Chapter 4: Wednesday

The Unnamed Woman. When reading biblical passages it is so significant when a woman is named (there are many who are not) and yet I find it interesting that the woman who anoints Jesus at the beginning of Mark 14 is so highly honored and not named. Jesus says that, “wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Borg and Crossan proclaim her the first believer and model leader. She acted upon what she heard and evidently believed. It brings me to reaffirm what I have believed and taught, that believing is doing. One cannot believe, trust or have faith in Jesus and not show it in our actions.

Today I preached a sermon on John 13:21-32 since Borg and Crossan refer to this passage in John, I thought I would share it with you here.

John starts Chapter 13 by setting the scene for what is referred to as the Last Supper. Jesus and the disciples, maybe others, are gathered for a meal before Passover. John tells us that Jesus knows his time has come. In his very theological way John makes this out to be the fulfillment of God’s plan, and of scripture. From a practical, historical point of view, Jesus was a wanted man. He had threatened established authority creating fear in the chief priests and scribes and ultimately ruffled the feathers of Roman authorities. John also tells us that the devil had already affected Judas’ heart, creating the opportunity for those who wanted to arrest Jesus to convince Judas to help them.

As the scene progresses, Jesus gets up from the table and washes the feet of his disciples. He taught them that it is their role to serve others. He set the example that they were to do as he had done. He goes on to say that no one is greater than another and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for one another. “If you know these things,” Jesus says, “you are blessed to do them.” There is blessing in the serving of others…

When we pick up at our passage for today, Jesus says, “one of you will betray me.” Again, John refers to Jesus’ foreknowledge that Judas will betray him.
John says, “Satan entered into him.” Indicating that Judas may have acted out of evil influence, greed, confusion, or weakness but that he himself was not evil. And, it is still quite clearly betrayal. Two thousand years later the name Judas is synonymous with betrayal.

In our world, this past year has been a year of celebrity betrayal. The faces of John Edwards, Mark Sanford, Tiger Woods, and now Jesse James are plastered all over the magazine racks. Their betrayal of their wives and their marital vows has caught the attention of many and sells magazines.

But marital infidelity is not the only form of betrayal in our world. Almost everyone here today, everyone you know… has stories of betrayal to tell.

We have stories about betrayal by not only spouses, but parents, children, employers, pension funds or financial advisors and even life long friends. The stories are unending. The pain is often too deep for words, and after years of healing the scars may still be visible. There are also those among us who have done the betraying. Perhaps the betrayal happened in a moment of desperation, or in a moment of panic, or because it was the only way to preserve a wounded façade. Most human beings have a streak of self-preservation that when put to the test we will sometimes abandon our promises, loves and loyalties to look after ourselves.

Thus, guilt runs deep. Just as being betrayed leaves scars, so does being the betrayer. Both betrayed and betrayer identify with the final moments in the upper room. Everyone has been where Jesus is. Many have been where Judas is.

When I engage these ancient texts, in this cycle of reading called the lectionary, I often think that the day’s passage was chosen especially for me, like today’s passage.

A little over a week ago I was officiating at a memorial for my father, in Ohio. As I was about to begin the service my long-time friend, Denise walked into the room. Denise and I grew up side by side, getting into mischief together, learning many of those early life lessons together and keeping each other’s secrets through the adolescent years of exploration. Our friendship, continued all-be-it long distance, into adulthood, though marriages, children and careers.

Then, 10 years ago, in a misunderstanding, Denise betrayed me; telling my father she suspected I was having an affair, rather than confronting me and checking out her assumptions. When it all came to the surface, I all but ended our friendship in a flurry of words. It was a difficult betrayal ten years ago, and there she was walking in the door.

I believe the lesson in this passage is not to point the finger at Judas as this villain, the other, or some kind of monster. Before the story concludes at the cross, all of the disciples will betray Jesus in some way. Most notably is Peter who denies him three times. Again, Jesus predicts his betrayal, before the cock crows. Peter was sure he would NEVER betray Jesus, but found himself in that place of self-preservation.

Today the scriptures ask us to look at our own betrayals. If it is hard to imagine ourselves as a Judas or as Peter, what about the other 10 disciples, they disappear, become silent, fade into the background. Their betrayal is one of omission. They fail to stand up for Jesus, to claim their affiliation with him, or to even stand by his side in solidarity with him. This is the betrayal that I believe most of us can identify with. Ours is not the sin of casting Jesus into Roman custody, denying that we are a follower or nailing him to the cross. Ours is more often the betrayal of silence and omission.

