Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of April 3, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

The radical genealogy of Jesus

"An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah,
the son of David, the son of Abraham."
Matthew 1:1

Genealogy defines us.  We yearn to know where we
have come from.  I certainly do and find most people
both want and need to know the answers to the
following questions:  Who am I?  Where did I come
from?  What were my ancestors like?  Why am I the
way I am?  What are the traditions, strengths, and
weaknesses in my family tree?

The Gospel of Matthew intentionally opens with the
genealogy of Jesus Christ.  Because so many modern
readers are unaccustomed to the foreign sounding
names, it is easy to skim through the first seventeen
verses and miss the significant inclusion of four
women found in verses 3, 5, and 6.

The lives of Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 2:1-
21), Ruth (The Book of Ruth), and Bathsheba who was
"the wife of Uriah" (2 Samuel 11-12) offer important
insights and a unique perspective for our reading
adventure through Matthew's Gospel.  Women were
rarely highlighted as spiritual leaders in the Old
Testament.  Females were not highly valued in that
culture.  They had no rights and could not own
property.  Their culture was completely patriarchal.

Yet the radical genealogy of Jesus Christ recognizes
these women.  By including their names in the
genealogy, they are no longer invisible.  Their
lives bring us contemporary and relevant insights
through their spiritual sensitivity, leadership,
courage, and obedience to God, although their lives
were incredibly difficult.

Matthew is making a significant theological point
by naming them.  There is a place in this Gospel
for both men and women.  I personally find this
refreshing.  So much of church history has been
written from a patriarchal perspective, automatically
excluding many great women of faith.  Tamar, Rahab,
Ruth, and the wife of Uriah help us better understand
the family tree of Jesus the Messiah, the son of
David, the son of Abraham.

Perhaps we have excluded others through our own
willingness to support societal traditions.  Yet
the genealogy of Jesus Christ helps us see people
through holy eyes.

God, teach us remarkable truths about Jesus in
this genealogy so frequently overlooked.  Bless
us with contemporary and relevant insights for
living through our own genealogy.  Teach us to
value the men and women in our lives.
Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of April 10, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Scriptural duels and temptation

"Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city and placed
him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, 'If
you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is
written, "God will command the angels concerning you,"
and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you
will not dash your foot against a stone."'  Jesus said
to the devil, 'Again it is written, "Do not put the
Lord your God to the test."'"
Matthew 4:5-7

Jesus is involved in a scriptural duel.  He and the
devil are battling with Bible texts.  Jesus is quoting
scripture always in context.  The devil, however, is
using them out of context in a dangerous manner
intended for harm.  The devil uses scripture to tempt
Christ.  There is always enormous danger in isolating
scripture out of context.  It can be quoted correctly
but with the wrong intent, with a hidden or not-so-
hidden agenda.

We see Jesus using scripture in context to accurately
reveal God's truth.  He did not "proof-text," that is
using a word, a sentence, and even a paragraph out of
context to prove our cherished point of view.  Often
this harms people who do not hold the same opinions.
We are to follow Christ's example of interpreting
scripture with scripture in context.  This is often
easier said than done.

C. J. G. Montefiore, a noted Jewish scholar, writes
that the wilderness temptations are written in the
ancient rabbinical forms.  "Jesus at each temptation
overcomes the devil by a quotation from scripture,
exactly in the rabbinical manner" (Quoted in James H.
Blackmore,  "Reflections on the Temptations of Christ,"
p. 6).  We do not have to be noted scholars to use
scripture quotations accurately.  It takes a humble
heart and lifetime of reading, prayer, discernment,
study, and maturing.  We will make mistakes.  It is
part of being human.  Reading all the Gospels again
and again as part of our spiritual reading will help
us grow up in God.

God, the Bible is a very big book.  Teach us to read
it through the eyes and understanding of Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
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"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
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$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of April 17, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Blessed attitudes

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain;
and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.'"
Matthew 5:1-3a

The Sermon on the Mount, as described by Matthew,
is one of Jesus' most famous teachings.  People
from many different faith backgrounds have found
it transforming and life-changing.  I know of a
Unitarian minister who loves to read it from time
to time.  Although she is not Christian, she marvels
at the Sermon on the Mount's amazing power and on
occasion will teach and preach it to her religiously
diverse congregation.

The first twelve verses in this marvelous chapter
are known more commonly as the Beatitudes.  The
actual Greek root word translates as "blessed,
fortunate, and happy."  The Beatitudes are literally
blessed attitudes that energize, empower, equip, and
encourage us in day-to-day living.  Through them, we
can also rest and retreat, relax and revitalize,
refocus and renew our spiritual lives.  The Beatitudes
help us experience stepping stones and not stumbling
blocks to God.  They help us experience divine
breakthroughs and not breakdowns.  So all this is
to say, if you would like to be happy and live a
better life, then these concise teachings of Jesus
are as good as it gets.  The Beatitudes help us live
as God's beloved, one day at time.

We carry our attitudes with us everywhere we go.
Attitudes affect how we perceive and interact with
life.  Perception is everything.  Our attitudes can
bring us peace, joy, comfort, courage, and endurance.
Or they can destroy our sense of well being with
unease, depression, fear, and the inability to
commit to anything or anyone.  Our attitudes can
even change the world.  And we ourselves are
changed and the world becomes a better place.
Blessed attitudes help us experience a little bit
of heaven on earth.

So come and be blessed through the Beatitudes.
Consider meditating on one per day.  Do a little
journal writing.  Ask yourself how each Beatitude
can help and improve your life.  Then ask God for
strength for the day as you let these lovely words
become part of your prayer life.  You will be glad
you did.

God, give me these energizing, empowering, equipping,
and encouraging attitudes for life.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of April 24, 2011

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Christ is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter.

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Blessed are the peacemakers

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
will be called children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Peace is within you, child of God.  Share your peace
with others at home, at work, with those you love,
and the stranger on the street.  In a world full of
conflict and conflict mediation specialists, we are
to be peacemakers and children of God.  What in
heaven's name does this mean?  It means each one of
us can share the message of peace on earth where we
live today.  It is not easy to be a peacemaker in a
world of violence, hatred, and mistrust.

The word "peacemaker" comes from the two Greek words,
"eirene" (peace) and "poieo" (to make).  "Eirene" is
found in every New Testament book with the exception
of 1 John and Acts.  The New International Dictionary
of New Testament Theology describes peace as the
"harmonious relationships between people and nations"
and signifies friendship and freedom from molestation.
Some would define peace as order and quiet.  Peace for
others is a sense of rest and contentment.  Living out
one's own definition of peace is one of the signs of a
healthy spiritual life (Galatians 5:22).

God is known as a God of peace.  We find this title in
many places (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1
Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20).  The prophet Isaiah
described Jesus as "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).  We
are promised peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans
5:1).  Jesus has a great deal to say about peace as we
continue reading the Gospels.  Peace with God is God's
greatest gift for us.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and peace activist,
teaches people to "be peace" by smiling our peace at
all we encounter.  He suggests we smile a small half
smile whether we feel like smiling or not.  Perhaps we
could smile our peace at the people we live, work, and
play with today.  Peacemaking is within us, as close as
a small smile on our lips.

God, bless our small smiles today.  Let us be your
peacemakers.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of May 1, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Divorce and remarriage

Jesus said, "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his
wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'
But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife,
except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to
commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced
woman commits adultery."
Matthew 5: 31-32

Divorce is deeply wounding to people of all sexual
orientations.  Perhaps we can find grace, hope, and
mercy through this teaching of Jesus.  We can learn
from our mistakes and life experiences.  We can heal
through counseling and time.  Be gentle with yourself
because a loveless or abusive marriage is always
tragic.

What is the relevance of this teaching by Jesus?
After all, first century marriages had very little
to do with love.  Women were considered property and
the men had all the legal advantages.  In ancient
Jewish relationships, only the men could decide to
get a divorce.  During Jesus' time both prevailing
viewpoints of divorce were based on Moses' prior
teachings.  Moses assumed divorce was part of life
(Deuteronomy 22:13-21; 24:1-4).  His patriarchal
view assumed the woman is always at fault.  It is
well for us to note that "God hates divorce"
(Malachi 2:16), but divorce has been happening for
thousands of years.

F. F. Bruce makes an important point in his book,
"The Hard Sayings of Jesus."  Old Testament divorce
was to a man's advantage.  Women were not allowed
any choice in the matter.  They could be divorced
if their husband found someone more attractive or
who was a better cook.

Jesus taught about divorce (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9;
Luke 16:18; Mark 10:2-12), and did not endorse the
traditional anti-women viewpoints of his day.

