Psalm - Beach Theology

Pastoral Prayer for Pentecost

God whose very breath gives us life, allow your Spirit to blow freely through this place. May we feel your mighty winds clearing away our disbelief, our reluctance, and our ambivalence leaving only the full knowledge that we are yours. We rejoice to be part of your amazing creation. May the winds and flames of Pentecost remind us of … Read More

A Prayer for the Innocents

by Rachael Keefe

God of all times and all places, we stand on the brink of a new year. Many of us harboring hopes for better days ahead. We want to leave the difficulties of 2013 behind and start new when that ball drops. Yet, we are probably not heeding Isaiah’s advice and recounting your gracious deeds and praiseworthy acts. It is by your mercy that we gather as the body of Christ. Open our eyes to all that you have done for us.

Just days ago, we welcomed you anew into our lives. We sang carols and lit candles in honor of the One whose light shines in our darkness. Many of us have already forgotten the promise of Christ. We’ve packed away our decorations and moved on, away from the vulnerability of the manger. We don’t want to think of the innocents slaughtered then… or now. The news reports of war, violence, and political unrest disturb us. We do not want to know about the children who have died in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Egypt and countless other places. You are the Prince of Peace who can guide our feet in the way of peace. Let us turn away no longer. Shine your light in us and through us that we might become the way of peace here and now.

Ever faithful God, you wait patiently for us to come to you. You hear our songs of praise and wait until the familiar words touch our hearts and transform our lives. You are not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters even when we hesitate to speak your name. That manger in Bethlehem was not meant just for the wise ones who come bearing gifts but also for those who show up with nothing more than a yearning for life. Our decisions about who you love and who is welcome in your sanctuary are meaningless. You came into the world to seek and to save the lost, even those of us who’ve gotten lost on the way to Bethlehem. In this Christmas season reveal to us the radical inclusion of your love. Show us how to open our doors wide enough to let all your children enter in.

You call us to trust in you but we often forget to rely on your grace. The echos of lamentation and weeping make us want to hide rather than step out boldly bearing witness to the light that cannot be overcome by any darkness. As we face this new year, we pray for courage, the courage of Joseph who trusted you more than we can comprehend… The courage of Mary who brought you into the world for us… Grant us the courage to tend the fire of new life given to us once again. May we comfort those who weep and walk with those who lament, carrying hope for those unable to carry it for themselves.

Holy One who reveals our humanity, we are grateful for your overwhelming love for us. We yearn to make this year a year when your name will be praised and proclaimed in our congregations. We want to walk with you on a path of peace, letting go of those things we no longer need, making room for those who might want to join us as we seek to serve you. Let this year be a time of transformation for us, for our neighbors, for strangers, and for all those innocents who have yet to walk through our doors. By your grace and mercy, may we, the body of Christ right now, be the agents of your hope, peace, joy, and love.

With grateful hearts we pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

RCL – Year A – First Sunday After Christmas – December 29, 2013
Isaiah 63:7-9 with
Psalm 148
Hebrews 2:10-18
Matthew 2:13-23

Out on a Limb

by Rachael Keefe

The story of Zacchaeus and his sycamore tree is fun and simple. If you grew up in church or have done time as a Vacation Bible School volunteer, then you have the “Zacchaeus was a wee little man” ditty in your head. However, there is more to the story.

Nobody can blame a short man for wanting to see over a crowd. He can’t even be faulted for climbing a tree to get a better look. I have this image of a pudgy (I don’t know why) little man sweating with the effort of climbing a tree. Then the look of embarrassed bewilderment when Jesus calls him back out of the tree. Zacchaeus then did all he could to show his faith. Jesus rewarded him with salvation.

The tricky part is not to get focused on the simple framework of the story. Sure, Zacchaeus was a tax collector and an outcast among devout Jews. Yes, Jesus went and ate with him which made people question what Jesus was up to with his blatant disregard for social rules. But it’s the tree and the climbing of it that captures my attention.

Zacchaeus went up a tree in order to get a closer look at Jesus. He didn’t have to; Jesus was right there on the ground, waiting to dine with him. Of course, he was probably the first and the last to do exactly that. Since then, people have climbed all sorts of “trees” in the name of getting better look at Jesus. There are those who climb trees of righteousness, knowledge, self-sacrifice, self-assurance and a variety of others with the intent of getting closer to Jesus. In reality, there’s just a whole lot of space between them and the ground where Jesus stands waiting.

