rick morley | a garden path

litany for the citizens of heaven – a refection on Matthew 5:1-12

October 24, 2011

by rick

A window of the farmhouse on the the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate in Basking Ridge, NJ. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection (previously published on this site) on Matthew 5:1-12, the Gospel lesson appointed for All Saint’s Day, Year A, according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also
• a reflection on the New Testament Lesson for the same day, and
• a Litany for All Saint’s Day.

There are certain sections of the Bible that modern Western culture has undoubtedly and unfortunately tamed. These wildly potent sections that we’ve castrated are easy to recognize: they’re the ones that we find needle pointed onto pillows, fleece throws, and the swollen bellies of teddy-bears.

They’re the ones we find unashamedly emblazoned onto sweatshirts and t-shirts with an air brush. And, they’re usually found inconspicuously read by someone’s aunt at their mostly secular, but trying-to-hide-it-with-a-reading-from-the-Bible, wedding.

We find them used in these places not because of their intrinsic worth, or because of their incredible power and truth, but usually because of some warm and fuzzy sentiment we have attached to them.

Because on the surface they just sound so nice.

The Beatitudes in the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew is one such text that has been used and abused for its sentiment. But as for its resoundingly powerful message and mandate? – It’s been sadly ignored. Read More

no dry eyes – a reflection on revelation 7:9-17

October 24, 2011

by rick

Leave a comment

Eschatology / Lectionary / New Testament / Temple

Detail of palm branches from the tomb effigy of Elizabeth Boott Duveneck by Frank Duveneck (1848–1919), from the American Wing at the MMA. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Revelation 7:9-17, the New Testament lesson appointed for All Saint’s Day, Year A according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and
• a Litany for All Saint’s Day.

The Book of Leviticus tells of the major festival of Tabernacles. All Israel was to gather together, and construct temporary shelters, called tabernacles, to remind themselves of their ancestors dwelling in temporary shelters for the forty year wilderness journey. They were also to pray, waving palm, and other kinds of branches, in the air.

I have to say, that I think having a great-national-camping trip each and every year would have been an awesome experience. Can you imagine being a kid during this great festival? Everyone getting to sleep outside? Everyone coming into the Big City and making their huts and waving their branches?

I think it would have been amazing. Read More

prayers of the people – proper 26 year a

October 20, 2011

by rick

Leave a comment

Prayers of the People

The following is a version of the Prayers of the People, based on Psalm 43, the psalm properly appointed for October 30th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 26, Year A) These prayers may be used, reproduced, and altered as may best serve your community.
On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day.

Officiant For the church, the world, and for the intentions of our hearts; let us pray.

Intercessor O Lord, we pray for the Church, and for all it’s ministers, members, and ministries; that we whom you have redeemed would make your redemption known in all the world.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
your mercy endures forever.

We pray for the nations of the world, and for all the people who bear your image; that you would gather them from the east and west, and the north and south, to yourself.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
your mercy endures forever.

We pray for our nation; for the President, the Congress, the Supreme Court, and for all our leaders and people; that you would put their feet on a straight path.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
your mercy endures forever.

We pray for the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, and all who live in terror’s wake; that you would deliver them from their distress.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
your mercy endures forever.

We pray for the sick and for those in trouble of any kind, especially ________;
We give you thanks, O Lord,
your mercy endures forever.

We pray for those who have died, especially ________; that they would forever dwell in your heavenly city with you.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
your mercy endures forever.

Officiant We offer you our prayers, O Lord, and we give you thanks; for you are good, and your mercy endures forever. Amen.

it’s not about me – a reflection on Matthew 23:1-12

October 19, 2011

by rick

comments 2

Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament

The angel atop the All Angels' Church Pulpit, by Karl Bitter (1867–1915) at the MMA. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Matthew 23:1-12, the Gospel lesson appointed for October 30th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 26, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus may be hammering the scribes and Pharisees, but what he says is just as relevant to us today: it’s not about me.