As I see it betrayal has many genres. It can be personal where I betray myself. My own best self is betrayed when I don’t live up to who God created me to be, or when I do damage to myself in any one of the myriad of self destructive behaviors. Or it could be inter-personal such as with my friend Denise and me. It is when we betray another person. It can also be corporate, where we as a group betray others within the group such as with our legislative powers, to deny marriage equality or health care to some. I also believe it includes our silence when such injustices happen.

For generations, there has been a degree of silence about the inequality in access to health care for many in our community. But finally we are witnesses to the history making health care reform which will enable 30 mil. uninsured neighbors to receive the benefits of health insurance. As you have seen, though, not everyone is celebrating this legislation. The viciousness of some opponents of reform have broken all boundaries of civility and, in some cases, even of law.

At their anti-reform rally in DC last Saturday, some used nasty epithets. People spat upon Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II of Kansas City, who is African American and is also a United Methodist minister. One protester sent an email message with a picture of a noose to Congressman James Clyburn of Charleston, another distinguished African American legislator. The district offices of more than one pro-reform Democratic legislator were vandalized. And despite some barely-heard disavowals of violence and bigotry from some in public office, there is also no doubt that these same leaders have created a tone of disrespect and even contempt for the President and his party that encourages still more violent and racist outbreaks. I am outraged not just at that behavior, but at the lack of voices coming forward to condemn this behavior.

I have ask myself are we like the majority of the Disciples, shrinking into the background, betraying the spirit of Jesus today by not speaking up against these acts of in justice and now violence. Is ours the corporate betrayal of silence and omission?

This scripture passage was not done with me as I pondered betrayal and the betrayers. Look at the relationship between Jesus and Judas. Or at least Jesus’ behavior towards Judas. Even knowing Judas will fall short, will betray his best self and eventually betray Jesus.. Jesus washes his feet. Jesus breaks bread with him and shares table fellowship. Jesus does not reject Judas.

At my father’s memorial, when my friend Denise walked through the door. I hurried to her and put my arms around her saying, “I am so glad you are here.” We talked, hugged and affirmed that the past was in the past. I am so ashamed that it took me 10 years and grateful that it is finished. Denise may have betrayed me and our friendship, but I betrayed the spirit of Jesus in my actions.

Jesus knows that you and I will fall short. We will betray our best selves. We will even betray Jesus, by not following the example he set for us and yet we will always be welcome at his table. We will always be loved and embraced and brought back to this table of fellowship regardless of our weaknesses. Amen.

Thoughts for discussion:

1. Borg and Crossan are clear that at least from Mark, we do not know what Judas’ motives were.

Do his motives matter to you?
2. Are there places of betrayal in your life that you want to bring to light?
3. What is your most extravagant gift to give? Have you given it yet?

I would LOVE to hear from you! Sharalyn

Tuesday, By Michael Menchaca

One of the greatest gifts to have been revealed to me in my spiritual development is the immense value of community. I am evolving from a faith that placed more emphasis on individual response to God as opposed to the concept that we walk this path together, bound by the grace of God. In walking this journey with my dear friend Sharalyn I feel honored that she has asked me to write something for this entry. She’ll be back as soon as she can.

It seems that every year I need to be reminded again of the mounting conflict that defined the week leading up to that first Easter morning. Following the two processions into Jerusalem and the closing down of business as usual at the temple, Tuesday feels even more in conflict. As one reads Mark there is almost a sense of increasing energy yearning to be settled. I think of the low rumble that precedes a major earthquake moving into a rearrangement of the Earth as it is known until all is once more at peace. Tuesday is far from peaceful, however. Here we are faced with two groups in positions of authority that have traditionally scorned each other joining efforts to try to bring Jesus into a position in which he can be arrested and put to death. Jesus and his message of liberation from the dominance of oppression, suppression, repression and depression encounters a challenge of his very authority to give hope to a captive world. It is almost as if he is being asked, “Who do you think you are to challenge the system of greed and corruption that has so well served us all these years?” The energy here is palpable and it becomes unmistakable that something huge is just about to happen. It’s coming! It’s just around the corner and it’s about to burst wide open!

