A17 III Easter -- Christophany

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                Sunday 30 April ’17

                                     Third Sunday of Easter

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 The Readings

 

Chistophany 2017

Youth Retreat of the Diocese of Bethlehem

Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

I imagine that as the time came for you to come here, especially those of you who are here for the first time, you probably wondered "what is Christophany?"  By this point the event now makes sense.  The name of the event is probably still something of a mystery.

So, what does the word Christophany mean?  It means "the revealing of Christ."  It is a reminder that here in this place Jesus is among us.

Jesus is among us.  I overheard at least one of the seniors refer to this on Friday night as "Jesus Camp."  There is some humor in that phrase.  But there is also a lot of truth in it.  We are camping with Jesus.  He is among us right here and right now.

I love the fact that as we celebrate the Eucharist at this Christophany, this "Jesus Camp," we have heard the Gospel of the Road to Emmaus.  I didn't pick this Gospel for this event.  If we were all at home and in our own congregations, we would have heard these same readings.

It's a long reading.  Allow me to simplify it for you.  Two friends were walking in the country one day.  As they walked, a third person joined them, walked with them and talked with them.  It was someone they knew well, but they did not expect to see him.  And so they missed who it was.  As they were about to stop their day's walk and rest for the evening, they asked this "stranger" to join them for a meal and a night of rest.  He stayed with them.  And at dinner with them, when the stranger took bread and blessed and broke it, in the breaking of the bread, they realized this was no stranger.  Jesus was the one who had walked with them.  The stranger was in fact their friend, their teacher.

Christophany is now almost over.  In these final moments, I invite you to look around and see that Jesus has been with us this whole time.  He didn't just show up now because we are celebrating the Eucharist.  He has been here the whole time.  And he didn't come just because we came.  He has been here the whole time, even as he was with us where we were before we came here.  Indeed, he came with us to bring us to this place.  There is, after all, never a place where we are found where Jesus is not with us.  He is always at our side, longing for us to know that we are not alone.

Remember that, not just now, but especially when we leave this camp today.  And here is why I want you to remember that Jesus is always with us.  Remember what the theme of this weekend retreat is; OVERCOME!

This weekend you have been challenged to overcome.  Overcome your fears!  Overcome your doubts!  Overcome all that tries to make you forget you are a child of God, loved of God.  Overcome all who tell you that you cannot be what God believes you can be and are already!  Overcome the distractions that make you forget Jesus for even the smallest amounts of time.

But how can I do all that?  How can I be the child of God that God believes I am right now?  And how can I be that when I am not here?  It's easy to be a child of God at Jesus Camp.  It isn't that easy at home, or at school, or on a playing field.  How can I do it?

Here is the answer.  Trust that Jesus is always with you.  Trust that you can overcome, because Jesus says to you and to all of us, "I will be with you always, and I will overcome with you and for you.  Trust me; Follow me!"

In a little while we will bless the Seniors who are preparing to enter into the world as adults.  Certainly, they need to know that Jesus goes with them.  But we all need that reminder, no matter how old or how young we all are.  Whatever waits for your return when you leave this place, remember these words:

"I can overcome all things because wherever I go, Jesus is with me as my friend who strengthens me and overcomes with me, as my God who loves me and gives me all that I need to be a child of God, today, tomorrow, and every day!"

Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

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Father Timothy Alleman

Rector of The Church of the Holy Cross

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Gospel 0521 Reflections

The Gospel
                                                   John 14:15-21

Jesus said, ”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
”I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

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Jesus promises not to leave us alone.  He does so for good reason.  Remember that he knows us better than do we ourselves.  Left to ourselves, we will mess things up.

Only note that Jesus does not promise to stay with us in order to keep us from messing up.  He longs to be with us because of the great love he has for us.  The love of God is shown us in Jesus, who desires to be with us.  There are hardly words to express the warmth and gratitude that this should cause in our hearts.

                   Father Tim+

Lesson 0514 Reflections

The First Lesson
                                                      Acts 7:55-60

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

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This reading gives us the conclusion of the deacon Stephen's witness to the mighty acts of God.  In what we have not read, in what precedes this text, Stephen told the history of Israel.  He did so in order to set the stage for a testimony to Jesus that would show him to be the fulfillment of the prophets.  As we see here, the deacon's message was rejected.  Stephen was condemned to death, and became the first of the martyrs.  His courage has given boldness to countless others to stand firm in faith in the face of rejection, condemnation, and even death.  As Americans, we don't face death.  But we are certainly at risk of rejection and ridicule.  Are we willing to accept this for the sake of Christ and his Gospel?  May Stephen's witness as deacon and martyr make us bold and courageous in our own day and generation.  Moreover, may the enduring promises and presence of Jesus be the source of our endurance, courage and boldness.

                   Father Tim+

Epistle 0514 Reflections

The Epistle
                                                    1 Peter 2:2-10

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner”, and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.