Even today many people of faith struggle to understand
what Jesus really meant.  Unfortunate people trapped
in loveless marriages have agonized over literal and
simplistic interpretations of these divorce statements.
Others have remarried without a second thought.  Then
there are individuals who opt for the celibate life
after a bitter divorce.  Yet another point of view
argues that these divorce teachings are only
applicable to heterosexual couples who are allowed
legal marriages.

Whatever your situation and circumstances, let mutual
respect, healing, and God's grace be evident in your
intimate relationships.  Work hard at nurturing your
relationship and strive to honor your commitment vows.
Many relationships are worth salvaging if both people
in the relationship are willing to try and to work
things out.

But sometimes even with the best of intentions and
effort, divorce is unavoidable and the relationship
is clearly over.  Strive to be amicable whenever
possible.  Seek counseling before remarriage and
learn what went wrong in former relationships.
Then humbly ask for God's blessing on your new life.
Commit yourself to your new life partner daily above
all others.  Pray for your new relationship and ask
for God's help one day at a time.  Remember, to love
and be loved are life's richest blessings.

God, many of us have been divorced and remarried.
Or perhaps the love has gone out of our holy unions
or marriages.  Give us grace and mercy as we reflect
on this hard saying of Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of May 8, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

The Great Prayer

Jesus taught, "Pray then in this way: Our Father in
heaven, hallowed be your name."
Matthew 6:9

The Lord's Prayer, often called the Great Prayer,
has energized and encouraged people of faith
throughout the centuries.  If you have ever
struggled with prayer, this prayer taught by Jesus
can guide chaotic, scattered thoughts and feelings.
By praying this great prayer, we change the world
and ourselves, while experiencing a divine connection
different from any other.

Over the next couple of days, we will examine each
part of this prayer.  The first section of the prayer
names God, and compares the role of God to that of a
parent.  But as a woman, I struggle to find feminine,
inclusive, loving, and intimate names for the Divine.
I wish with all my heart that Jesus had used a
feminine name for God in this great prayer.  Yet
I realize through this profound prayer, he was ahead
of his time while also being a product of his time
in world history.

By praying a tender, intimate, male parental name
for God, Jesus was remarkably bold.  By using such
a personal holy name in prayer, Jesus invited seekers
into a Divine relationship never before experienced.
But Jesus was also pragmatic and understood the
limited understanding of the listeners in his
patriarchal culture.  He lived during a primitive
time when women were considered property and valued
for their breeding abilities, not spiritual leadership.
By using a masculine parental name for God, he offered
a culturally relevant bridge that encouraged a stepping
stone to the Sacred.  Had he used a feminine Divine
name, the people he was striving to reach would have
refused to listen to him.  It would have been too
outrageous for them to contemplate.

But in today's world, we can use any variety of sacred
names in our prayers.  These names are not limited to
male parental images and as a result, seekers from
many backgrounds experience breakthroughs to the Holy.
Through our life experiences, training, and memories
we will discover our own cherished holy names for the
Sacred as we pray.

"My God, You are a Spirit, neither male or female.
You have been my Father for so many years, today I
ask to know you as Mother.  You are too vast to fit
into only one compartment.  How foolish of us to
confine you to one image.  It feels uncomfortable to
call you Mother.  They have spoken of you as Father
for centuries.  Yet I have always wondered how there
could be a father without a mother.  How is it that
the feminine face of God has been obscured for so
long?  They tell me now that there is a God who looks
like me.  It's hard to take it all in" (Vardey,
Lucinda.  Editor.  "The Flowering of the Soul: A Book
of Prayers by Women," pp. 45-46).  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
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$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of May 15, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Orientation to God

Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves
break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where
thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure
is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

I will always remember coming home and seeing the broken
window.  While at school during my early seminary days,
thieves broke into my home.  I immediately went to neighbors
where we called the police.  The thieves had first tried
the window and had eventually gotten in the house by
destroying the basement door with a power saw.  I felt
violated.  All my belongings were scattered throughout the
house.  Cherished family heirlooms were either destroyed
or missing.  They would be irreplaceable.  My grandparents
had brought them to America as they left their birth
countries to begin a new life.  I was heartbroken, but
grateful that the thieves had overlooked a few items.

Is this what Jesus means?  Or was he referring to excessive
greed and acquisition of wealth at the expense of our souls?
What are riches to God?  Is it bad to have material things?
Quite honestly, as a non-salaried minister, I would be
grateful for some of that treasure on earth.  So what does
this mean?

Could it be that we all yearn for God?  Could it be that
materialism would never satisfy the hole in our hearts?
There will always be thieves and those eager to take what
is ours.  But no one can take God away from us.  God will
sustain, empower, protect, shelter, and care for us when
everything we value is stripped away, destroyed, or stolen.
That is treasure on earth and in heaven.

God, fill our hearts with the wealth of your loving
Presence in our lives.  May we all have treasure in
heaven.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
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United States customers, please remember when ordering
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of May 22, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Judging ourselves

Jesus asks, "Why do you see the speck in your neighbour's
eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?  Or how
can you say to your neighbour, 'Let me take the speck
out of your eye', while the log is in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye,
and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of
your neighbour's eye."
Matthew 7:3-5

We constantly judge others.  Yet none of us are perfect
and we are often blind to our own faults.  I have
frequently been guilty of this.  It is not easy to
receive loving criticism.  Nor is it easy to follow
the Alcoholic Anonymous admonition to perform fearless
personal moral inventories and make amends whenever
possible to those we have hurt in our lives.  A famous
ancient dictum is "Know thyself."  There is great value
in self-knowledge.

One spiritual discipline frequently overlooked is known
as the "Prayer of Examen."  It is a word unfamiliar to
any.  "Examen" comes from the Latin and refers to the
tongue, or weight indicator on a balance scale.  This
conveys an image of a highly accurate assessment of the
situation.  Richard Foster describes the prayer as having
two aspects.  The first is an "examen of consciousness."
In this, we discover how God has been present to us
throughout the day and how we have responded to God's
loving, holy presence.  The second part is personally
uncovering areas where we need inner cleansing, purifying,
and healing.  "The Prayer of Examen produces within us the
priceless grace of self-knowledge," he writes in "Prayer:
Finding the Heart’s True Home" (Foster, Richard J.
"Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home," p. 27-28).
We give God both our strengths and our weaknesses.

People of faith have welcomed this spiritual practice
over the centuries.  It is the "scrutiny of Love" (page
29).  We invite God to search the depths of our hearts.
The Psalmist wrote, "Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.  See if there is any wicked
way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm
139:23-24, NRSV).

For today, take some time for introspection.  Where
have we judged others while neglecting our own inner
reflection?  Where have we been blind to our own
faults?

God, search us and know our hearts.  Test us and know
our thoughts.  Show us where we have wicked ways and
help us walk with you in your way.  Help us see the
planks in our own eyes.  Amen.


Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
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Service Parcel Post" rather than the default setting
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of May 29, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

What are my motives?

Jesus taught, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord,
Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only
one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  On
that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we
not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in
your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?'
Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go
away from me, you evildoers.'"
Matthew 7:21-23

Ask three very important questions while reading
the Bible.  What is the passage saying?  What does
it mean?  And specifically, what does this mean to
me in my personal life and situation?  Valuable
insights can also be gained through reading
different Bible translations.

Jesus' warning reinforces what he is teaching us
about false prophets and other spiritual impostors.
God truly looks within our hearts and knows our
motives.  What is our motive in following Jesus?
Are we using him to promote our own power agenda
and to manipulate people for prestige?

Eugene Peterson translates these verses in a
contemporary interpretation, "Knowing the correct
password  saying 'Master, Master,' for instance
isn't going to get you anywhere with me.  What is
required is serious obedience doing what my Father
wills.  I can see it now  at the Final Judgment
thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master,
we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our
God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.'  And
do you know what I am going to say?  'You missed
the boat.  All you did was use me to make yourselves
important.  You don't impress me one bit.  You're
out of here'" (Peterson, Eugene.  "The Message: The
New Testament in Contemporary Language," p. 22).

God, help us identify our true motives for following
Jesus.  Help us take heed of this stern warning.
Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of June 5, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Storms are calmed

"A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat
was being swamped by the waves; but Jesus was
asleep.  And the disciples went and woke him up,
saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!'"
Matthew 8:24-25

I have been in furious storms on some of the world's
mighty oceans.  As life-threatening waves sweep over
the boat, sometimes all you can do is hang on for
dear life while desperately praying for calm seas.
Sometimes I have gotten caught in vicious summer
squalls while sailing small boats.  One night, a
fellow shipmate fell overboard and I feared he had
drowned.  I heard his voice from the dark waters
and threw a lifeline.  He was able to climb back
into the boat as the waves churned in fury and we
were flung from side to side in the boat.  When
the squall passed by, we became becalmed.  There
was not even a whisper of wind.  We could hear
and feel the stillness.  In the quiet we could
hear fish jump.  The stars came out.  The sea
looked like dark velvet.  Bruised and battered,
we managed to sail home.  After we docked the boat,
I knelt down and kissed the ground in profound
gratitude for our safety.

