Audio Divina: Standing in the Gap

For those of you not on Facebook, here's a copy of a recent post that will serve as this week's "Audio Divina":

June 24, 2016.

At Taize worship tonight, Lee read from Ezekiel 22:30. It's about standing in the gap before God on behalf of 'the land'. Methinks this song describes a way to do that...

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. - Ezekiel 22: 30 (NIV)

John the Baptist

Today marks the Birth of St. John the Baptist.  Leaving behind the fact that in Quebec he's been turned into a different sort of icon... (;-) )...he was definitely a man in and of and for his times...and troubled times they were, too!

John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness 
by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1760

The Romans were in charge, and the local ruler -- one of a string of Herods -- was particularly vile.  As a preacher of repentance and baptism, as well as the fore-runner of the Messiah, John got himself into trouble with the authorities for his firm stand on righteousness, and was ultimate executed for his trouble.  But Jesus, the Christ -- John's cousin and the One of whom John foretold -- had this to say about him:

What did you go out into the desert to see?  A reed swayed by the wind?  If not, what did you go out to see?  A man dressed in fine clothes?  No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.  Then what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written:

'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.  For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.  And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

 -- Matthew 11: 7b - 15

Were John to appear in the midst of us this evening at the Taize worship service, would we cower in fear?  Recoil in disgust?  Call the police to evict him by force?  Or listen to what he had to tell us?

Online Bible Meditation: Vacation Edition

Rev. Lee Sinclair is on vacation...This was all she left for this week...

Suggested daily Lectio divina - Week of June 12, 2016

June 12 - 1 Timothy 1: 12 - 20

June 13 -  Psalm 103: 19 - 22

"Then, because so many people were coming and going

that they did not even have a chance to eat,

[Jesus] said to them, 

'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place

and get some rest.' "

-- Mark 6: 31 (NIV)

Audio Divina: In Troubled Times...

If you've been watching or listening a bit too much world news lately...or habitually...and find it all a bit overwhelming: coverage of violence, arrogance, racism, inhumanity, death, destruction, natural disaster...

Here's a bit of music to lift your spirits. straight from the Word, via Jim Byrnes and the Sojourners, who ask the musical question, "Of whom shall I be afraid?":

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against meto devour me,it is my enemies and my foeswho will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,my heart will not fear;though war break out against me,even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask from the Lord,this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the Lordall the days of my life,to gaze on the beauty of the Lordand to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of troublehe will keep me safe in his dwelling;he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tentand set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exaltedabove the enemies who surround me;at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, Lord;be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me,do not turn your servant away in anger;you have been my helper.Do not reject me or forsake me,God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me,the Lord will receive me.

Teach me your way, Lord;lead me in a straight pathbecause of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,for false witnesses rise up against me,spouting malicious accusations.

I remain confident of this:I will see the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;be strong and take heartand wait for the Lord.

-- Psalm 27: Of David (New International Version)

Online Bible Meditation: Remembering Barnabas, the Apostle

Icon of St. Barnabas
Portugal - 14 or 15 Century

Suggested daily Lectio divina - Week of June 5, 2016

June 5 - Romans 5: 6 - 11

June 6 -  Isaiah 40: 1 - 5

June 7 -  Psalm 150

June 8 -  Psalm 103: 15 - 18

June 9 - James 5: 13 - 20

June 10 - John 16: 12 - 15

June 11: Feast of St. Barnabas, the Apostle - Isaiah 40: 6 - 11

YARD SALE! YARD SALE!

The Annual St. Cyprian's Yard Sale will be held tomorrow, Saturday, June 4, starting at 9:00 a.m.  The weather report is favourable so look for treats and treasures on the west lawn of the church.  All welcome!