but we helped each other 1) not get left behind but instead 2) repaired, 3) helped get up and 4) get going again.

That is the power of love - “don’t need money, don’t need fame, don’t need credit card to ride this train…and it just might save your life.” 

This is not just an eighties tune, but real measurable and tangible impact to each of us. Yes love can heal and save lives. 

Include, repair, get up and go or Invite, heal, live and love even more.

Also, we don’t share love by calling each other names and attacking. If our world is to get better at talking to each other, we have to be willing to ask “how does what you say reflect what you do?” How does that share your values and your love?  Or Interesting point tell me more because a conversation rarely happens when we fight. 

That isn’t to say “give jerks a pass”, but that see how they are thinking and how that thinking reflects what they believe their values are. When we listen and learn, we grow. When they describe and when they hear our values in their values, they will see opportunities to grow as well. 

When we grow, and learn about each other’s values, we have grow and we share that love - not cancel them. 

Community of love isn’t fight or flight - my way or the highway - it is finding what makes us community - together.

Communities that argued over politics have farmers and neighbors offering equipment to help clean up town after the tornado.

In this community of love, whether it’s your family, a neighbor, people at the gym or on the trail, or the homeless person on the street, we can be that gift of love to someone who needs it. 

Perhaps, we need some of that gift from someone for ourselves?? For us who are in the middle of that climb, (aka our personal struggles) and wondering if we can make it… 

The answer is you are not alone and you have me, you have each other, to help you. Most importantly, you have the Holy to help you. Go ahead and let it out, feel the care of the Spirit with you, and then perhaps, we can “climb that hill” together.

It is in these moments when bonds are created. It is in the moments of love when we are more than oneself. It is in these moments, we learn how we grow stronger through love. 

Thus, in order for us to receive, let us also be willing to give what we have. Don’t give into fear, but instead, let the love that has been given to you, live through you. Let love ripple into the people around you. 

When we do, when we truly believe in the power that been given to us.. when we let the Spirit guide us, amazing can happen and we can find celebration.

“With a little help from above, you can find the power of love…” in this community of love. Let that community of love bear fruit in you and with you. 

Beloved, that love, that fruit is…

Thanks be to God