Every Saturday AM
June 5th – August 28th
T-Street Beach
7:30 AM
(in front of the picnic tables)

Please tell a few friends about this ministry, and we’ll see you there!

Surfin’ Scripture Pics - 2008-08-30

Well, we had anothr great year of scriptures this summer at the beach. I want to say “thanks” to all that participated, particularly those in the team who happily helped out with hospitality and facilitation each week.

This week’s scriptures really speak to our thinking on a different “plane”…

Mt 16:21-27

²¹ From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

²² Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

²³ He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

²⁵ For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

²⁶ What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

²⁷ For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.

Surfin’ Scripture Pics - 2008-08-23

(Pics courtesy of Dennis Pijor)

All summer long, the gospel readings have been building on “faith” as a central theme and our response to it. Here, Jesus asks Peter who he thought the Messiah was in light of the background noise who everybody else thought he was. It’s a good reminder to us to continue to search for God in our faith, and what God means to us. ‘Cause you never know: you might get handed the keys to something you never really expected….

¹³ When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

¹⁸ And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

¹⁹ I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

²⁰ Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

Surfin’ Scripture Pics - 2008-08-16

There are two challenges going on here:

1. Jesus places this Canaanite woman in front of the disciples to provide them an opportunity think of someone else but themselves.
2. Jesus rebuts the woman’s initial plea. But because of her faith in the Lord, he rewards her.

The word that comes to mind is “advocate”… Jesus wants us to advocate not only for ourselves, but for especially those who cannot do it for themselves. He wants us to be like him, the supreme Advocate.

Mt 15:21-28

²¹Then Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

²² And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

²³ But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”

²⁴ He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

²⁵ But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”

²⁶ He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children 11 and throw it to the dogs.”

²⁷ She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

²⁸ Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! 12 Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Surfin’ Scripture Pics – 2008-08-09

(Pics courtesy of Dennis Pijor)

If you’re Peter in this scripture below, do you use the boat as a saftey net or a launch pad for your faith?

Mt 14:22-33

²² After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

²³ After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.

²⁴ Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

²⁵ During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea.

²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.

²⁷ At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸ Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

³⁰ But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

³² After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

³³ Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Surfin' Scripture Pics - 2008-08-02

Click for: Pics, All Readings

The gospel of Matthew 14:13-21 is such a wonderful scripture. There are so many elements to this that make it rich for your contemplation:

1. Jesus being sad by the death of his cousin John The Baptist
2. Jesus withdraws in personal reflection in John’s death
3. Seeing the crowds, Jesus—showing his divinity—put others above his own remorse, and cured the sick
4. Concerning the “evening meal”, Jesus rebukes his disciples by telling them to “feed them yourselves”, but is refering to His spiritual meal
5. Disciples say they have only so much food; how can that feed so many people?
6. Jesus demonstrates how faith in Him can overcome adversity, and creates enough food to “satisfy”
7. Jesus breaking the bread with a prayer is the Eucharist rite
8. Jesus is the bread; with him, he can spritually “satisy” all

Take a break from reading this; pray on one of these points.

Click for: Pics, All Readings
(Pics courtesy of Dennis Pijor)

In this week’s gospel (Mt 13:44-52), Jesus continues with his teaching parables describing what The Kingdom of Heaven might be, and what one must do to enter it. In the first parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a treasure someone finds in a field, then reburies it, and goes and sells all that he has in order to buy it. In another parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a merchant looking for fine pearls. Lastly, Jesus shows us that at some point, like the “wheat” or “seeds” in the previous parables, there will be an advent, and those will be separated who are deserving, and those that aren’t. At the end, Jesus asks his disciples for confirmation that they understand this, and tells them that this is part of the New Covenant that he brings.

What I find the most interesting in this gospel is Jesus’ use of the “pearl” as his object of value. Why didn’t Jesus speak of gold, or diamonds, or something abstract like “love”, for instance? The creation of a pearl starts off as an intrusion of sand into an oyster, and is an irritant to the well-being of that creature. Over time, the oyster secrets calcium carbonate to surround this potentially harmful evil, and ultimately this pearl is sought after and considered valuable. I think that this intrusion of sand represents the evil that sometimes gets into us, and that Jesus ultimately is looking for us to do our very best to contain that evil and ultimately make something out of the adversity it causes us.