It’s easy enough to identify what trees others are climbing. But what trees do you and I climb justifying our efforts in Jesus’s name? And are we willing to make the drop to the ground to actually live in the company of the one we seek?

Come now, let us argue it out,
   says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
   they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
   they shall become like wool.

RCL – Year C – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost – November 3, 2013
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 with Psalm 119:137-144 or
Isaiah 1:10-18 with Psalm 32:1-7
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10

Bidding Prayer based on Psalm 126

by Rachael Keefe

Come, let us unite in prayer for the church throughout the world. (silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns) God of creation who remains steadfast through our sorrows and our joys, we lift up to you the entire body of Christ in its many forms. Grant us the courage … Read More

Displaced People

by Rachael Keefe

Just this afternoon someone asked me, “Why church?” meaning why do I continue in ministry when there are other things I could be doing?

My answer to this is simple. The church saved my life during my teenage years. If it was not for the members of the church of my childhood and its clergy, I wouldn’t have made it to adulthood. I’m not kidding or exaggerating. I was missing a sense of belonging and value and the church gave it to me. I belonged there. I was valued there. It was many years before I had a sense of God’s love for me. But I knew the people of that church loved me and wanted me there.

My relationship with the church as an adult has been far more challenging.

With these thoughts lingering in my head, I looked again at this week’s lectionary readings. Jeremiah was asked to purchase land so that the people of Israel would be assured that there would always be a place for them. When the siege ended and the captives returned, they would have a place in which to begin again.

The psalmist reminds us that God is our shelter, a refuge and will rescue us from all sorts of disasters. We will be saved.

In the difficult passage from Luke’s Gospel, there is a warning against ignoring our identity as people of God. If we do not pay attention to what our faith teaches, will we be convinced if someone rises from the dead?

God had Jeremiah seal a covenant in an earthenware jar so that the people of Israel would have a place to call home. We have Christ! We are the vessel of Christ’s covenant, the promise that there will always be a place for God’s people. Why do we act as if there is no promise? No place to return to? to call home? to grow? to begin again?

There is something powerful in this image of the jar, a promise we hold.

RCL – Year C – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 29
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 with Psalm 91:1-6,14-16 or
Amos 6:1a, 4-7 with Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31

An Open Letter

by Rachael Keefe

Dear Followers of Christ and other interested parties;

It’s time we talk about the last taboo of the church. It doesn’t matter what denomination or stripe of Christianity you claim, there’s one topic we are all quite uncomfortable talking about. And it made the headlines of this week’s news. I’m not talking about gun control even though that is definitely a conversation worth having. No, I’m referring to mental illness. We need to talk about this or Jeremiah’s lament is going to continue to echo through the end of this millennium and into the next.

The heart of God breaks when innocents die violent deaths and we do nothing to prevent it from happening again. I do not doubt that God hurts for the poor people of God. By why is no one really looking for the balm in Gilead that will restore the health of the people? Sure, call your politicians and tell them how you feel about gun control, but don’t forget to call them to task for not attending to the despicable state of our mental health care system.

Mental illness is a disease, whatever the particular diagnosis. We are not ashamed to talk about heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Why are we ashamed to talk about bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or personality disorders? These are diseases that affect many people. No one asks to have them. They are not punishment for sins. Mental illness is not caused by demons, though it is certainly evil. Prayer will potentially bring healing but it is not a cure for any disease excepting those rare moments when a miracle happens.

So, I repeat: Mental illnesses are diseases, disorders of the brain. They have medical treatments that are often very effective when combined with other types of therapy. A faith community can be a vital support for those who live with mental illness.

The most recent mass shooting in Washington, D.C. happened because Aaron Alexis slipped through the cracks in the mental health system. This should not happen, ever. Not for someone like Aaron who had a history of gun violence nor anyone else who is experiencing a mental health crisis. This has to change. Lives are being lost at an alarming rate.

I truly believe that the heart of God breaks and Christ weeps over these innocents. We can do better than this. We can push for legislation that expands care for people experiencing a mental health crisis and the aftercare. If you don’t know what mental illness looks like or what the indications of a crisis are, find out. Mostly, though, Christians can find ways to welcome people who live with mental illness into our church communities. We can pray for the one who is suicidal, the one who is psychotic, the one who is depressed, the one who is manic and all those trying to navigate the world with an illness that can sometimes complicate and confuse simple things.