The criticisms that he levies are all about the ways religion can morph into something that is more about elevating ourselves, than about what we can do for God or our neighbor.

As I’ve said before,

The faith that Jesus taught has immediate implications. It’s about today, and it’s about tomorrow. To hijack the message of Jesus and turn it into getting us something at some time down the road is to turn Christianity into a narcissistic cult. And that’s the very opposite of the faith that Jesus teaches. It’s not about us. It’s not about accumulating wealth nor stability for ourselves, it’s about us loving God and our neighbor with all we have and with all we are.

Going to Hell, Getting Saved—page 146 Read More

crossing again yet crossing anew – a reflection on Joshua 3:7-17

October 17, 2011

by rick

comment 1

Exodus / Historical Books / Lectionary / Old Testament / Pentateuch

The Falls of Dochart in Killin, Scotland. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Joshua 3:7-17, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for October 30th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 26, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

The miraculous crossing of the River Jordan is one of those texts that gets forgotten, and is, quite frankly, overshadowed by the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. Perhaps if Cecil B. DeMille had filmed just one more scene…

In one sense, it’s a bookend. As the Exodus began with the crossing of the Red Sea, the Exodus ends with the crossing of the River Jordan.

And, in this sense, it’s a critical part of the story of the Exodus, because, it’s the end of the story. The chapter of Israel’s history that began with Moses, and the plagues, and Pharaoh’s army drowning in the Sea…comes to a close.

The crossing of Jordan puts some level of closure on a forty year, nation-altering, and nation-forming event.

And, as such, I believe that one could look at it as one of the two events which encapsulates the Exodus—the wilderness journey—between those two bodies of water.

…But, it can also be looked at in a different way… Read More

prayers of the people – proper 25 year a

October 17, 2011

by rick

Leave a comment

Prayers of the People

These prayers are based on Psalm 90:1-6 & 13-17, the psalm which is properly appointed for Proper 25, Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also,
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and

Celebrant Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another, and it is to you that we bow the knee of our heart and offer our prayers.

Intercessor Before the mountains were brought forth, from age to age you are God; we pray for the Church, it’s leaders, and people, that as your servants we may do your works.
Lord, you are our refuge.

A thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past; we pray for the nations of the world that there may be justice and peace for all your children.
Lord, you are our refuge.

Before the land and the earth were born, from age to age you are God; we pray for our nation, for those who lead us, for those who protect us, and all who dwell within our borders.
Lord, you are our refuge.

While we fade away like the grass, you, O Lord, are God forevermore; we pray for the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, and the downtrodden; and we pray for those who are sick or in distress of any kind, especially ______. Be with them, and give them your blessing.
Lord, you are our refuge.

We pray, O Lord, for those who have passed from this life, into the fulness of your Presence; be gracious with your servants, and bathe them in your light.
Lord, you are our refuge.

Officiant May your graciousness, O LORD our God, be upon us; prosper the work of our hands, our handiwork, and our faithfulness to you and your ways. Amen.

love in an outward direction – a reflection on Matthew 22:34-46

October 13, 2011

by rick

comment 1

Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament

Cupid and Psyche at the MMA. 18th Century, Antonio Canova. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Matthew 22:34-46, the Gospel lesson appointed for October 23rd, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 25, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

Twice in Jesus’ ministry we find the odd confluence of lawyers coming to test Jesus, and the commandments to love God and neighbor.

In Luke 10, a lawyer approaches Jesus, asking him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus turns the question back on the lawyer, and the stunned lawyer spurted out the commands to love God with everything you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said, “do this and you shall live.”

In Matthew and Mark we find a lawyer coming to test Jesus, asking him “What is the greatest commandment,” and Jesus gives the answer of love. Read More

remembering Moses – a reflection on deuteronomy 34:1-12

October 12, 2011

by rick

comment 1

Exodus / Lectionary / Old Testament

Moses with the Tablets, from France ca. 1170, in the Medieval collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Rick Morley

The following is a reflection on Deuteronomy 34:1-12, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for October 23rd, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 25, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

When someone great dies–someone whose life altered the lives of countless others, and who changed the course of history in some way–we remember them. Sometimes we pause to mourn, sometimes we lay flowers or mementos in certain places, often times we tell stories about how they impacted us on a personal level.