Note: this week’s attendance to the gathering was phenomenal. We had 32 people in attendence! Thank you all who continue to share in this beautiful ministry!

Building on last week’s gospel, Jesus continues to speak in parables and then explain them to the disciples. In today’s gospel, Jesuse discusses three parables:

1. Jesus indicates that “good” seed was sown and, essentially, while no one was looking, the “enemy” came and sowed weeds within the wheat. He goes on to say that we shouldn’t be too quick to uproot the weeds because it could take the wheat with it. Let it mature—”give it a chance”—to show itself as a true weed. Then, gather them all into a bundle burning and the wheat into God’s barn.
    
2. Jesus next disucsses the effects of the mustard seed—a very tiny, tiny seed—that ultimately grows into an extremely large plant. Through His parable, Jesus shows us that even the tiniest acts can have consequences as a catalyst for a series of divinely, interconnected events.
    
3. Jesus lastly discusses the woman who added yeast to her bread in order for it to be leavened, or “rise”. Our good works and patience to see God’s process unfold in front of our eyes is the point. We can also assume that Jesus—as the Bread—will be more fulfilled if we act in the way He wants us to.

The conclusion of this gospel explains each parable, and all the while points to the End of Days where you’re either going to God’s Kingdom, or you’re going to Hell. As sinners, we need to keep this in mind and not forget that we are the mustard seeds to affect change, good or bad.

Now that the group is growing (22 people last week), we are definitely getting a robust conversation about the gospels going. In this week’s gospel, Jesus tells a crowd about faith. But he does so in parables. When asked by the disciples why he explains it in parables, he tells them that only the faithful should understand. Then, Jesus gives the disciples (and us) an explanation of the parables.

The parable of the Seed and the Soil is what is discussed. The passage is quite long, so I recommend reading it here. But, in reflection, what kind of seed are you? Are you the early stuff that basically yields no fruit, but readies the ground for the fruit-bearing seed? What kind of soil are you? Are you of one type only, or a mixture? Are there events or circumstances that allow you to change or mix your “soil”?

In today’s reflection, Jesus reminds us to be humble. Having just reproached a number of people in the towns where there was no repentance after his miracles, He makes it very clear that no matter how “learned” you become in the faith… unless you embrace the faith like “a little one” (see Matthew 18), where the child is held up as a model for us as disciples (to be innocent of heart and be dependent on your parents)… so must we be in respect to the Lord:

Mt 11:25-30

²⁵ At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.

²⁶ Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.

²⁷ All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

The surf was really fun again, and we’re starting to see more (new) faces! Everyone seems to like the format and indicates a greater connection to the Word during the Sunday mass. Hope to see you out next week! 

Click for: Pics, All Readings

The group is growing again now that the word is getting out. The waves didn’t disappoint either… it appears another swell is hitting! I love summer!

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus asks who he is. Peter is the first to acknowledge Jesus as Lord:

Mt 16:13-19

¹³ When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

¹⁸ And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

¹⁹ I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Once Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, Jesus immediately deputes him in charge of his Church. What’s interesting is there seems to be a discussion among the group about who Jesus is. Given Peter’s personality in all the Gospels, I can just imagine everyone somewhat discussing/arguing about Jesus, and Peter just off the top of his head—not really knowing what he was saying—that Jesus is the Christ. It almost seems grammatically incorrect to have Peter say that declaritively; it sounds like an uncertain student answering his teacher: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God?”

I think that illustrates that we must be mindful—and certain—of what we state about our Lord. Oftentimes when we look for signs, we petition our Father: “Lord, I feel a call to ministry. At the first sign of this, I will do whatever is your will.” So we must be vigilant and ready for whatever God throws our way.

One could almost parody this event when Peter softly says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus, already knowing his answer, surprises Peter—almost like a gameshow host with a suit and tall skinny microphone—saying, “YOOUUUURRRRRRRRRRR–RIGHT, Peter! You answered correctly! And, your prize behind Door #2 is… THE-KEEEEEEYYYYYSSSSS-TO-THE-KKKKIIIIINGDOM!”

