Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 In one of her books on Biblical women, Episcopal priest Alice Conner notes that Mary’s Magnificat in this chapter of Luke is a “first-century version of the modern-day anthem ‘We Shall Overcome.’” God is inviting Mary to listen to the Divine Whispering and to live into her prophetic call. In boldly proclaiming […]
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Welcome to the third week of the 2019 Advent Devotional! The scripture around which our devotional writers centered their reflections this week is The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55: 46 And Mary[a] said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness […]
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Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4 When I first read this passage, of course I thought about them: the politicians! Elected officials leading our country into destruction by way of “iniquitous decrees” and “oppressive statutes!” The other party. The bad guys. In the same moment, I pictured a row of well-groomed and intelligent people standing behind podiums, flashes […]
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Now that the first residents are moving into the Attention Homes (AH) Apartments, on-going efforts to support them are underway. Our neighbors at St. John’s Episcopal Church, across Pine Street from FUMC, are opening their Whittier Pantry to AH Apartments residents to help them with toiletries and other household needs. The items most needed […]
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Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4 Sometimes it seems like there is no end to pain and cruelty in our world. So many people slip through the cracks. So many lives are disrupted by violence, natural disasters, illness, or other calamities. So many powerful people do not use their power to help the disadvantaged and heal the world. […]
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Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4 It is hard for most of us to imagine the despairing conditions described in this passage from Isaiah. Even so, injustice continues today. Even in our own country, the richest country in the world where the rule of law establishes the foundation of our democracy, there are many who are powerless victims […]
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Isaiah 10:1-4 Isaiah 10 talks about laws or decisions that are not good for the general public and wonders what the long-term consequences would be from those laws or decisions. This thought process implies that the person or body taking these actions cares about, or is even aware that, the consequences of their actions will […]
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Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4 Over 60 years ago one of our church’s adult education classes came up with the idea of Attention NOT Detention when they were having a session with the chief probation officer and Judge Robert Holmes. A most unusual thing happened: the idea did not just drop but blossomed into action. Foster homes […]
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Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4 Isaiah 10:1-4 speaks against the proud oppressor who creates wicked and unjust decrees. Isaiah asks the corrupt, with power and wealth who are passing these laws, how they can turn aside the needs of so many. These needs of the poor, the widows, the orphans, not unlike those of color and culture […]
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Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4 There is a piece of me that rejoices at this vision where justice is doled out to the unjust, where those who hurt, and harm are given their cosmic due. But the moment those feelings arise, I am haunted by the questions: how do I support iniquitous decrees and oppressive statutes? When […]
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