We’ve done that most recently with the death of Steve Jobs. I have to say, when I saw that he had died (via Twitter, on my iPhone), I gasped. Wanting more information I ran downstairs to grab my iPad. I marveled that people were leaving flowers and mementos at Apple stores around the country.

What really struck me was the confluence of his death and the Occupy Wall Street movement. Here were myriad Americans loudly challenging corporate America on one hand, AND mourning a corporate CEO on the other. Would anyone mourn the death of a Bank CEO, or the chief executive of some other multinational in an even remotely similar way? Hardly.

What set Mr. Jobs apart from other CEO’s, was the way that he, and his vision, personally effected so many people on an intimate level. We remember our first iPod. Our first iPhone. And, even if we don’t own iStuff, it was his ideas and technology which made other platforms possible.

His vision and life effects us on a daily basis. Every time we pick up a phone, check our Facebook, or open a folder on our desktop (remember your desktop?), we have Steve Jobs and his vision to thank.

Moses didn’t invent the graphic interface or multitouch swiping (he was a fan of the “tablet,” though…), but he brought his people, the People of God, from the dark time of slavery to the land flowing with milk and honey. A land to call their own. Read More

prayers of the people – proper 24, year a

October 10, 2011

by rick

Leave a comment

Prayers of the People

The following prayers are based largely on Psalm 99; the psalm properly appointed for proper 24, year A, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The refrain is based on the words of Moses to the Lord in Exodus 33, also assigned for this day.
• Also on this site is a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day.

Permission is granted to use, or amend, these prayers for use in Christian worship. If users took a moment to comment in the field below and let us know who/ where your community is, it warms my heart!

Officiant LORD you are King; you are enthroned upon the cherubim; and it is to you that we pray and make known the intentions of our hearts.

Intercessor In the days of old, Moses and Aaron were among your priests, and Samuel among those who call upon your Name, O Lord. We pray for the Church of today, for it’s leaders, and all your people.
Show us your glory, Lord.

LORD, you are great in Zion; you are high above all peoples; we pray for the nations of the earth, that there may be justice and peace.
Show us your glory, Lord.

O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity and righteousness; we pray for our nation, and for all who dwell within these borders.
Show us your glory, Lord.

The heavens and the earth proclaim your greatness, O Lord, and fall down before your footstool; we pray for the hungry, the thirsty, the downtrodden, and the fearful. And we pray for those who are sick or in distress of any kind, especially______. Give them your blessing.
Show us your glory, Lord.

We pray for those who celebrate this week, especially___.
Show us your glory, Lord.

You are the God of both the living, and the God of those who have gone before us. We pray for those who have died, that they may for all eternity worship you upon your holy hill.
Show us your glory, Lord.

Officiant O LORD our God, you answered our forebears indeed; you are a God who forgave them, for you are the Holy One. Hear the prayers of your people today, and forgive us our trespasses we as forgive others. Amen.

the things that are God’s – a reflection on Matthew 22:15-22

October 5, 2011

by rick

comment 1

Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament

Photo by Rick Morley, using Instagram.

The following is a reflection on Matthew 22:15-22, the Gospel lesson appointed for October 16th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 24, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

This phrase has become ubiquitous in our times, and western culture as a whole. It seems, at face value, a support for the separation of “church and state,” and a framework for understanding that we each have civic responsibility and religious responsibility–and that those are separate endeavors. We have duty to the state, and duty to our God.

However, that isn’t even close to what Jesus is talking about here.

First of all, in the ancient world there was no concept of a separation of civic and religious life. There was no way to even express that in language.

To suggest that that’s what is going on here is to read our own cultural norms into the culture of Jesus’ day. And that’s not helpful. At least, not if you’re looking for the truth. Read More