(Play audience sounds and clapping)

While I know this is a significant event, I’m only illustrating Peter’s ability to go with the flow and be open to the Lord’s call, whether he knew what he was getting into… or not!

NOTE: This Sunday is the celebration of the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul. While this week’s Gospel is about Peter, we should call to mind—especially in light of this year’s St. Paul Jubilee Celebration (St. Paul site)—the wonderous acts and effort from St. Paul. Without him, the Church would not likely exist as it does today.

Click for: Pics, Discussion Notes, All Readings

Wow, it’s been a long winter! I can’t tell you how many times I personally thought of Surfin’ Scripture during the cold and dank months. (Others said the same thing.) But we started off with the most amazing summer day one could ask for: bright, early sunrise; humid “Hawaii” weather, warm water, and pretty big waves… well at least compared to the flat spell we had last summer!

The scripture reflection was very nice. In our gathering, we discussed part of Matthew 10′s commissioning of the disciples. In it, we’re told to live the Gospel and not worry about what might happen. In a very poetic way, Matthew tells us that we can worry about the day-to-day transactions, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. After all, God knows everything that goes on in the world, right down to the numbers of hairs on our heads.

Jesus said to the Twelve:

²⁶ “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.

²⁷ What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

²⁸ And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.

³⁰ Even all the hairs of your head are counted.

³¹ So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

³² Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.

³³ But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

The question becomes, are we making God a priority and living the Gospel the way Jesus commissioned His Twelve? Are we afraid to yell from the housetops what we believe to be True? A great insight came up in that one may think they are proclaiming the Good News. But, when it’s around like-minded people—or in an area that is tolerant toward the message—the point is likely missed. What about our Chaldean brethren in Iraq where they get murdered in the public streets for simply believing in Christ? That’s likely the environment the disciples were in, and certainly not like that here in the States. I think it shows we have a lot of discerning to do to actualize our good intentions in a way that is consistent with this scripture.

†

Here’s the format…

1. Get there a little on the early-side, enjoy some hospitality (donuts, coffee, fruit, etc) and fellowship
2. Opening prayer
3. Facilitator reads this Sunday’s gospel reading, re-reads if applicable
4. Faciliator fosters a discussion: what’s going on in the reading, what does it mean to you, and what does Jesus want us to learn (not always in that order!)
5. Any announcements
6. Close with a prayer

Then at that point, a number of us go surfing. Kids and boogie boards are welcome, as long as they are supervised. OR, IF YOU DON’T SURF… talk with friends, take a walk, or just enjoy the morning at the beach… it’s totally up to you!

In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus is asked if only “a few” will be saved. His answer is loaded with allusions, examples, and warnings that we—as modern-day Gentiles—have the advantage of much time elapsed for greater understanding of his answer…

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
His ministry is on the way to the epicenter of Mosaic Law, that all the “chosen ones”… will be saved. (Foreshadowing; this is what carries the point at the end of this passage of first-last, last-first.)

Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
Notice that the person asking isn’t a named apostle, inn keeper, merchant, etc. The person who is asking is unknown… a ”someone”. That someone could just have been any one of us. This question, by no coincidence, addresses the core of our eschatological hope.

He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
The “narrow gate” is a call to the Christian way of life and that much effort is required in order to gain entrance to God’s kingdom and glory.

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
For what Jesus is saying about living the Christian way of life… once end of days is upon us, and the Lord has brought all of his chosen ones into His kingdom… that’s it. There will be no second chances.

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
Jesus is alluding to Jewish “chosen” prophets to exemplify that even the chosen ones of the old way will not simply “get a pass”… that everyone must conform to the New Way.

And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”
This is clearly a reference to parousia when trumpets sound, and all those who come from the four parts of the world. This is also forward-looking in that the Gentiles, who will inherit the Holy Spirit, will displace those who were previously thought to have been guaranteed places at the table of the kingdom.

†

The gospel this week was a little confusing. Jesus is talking about setting the earth on fire and being baptized and creating division among family members. What’s going on!? This doesn’t sound like the loving LORD that we’ve come to know…. what gives?

Here’s a breakdown:

• “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! “ — Fire is often symbolic of the Holy Spirit. If you look at Acts 2, this is generally acknowledged as when we received the Holy Spirit, preparing us to proclaim the new covenant.
   