In today's story, the terrified disciples were
seasoned sailors and professional fisherman.
They too, feared for their lives while Jesus
was sleeping.  In their terror, they shouted a
profound prayer, "Lord, save us!  We are going
to drown!"

Jesus woke up and chastised them for their little
faith.  He asked why they were so fearful.  Then
he stood up on the wildly rocking boat and rebuked
the waves and the wind.  It became completely calm.
The terrified disciples were amazed and asked a
question we need to answer today.  "What kind of
man is Jesus?"  Even nature obeys him!  I have
always wondered if they knelt down and kissed the
ground in gratitude after landing their boat.

Who is Jesus?  Who is he to you?  Is there something
in your life that feels out of control?  Have you
ever wondered if Jesus could help you?

Feel free to ask him for help.  Ask for calm seas,
rest from the bruises of life, and safe harbor for
your souls.  He is our wonderful Navigator through
life's troubled waters.  He is our divine lifeline.

Lord, save us!  Protect us from spiritual drowning!
Help us get into safe harbor.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
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"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
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d.htm

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of June 19, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Be like Jesus

"A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave
above the master; it is enough for the disciple to
be like the teacher, and the slave like the master.
If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,
how much more will they malign those of his household!"
Matthew 10:24-25

Over the past thirty years of my life, I have sat
through and also taught many local church membership
classes.  Usually the classes are devoted to teaching
potential members about that particular denomination.
Often the membership classes attempt to recruit
volunteers to assist in chores and other needed tasks
and ministries of the church.  It is also popular to
have the students complete spiritual gift inventories
as part of their membership classes and encourage each
one to sign up for a ministry as they enter the life
of that particular church.  Sometimes we are so intent
on jobs, chores, and needful things to do, that we
neglect the teachings of Jesus, the early church
creeds and basic spiritual rebirth, baptism, and
discipleship training.  Many new members have never
read a gospel and have no understanding of who Jesus
is and what he taught!

The early church understood it was costly to follow
Jesus.  They often insisted on a thorough teaching
of the Christian faith for prospective members, for
publicly identifying with Christ could possibly bring
them martyrdom.

What if we insisted prospective church members read
all "the words in red" found in the gospels of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John before joining a local church?
What if we discussed the costs of publicly identifying
with Christ in our communities?  What if our churches
more closely identified with Jesus?  What would happen
if each of us did these things in our personal lives?

God, help us remember we are students and servants of
Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of June 26, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Confidence before God

"Then Jesus began to reproach the cities in which
most of his deeds of power had been done, because
they did not repent.  'Woe to you, Chorazin!  Woe
to you, Bethsaida!  For if the deeds of power done
in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would
have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  But
I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more
tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you.  And you,
Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?  No, you
will be brought down to Hades.  For if the deeds of
power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would
have remained until this day.  But I tell you that
on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom than for you.'"
Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus had performed numerous miracles.  Today we
find him strongly denouncing specific cities where
many had not repented after seeing his miracles or
hearing his message.  Some cities are Jewish and
others are Gentile.  Then Jesus speaks of Sodom on
the Day of Judgment and addresses his unrepentant
listeners with a strongly worded admonition.  For
those unfamiliar with the Sodom and Gomorrah story
(Genesis 19), it represents God's holy judgment
towards rebellious humanity.  It is worth noting
that "woe" can also be translated as "doom."

We are the people of Korazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum,
Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom.  Just change the names of
these cities to our local regions: Moscow, London,
New York City, Jerusalem, Rome, Tokyo, Sydney, and
others.

Through reading Matthew's Gospel, we have also heard
the Jesus message of repentance and many miracles.
Do we believe in the Miracle Worker?  If so, we can
have confidence before God.

Our timeless human condition calls us to inner
repentance from sin, while turning towards God for
restoration and renewal.  Jesus is our bridge to
God.  We are called to life-sustaining belief in
this Miraculous One.  All of us have missed the
mark in life.  All of us need periodic moments of
repentance and inner transformation.  Through
personal faith in Jesus, we can face the Day of
Judgment without fear.  Jesus can help us experience
confidence before God.

God, hear our prayers.  Help our unbelief.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 3, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Speaking against the Holy Spirit

"Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder
his property, without first tying up the strong man?
Then indeed the house can be plundered.  Whoever is
not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather
with me scatters.  Therefore I tell you, people will
be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy
against the Spirit will not be forgiven.  Whoever
speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,
but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be
forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."
Matthew 12:29-32

Ask many questions while reading sacred words.  Our
answers may be revealing and transforming.  When I
read these verses, I find myself wondering if I am
with Jesus or against him.  Am I serving him or serving
myself?  What is this unpardonable sin against the Holy
Spirit?  Do I have it in my own life?  Could I be in
spiritual danger?  Other gospel writers mention this
confusing sin (Mark 3:28-29; Luke 12:10), but what does
it mean for my time in world history?  Jesus spoke in
the first century.  Are these words still culturally
relevant?  I believe they are timeless.  The challenge
is to interpret them with cultural relevance for each
generation.

Have we ever spoken against the Holy Spirit of God?
F. F. Bruce notes that literature abounds with stories
about people who commit "the unpardonable sin."  He
suggests we read these passages with care.  Matthew's
Gospel seems to imply that unforgivable sin is to
deliberately shut one's eyes to the light and to call
good evil.  But quite honestly, many Biblical scholars
are in disagreement about what this actually means.
If they are in disagreement, what hope do we have for
understanding the message?

Living without full understanding can actually create
a healthy tension for growing moments of introspection
and reflection.  A helpful spiritual practice is when
in doubt, stay with the passages or parts that are
clearly understood.  Revelation is progressive and
some answers may not be fully understood this side
of eternity.

With this said, it is clear that we are to identify
with Jesus while living on this earth.  If our spiritual
anchors are set deep in the foundation of Christ, clear
answers will come in God's time and ways.  We are all
works of grace in progress.  Be patient!  God is not
finished with us yet.  I am confident that all who
chose to identify with Jesus have nothing to worry
about with this passage.

God, I do not have all the answers I would like to
have with these verses.  But I clearly understand I
am for Jesus.  Help me live in such a way that this
is clear.  Forgive the sin in my life and help me not
blaspheme against your Spirit.  Amen.

God, hear our prayers.  Help our unbelief.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 10, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Listen again

Jesus explained the Parable of the Sower this way,
"Hear then the parable of the sower.  When anyone
hears the word of the kingdom and does not under-
stand it, the evil one comes and snatches away
what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown
on the path.  As for what was sown on rocky ground,
this is the one who hears the word and immediately
receives it with joy; yet such a person has no
root, but endures only for a while, and when
trouble or persecution arises on account of the
word, that person immediately falls away.  As for
what was sown among thorns, this is the one who
hears the word, but the cares of the world and
the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields
nothing."
Matthew 13:18-22

When our hearts and ears are open and receptive
to understanding, we will someday harvest spiritual
results in God's way and God's timing.  But first
we need to be honest with God about the rocks,
weeds, and thorns in the soil in our hearts.

Where are we in this parable?  What is the soil of
our hearts?  Do we need God to replant spiritual
seed in our souls?  Have we lost our understanding?
Have we fallen away in trouble or persecution?
Have the cares of this world and the lure of wealth
choked our spiritual lives?  Every life has a story.
What is our story?  Perhaps our hearts need
replanting with the illuminating and inspiring
life giving words.

I learned to better listen to the word of God in
my life when I began to walk the labyrinth, a very
old spiritual tradition.  Several months ago, I
made a labyrinth in our yard.  They are amazingly
easy to make when you know the basic pattern.
(Please visit the Labyrinth Society Web site at
www.labyrinthsociety.org.)  With a stick or broom
handle, it is a simple matter to draw the path in
the earth.  After the path was drawn, finding sticks,
stones, and seashells to line the path was even
easier.  When in the labyrinth, the single path
leads the walker into the center.  It is a wonderful
meditation tool.  St. Augustine is quoted as saying,
"Solvitur ambulando," ("It is solved by walking").

This seems to be so in my own life.  I have been
noticing that during the summer, weeds seem to
sprout overnight in the labyrinth.  The weeds seem
to proliferate in the good soil and I need to
periodically get out in the dirt!  Pulling weeds
on my hands and knees is good for the labyrinth
and good for my soul.  The weed roots often extend
for great lengths under the topsoil.

So it is with our own souls.  We need to carefully
and lovingly weed and cultivate the soil of our
hearts.  So get in some spiritual dirt today.
Consider getting on your hands and knees.  Dirt
is full of surprises.  You may be surprised by
God and surprised by joy as you linger thoughtfully
with this parable.  Listen to it again and again,
and let God be your Gardener.

