“St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata” by Jan van Eyck (1430-1432), Philadelphia Museum of Art
On this Easter morning, I would like to share with you another message from Peter Hileman, Esq., Executive Director of Christian Clinics of Philadelphia. You can find more information about Christian legal aid under that heading, above.
“I feel moved to give you a report, and am tearing up as I write this. I’m feeling the pain of the clients I met with last night. Their life is so hard. Most have suffered so much loss and grief and bear heavy burdens…
[One] man whose will I’m going to write is…unemployed, has no wife, or children, or house or car…He had no discernible assets yet wanted to leave…[donations] to three charities and his…[few belongings] to a friend…I told him I would write his will as if he had a million dollars.
…I asked him if he had ever been to church. He had, as a child, but had been burned by Christians many times.
I asked him if he was willing to give Jesus a second chance and told him the difference Jesus had made in my life, and that I just tried to follow him. Easy for me to say, I thought. My words seemed so ineffective and I prayed : ‘Lord, help me here.’ It helped that many of you had told me you were praying…
I thought I was getting nowhere and yet, I find out…[that he completed] our new follow-up card asking that someone contact him about spiritual matters or church.
So who knows, maybe our conversation was a turning point for him. In [CLCP’s] new video, our voice over…says: ‘Only those who have hope, can offer help to those who are stricken’…”
We Christians talk often about God placing a “burden” on our hearts for one purpose or another. That term is overused, but it is the right one. God has a burden on His heart for the poor and broken. We should, as well.
I am reminded of the stigmata St. Francis of Assisi received – wounds on the hands, feet, and side mirroring the crucifixion wounds of Christ.
As our hearts more closely mirror God’s, our pain at the pain of others will deepen. When it becomes unbearable, we can always lay it at the foot of the cross.
“Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble” (Ps. 41: 1).
Father, as we celebrate the Resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, place a burden on our hearts for the poor and forgotten. Remind us that He died for them, also.
Give us Your heart that we may do Your work, in this broken world.
We ask this in Jesus’ Name.
Amen
Please, pray for Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia http://www.clcphila.org, the clients it serves, and Pete, himself. Donations to the clinic are always welcome.
HAPPY EASTER!
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
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“The Deposition” a/k/a “Florence Pieta” or “Pieta Bandini” by Michelangelo (1547-1555), Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Photo by Marie-Lan Nguyen (Copyright Marie-Lan Nguyen/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 2.5)
“Many believe – and I believe – that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put my hope in Him.”
– Michelangelo
The great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo, sculpted “The Deposition” or “Florence Pieta” late in life. We see Christ lowered by Nicodemus from the cross into the arms of His waiting mother. The sculpture is in sharp contrast with the more well-known “Pieta” at St. Peter’s Basilica whose perfection first established Michelangelo’s reputation.
Dissatisfied with “The Deposition”, Michelangelo attempted to destroy it after some eight years of effort. A novice sculptor was later hired to restore the piece. It is said the face of Nicodemus is Michelangelo’s own.
As Christians, we can sometimes feel battered. One struggle follows another. We are slandered and misunderstood; begin to accumulate scars.
The further along we go in life, the greater the challenges and the less clear their outcome. Weren’t we promised a mountaintop? Don’t we deserve a rest? Read more…
“The Arrest of Christ (Kiss of Judas)”, No. 15 of 31 Scenes from the Life of Christ by Giotto (1304-1306), Location Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy, Source http://geoffwren.blogs.com/photos/museum/kiss_of_judas.html (PD-Art; PD-old-100)
According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin for thirty pieces of silver. The name “Judas” has been synonymous with betrayal, ever since.
Many have pondered Judas’ motivation.
There is a suggestion in Scripture that Judas had a weakness for money (John 12: 4-6). Some propose, therefore, that Judas’ motive was monetary.
Others surmise that Judas was a zealot, so that his motive was political. According to this line of thought, Judas either betrayed Jesus because of the Lord’s failure to liberate Israel militarily or betrayed Him in an effort to provoke rebellion at Jesus’ arrest. Such reasoning would impute a relatively noble motive to Judas.
Of late, speculation has even been raised that Judas was acting on Jesus’ instruction, so that prophecy might be fulfilled. This approach would vindicate Judas, removing all stain from his reputation.
For a man who interacted with Jesus daily, who heard the Lord speak and saw His miracles firsthand, a monetary motive seems inadequate to explain betrayal. Patriotism can provoke more emotion than greed. However, if Judas believed Jesus to be the Messiah, the very Son of God, religious fervor should have trumped patriotism.
The proposition that Judas was acting according to Jesus’ command erroneously assumes that Jesus was not the predicted Messiah. Jesus did not need to engineer events, so that prophecy might give the appearance of being fulfilled. Prophecy was fulfilled in His Person.