• “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” – Fire also represents purification. But given that Jesus was already baptized by John the Baptist by this time, He is telling us that his work will not be complete until he is cruxified. In Colossians 2, Paul describes this well: through baptism we all died with Christ, but we’ve been raised from the dead through faith in the power of God.
   

• “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” — Not until Judgment day will there be universal peace. If all is subjected “beneath His feet”, including death, then Jesus assures us there will always be conflict from the proclaimation of the truth.
   

• From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” — In presenting the conflict on a familial level, Jesus makes the point that what he’s bringing to the world will, in fact, divide families. What comes to mind is the US Civil War where brothers, cousins, fathers, sons, etc fought one another. What Jesus is bringing is his new covenant, and the same type of thing will happen between Gentiles and Jews.

†

This week’s gospel is a somewhat sobering one. In the beginning of Luke’s account, Jesus says to his disciples: “Good news: you’re about to inherit God’s kingdom!” But so it seems without caveat.

In talking about the Second Coming, Jesus advises his disciples to “gird their loins”… an ancient saying for readying oneself. While no one has any idea what Jesus is talking about, he speaks to them in being ready anyway—a testiment of faith. While there was an expectation that this Second Coming would be soon, Jesus through Matthew describes that no one but the Father will ever know. And so stay vigilant.

As Peter questions whether or not this Second Coming is for just them or for everyone… this is where it gets sobering. By using the metaphor of a master beging away from his home—and the stewards acting like the house they serve is theirs—Jesus indicates that everyone will be judged, no matter what “level” of the house they belong. Jesus further indicates that those who willfully deny Jesus will be “beaten” severly, and those that don’t know Jesus—and deny him—will still be beaten, only lightly. This “beating”—or judgment—will happen to literally everyone, not just the disciples.

As an aside, the group had an enlightening conversation about The Rapture, what it meant to each person, and what this “judgment” might be like using Memling’s visual (see link above).

Furthermore, Jesus concludes by saying that those with “much” will be judged accordingly—a consistent standard. Building on last week’s gospel of “bigger barns” to store one’s spiritual good deeds… doesn’t mean that you still get a “pass”:

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Vigilantly yours.

†

Surfin’ Scripture gets better each week. The waves have been really poor this entire summer, but the quality of the discussions has been “firing” lately, to use a surfing analogy. This is a new ministry for our group of parishioners, so everyone has been patient with the evolution of our format.

This week’s discussion focused on God’s reminder that the riches on earth pale in comparison to the Lord’s riches in heaven. In the gospel, a sibling asks Jesus if he can force his brother to share the inheritance left to them. Jesus responds by saying “who am I to be your judge and arbitrator?” Also, he leaves the group of people with an interesting parable about hoarding “your stuff”—that at some point he “will demand your life” and then what? What good does all that stuff do if you’re not around for it?

What’s interesting is the brother in the beginning of the gospel uses the term “teacher” to pose his question. As with other gospels, whenever “teacher” is invoked, Jesus is about to impart great wisdom. While acknowledging the obvious—about not placing importance on your stuff… but in God—there is another way to view this teaching. Any time wealth and prosperity is discussed, there is an opportunity to unearth the possibility that Jesus is referring to spiritual wealth and prosperity. If you add this idea to the context of His gospel, you have a different teaching:

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the (spiritual) 
inheritance with me.”
He replied to him,
“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator
(of your spiritual inheritance) ?”
Then he said to the crowd,
“Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be (spiritually) rich,
one’s life does not consist of (spiritual) possessions.”
Then he told them a parable.
“There was a (spiritually) rich man whose land (life) 
produced a bountiful harvest.
He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,
for I do not have space to store my (spiritual) harvest?’
And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:
I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.
There I shall store all my grain and other goods (good deeds) 
and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,
you have so many good things (good deeds) stored up for
many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’
(Just kick back, and don’t worry) 
But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
(I can take your life any time) 
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for all who store up (spiritual) treasure for
themselves but are not (spiritually) rich in what matters to God.” 

With the inclusion of this idea, it becomes obvious that the Lord is asking us to serve. What good will bogarting your good deeds—your spirituality—if they don’t serve the Lord? Does it earn you extra credit with God? So in a way, by making your spiritual barns bigger, one can get complacent and not do God’s will. How you allow Jesus to share his spiritual inheritance is up to you.