God, sow your good seed in our hearts.  Plow the
soil of our souls.  Help us listen again and
understand.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 17, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Fine pearls

Jesus taught, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like
a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one
pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he
had and bought it."
Matthew 13:45-46

I have a bumper sticker on my car that invites people
to commit random acts of kindness and senseless acts
of beauty.  I have often thought that the saying
should be changed to commit many acts of kindness
and constant acts of beauty.

The world is full of many beautiful things.  Sunrises
and sunsets are freely available on a daily basis for
those with the eyes to see.  I once had a blind
roommate who taught me about this.  She lost her
sight as a child, but never forgot her colors.  She
was not afraid to ask her sighted friends to describe
the skies and everything they saw.

The pearl merchant brings us a different perspective.
He was an expert in his field who appreciated priceless
treasure.  The kingdom of heaven is like a pearl
merchant who finds one pearl of enormous value.  It
is worth all his earthly possessions.

A personal relationship with God is the most valuable
relationship we can have in this world.  But God cannot
be bought.  The good news of God is freely available to
the poorest person in the world.  Rich or poor, God is
lovely to be with.  A life with God is worth everything.
It is like finding one pearl of great value.

God, thank you for being beautiful in a world that can
sometimes be ugly.
Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 24, 2011

**********

We apologize for the delay in getting this week's
Chi Rho Reflection to you.

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Take courage

"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the
boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he
dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed
the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to
pray.  When evening came, he was there alone, but
by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was
far from the land, for the wind was against them.
And early in the morning he came walking towards
them on the lake.  But when the disciples saw him
walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying,
'It is a ghost!'  And they cried out in fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said,
'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'"
Matthew 14:22-27

I have been at sea in rough and stormy weather.
I have stood watches throughout the night.  Who
would not be terrified to see someone walking on
the water?  Exhaustion combined with fear is
easily experienced by all of us.  These paralyzing
feelings leave us vulnerable to terror, doubt, and
disbelief.

I have also heard many sermons on these verses
criticizing the terrified disciples.  After all,
they had been with Jesus for a long time.  They
had lingered with his remarkable words, enjoyed
his friendship, marveled at his miracles, and
had participated in miraculous ministries.  You
would think nothing would surprise them about
Jesus at this point in their lives.

We see Jesus in his humanity and divinity.  Jesus
now needs time alone.  After sending the crowd home,
Jesus sends the disciples away so he could go up on
the mountain and pray by himself.  He needed to be
alone with his feelings and to pray without
interruption.  The disciples obeyed him and began
sailing their boat to the other side of the lake.
It was difficult sailing against the wind and the
waves, but they were making progress.  Late in the
night, they see Jesus walking on the water towards
them and they are terrified.

Jesus says, "Take courage.  It is I.  Do not be
afraid."  The Bible encourages us not to be afraid
in more than three hundred places.  We are to release
our fear and trust Jesus, God's water walker.

God, help us take courage and not fear in the strong,
protective presence of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 31, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

From our hearts

Jesus taught, "Do you not see that whatever goes
into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out
into the sewer?  But what comes out of the mouth
proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles.
For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder,
adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.
These are what defile a person, but to eat with
unwashed hands does not defile."
Matthew 15:17-20

Jesus is concerned with our inner thoughts and desires.
Buddha has said, "The mind is everything; what you
think, you become."  And so it is.  Our innermost
heart reflects who we really are.

Jesus was referring to the religious customs of his
time.  They had ceremonial washings that had been
handed down from their elders ever since Moses.
Jesus allowed his disciples to eat without washing
their hands.  Religious authorities were shocked
and dismayed at the perceived religious uncleanness
of the disciples.  The concern of the elders was
skin deep.  To them, perception was everything.

Jesus brings us to the real heart of the matter.
What is in our heart?  This is what counts before
God.  What are we thinking?  What are we saying about
others?  Have we even thought about adultery, sexual
immorality, theft, lying, or slander?  Then we need
to confess these thoughts, desires, and actions to
God as they occur.  I find in my own life, it is
better to flee temptation than to tempt fate.
Truly the spirit is willing but often the flesh is
weak.

Let Jesus clean your hearts, and let Jesus help you
change your behavior. When tempted to do things which
make us unclean, consider reading, memorizing, or
meditating on the words of Jesus in the gospels of
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Be accountable in
your life to another person or small group. Sometimes
we need to find new friends to affirm our choices in
life.

For practical health reasons, it is good to wash hands
before eating.  But hand washing does not clean our
hearts before God.  Confession of personal sin is one
way to begin to clean our hearts.  Confession is good
for our souls.  Confession helps us become right with
God.  Confession has its own challenges, but sometimes
getting started is the hardest part.  We need moments
where we confess personal sin in prayer, so we can make
confessions of great faith in life.

I am sorry, God.  Forgive me for those specific thoughts
that are negative, destructive, denigrating, ridiculing,
and displeasing to you.  With the help of Jesus, give me
a new heart.  Help me live a better life that is pleasing
to you in word, thought, and deed.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
on the Web site secure server to select "US Postal
Service Parcel Post" rather than the default setting
of "UPS Ground."  It is much less expensive!

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. XII, No. 1
4 August 2011

*************************

Contents:

1.      Special Order Month  Free Books with Each Order
2.      "I'm Still Dancing: A Gay Man's Health Experience"
3.      Presbyterians Finally Ordain LGBT People
4.      Sterling Silver MCC Crosses and Logos
5.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      Special Order Month  Free Books with Each Order

August is special order month!  Order any book or other
item from our Web site, http://www.chirhopress.com, and
receive another item from our catalog of equal or lesser
value.

Just place your order and e-mail Adam DeBaugh at
Adam@... and let him know what else you
would like in your shipment!

God's blessings on you.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      "I'm Still Dancing: A Gay Man's Health Experience"

In honour of the Rev. Steve Pieter's birthday this week,
we have copies of his excellent book about his early
years of living with HIV.  We urge you to order it at
http://tinyurl.com/ImStillDancing

A powerful book by a long-term survivor of AIDS: articles,
sermons and journal entries chronicle life with AIDS.
Sick since 1982 and diagnosed with AIDS in 1984, Steve's
cancers have gone into complete remission and he remains
well to this day.  He served for many years as Field
Director of the UFMCC's AIDS Ministry.

"I'm Still Dancing" sells for $8.95 each, six or more
copies for $6.75 each, plus shipping and handling.

Order at http://tinyurl.com/ImStillDancing

--------------------------------------------------

3.      Presbyterians Finally Ordain LGBT People

In honour of the Presbyterian Church finally agreeing
to ordain open LGBT people, order an anthology that
helped!  "Called Out: Voices and Gifts of LGBT
Presbyterians" sells for $17.95 each, six or more
copies for $15.25 each, plus shipping and handling.

Order at http://tinyurl.com/CalledOutPresbyterians

--------------------------------------------------

4.      Sterling Silver MCC Crosses and Logos

Chi Rho Press, your MCC LGBT Christian publishing
house, carries Solid Sterling Silver MCC crosses and
logos!

A Gay jewelry artist has cast the traditional MCC
Chi Rho cross and the newer MCC logo in Solid
Sterling Silver for Chi Rho Press.

The traditional MCC Cross with the overlapped Greek
letters Chi and Rho in the center (a traditional
monogram for Christ, being the first letters in
the Greek word Christos) and the Greek letters
Alpha and Omega on the cross bar (the first and
last letters in the Greek alphabet, signifying
the Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the
beginning and the end).  On the reverse of the
cross is the dove of the Holy Spirit.  The Solid
Sterling Silver crosses are 13/16 inches wide and
1 inch tall, and sell for $19.95 each, plus shipping
and handling.  Six or more are $14.95 each, plus
shipping and handling.

The new MCC logo on a round pendant with the flame
of the Holy Spirit intersecting the stylized globe.
The Solid Sterling Silver MCC logos are 7/8 inch in
diameter, and sell for $24.95 each, plus shipping
and handling.  Six or more are $18.95 each, plus
shipping and handling.

Please see and order your MCC Crosses or MCC Logos
at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/silver_jewelry.html

--------------------------------------------------

5.      Adam's Last Word

If you live in Maryland, join us for the Upper
Montgomery and Frederick (UMaF) PFLAG Support
Group, the second Sunday each month from 4 to 6
pm, at Open Door MCC, 15817 Barnesville Road, Boyds,
MD 20841 (for directions, go to www.opendoormcc.com).

UMaF PFLAG is part of a national organization, Parents,
Family, and Friends of LGBTQ People.

Ample parking at the church and all are welcome.
Come join our One Big, Happier Family.  For more
info write UMaFPFLAG@... or call Adam DeBaugh
at 301/926-1205.