Here is the heart of the matter. Judas was in constant close contact with Jesus; he knew this was no hoax. Either Judas would not believe or chose to betray the Messiah and Son of God, despite knowledge of His identity. This is the unpardonable sin, to reject God despite every opportunity to know and love Him (Matt. 12: 31) [1].
Aware of all this beforehand, why then did Jesus ask Judas to be one of the twelve? Perhaps it was to assure those of us coming after that He understood the betrayals we, too, would experience. Even in this the Lord demonstrated His great love for us.
“…[B]ehold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’” (Luke 22: 47-48).
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[1] For more on this topic, see: NetBibleStudy.com, “The Unpardonable Sin”, http://www.netbiblestudy.com/00_cartimages/unpardonablesin.pdf.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
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Passover Seder Plate, Photographer Nikola Herwig (CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated)
As most readers know, Passover is a religious festival commemorating the release of the Hebrews from bondage in Egypt. It begins this year on April 3, 2015.
Nine plagues had fallen on Egypt, but still pharaoh’s heart remained hardened against the Hebrews. Before the tenth plague, the Hebrews were warned to mark the posts and lintels of their houses with lamb’s blood, and partake of a meal with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. That same night, the Egyptian firstborn succumbed to death.
It was the Passover meal which Christ shared with His disciples shortly before His crucifixion. This is the meal Christians call The Last Supper. The lamb’s blood with which the Hebrews had marked their doorposts and lintels foreshadowed Christ’s own death on the cross.
“ ‘And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover’ ” ( Ex. 12: 11).
Lord, we were not there with You on that last Passover. But we partake of the communion meal, in remembrance of You. And we long for Your presence in our lives.
We know that those who believe in You are covered by Your blood, Lord; that our sins have been washed away by Your perfect sacrifice.
Be as food and drink to us, Lord — the Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation. Place in us as great a thirst for Your Word as deer have for flowing streams. Then fill us to the brim with the living water only You can provide.
We ask this in Your Holy Name.
Amen
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
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Daisy in the wind, Photo by Alias 0591 (CC Attribution, 2.0 Gen)
“They are like straw before the wind, and like chaff that a storm carries away” (Job 21: 18).
Often, those of us not raised in dire poverty fail to understand the chaos of that environment.
The electricity is turned off, and homework is not done. The ceiling falls in, literally. The grocery bag rips, the eggs smash, and there is no dinner. Children sleep in the bathtub as their only defense against drive-by shootings. An intoxicated neighbor sets the house on fire. An argument over sneakers escalates into a shooting. Police arrest a parent, and the children go into foster care.
No Safety Nets
There are no safety nets. There are no margins for error. What to the rest of us might be an inconvenience, at worst a minor hardship, can be devastating to the poor. Progress is impossible. A youthful indiscretion may cost a life.
Is there any wonder that long range consequences are imperfectly understood? These children have not been in a position to predict from one hour to the next what may befall them.
Disappointed and Discouraged
Children in poverty face constant disappointment, and daily discouragement from the adults around them. Promises must be broken again and again. Some of the criticism may actually be an attempt by adults to protect their children against the bias they are expected to face. Underachievement is perceived as “safer” than success. Read more…
San Diego Padres pitcher, Edwin Moreno, at Spring Training (2009), Source Djh57 (CC Attribution, 3.0 Unported)
The plea, “Put me in, coach,” has been heard in countless locker rooms and dugouts. A song with that refrain is frequently played during baseball’s annual rite of Spring Training.
Isaiah was as anxious to serve, when he had his awe-inspiring vision. You will recall that Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, so that His robe filled the temple (Is. 6: 1). Though describing himself as a man of “unclean lips,” Isaiah responded in the affirmative when the Lord asked whether anyone would be willing to serve.
Isaiah did not ask about the nature of the assignment. He did not bargain over his reward. He did not focus on his own shortcomings. We should take his approach as our model for responding when the Lord calls.
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me’ ” (Is. 6:8).
Lord God, we come before You as humble servants. Like Isaiah, we recognize our limitations, yet cry out, “Here we are! Send us.”
Whether You have made us lawyers, teachers, writers, or mechanics, show us how best to use our talents. Give us always willing hearts, and send us where we can best serve Your purposes.
Amen
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
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Dome at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (first permanent human structure at the South Pole), Photo by Bill McAfee for National Science Foundation, Source http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/scenes_from_antarctica.html (PD).
We take for granted today that man has conquered nature. After all, we have flown to the moon, plumbed the deepest oceans. But this was not always so. There was a time when exploration required great daring and great sacrifice; when notoriety could not be confused with accomplishment.
In their race to the South Pole, Captain Robert Scott, Dr. Edward Wilson, and Henry Bowers braved temperatures of 43 degrees below zero. All three lost their lives in the attempt.