†

This morning was beautiful! Given that the last few weeks of Surfin’ Scripture have been overcast… the sun was a welcome sight! The waves looked small on the web cam, but in person, it looked fun and bigger than what was showing on the net. One of these days, we’ll get a solid swell!

The gospel this week was a great one. It’s Luke’s version of Jesus teaching us how to pray. But it’s not just the “Our Father” that he tells us; it’s also the persistence of prayer along with the outcome of prayer.

Aside: There are many writings about the differences between Luke and Matthew’s version of The Lord’s Prayer. Scholars say that Luke’s version was probably most like His actual words where Matthew’s is the standard liturgical version. There’s also an interesting difference in the way our Reformist brethren say this prayer, by including the doxology of “For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory are Yours, now and forever…” to the prayer. Here’s an interesting history of this embolism to the scriptural writings.

After Jesus tells his disciples how to pray, he gives an example of leaning on a friend to help another friend. The reply of “our doors are locked and the family is asleep” seems insensitive, but one has to remember that it was a big deal in those days to have everything locked up for the night. Usually, there was one central room, and if someone was to answer the door, then it would’ve definitely inconvenienced the whole family. (Thank you for that great insight, Monica!) 

But Jesus says to be persistent in our asking for help—not just with one another, but through him. In the third stanza, he follows that up with one of his most famous teachings:

Ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you

Here, he rhetorically asks if a father would “give his son a snake” or give him a “scorpion” when he seeks a “fish” or an “egg”. The symbolism here speaks to the Holy Spirit and the forces that we battle against in our daily lives. The snake is obviously a reference to Satan in Genesis; the scorpion a metaphor for betrayal. (I like this metaphor because I can picture confronting a scorpion, and its stinger coming over the top to “getchya”.) This is in contrast to a “fish”, which in John 21, the point is made that we are God’s creatures swimming in the waters of baptism and life. The “egg” also represents our fragility and vulnerability needed to receive the Lord, especially after the Lord opens the door for us.

Special thanks to Randy Parrick for the hospitality, and the Malts for their pics!

†

This week’s gathering was quite fun. They waves were good, but small. So it was perfect for teaching the kids and newcomers the ropes about surfing.

The gospel this week was quite pertinent, especially for today’s “rush, rush” society. The theme of “serving” was laid out in all readings as “Is it all about serving? Or, is there more than just that?”

In the Old Testiment reading, Abraham is greeted by three visitors who appear from the LORD. In true desert herder fashion, Abraham pulls out all the stops and doesn’t relax until they are comfortable. In one sense, Abraham is being polite to their faces and being as congenial as possible. Then, it’s offset with his attitude toward his wife, Sarah: “Hurry up and make this food that I’m serving.” Not exactly respectful to his wife. Then, after preparing a choice steer, breads, etc… Abraham presents a nice spread and makes his visitors happy. As he’s waiting on them, one of the three says “Where’s your wife Sarah?” And Abraham answers almost as if “Over in the tent… why would you ask?”—almost indicating insignificance to her role as supporter of his serving. Then the visitor says “I’ll be back next year and she’ll have a child.”

An aside: the Christian apologist Justin had a dialog with Jewish conversation partner Trypho about the significance of the “three” who appeared to Abraham. Justin contents, and Trypho concedes, that it was Christ and two angels appeared to Abraham.

In the gospel, Mary and Martha are with Jesus: Mary is at Jesus’ feet listening to what he has to say, and Martha is busy “fussing” to physically serve the LORD. Martha almost “tattles” on Mary: “Lord, aren’t you going to make her serve you like me?” To which Jesus admonishes Martha by saying “she’s picked the better way to serve”… to have context to the action of physically serving.

Good stuff. As it says in the second Corinthians… God wants a cheerful giver. This is further manifested through St. Paul’s letter this week where he states that God’s wisdom is shared—not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles, his “holy ones”. God’s wisdom is not only shared for those whom he’s teaching, but those whom he’s also admonishing.

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Boy, the waves were sure lacking at this week’s Surfin’ Scripture. After five of these meetings, I think we need to start praying for surf! 