If you are on Facebook, please “like” our brand new
UMaF PFLAG's page at  http://tinyurl.com/UMaF-PFLAG.

And join us on the second Sunday of each month at 4
pm.

*****

Can you help Chi Rho Press?  Let all your friends know
about us and encourage them to visit www.ChiRhoPress.com
and buy a book or other product!

And please see our Facebook page at
http://tinyurl.com/ChiRhoPress and “like” our page.

Thanks and grace and peace to you all.

*****

Please encourage members of your church to participate
in the special fund raising offer from Chi Rho Press.
We will make a donation of 10% of all sales from
people who mention your congregation in the "Special
Instructions and Comments" box on the check out page.
Please let your people know as soon as possible about
this opportunity to help both our ministries.

*****

Shipping and Handling Tip: This tip will be
especially important if you are ordering one or
two Liturgical Calendars!

When you are ordering from the Chi Rho Press Web
site, be sure to tell us your preferred shipping
method. The way the shopping cart is set up, the
shipping method defaults to United Parcel Service.
This is NOT the most economical way to ship for
orders under seven pounds. If you want the most
inexpensive shipping (within the United States)
it is usually best to pick USPS (United States
Postal Service Domestic Parcel Post) for packages
weighing under seven pounds. UPS (United Parcel
Service) Ground is more economical for packages
heavier than seven pounds. The shopping cart will
tell you how much your order weighs in the box right
next to your order amount and price. There is a link
there to change your shipping method as well.

When I order one copy of the Liturgical Calendar and
allow the default UPS Ground shipping method, the
shipping cost is almost as much as the book, $10.11!
But if I change the shipping method to USPS Parcel
Post shipping is only $6.28, and it is $6.46 for USPS
Priority Mail.

Be smart shoppers and choose your shipping options
carefully to avoid paying too much!

*****

Gracia y paz,

Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL
Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press. We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases! And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
someone passing it along to you and would like to receive
it directly from us, please follow these directions:

To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com. You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order.  Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Copyright 2011, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. XII, No. 1
4 August 2011

*************************

Contents:

1.      Special Order Month  Free Books with Each Order
2.      "I'm Still Dancing: A Gay Man's Health Experience"
3.      Presbyterians Finally Ordain LGBT People
4.      Sterling Silver MCC Crosses and Logos
5.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      Special Order Month  Free Books with Each Order

August is special order month!  Order any book or other
item from our Web site, http://www.chirhopress.com, and
receive another item from our catalog of equal or lesser
value.

Just place your order and e-mail Adam DeBaugh at
Adam@... and let him know what else you
would like in your shipment!

God's blessings on you.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      "I'm Still Dancing: A Gay Man's Health Experience"

In honour of the Rev. Steve Pieter's birthday this week,
we have copies of his excellent book about his early
years of living with HIV.  We urge you to order it at
http://tinyurl.com/ImStillDancing

A powerful book by a long-term survivor of AIDS: articles,
sermons and journal entries chronicle life with AIDS.
Sick since 1982 and diagnosed with AIDS in 1984, Steve's
cancers have gone into complete remission and he remains
well to this day.  He served for many years as Field
Director of the UFMCC's AIDS Ministry.

"I'm Still Dancing" sells for $8.95 each, six or more
copies for $6.75 each, plus shipping and handling.

Order at http://tinyurl.com/ImStillDancing

--------------------------------------------------

3.      Presbyterians Finally Ordain LGBT People

In honour of the Presbyterian Church finally agreeing
to ordain open LGBT people, order an anthology that
helped!  "Called Out: Voices and Gifts of LGBT
Presbyterians" sells for $17.95 each, six or more
copies for $15.25 each, plus shipping and handling.

Order at http://tinyurl.com/CalledOutPresbyterians

--------------------------------------------------

4.      Sterling Silver MCC Crosses and Logos

Chi Rho Press, your MCC LGBT Christian publishing
house, carries Solid Sterling Silver MCC crosses and
logos!

A Gay jewelry artist has cast the traditional MCC
Chi Rho cross and the newer MCC logo in Solid
Sterling Silver for Chi Rho Press.

The traditional MCC Cross with the overlapped Greek
letters Chi and Rho in the center (a traditional
monogram for Christ, being the first letters in
the Greek word Christos) and the Greek letters
Alpha and Omega on the cross bar (the first and
last letters in the Greek alphabet, signifying
the Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the
beginning and the end).  On the reverse of the
cross is the dove of the Holy Spirit.  The Solid
Sterling Silver crosses are 13/16 inches wide and
1 inch tall, and sell for $19.95 each, plus shipping
and handling.  Six or more are $14.95 each, plus
shipping and handling.

The new MCC logo on a round pendant with the flame
of the Holy Spirit intersecting the stylized globe.
The Solid Sterling Silver MCC logos are 7/8 inch in
diameter, and sell for $24.95 each, plus shipping
and handling.  Six or more are $18.95 each, plus
shipping and handling.

Please see and order your MCC Crosses or MCC Logos
at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/silver_jewelry.html

--------------------------------------------------

5.      Adam's Last Word

If you live in Maryland, join us for the Upper
Montgomery and Frederick (UMaF) PFLAG Support Group,
the second Sunday each month from 4 to 6 pm, at Open
Door MCC, 15817 Barnesville Road, Boyds, MD 20841
(for directions, go to www.opendoormcc.com).

UMaF PFLAG is part of a national organization, Parents,
Family, and Friends of LGBTQ People.

Ample parking at the church and all are welcome.  Come
join our One Big, Happier Family.  For more info write
UMaFPFLAG@... or call Adam DeBaugh at 301/926-1205.

If you are on Facebook, please “like” our brand new
UMaF PFLAG's page at http://tinyurl.com/UMaF-PFLAG.

And join us on the second Sunday of each month at 4 pm.

*****

Can you help Chi Rho Press?  Let all your friends know
about us and encourage them to visit www.ChiRhoPress.com
and buy a book or other product!

And please see our Facebook page at
http://tinyurl.com/ChiRhoPress and “like” our page.

Thanks and grace and peace to you all.

*****

Please encourage members of your church to participate
in the special fund raising offer from Chi Rho Press.
We will make a donation of 10% of all sales from
people who mention your congregation in the "Special
Instructions and Comments" box on the check out page.
Please let your people know as soon as possible about
this opportunity to help both our ministries.

*****

Shipping and Handling Tip: This tip will be
especially important if you are ordering one or
two Liturgical Calendars!

When you are ordering from the Chi Rho Press Web
site, be sure to tell us your preferred shipping
method. The way the shopping cart is set up, the
shipping method defaults to United Parcel Service.
This is NOT the most economical way to ship for
orders under seven pounds. If you want the most
inexpensive shipping (within the United States)
it is usually best to pick USPS (United States
Postal Service Domestic Parcel Post) for packages
weighing under seven pounds. UPS (United Parcel
Service) Ground is more economical for packages
heavier than seven pounds. The shopping cart will
tell you how much your order weighs in the box right
next to your order amount and price. There is a link
there to change your shipping method as well.

When I order one copy of the Liturgical Calendar and
allow the default UPS Ground shipping method, the
shipping cost is almost as much as the book, $10.11!
But if I change the shipping method to USPS Parcel
Post shipping is only $6.28, and it is $6.46 for USPS
Priority Mail.

Be smart shoppers and choose your shipping options
carefully to avoid paying too much!

*****

Gracia y paz,

Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL
Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press. We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases! And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
someone passing it along to you and would like to receive
it directly from us, please follow these directions:

To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com. You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order.  Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Copyright 2011, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 7, 2011

**********

August is special order month!  Order any book or
other item from our Web site, www.ChiRhoPress.com,
and receive another item from our catalog of equal
or lesser value.  Just e-mail Adam@...
after you order and let him know what else you would
like in your shipment.

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Take up your cross and deny yourselves

"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If any want to
become my followers, let them deny themselves and
take up their cross and follow me.  For those who
want to save their life will lose it, and those
who lose their life for my sake will find it.
For what will it profit them if they gain the
whole world but forfeit their life?  Or what will
they give in return for their life?  For the Son
of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of
his Father, and then he will repay everyone for
what has been done.  Truly I tell you, there are
some standing here who will not taste death before
they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.'"
Matthew 16:24-28

On one of the walls of my writing study hangs an
inexpensive copy of a very old Byzantine or Slavic
icon called "Christ, Pantocrator."  I am not talking
about computer icons, but a sacred art form providing
visual focal points for reflection and meditation on
Christian revelation and aspects of discipleship.
These cherished religious images are the result of
the prayers of many icon painters, providing a
powerful prayer form that has continued to evolve
over nearly 2,000 years.  They help people pray
with their eyes and hearts, without any need of
rationalization or even verbalization.  You simply
gaze at them in silence and stillness.  I often light
a candle by mine when writing meditations, trusting
the Spirit of God to work deep within my soul.  Many
of these beautiful icon images are available online,
providing powerful prayer experiences using modern
technology.