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The Epistle is a call to grow in faith.  There is the recognition that infants need milk, and this food brigs forth growth.  Inevitably that growth will cause the need for greater substance.  And there is a promise that God will provide what is needed then even as God provides what is needed now.

The food that is provided, which meets us where we are and gives us what we need for that point on faith and life, is none other than Jesus.

                   Father Tim+

Gospel 0514 Reflections

The Gospel
                                                     John 14:1-14

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

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There is a lot in this passage.  And before getting into it all, let me just say it's nice to consider preaching this Gospel at some point other than a funeral!

This is a text that speaks pretty clearly to the uniqueness of Jesus.  Some Christians love to throw that uniqueness around like a weapon.  Jesus didn't intend this to be so.  Jesus wishes to be a joyous invitation to life.  So let's just be really clear in that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, apart from whom no one comes to the Father and to eternal life.  But then let's trust Jesus enough to actually let him be the things we say he is,  and share the comfort of these words.

This also shows us pretty clearly who Jesus is.  When a complaint is registered about wanting to know God the Father, Jesus makes it clear.  Jesus mirrors God's heart.  He is as Thomas will say later "My Lord and My God."  When we stand before Jesus, we are before God.

Jesus, as Lord and God, also comforts us with the assurance that we do not work alone.  He promises to be at work in us, for our good and the good of others.  This is a reminder we all need.

And then of course this text reminds us that there is more than meets the eyes, more than just this life.  The kingdom begins here and now, but the fullness is yet to come.  Jesus has gone before us to make preparations for us that we cannot begin to imagine as of yet.  And yet there is comfort in knowing Jesus is in the midst of it all.

                   Father Tim+

Lord Stanley --- Day 14

NHL Playoffs

East – Atlantic Bracket

New York Rangers   -vs-   Ottawa Senators

                    Game 1 Thursday 27 April at Ottawa             …

Ottawa in 7 Games…

…

Montreal Canadiens   -vs-   New York Rangers

            Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Montreal           Rangers 2, Canadiens 0

                      Game 2 Friday 14 April at Montreal           Canadiens 4, Rangers 3 [OT]

                 Game 3 Sunday 16 April at New York           Canadiens 3, Rangers 1

               Game 4 Tuesday 18 April at New York           Rangers 2, Canadiens 1

               Game 5 Thursday 20 April at Montreal           Rangers 3, Canadiens 2

             Game 6 Saturday 20 April at New York           Rangers 3, Canadiens 1

                                                                                                         New York wins Series, 4 Games to 2

Prior to the Series, I picked Montreal in 5…

Was I ever off on this series!  I didn’t think the Blue Shirts would find a way to pull it off.  Montreal pushed them hard.  It was a great series.

Timotheus Picks – 3 points of possible 12 (25%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

Boston Bruins   -vs-   Ottawa Senators

         Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Ottawa           Bruins 2, Senators 1

             Game 2 Saturday 15 April at Ottawa           Senators 4, Bruins 3 [OT]

                Game 3 Monday 17 April at Boston           Senators 4, Bruins 3 [OT]

         Game 4 Wednesday 19 April at Boston           Senators 1, Bruins 0

                   Game 5 Friday 21 April at Ottawa           Bruins 3, Senators 2 [OT]

                Game 6 Sunday 23 April at Boston           Senators 3, Bruins 2 [OT]

                                                                                                    Ottawa wins Series, 4 Games to 0

Prior to Series, I picked Ottawa in 7…

I picked the winner, and just missed the games.  Ottawa is red hot right now.

Timotheus Picks – 5 points of possible 12 (42%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

East – Metropolitan Bracket

Pittsburgh Penguins   -vs-   Washington Capitals

         Game 1 Thursday 27 April at Washington           …

Pittsburgh in 6 Games…

…

Toronto Maple Leafs   -vs-   Washington Capitals

       Game 1 Thursday 13 April at Washington`           Capitals 3, Maple Leafs 2 [OT]

         Game 2 Saturday 15 April at Washington           Maple Leafs 4, Capitals 3 [OT]

                  Game 3 Monday 17 April at Toronto           Maple Leafs 4, Capitals 3 [OT]

           Game 4 Wednesday 19 April at Toronto           Capitals 5, Maple Leafs 4

               Game 5 Friday 21 April at Washington           Capitals 2, Maple Leafs 1 [OT]

                  Game 6 Sunday 23 April at Toronto           Capitals 2, Maple Leafs 1 [OT]

Prior to Series, I picked Washington in 4…

Toronto should feel good about this series.  I picked it correctly, but I thought the Caps would win in much easier fashion.  This should be a concern for Washington moving forward.