Even though the waves were small, the group pretty much had the same idea: just come and listen to the gospel, discuss, and have fellowship. Special thanks to Mike Chapman for bringing the coffee and donuts to keep us awake and motivated at 7AM!

David Malt lead this week’s reflection on the Good Samaritan. This is a pretty well-known scripture, but somehow we drew out more from it than anticipated. (Seems it always works this way….) In the gospel, a Jewish scholar tests Jesus about inheriting eternal life. He answers the question with a question, to which the scholar answers correctly to Jesus’ satisfaction. But of course those who test Jesus are never satisfied, and so the scholar pushes further: “And who is my neighbor?” Couple that along with the word “teacher” and you sense this undercurrent of mocking that started well before the Lord’s Passion.

An aside: Jews typically called Jesus “rabbi”, which meant “teacher”. Those who came to follow Jesus referred to him as Lord. The difference between “teacher” and Lord is most poignant in Matthew 26:22-25 when Judas betrays him.

In answering the “neighbor” question, Jesus puts out a scenario in which three people pass by a robbed and beaten bystander. The Samaritan, whom the Jews did not get a long with and considered a lower class, demonstrates mercy and does whatever it takes to help this bystander. The fact that both a Jewish priest and Levite pass him over, and a “dirty” Samaritan, whose city was constantly beseiged and not considered holy…. helps this bystander—is a lesson to consider. This also has forward-Testiment implications of not following Mosaic law. The act of Peter baptising the Gentiles, and through the Holy Spirit, deeming them worthy to receive the Lord… is much along the same lines of not needing to be Jewish first in order to receive grace.

The Good Samaritan is a scripture unto the second half of His commandment to us: love thy neighbor as thy love thyself. If there’s an earthquake, and your neighbor needs help… most people feel compelled to help one another and really step-it-up during dire times. However, what if your neighbor has a dog that barks all the time? Or is loud and keeps you up at night? Those kinds of things make it more difficult to love thy neighbor, and turn the other cheek. The Good Samaritan lesson not only applies to doing good things for people, but also to tolerate the bad and still help out in spite of the inconvenience or imposition it causes you.

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This week’s reflection was particularly great. We had the biggest turn-out yet: 15 people! Not bad for a word-of-mouth, small church community…

The waves were the best yet since we started this group. It was about 3′ to 5′ with the water at about 75 degrees. It was glassy, slightly offshore and not terribly crowded. One bummer that happened: a small finger cut was caused by the rocks inside. I guess the sand levels aren’t covering them up quite yet this summer.

This week’s reading was the continuation of last week’s Let The Dead Bury The Dead. In this week’s scripture, Jesus’ call to discipleship is put into action by calling the seventy[-two]. Depending on which bible text you subscribe… this number is significant. Just the way “12″ apostles is representative of the 12 tribes of Israel, the Caesarian (Eastern Church) texts say seventy is representative of the 70 elders given to Moses to help him bear the load. Some of the other Alexandrian and Western texts say 72 represents the descendants of Noah who populated the earth after the flood. This is significant because it speaks to the diversity of belief rather than the homogenious manner of the “seventy”. In the Genesis view, each group of descendants were farmers, mariners, hunters… with different languages… different cities… much more along the lines of New Testiment openness—particularly toward Gentiles. I tend to believe it’s 72 myself. This gospel also says “pairs”; and in alternate translations of this same scripture, it says “two-by-two”, which, to me is clearly a Noah reference.

Regardless, either reference is an allusion to helping Jesus bare the load of bringing the Good News in advance of His coming. The reference to “The havest is abundant, but the laborers few…” and “I’m sending you like lamb among wolves” speaks to the same difficulties each group had (Old and New Testiments) in doing God’s will.

An aside: in studying this “72″ number, I came across someone’s notes that any time Jesus refers to his covenant, he refers to a “harvest” when talking about Jews, and “sowing” when refering to the Gentiles. An interesting distinction, I think.

As the gospel proceeds, Jesus instructions are clear: spread the word that “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you” … essentially, “Don’t worry about what you have, take whatever food and shelter is available to you, and challenge those who are clearly against you.” That can be a difficult thing to do. How many of us face our fears or avoid the conflict?