The Greek word, Pantocrator, translates as "Ruler of
All."  This popular icon has been often used in the
high, main domes of churches for centuries,
acknowledging Christ as Ruler of the universe,
Creator and Savior.  Christ typically is painted
facing directly frontally, holding the Gospel, Book
of Judgment, or an Orb representing the world in his
left hand, with his right hand raised in blessing.
He is often painted with riveting eyes staring
straight at the viewer, although sometimes his eyes
are averted.

My particular copy has an unusual feature, which a
woman noticed when I facilitated an indoor Lenten
labyrinth walk, for which I placed icons throughout
the room for meditation purposes.  She came up to me
and asked if the eyes of Christ were different.  Yes.
The artist painted one eye open and kind.  The other
eye is keen and piercing.

The Christ sees deep within our souls and all hidden
inner thoughts.  Words and actions are revealed for
what they truly are.  Sometimes we forget that someday
Jesus Christ will repay everyone for what has been done
when he returns in power and glory to judge the world
of its sin.

But through the brush of this particular artist, the
kindly eye of Christ, Pantocrator reveals an invitation
for every viewer to experience God's amazing grace.
This brings to my mind the ever-present reminder that
Jesus has always been a great friend of sinners such
as myself.  We are all sinners saved by grace.  Christ
is indeed a great Savior.

God, help us appreciate the powerful image Christ,
Pantocrator brings through the powerful words of
today's gospel passage.  Thank you for the amazing
grace that gives us confidence now and when Christ
returns.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
on the Web site secure server to select "US Postal
Service Parcel Post" rather than the default setting
of "UPS Ground."  It is much less expensive!

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 14, 2011

**********

August is special order month!  Order any book
or other item from our Web site, www.ChiRhoPress.com,
and receive another item from our catalog of equal
or lesser value.  Just e-mail Adam@...
after you order and let him know what else you would
like in your shipment.

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Direct and loving confrontation

Jesus taught, "If another member of the church sins
against you, go and point out the fault when the two
of you are alone.  If the member listens to you, you
have regained that one.  But if you are not listened
to, take one or two others along with you, so that
every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two
or three witnesses.  If the member refuses to listen
to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender
refuses to listen even to the church, let such a
one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector."
Matthew 18:15-17

Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Those things that hurt,
instruct."  Sometimes the truth hurts.  Tough love
might lead us to privately speak with another and
honestly share how we have been injured by another's
words and actions.  In our relationships with others
diplomacy and respect often win us a hearing to share
our truth.  But there are times when diplomacy is not
always helpful.  Sometimes we must be more direct and
to the point.  Loving confrontation is needed.

I appreciate this teaching of Jesus.  He is refreshingly
honest and uncomplicated.  It is much easier to gossip
and criticize people behind their backs.  It takes
courage to approach a person who has sinned against
us and tell it like it is from our perspective.  While
this teaching is often the foundation of church
discipline, it also offers us rich insights about
individual conflict resolution.

Always approach the other person privately and try to
resolve the issue at the source of contention.  Remember
that respect is a holy word and that diplomacy might
open a more frank and honest conversation.  Have the
courage to humbly confront and the grace to listen.
But be very careful.  We are not always right in our
judgments, fervent opinions, and beliefs.

Just the other day I saw two friends have the courage
to live this teaching in their interpersonal conflict.
One woman had been extremely upset and deeply offended
by an embarrassing comment made by a trusted and valued
friend.  The friend had unintentionally but publicly
hurt her feelings with a thoughtless comment.  The
offended woman made the effort to privately approach
her friend and share how the comment embarrassed and
angered her.  Her friend was mortified and apologized
profusely.  Their friendship was actually strengthened
through honest, direct, and caring conversation.  They
were able to reach a peaceable resolution and deeper
understanding.

There are no guarantees that all conflict and hurt can
be resolved at this personal level.  Honesty can be a
risky business.  Wisdom encourages us to try to resolve
issues privately whenever possible.

God, is there anyone I need to approach privately in
loving honesty?  Give me the courage to act on this
teaching of Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
on the Web site secure server to select "US Postal
Service Parcel Post" rather than the default setting
of "UPS Ground."  It is much less expensive!

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 21, 2011

**********

August is special order month!  Order any book or
other item from our Web site, www.ChiRhoPress.com,
and receive another item from our catalog of equal
or lesser value.  Just e-mail Adam@... a
fter you order and let him know what else you would
like in your shipment.

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

What is in it for me?

"Then Peter said in reply, 'Look, we have left
everything and followed you.  What then will we
have?'  Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, at
the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is
seated on the throne of his glory, you who have
followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging
the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has
left houses or brothers or sisters or father or
mother or children or fields, for my name's sake,
will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal
life.  But many who are first will be last, and the
last will be first.'"
Matthew 19:27-30

I deeply appreciate the blunt honesty of the impulsive
Peter.  He has eagerly been following the conversation
between Jesus and the rich young man.  Like the other
disciples, he has been amazed at Jesus' teachings on
wealth and the realm of God.  He was shocked that the
wealthy man was challenged to give up his possessions
before following Jesus.  So he blurts out a question
that I imagine was on the minds of all the others.
"We have left everything to follow you!  What then will
there be for us?"  Meaning, I suspect, what is in it for
me?

There is nothing wrong in that question.  He and the
others gave up their jobs and financial resources to
follow this remarkable teacher, Jesus.  I can identify
with his question because I also am not salaried as I
serve the Gospel in a full time ministry.  If there is
a prosperity gospel, I have not seen it!

We find Jesus patiently explaining their future reward
to the entire group of the original disciples.  Someday
friends, he said, when I am on my glorious throne, you
will also sit on thrones with power, honor, and glory.
I will honor your faithful service.  That is as good
as it gets.

The Teacher continued with timeless words for today.
Everyone who has served the Gospel sacrificially in
obedience to the call of Christ will someday be
abundantly rewarded in the hereafter.  The last will
be first, and the first will be last.

Delayed gratification is never easy.  We are to serve
faithfully in the here and now.  We may never see the
rewards of our sacrificial service to the Gospel in
this life.  But someday we will hear a "well done,
good and faithful servant" from the One who has called
us by name.  And that is as good as it gets.  It is
more than enough.

God, help us be faithful servants of Christ.  Help us
serve with loving and willing hearts.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
on the Web site secure server to select "US Postal
Service Parcel Post" rather than the default setting
of "UPS Ground."  It is much less expensive!

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 28, 2011

**********

August is special order month!  Order any book or
other item from our Web site, www.ChiRhoPress.com,
and receive another item from our catalog of equal
or lesser value.  Just e-mail Adam@...
after you order and let him know what else you would
like in your shipment.

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Judgment and a prayer lesson

"In the morning, when he returned to the city, he
was hungry.  And seeing a fig tree by the side of
the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on
it but leaves.  Then he said to it, 'May no fruit
ever come from you again!'  And the fig tree withered
at once.  When the disciples saw it, they were amazed,
saying, 'How did the fig tree wither at once?'  Jesus
answered them, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith
and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been
done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this
mountain, "Be lifted up and thrown into the sea", it
will be done.  Whatever you ask for in prayer with
faith, you will receive.'"
Matthew 21:18-22

What in heaven's name does this unfruitful fig tree
and prayer lesson mean for us?  Matthew describes the
tree as withering immediately.  The fig tree event
takes a bit longer in Mark 11:12-14, 20-25.  Some
biblical scholars suggest this is an example of God's
immediate judgment  (Barker, Kenneth, General Editor.
"The New International Version Study Bible," p. 1472).

Bearing fruit is a spiritual metaphor common in
scripture that I struggle with as an urban woman.
I have no agricultural expertise and provide great
entertainment to my neighbors as I am learning to
differentiate between the weeds and flowers in my
yard.  But I do understand what it means to be barren
in spirit and life.  Someday my own life will also
come into divine judgment.

All of us will someday be asked if our lives were
fruitful or barren in goodness, generosity, hospitality,
kindness, love, mercy, and justice.  Perhaps it is time
to cultivate and nurture a new spirit as we follow
Christ.

What about this teaching on prayer?  Jesus says it is
"the truth."  If we have faith without doubt, we can
do even more than he did with the fig tree.  He
concludes this teaching with this empowering comment,
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for
in prayer" (Matthew 21:22 NIV).

Now I have asked for many things in life through prayer.
I do not remember receiving answers to every request.
Yet I have often been more prayerless than prayerful.
My prayer life is imperfect at best, and I am an ordained
minister with more than forty years in the Christian life.
Perhaps my prayers have been as barren as this fig tree.
The fruit of our prayers can change the world, help many
people, and transform our personal lives.  So why do we
hesitate to pray and believe nothing is impossible for
God?

