Posts Tagged ‘Philippians 2:1-13’
On Worthwhile Questions & the Mind of Christ – Br. Keith Nelson
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Br. Keith Nelson
Preached at the Church of the Holy Comforter, Vienna, VA
Matthew 21:23-32
Philippians 2:1-13
In this morning’s passage from Matthew, we encounter Jesus posing a question. One of Jesus’ distinctive teaching methods is replying to a question with a question.
The chief priests and elders pose the question: “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23). By this point in Matthew’s narrative, it has become clear that this is not an authentic question, because they are not genuinely receptive to Jesus’ answer. So Jesus skillfully counters the question with a question of his own.
He asks: “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” (Matthew 21:25). Read More
Be a Blessing – Br. Luke Ditewig
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Br. Luke Ditewig
Genesis 12:1-9
Philippians 2:1-13
Today the last Sunday in the Season of Creation, celebrating with the Church ecumenical and concluding on Wednesday with St. Francis. Our theme this morning is bless. “God bless you” is a simple or serious request. When we bless with words, we ask for God’s provision, favor, kindness, goodness to be evident. To bless is to pray for others, to intercede and act on behalf of others. We pray not to inform God of needs but we Brothers speak of in our Rule of Life, to join God in loving solidarity which God uses “for healing and transformation.”[i] God is not dependent on us. God invites our loving action including prayer.
God instructed Moses and Aaron to say: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”[ii] When another’s face lights up at seeing ours, we feel loved. In other words: “May God be good to you and protect you. May God turn toward you. May God’s face light up at seeing you. May you feel the love and receive peace or wholeness.” Read More