As the 72 return, they are rejoicing. It would seem they did good work, and are happy to report this to the Lord. But the last sentence seems to be a pretty clear reminder about humility: “Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

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What a wonderful morning! As we enter July, we see the June gloom slowly fading away each morning. Even though we’ve had little surf over the last 2 1/2 weeks, there seemed to be a bit more out there this time. Hopefully, we’ll start seeing some real waves soon so this gets kicked into full gear!

This week we missed a few, but were joined by some new and returning folks. The addition of family members visiting from out of state was a blessing. Mike Chapman did a great job facilitating the discussion today, and special thanks to Randy for bringing coffee, bagels, and fruit.

The readings this week were somewhat complicated, contradictory, and confusing at times in light of other scriptures. However, when taken with the theme of this week—God making a “covenent” with us—it seems to make more sense.

Basically, in the first reading, God is telling Elijah to find a successor prophet. He locates Elisha, and allows him to say “farewell” to his family. Given the Jewish traditions of filial obligation, this seems consistent with Old Testiment tradition. However, in the gospel reading, Jesus challenges those who are interested in following him… to live a “new way”.

Of course, nobody knows what this “new way” is yet, but Jesus alludes to “not having a place to rest his head”, “the dead burying the dead”, and “not to look behind”. When reading these directives, it’s important to realize—through his literal description—the giant metaphor of “leaving the old way behind.” Burying the dead is in reference to spirituality, not a funeral. Not having a place to “rest his head” is a Nativity reference. Literally where and why He was born into this world—is the challenge to a wannabe follower: “Are you ready to lead a life where there’s a home for the bad and the good, but not one for the Son of Man?”… might be an alternate way to say the same thing. And “looks to what was left behind” ties nicely back with Elisha’s Old Testament “plowing” by not looking back on the old way… but to plow forward with a new covenant.

Lastly, St. Paul’s letter clarifies the differences in the way Elijah handled problems versus how Jesus did. The reference to “love one another” is directly tied into the “call down fire” reference when Elijah used this power to thwart the Samarian soldiers. So when Jesus rebukes James and John, this is foreshadowing the Last Supper where the New Covenant is explained to them.

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Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! There was noticeable onshore wind this Saturday to make our morning together chilly. But the people, once again, made it fun and spirited!

This week David Malt facilitated our discussion of John the Baptist’s birth, which David did an excellent job. John’s father Zechariah, who regained his ability to speak once he declared the name “John”, was an interesting conversation. How many times have we been “silenced”, whether figuratively or literally, until we do the right thing? Also, the idea that many of the conceptions and nativities in the Bible seem to strike the recipients dumb, incredulous, or challenged—that the recipients ask “How will I know?” Utlimately, this scripture is a prime example of “you’ll know when you know”.

Certainly, John the Baptist was one of the quintessential “humble servants” who prepared those for Jesus. Many thought John was the savior himself, but he rebuked them saying he would not be worthy to “unfasten the sandals” of Jesus’ feet. We all agreed it was a good model of humility toward serving others even when people think you’re “important.”

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The first meeting was tremendous. With an expectation of having just a couple of the team launch this, we had 8 people come hear the Word, eat donuts, drink coffee, and catch some waves! Of course, it was a lot of fun…

This week’s gospel was pretty straight-forward; some great insights were brought up, particularly Jesus’ commandment to us: love him, and love one another. That really put the whole context of “rules” and “laws” into place—particularly in a Mosaic way—which is what this week’s message was all about: the new covenant.

Contrary to some who think surfers are “stoners” and “still live with their moms”… this was quite an astute group with people of all backgrounds. So, the consensus is to keep doing this each week. The feedback so far has been:

• “What a great way to start Saturday morning….”
• “I actually have a reason to get down here (the beach) now and get in the water…”
• “Great fellowship. I can tell this is gonna be a fun group of people…”
• “I stopped by a garage sale and bought a boogie board for my daughter so she can do this with me.”

(To the last point: those that want to bring their kids… please do. But be advised that you are responsible for them.) 

I addition, we had some non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian folks join us… they are always welcome since the Word is probably one of the best ways to develop ecumenism.

After all, we’re all children of God. 

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