God, I personally lack the faith to pray strongly enough
to move mountains.  Oh, help my unbelief!  Teach me to
pray in such ways that my life and the lives of many
others will be productive, loving, and blessed.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 4, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

The greatest commandment

"When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced
the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of
them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.
'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the
greatest?'  Jesus said to him, '"You shall love
the Lord your God with all your heart, and with
all your soul, and with all your mind."  This is
the greatest and first commandment.  And a second
is like it: "You shall love your neighbour as
yourself."  On these two commandments hang all
the law and the prophets.'"
Matthew 22:34-40

Love is the greatest commandment in biblical law.
With just four concise sentences, Jesus sums up the
entire Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) for us.
Love God with every fiber, breath, and cell of our
being.  Then love our neighbors as ourselves.  Love
ourselves as we love our neighbors.  A teaching for
all cultures, this Great Commandment, speaks to every
generation, every nation, and every sexual orientation.

We all fall short and miss the mark in loving God,
our neighbor, and ourselves.  Today many mainline
Christian denominations often practice intolerance
and discrimination, causing great pain and suffering
for sexual minorities.  Christian churches that do
not recognize same-sex love are not practicing the
Golden Rule as taught by Jesus.  Some Christian
ministries explain their prejudice against same-
sex love by saying they "hate the sin and love the
sinner," but often they reject, refuse, and prohibit
sexual minority people's basic human courtesies and
human rights.

Sometimes these Christian ministries go further
than withholding blessings, they distort this basic
teaching of Christ to justify fund-raising for
themselves and political candidates that continue
these policies of oppression of LGBT people, policies
that often contribute to a lack of job security and
health insurance for LGBT people, as well as acts
of physical violence against them.  Tragically,
these non-welcoming Christian churches can cause
profound spiritual injuries to many seekers who have
been demonized and denigrated by these houses of worship.

I am often considered "too controversial" to lead
centering and contemplative prayer groups at those
non-affirming churches.  Does this surprise you?
When will we learn to live and practice our highest
calling?  When will we finally obey Jesus and live
this commandment to love?

More love, O God, to You, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 11, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Inner attitudes and cleansing

Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites!  For you clean the outside of the cup
and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed
and self-indulgence.  You blind Pharisee!  First
clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside
also may become clean."
Matthew 23:25-26

Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites!  For you clean the outside of the cup
and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed
and self-indulgence.  You blind Pharisee!  First
clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside
also may become clean" (Matthew 23:25-26, NRSV).
These stinging words are as relevant today as when
Jesus uttered them.  Religious people have often
been quick to point the finger and condemn others,
while neglecting to first look in the mirror.  Our
human nature is often blind to our own faults and
eager to pass the blame on to others.  September
11, 2001 is a powerful example of such religious
condemnation, bigotry, and hypocrisy.

That morning four hijacked planes had been used in
a carefully planned, well-coordinated attack.  Two
had deliberately crashed and destroyed the twin 110-
story towers of the World Trade Center building in
New York City.  Minutes later another crashed into
the Pentagon in Washington, DC, causing the White
House to be evacuated while the fourth plane crashed
outside Pittsburgh.  Scenes of hell could not be any
worse than these horrific moments as thousands of
innocent people died in fiery infernos.

Wise spiritual leaders from around the world quickly
urged the dazed public to refrain from retributive
hate crimes.  Within hours, people from many faiths
came together and began many extraordinary interfaith
vigils mingling Jewish, Christian and Muslim prayers
for peace and healing.  Our prayers connected us in
our common human condition of mourning.

Tragically, before the dust of the rubble settled,
prominent television evangelists, powerful voices
of the religious right, pointed their fingers in
judgment and accused liberal civil liberties groups,
feminists, homosexuals, and abortion rights
supporters for being partially responsible for the
terrorist attacks.  These self-righteous contemporary
Pharisees proclaimed these were the people who made
God angry at America.  They vilified many innocent
citizens.  Ignorant, bigoted, and fearful people
responded with savage violence against fellow
Americans in their eagerness to retaliate because
of the hateful religious rhetoric.  The hate-filled
extremist terrorist rhetoric of the 9/11 highjackers
had met its match.

According to Jesus, all human beings have great
potential to be self-indulgent religious hypocrites,
pointing fingers in judgment towards others while
neglecting to take care of the inherent potential
for evil in their own souls.  This seems to be an
especially dangerous occupational hazard for religious
professionals.  We would be wise to remember we are
all sinners in need of grace.  None of us are perfect
or without sin except God.  Together, we should weep
with God as we meditate on the words from Jesus and
grieve the events of September 11, 2001.

God, help us look in the mirror and see ourselves
through your holy eyes.  As we remember September
11, 2001, we ask you heal the broken hearted and
pray for our world.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
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$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 25, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation.  We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Sold for a price

"Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
went to the chief priests and said, 'What will you
give me if I betray Jesus to you?'  They paid him
thirty pieces of silver.  And from that moment Judas
began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus."
Matthew 26:14-16

Cynics will insist everyone has a price and loyalty
can be bought.  For Judas Iscariot, thirty silver
coins represented approximately four months' wages.
Why would he betray Jesus?  After three years of
being with this remarkable teacher, healer, and
miracle worker, what prompted him to sell out to
the religious authorities?  Was it greed?  Or is
there more to this story?  Did the anonymous woman
who so lovingly anointed Jesus influence his decision?
The other gospel accounts do not tell us the motives
of Judas Iscariot (Mark 14:10, 11; Luke 22:3-6).  They
do tell us that the hostile religious leaders were
"delighted" with his decision to betray Jesus into
their hands (Mark 14: 11 NIV).

Luke and John specifically mention that "Satan entered
Judas."  This expression is found twice, first in Luke
22:3 and later during the description of the Last
Supper in John 13:27.  One commentary notes that Judas
never had a high motive of service or commitment to
Jesus.  Hendriksen, William.  "New Testament Commentary:
The Gospel of Matthew," pp. 902-903) Judas had even
stolen money that had been given to support Jesus and
the other disciples in ministry (John 12:6).  From the
very beginning of his experience with Jesus, he
compromised his ethics and integrity for personal
gain and ambition.

Judas Iscariot began watching for an opportunity to
betray his master, friend, mentor, and rabbi.  Judas
was receptive to evil influence in his life, and
Satan is a great opportunist and strategist.

Judas Iscariot had the soul of a traitor.  He was a
hypocrite and a sneak. His story continues to enlighten
people, for the Christian church has always had some
disciples who merely pretend to serve Christ out of
loving devotion.  Jesus is useful to them as they
seek to further their careers, special agendas, and
personal fortunes.  But nothing is more demoralizing
than being betrayed by someone you love.  It is
frighteningly easy to become like Judas Iscariot.
Hypocrisy can take many forms and the spiritual
profile of Judas serves as warning.

Do our lives model the life of Judas Iscariot?
Do we share his lack of commitment and self-serving
motive to serve Jesus?  Have we ever compromised
and taken what is not ours?  Do we live with
integrity?  What are our ethics?  Have we, like
Judas Iscariot, intimately known Jesus, been
involved in ministry, and been in spiritual
leadership?  What is our price to compromise the
Gospel of Jesus Christ?

God, help us humbly learn from the mistakes of
Judas Iscariot.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 2, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

It is safe to cry with God

"Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard.  A
servant-girl came to him and said, 'You also were
with Jesus the Galilean.'  But he denied it before
all of them, saying, 'I do not know what you are
talking about.'  When he went out to the porch,
another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the
bystanders, 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.'
Again he denied it with an oath, 'I do not know
the man.'  After a little while the bystanders
came up and said to Peter, 'Certainly you are also
one of them, for your accent betrays you.'  Then
he began to curse, and he swore an oath, 'I do
not know the man!'  At that moment the cock crowed.
Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: 'Before
the cock crows, you will deny me three times.'
And Peter went out and wept bitterly."
Matthew 26:69-75

Peter's tears remind us that fear can sometimes
overpower loving courage.  Peter had done his best
to stay near Jesus while the other disciples had
fled for their lives.  His public outing by the
servant girl proved to be terrifying.  Peter was
faced with a dangerous and potentially deadly
dilemma.  If he identified as one of Jesus'
disciples, he could possibly share the same fate
as his beloved master.  Instinctively Peter
denied his best friend again and again without
thinking.

In several panic stricken moments, Peter betrayed
Jesus more powerfully than Judas Iscariot.  Judas
had the soul of a traitor and had carefully
premeditated his actions for some time.  Peter
had the soul of loyal friend who loved Jesus
passionately, but when the chips were down and
his life was as stake, Peter impulsively betrayed
Jesus by denying their relationship.  He lied to
save his own skin.  Can we really blame him for
his cowardice?  What would we have done in his
situation?