Recent events have left me with a similar sense that something huge is about to happen. Does the conflict of that first Holy Week repeat itself again in your life? Do you also have the sense that major change is about to occur? Where do you see Jesus in that potential for change?

Explanation of absence

Dear Friends and Followers of this Lenten Blog,
Many of you already know that my father, Jack Hamilton died this week in Ohio. His death was expected but still life changing for me. I have been unable to finish the post for Tuesday as I am writing a eulogy, a sermon and preparing to return to Ohio to officiate at his memorial. I apologize for this interruption in our study and fully intend to continue. If anyone would like to contribute to an entry for Tuesday or Chapter 3, please let me know. I should have it up in a couple days. I hope you are enjoying the book and finding it meaningful to your lenten journey. Please don't give up on the blog, I will return to writing soon. Sharalyn

Chapter 2: Monday

In an attempt to help us frame the conversations around The Last Week, the authors suggested some questions in the back of the book. My favorite one is:

What’s something from this chapter that stands out for you? Something new that seems important? Or, something that you perhaps knew before, but that seems important to underline? Something that you want to remember?

For me the first of these places where I really want to remember is on page 37 where the authors explore answers to the question, “how, then did people create, maintain or restore good relations with a divine being?” When relating to other one another in the human realm, good relations were created and/or maintained by bringing a gift and/or sharing a meal. Those protocols were translated into divine human relationships through sacrifice. Again, they could give a gift or share a meal. I have long struggled with the classic atonement theologies feeling deep in my heart that sacrifice was not about suffering or substitution. Understanding that it was a gift and a shared meal that were behind blood sacrifice for ancient Hebrews sheds light on the gospel writer’s account of Jesus as sacrifice. According to Borg and Crossan, “ that sense of sacrifice should never be confused with either suffering or substitution.”

The second place of particular interest to me is the slight different way of looking at what has historically been called “the cleansing of the temple.” Borg and Crossan emphasize that the money changers and animal sellers were perfectly legitimate and necessary for the temple’s normal functioning. Jesus’ actions symbolically shut down the temple in a prophetic statement about its lack of fruit. The temple and worship cannot be a safe refuge or hide away for those who do not practice God’s justice. Worship is not a substitute for justice and righteousness.

What stood out to you?

What do you want to remember from this chapter?

Palm Sunday

Imagine the contrast of these two processions, the peasant procession and the imperial procession. One joyfully celebrated by the peasant families, young and old in a simple earthy style. The grand marshal is seated on the colt of a donkey, leafy foliage is being placed on the path and the air is filled shouts of Hosanna! All quite humble yet many would recognize an ancient story unfolding, the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophetic words passed down through the generations. Under the celebratory gathering was the seriousness of a radical political movement. I imagine the tension to be palpable, excitement and fear at one time.
From the opposite direction comes the enormity and power of Roman rule and oppression. The powers that be we’re making their presence known so as to dissuade anyone who might find inspiration for revolt in the celebration of Passover, the Jewish liberation from an earlier empire.
Pilate’s military procession was a demonstration of both Roman imperial power and Roman imperial theology. “According to this theology, the emperor was not simply the ruler of Rome, but the Sun of God. It began with the greatest of the emperors, Augustus. His father was the god Apollo, who conceived him in his mother Atia. Inscriptions refer to him as “son of God,” “lord” and “savior,” one who had brought “peace on earth.” After his death, he was seen ascending into heaven to take his permanent place among the gods.” (page 3)

POINTS OF DISCUSSION:

Certainly you noticed the similarities between the Roman theology of their emperor and the Gospel depiction of Jesus. This theology already existed in their culture. Did the Gospel writers steal the son of god motif? Are you bothered by the knowledge that the concept of the son of God, and even his ascension into heaven is not unique to Christianity? Does it change anything about your concept of Jesus?

Borg and Crossan spend considerable space in this first chapter describing and illustrating a “domination system” with Jerusalem at its center. According to them a domination system is a social system marked by three major features: 1. Political oppression; 2. Economic exploitation; and 3. Religious legitimation.

Certainly I can see how domination systems with these three features continue to exist across our world today. But I wanted to bring this closer to home than Afghanistan, or Africa. Where does it exist in my world, where does it or has it touched my life? Where has my religion (Christianity) been the religious legitimation for oppression and exploitation?