On the whole, we have not been faithful when it comes to mental illnesses. We have turned away or blamed the person living with the illness. It’s time for the faithful to step up to the proverbial plate and care for our neighbors who cannot care for themselves.

There is a balm in Gilead. It’s you and me advocating for justice and loving those society deems unlovable. To paraphrase, Gandhi – if we want the world to change, then we must be that change.

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.

RCL – Year C – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 22, 2013

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 with Psalm 79:1-9 or
Amos 8:4-7 with Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13

A Psalm for Syria

by Rachael Keefe

Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. It has particular poignancy as I read it today, knowing that there is a strong possibility that the United States will be more actively involved in Syria’s civil war by this time next week. Here is my take on the the psalm for this week.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me and those I would label as my enemies. You know when I sit down and when I get up; you know what I’m thinking even when I don’t. You know the people in Syria just as well as you know me.

You know how I spend my days and when I sleep even when I am anxious and restless. How anxious the people of Syria must be! I can sleep well at night and they await the next round of bombs and gun fire.

You, O Lord, know the words that will tumble out of my mouth. You would know them even if I lived in Syria.

Your love surrounds me and embraces is me. Your love surrounds Syrians, too. You hold them with the very same hands.

Even as I say these words, the greatness of your love is beyond my grasp and always will be.

Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?

No where. If all is well, you are there. If this country enters into more war, you are there.

In every corner of the universe, you are there, offering guidance and strength.

If war and violence blot out the light of hope, you are still there. There is no place, no situation, that can darken your love for me, for the people of Syria, for all people…

For it was you that created me just as you created all other people.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made as is the whole of humanity. The works of your hands are wonderful; I should pay more attention to your wonders, especially when I encounter them in another human being.

Nothing is hidden from you. You created me, shape me, and know the days of my life. This is true for all people, including those on whom this country may wage war. You behold everyone’s unformed substance and have hopes for all of us.

Your thoughts of love and peace are more than I can count. No matter where I am, you are still with me. No matter where any one person in Syria is, there you are also.

I really wish you would get rid of those who seek violence and spread hatred in your name, whichever name they know. It would be so much easier if you would just wipe out those who do evil things for their own gain. However, I suspect that you would prefer that we work these things out without more and more death.

I do not like those who act against your ways and I don’t like myself when I find merit in their actions. Anger and sadness stir within me when I think of what is happening in Syria, Afghanistan, and all the places where people are murdered for ethnic or religious reasons, or any reason, really.

Search me, O God, and know my heart. And search those who have the power to make decisions about war; reveal to them your heart.

Reveal to me any hatred that lies within me that I may change my ways. Lead us all in the way of peace.

RCL – Year C – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 8, 2013

Jeremiah 18:1-11 with Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 or
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 with Psalm 1 and
Philemon 1:1-21 and
Luke 14:25-33

Faith Questions

by Rachael Keefe

The benefit of six weeks of sick leave when recovering from surgery is that there is plenty of time to think. I have had many, many thoughts over the last several weeks and have kept most of them to myself. But this week’s scriptures deserve much time, attention, and prayer. Elijah was the last prophet … Read More

Reflections on Wisdom

by Rachael Keefe

Proverbs tells us that Wisdom was God’s first creation and that she was present and active during every other act of creation. She was God’s delight and delighted in humanity. I can’t help but wonder if this is still true.

The Psalm raises the question of why God would be mindful of human beings. Is it because Wisdom rejoices and delights in us?

Both of these touch something deep within me. Carl Jung suggested that Christianity would be better represented by a quaternity rather than a trinity. He suggested Satan be included in the Godhead, given the power of evil in the world. If we’re going to commit such heresy as messing with the Trinity, I’m not inclined to give Satan any more power. But I’d be all for a quaternity that included Sophia – the Wisdom of God. Maybe we would pay a little more attention to her…

So this week is a poem in her honor:

SOPHIA’S DAUGHTERS

By way of warning I must say
that I’ve been known to sit at Sophia’s feet -
the Goddess within the God -
the still, small voice in the dark of night
brings light to my path and
melody to my dance.