The rooster crowed as Jesus had earlier predicted.
Overcome with remorse, Peter fled outside the
courtyard and wept bitter heartrending tears.
His grief only intensified as he remembered the
loving look Jesus gave him as Peter cursed and
repeatedly insisted he did not know Jesus.  Jesus
had looked him right in the eye and gazed into
the depths of his soul.  Peter then ran for his
life, berating himself with a self-hatred and
loathing we can only imagine.  He would carry
the memories of his bitter betrayal of Jesus to
his grave.

As Peter wept bitter tears of shame, grief, and
regret he unwittingly found it was safe to cry
with God.  I suspect he was unaware of God's
tender presence in his defining moment of human
failure.  God was with him throughout the horror
of the moment, and would help him live through
the terrible events that lay ahead.  After the
resurrection, Peter's tears would eventually lead
him to a life transforming and soul refining
repentance, bringing him an empowering resolve
to serve the risen Christ and build his church.
He would become a great preacher and influential
pastor to many churches before dying a martyr's
death for his loyalty to the new Christian faith.

So often in life we minimize our pain and try to
stifle and hide our tears.  Tears are something
many of us are ashamed of as a sign of weakness
and inadequacy.  We even apologize when crying
in our deepest agony.  But God created tears for
a purpose.  They cleanse our souls and hearts,
bringing healing and strength.  The next time
tears well up in our eyes, let them become an
agent of God's grace.  Have a good cry and you
too, will find it is safe to cry with God.
There are times when even a tear rolling quietly
down our cheeks is a silent prayer.

God, today Peter's tears have become mine.  With
Peter, may I find you safe to cry with and find
comfort and courage in my times of need.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling. You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 9, 2011

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

It is safe to cry with God

"Then Pontius Pilate asked, 'Why, what evil has he
done?'  But they shouted all the more, 'Let him be
crucified!'  So when Pilate saw that he could do
nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he
took some water and washed his hands before the crowd,
saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it
yourselves.'  Then the people as a whole answered,
'His blood be on us and on our children!'  So Pilate
released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus,
he handed him over to be crucified."
Matthew 27:23-26

An ancient Persian proverb tells us if fate throws
a knife at you, you can catch it either by the blade
or the handle.  Pilate dodges the knife by refusing
to accept the responsibility of his office.  Rather
than quell the disturbance and maintain Roman justice,
he takes the easy way out.  Pilate washes his hands
of this sordid event and tells the rioting crowd
that Jesus is "your responsibility."  The crazed
crowd shouts back, "Let his blood be on us and our
children."  Barabbas disappears into the crowd as a
free man.  Pilate had Jesus flogged.  Roman floggings
were so brutal that sometimes the victim died before
crucifixion.  Jesus survived and went on to be
crucified.

I cringe from the horror of this event and my own
self-knowledge.  There have been times in my own
life where I have dodged or avoided responsibility.
By stepping back and letting others take over, I
have acted like Pilate.  By silent assent or passive
behavior, evil can triumph.  Power and authority
always carry responsibility.

God, where have I acted as Pilate?  Please forgive
me.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
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"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling. You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 16, 2011

**********
We are a bit late coming out with the 2011-2012
Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary for this year,
for which we apologize.  If you want to preorder,
please use the order information for this year’s
Calendar at http://tinyurl.com/LiturgCal.  We will
send you the material for Advent through
Christmastide, up until Epiphany to tide you over
until the full calendar is printed and bound and
sent to you.

Thank you!

**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

The earth shook

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn
in two, from top to bottom.  The earth shook, and
the rocks were split.  The tombs also were opened,
and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep
were raised.  After his resurrection they came out
of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared
to many."
Matthew 27:51-53

The earth shook while many other strange and
frightening things began to happen the moment
Christ died.  The curtain of the Jewish temple
in Jerusalem was torn from top to bottom.  Rocks
shattered.  Certain graves actually released their
dead, and many corpses of known holy people were
raised to life.  They came out of their tombs.
How terrifying this all must have been.  The sun
had disappeared and all was dark.  Where was God
in this dark moment in world history?  I imagine
many people huddled in fear and wonder.

We are told that the raised dead actually appeared
to many in Jerusalem after Christ was resurrected.
Even in the moment of Christ's death, death was
conquered.  The power of the grave was shattered
forever as faithful and holy people were miraculously
raised from the dead, testifying to God's great grace
and power.  There were many empty tombs the moment
Christ died.

What does this mean for us?  We can personally
claim the Christian hope that we too can experience
resurrection through Jesus Christ, God's crucified
and beloved Child.  Jesus himself experienced death
for us and understands our human frailties and fears.
We can take courage at the moment of our death and
experience spiritual comfort when loved ones die.
Death has been conquered forever.

Someday the dead in Christ will be raised again (1
Thessalonians 4:13-18).  Oh death, where is your
victory?  Where is your sting?  (See 1 Corinthians
15:54-56.)  Christ has conquered the grave even in
death.  Death cannot hold him.  Death is not the end.
We have hope beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15).

Beloved Christ, you have tasted death for me and
offer all of us resurrection hope.  Help us encourage
each other with these words.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can
order using our convenient secure shopping cart and
pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handling. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

United States customers, please remember when ordering
on the Web site secure server to select "US Postal
Service Parcel Post" rather than the default setting
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 23, 2011

**********
We are a bit late coming out with the 2011-2012
Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary for this year,
for which we apologize.  If you want to preorder,
please use the order information for this year’s
Calendar at http://tinyurl.com/LiturgCal.  We will
send you the material for Advent through Christmastide,
up until Epiphany to tide you over until the full
calendar is printed and bound and sent to you.

Thank you!

**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press,
here is a selection from our book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Religious deception and bribery

"While they were going, some of the guard went into
the city and told the chief priests everything that
had happened.  After the priests had assembled with
the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum
of money to the soldiers, telling them, 'You must
say, "His disciples came by night and stole him
away while we were asleep."  If this comes to the
governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you
out of trouble.'  So they took the money and did as
they were directed.  And this story is still told
among the Jews to this day."
Matthew 28:11-15

What is the price of truth?  We are not told how
much money the soldiers received, but it was a
large sum.  To the poorly paid soldiers, it probably
represented a small fortune.  The soldiers agreed to
accept the money and lie about what actually happened
at the tomb where Jesus had been buried.  Certain
religious authorities were now desperate in their
attempts to silence the resurrection event.  All
conspired and agreed to perpetuate an intentional
lie.  All agreed to circulate the story among the
Jewish people.  Lies beget lies.

What was the truth?  Jesus had risen from the dead.
Death had been conquered.  God was moving in
mysterious and powerful ways that disturbed
religiously powerful men.  They tried to cover
the truth with money and deception.  They tried
to lie to the world.

Over the years, I have worked with religious leaders
representing many different faith traditions.  Most
are devout, sincere, God fearing, honest, and holy
leaders.  Yet our religious institutions are fallible.
Sometimes the truth is subconsciously or deliberately
silenced and hidden in order to maintain the status
quo and please the financial donors.  Such was my
experience while studying evangelism during my Doctor
of Ministry program.  For an elective, I chose to
attend one of the famous Billy Graham schools of
evangelism.  During that week of intense study, I
was in conversation with a Graham employee about
the possibility of teaching an inclusive gospel,
which would welcome people of all sexual orientations.
He totally discouraged any further conversation with
the comment, "Our funders barely support our inclusion
of women at this school of evangelism.  We'd lose them
in a minute if we supported your proposed workshop!"

While religion can deepen our faith experiences, it
can also corrupt us.  God is bigger than all our
combined religions.  Religion can sometimes fail
us in our search for truth.  Well-intentioned
people have used religion to inflict deep suffering
on people who believe differently.  They have
demonized certain groups such as gays and lesbians,
crusaded against those whom they call infidels and
pagans, and burned books that offered different
outlooks on life.

Yet it must also be said that religious organizations
have done much good as they have fed the hungry, cared
for the destitute, provided for the orphan, and worked
for improving conditions for the impoverished.

Religious corruption is not new.  It is good to
question our religious authorities and our own
motives thoroughly.  Leaders and believers
representing all world religions are vulnerable.
Bribery, deception, and lies can affect all our
cherished religious institutions and leaders.

Perhaps it is enough to simply sit with the tension
of these verses and consider where we are in the
story.  Perhaps we too, have been tempted to lie,
deceive, bribe, and cover the truth somewhere in
our lives.  This is a wonderful opportunity for
personal reflection and confession of sin.  We need
these moments of soul care.  Each of us has an
enormous capacity for self-deception.

God, as I linger quietly in your loving presence,
speak to me about truth and deception, honesty and
bribery.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

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