Ultimately, the team was defeated by the weather. Their meteorologist, George Simpson had been unable to predict the unusually severe conditions. Simpson went to his grave uncertain whether he might have saved them.
Only with the advantage of more advanced equipment can we demonstrate the remarkable accuracy of Simpson’s projections. In fifteen of sixteen years, the team would easily have survived.
Only now do we realize that Wilson and Bowers gave their lives for Scott. Neither man recorded that fact, in the letters they left buried for loved ones. It was simply their final act of devotion to an injured leader, a far greater accolade than headlines, ticker tape, or applause.
How often – like Simpson – do we view our own efforts as failures, without any real comprehension of their impact? God’s perspective is not as limited as our own. Nor is His power. He can use even our failures to His purposes…purposes greater than we can know.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8: 28).
Lord God, You are present equally on the frozen waste, and the freezing street corner. You know our beginnings and endings, all that we will and will not accomplish.
Our days here are so short, Lord. Use us to Your purposes. Even when our circumstances are dire; even when we fail in what we intend.
For even when we fail, Your glory remains.
Amen
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
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Antique Valentine Card (1860-1880), Photographed by rgEbfucR4wKBlg at Google Cultural Institute, Current Location Museum of London (Accession No. A28549/33) (PD – Copyright Expired, Author Anonymous)
The apostle Paul’s verses about love are a favorite at weddings:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Cor. 13: 1-2).
But these words were not penned as a sentimental reading for use at nuptials. They are the impassioned plea of a man who formerly prided himself on his status as a Pharisee, on his knowledge of and obedience to the law of God — a man whose entire worldview was irretrievably altered by Christ (Philippians 3: 4-6).
This line from Paul’s description of Christian love is usually omitted from the wedding ceremony. However, it illustrates his fervor:
“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Cor. 13: 3).
As Christians, therefore, we are called to love and charity. Not the appearance of charity, the empty gesture, photographers at the ready. Not the tax deduction. And not the resigned donation, noblesse oblige, heavy sigh for effect.
Paul makes clear that charity, like beauty, must be more than skin deep with us. Christian charity is not some dry obligation, but our opportunity to share God’s blessings with those in need – our opportunity to reflect His love to others.
As such, it is a privilege for which we are the ones who should be grateful.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Map of the “caliphate” proposed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a/k/a the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Author and Source Debora Cabral (CC-BY-SA- 4.0)
A man was burnt alive this week. ISIS murdered Lt. Muath al Kasasbeh, a captured Jordanian pilot, by placing him in a cage and setting him alight. A slick video (since verified) was then released [1]. Jordan is a member of the American-led coalition against ISIS.
The world is still grappling with how best to deal with the so called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a/k/a the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and respond to this travesty. The question arises what role Christians – especially American Christians – should play in the fight against ISIS.
Clearly, the shameful act was intended to provoke horror. It has done that. And, like other acts of terror and barbarism, it was intended to provoke fear. I would hazard the guess it has done that, too.
The savage event has not, however, provoked surprise. Nor is it likely to produce surrender. Since ISIS does not understand the concept of mercy, the so called Islamic State can hardly expect the rest of the world to fall to its knees and beg for that.
Christians though should fall to their knees in prayer. The world is facing a great evil, a contagion that must not spread. Our brothers and sisters abroad are in grave peril, if not yet martyred for their faith. Read more…
“Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian [African] woman whom he had married…So the anger of the Lord was aroused against them and…Miriam became leprous, as white as snow” (Numbers 12: 1, 9-10).
It is Black History Month again, a reminder to the world and black children, in particular, of the many accomplishments by African Americans. This is entirely appropriate.
I though am foolish enough to believe that color – black, white, red, yellow, brown, or green – should not matter. It is only skin deep, after all, less than a quarter of an inch thick.
There is history and heritage, suffering and achievement associated with skin in all colors. But underneath that fragile covering, we we are the same, whether we choose to believe it or not. Underneath the skin, we are nothing more or less than human.
If you or I needed a heart transplant, we could get it from anyone, regardless of color or race. And that happens to be what we need, a heart transplant. A heart transplant, so we can feel the pain of a little girl who will not have enough to eat tonight. A heart transplant, so we can know the anger of a boy whose future has been stolen.
The lives of too many children in this sad world are hemmed in by poverty, crime, drugs, gangs, hatred, and violence. The innocence of too many children is taken from them before the age of reason. Forced to make life and death decisions, they may become caregivers to their younger siblings, drug mules or sex slaves before reaching their teens.
It is not enough that we cluck sympathetically, and turn away. Whatever our skin color, whatever our religion, we must take action to save these children…before they are swallowed whole by darkness.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
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A Lawyer's Prayers 