1. Slavery would be one example. My own denomination (Methodist) was at one point split over the legitimation of slavery. And I am questioning whether the Christian church plays any role today in racial oppression. Is our silence a continuation of a legitimation that was more blatant earlier?

2. I am quite clear that the inequality that continues between women and men in this country is legitimized by some segments of Christianity that perpetuate limitations on the roles of women in the church and in society.

3. Does the predominance of Christianity in this country and the outspoken religious right participate in a domination system which oppresses people from faith traditions other than Christianity?

Note from page 19 with regard to participation in a domination system specifically the role of the wealthy and powerful: “The issue is not their individual virtue or wickedness, but the role they played in the domination system. They shaped it, enforced it, and benefited from it.”

PERSONAL EPIPHANY:

Just as I have had a love hate relationship with Christianity, I have always been conflicted about the cross as a symbol of my faith. I much preferred the dove, but the cross is everywhere. On page 28, Borg and Crossan give me a sway towards the cross. In the second paragraph when they dissect Mark 8:24, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” They pull out the two meanings held by the cross in first century Christianity.

1. a representation of execution by the empire

2. a symbol of the “way” or the path of death and resurrection, of entering new life by dying to the old life.

In this first week of Lent, I really can embrace the “way” and the cross that symbolizes that way. Where am I ready to die to the old life and give birth to a new creation? Where is there a resurrection in the coming weeks?

In The Beginning

Welcome to All Saints Church’s first online book study and Lenten small group. This discussion officially begins on February 22nd and I will be posting a new blog entry every Monday. However, for anyone interested in beginning to think about Jesus and his last week in preparation for the book discussion please join me in answering a few of the questions found at the end of the book. There may also be occasions when I post more than once a week. Because this is a new experience for all of us, I would like the freedom to adapt to the flow of discussions and the season of Lent. Please feel free to follow all of the entries or only once a week for the main entry. If you have questions you may post them as comments to this entry or you can always email me at shamilton@allsaints-pas.org.

While it is certainly not mandatory that you register as a follower of this blog, it will help me to know that there are followers reading along, even if you do not make comments. However, I highly encourage you to make comments and share your insights as we journey though this book and Lent. It is from our combined journeys that God speaks the loudest and clearest. I also encourage you to invite friends and family to join. In many ways this is an experiment, but one that I am hopeful reaches far beyond those who can physically gather at All Saints Pasadena.

Questions for thought and preparation:

What are your first memories of Jesus?

My earliest memories of Jesus are from the stained glass windows in the Radnor Baptist Church. I spent hours laying in the smooth wooden pews gazing up at the large arched windows depicting familiar stories about Jesus. My mother was the church organist and I was required to accompany her to the church while she practiced. I am sure I learned the stories behind these picture windows in Sunday school or Vacation Bible school since I regularly attended both, but it is the images in these windows that are forever imprinted in my mind. The first is of Jesus carrying a lamb back into the fold. He is handsome, and young and kindness radiates from his face. I always knew that lamb was me and Jesus had come to find me when I was lost. Jesus was bringing me home, carrying me lovingly and I was happy to be in his arms. He knew me and he cared.

The second window that holds a strong memory and meaning was the triple window in the front of the church which was the back of the sanctuary. On this window was an artist’s depiction of Jesus kneeling in the garden. I often see that image in my mind when I pray, remembering that Jesus also prayed, drawing strength, wisdom and guidance from prayer. For me, that image of Jesus is one of the most powerful pieces of my Christology. Jesus prayed and even struggled in that particular time of prayer. In this depiction, Jesus has his face elevated to the light emanating from above and I understood the powerful connection he had with God through prayer. As a little girl I believed that warm, loving light was there for me as well as Jesus, forming another of the cornerstones of my theology to this day.

Years later even after I had left the Baptist church finding its teachings and theology unacceptable, I still chose to be married in that church. I could not imagine making those promises or taking vows anywhere else except with those images of Jesus surrounding me, reminding me of who I am and who Jesus continues to be in my life.

To my great sadness, that church with those beautiful stained glass windows at the heart of my theology was fire bombed by a Satanist years later. My family watched in the night as the large window of Jesus kneeling in the garden finally blew out from the intense heat built up in the sanctuary. I am so grateful for my indelible memories of those windows and the image of Jesus they conveyed to my young soul.

What are your first memories of Jesus?