Hovering over creation waters
Wisdom gave birth to dry land.
Later she spoke the Word become flesh.
In between

She held Eve’s hand at the gates of Eden
Taught Sarah to laugh
and Miriam to dance.
She gave comfort to Hagar
and courage to Esther.

And one night she sat with Mary
who pondered a request
Sophia held her hand in those moments
between her yes and possible no.
Then they walked together for
nine months that spread beyond thirty years.

She danced with others, too -
a woman at a well who yearned
for living water
had the Wisdom to ask for a drink.

Another who poured out oil and tears
in search of life
found Wisdom on her knees
before the Word spoken aloud.

And let us not forget the other Mary –
the one of questionable means –
She danced with grace that only Sophia could grant -
demons cast out and
sins forgiven -
Compassion rooted in her soul; she found
hope in Wisdom’s child as her
eyes were opened.

There are others more numerous than those in the Book -
Daughters of Sophia — I am one, perhaps you as well…

Eyes wide with wonder I see her:
forgotten Goddess swallowed in
memory of the God.

Lest we forget,
She holds the world in her hands
By her light we see
By her guidance we live -
at least we try…

You need not agree;
just remember I sit at Sophia’s feet
and listen for a voice seldom heard…

Sophia on Star Island – Oil on Canvas

RCL – Trinity Sunday – First Sunday after Pentecost – May 26, 2013

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-3
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15

More Than A Prayer

by Rachael Keefe

I wanted to write a prayer for this week’s post. I even tried to write a prayer, but I couldn’t. It would be too easy for me to write a poetic prayer that generalized the issues shouting at me from this week’s news. What I see is in jarring opposition to what the lectionary texts proclaim.

I won’t say much more about the NPR article that talks of an increase in adult suicide because I’ve said enough already. But it raised the issue of hopelessness that has pursued me through the week. And after seeing Ironman 3, I am struck by how desperate we are for heroes, for hope, for something stronger than we are that can save us from all danger. On the contrary, Psalm 97 speaks of a God who guards the faithful and rescues them from the wicked. While the language of this Psalm might be a bit outdated, surely there is something here that is relevant and alive today. This God is not absent from the earth unless we all fail to live in God.

Next there is the remarkable story about the three kidnapped women in Cleveland, OH. There is something of the Acts story of release here. It is rather miraculous that a man would break down his neighbor’s door to free a woman screaming for help. We all know stories in which people just stood by and watch violence happen. We will never know how many others walked by as Amanda screamed for help. But a few days ago Charles Ramsey did the unexpected and set three women free. He denies being a hero. Others have pointed out his unfortunate past. However, the moment he set Amanda Berry free, he became a real hero, someone to be admired. What does it matter what he’s done in his past? The Apostle Paul saved a jailer who had done some horrible things and the jailer only witnessed a miracle rather than take part in it.

On a slightly different note, I do have to wonder at the response to Jodi Arias’ conviction. One article said, “Outside the courthouse, crowds cheered.” I understand the need for justice. The woman murdered her lover. She should pay the price. I understand neither the crowds nor the cheers. It adds to my sense that society is desperate to feel safe. Obviously, the day has not yet come when all who are thirsty are free to drink.

Coming full circle, I saw this Coffee with Jesus strip this morning.

It’s perfect for this lectionary reading. It speaks to our need to have hope, feel safe, be loved. It succinctly points at the essence of the Gospel. We live in Christ. Christ lives in us. We worship an indwelling God. There is no need for superheroes or criticizing people who manage to selflessly do the right thing or cheering when a murderer is convicted. Bad things will happen but we will not be alone. We will rejoice with all those who are righteous. We will not celebrate the pain of others.

Finally, I know it’s Mother’s Day. So let’s honor all those who have nurtured us, who have shared their faith with us, who have inspired us to live with courage by shaking the dust off our faith and living in gratitude. If we each do this there is more room for God to dwell, more possibility for hope, joy, and peace.

RCL – Year C – Seventh Sunday of Easter – May 12, 2013

Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
John 17:20-26

Pastoral Prayer for Pentecost

A Prayer for the Innocents

Out on a Limb

Bidding Prayer based on Psalm 126

Displaced People

An Open Letter

A Psalm for Syria

Faith Questions

Reflections on Wisdom

More Than A Prayer

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