Timotheus Picks – 5 points of possible 12 (32%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

Columbus Blue Jackets   -vs-   Pittsburgh Penguins

              Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Pittsburgh           Penguins 3, Blue Jackets 1

                        Game 2 Friday 14 April at Pittsburgh           Penguins 4, Blue Jackets 1

                  Game 3 Saturday 16 April at Columbus           Penguins 5, Blue Jackets 4

                   Game 4 Tuesday 18 April at Columbus           Blue Jackets 5, Penguins 4

                 Game 5 Thursday 20 April at Pittsburgh           Penguins 5, Blue Jackets 2

                                                                                                             Pittsburgh wins Series, 4 Games to 1

Prior to Series, I picked Pittsburgh in 6…

I picked the series correctly, although I thought it would go a game further.  Columbus pressed the Penguins hard, and should use this as a building block to next year.

Timotheus Picks – 8 points of possible 10 (80%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

West – Central Bracket

Nashville in 6 Games…

Nashville Predators   -vs-   St. Louis Blues

                  Game 1 Wednesday 26 April at St. Louis           …

Game 2 Friday 28 April at St. Louis

Timotheus Picks – 0 points of possible 0 (0%)

Chicago Blackhawks   -vs-   Nashville Predators

                 Game 1 Thursday 13 April at Chicago           Predators 1, Blackhawks 0

                 Game 2 Saturday 15 April at Chicago           Predators 5, Blackhawks 0

                   Game 3 Monday 17 April at Nashville           Predators 3, Blackhawks 2 [OT]

                Game 4 Thursday 20 April at Nashville           Predators 4, Blackhawks 1

                                                                                                         Nashville wins Series, 4 Games to 0

Prior to the Series, I picked Chicago in 7…

Nashville shocked me, as did Chicago.  The Predators are a force to be reckoned with.  Right now I would say that they have an advantage in the second round.

Timotheus Picks – 0 points of possible 8 (0%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

Minnesota Wild   -vs-   St. Louis Blues

         Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Minnesota           Blues 2, Wild 1 [OT]

                   Game 2 Friday 14 April at Minnesota           Blues 2, Wild 1

                  Game 3 Sunday 16 April at St. Louis           Blues 3, Wild 1

           Game 4 Wednesday 19 April at St. Louis           Wild 2, Blues 0

             Game 5 Saturday 22 April at Minnesota           Blues 4, Wild 3 [OT]

                                                                                                         St. Louis wins Series 4 Games to 1

Prior to the Series, I picked Minnesota in 6…

St. Louis shocked me!  I didn’t think they would get past the Wild.  Minnesota pressed them hard.

Timotheus Picks – 2 points of possible 10 (20%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

West – Pacific Bracket

Anaheim Ducks   -vs-   Edmonton Oilers

        Game 1 Wednesday 26 April at Anaheim           …

Game 2 Friday 28 April at Anaheim

Anaheim in 6 Games…

…

Timotheus Picks – 0 points of possible 0 (0%)

Anaheim Ducks   -vs-   Calgary Flames

                Game 1 Thursday 13 April at Anaheim           Ducks 3, Flames 2

                Game 2 Saturday 15 April at Anaheim           Ducks 3, Flames 2

                    Game 3 Monday 17 April at Calgary           Ducks 5, Flames 4 [OT]

              Game 4 Wednesday 19 April at Calgary           Ducks 3, Flames 1

                                                                                                         Anaheim wins Series, 4 Games to 0

Prior to the Series, I picked Anaheim in 6…

I didn’t think Anaheim would take this series this quickly.  And yet I think Calgary played better than this sweep would show.  The Flames are heading in the right direction.  It just wasn’t their year to dive deep into the playoffs.  But that year is coming.  Meanwhile Anaheim needs to focus on the fact that they will need to step up their game against either the Oilers or the Sharks to win this bracket and make it to the Championship Match for the Western Conference.

Timotheus Picks – 7 points of possible 8 (88%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

Edmonton Oilers   -vs-   San Jose Sharks

         Game 1 Wednesday 12 April at Edmonton           Sharks 3, Oilers 2 [OT]

                   Game 2 Friday 14 April at Edmonton           Oilers 2, Sharks 0

                 Game 3 Sunday 16 April at San Jose           Oilers 1, Sharks 0

               Game 4 Tuesday 18 April at San Jose           Sharks 7, Oilers 0

            Game 5 Thursday 20 April at Edmonton           Oilers 4, Sharks 3 [OT]

              Game 6 Saturday 22 April at San Jose           Oilers 3, Sharks 1

                                                                                                         Edmonton wins Series, 4 Games to 2

Prior to the Series, I picked San Jose in 5…

The Oilers found a way to win.  It was an impressive series win for them over a good San Jose team.  Edmonton could use the momentum from this in the Second Round.  They will need it.

Timotheus Picks – 3 points of possible 12 (25%)

2 points for regulation win for predicted series victor; 1 for overtime win…

Round 2 Timotheus Picks – 0 points of possible 0 (0%)

Round 1 Timotheus Picks – 46 points of possible 120 (38%)

Round 1 – 4 of 8 Series predicted Correctly [50%]

Overall Timotheus Picks – 46 points of possible 120 (38%)

NHL Playoffs