FRIDAY, September 17 (Hildegard of Bingen) Ember Day

Acts 17:1-15. These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also.

Many sincere church people today seem to see Christianity as a social stabilizer rather than as an insurrectionist movement. They often say things like: “In a world of constant and terrifying changes, we need some things that stay unchanged, to which we can anchor our lives; and why can’t we find that blessed security in our religion?”

There is a sense in which they are right. God stands fast and changeless, and our only refuge is in the divine changelessness. But this world is always changing; it must. And Christians are to be revolutionaries making certain the changes conform to God’s will. This is why the great Christians are always bent upon “turning the world upside down.” And no sooner is a change made than someone finds a way to use the new order for ungodly ends. The world always needs turning upside down. We dare not accept things as they are. God commands us to go forth in his power to attack entrenched greed, cruelty, and godlessness. This means change. And Christians know how to turn the world upside down in such a way that God can set it right side up. (1962)

PRAY for the Diocese of Highveld (Southern Africa)

Ps 69:1-23(24-30)31-38 * 73; Esther 1:1-4, 10-19 or Judith 4:1-15; John 12:36b-43

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Sep 17, 2010 at 4:48 am

Written by John Greer,

One of the biggest challengens Christians have is change...an example is the Book of Common Prayer, ordination of women, allowing young girls attend priests at the altar. True there are other changes which seem to disrupt our religious life, however, the one constant is the underlying belief in Christ and the great commandments.

Change is

Sep 17, 2010 at 6:37 am

Written by Stephen,

I hate change. The choral mass is to me essential and I grow weary very quickly of bands and strumming guitars. I hope there is always a church around that upholds the "finer" musics of our liturgy, but at the same time creates times and places for new music (intelligently). In my view there are others things that must change. Acceptance of all people, the recognition that some of us are wired differently sexually and reaching out to those of other faiths to wage peace are essential ways that we can upset the social order as "Christ ones" I don't even like the term "Christian" because too often it denotes a club for white, upwardly mobile, ultra right wing families only. We welcome them too.

...

Sep 17, 2010 at 7:26 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Stephen. I love the phrase, "wage peace."
I'm going to try to use it in a sentence in conversation today.

Christ-like

Sep 17, 2010 at 10:24 am

Written by Gaye Anne McWade,

If the changes we bring are acts of loving care and prayer, they may not be welcomed by those who are seeking power, control, and admiration. But, they will effect the changes of what we embrace. We are strengthened in His life within us and others may find Christ's strength too. Love is contagious!

...

Sep 17, 2010 at 11:05 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

Stephen, you make some excellent points.

"Onward Christian Soldiers" unacceptable

Sep 17, 2010 at 11:17 am

Written by Rod Brawn,

Last Sunday, for our Start-up Sunday, a brass group I was playing in was denied permission to use the Hymn Onward Christian Soldiers marching as to war. Maybe our clergy have not appreciation of metaphor.

"Onward Christian Soldiers" unacceptable

Sep 17, 2010 at 11:19 am

Written by Rod Brawn,

Last week at our Start up Sunday we were denied permission to use Onward Christian Soldiers Marching as to war. Are our clergy and congregations no longer taught about metaphor.

turning the world upside down.

Sep 17, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Written by Nora Gyetko,

"Entrenched greed, cruelty and Godlessness" could describethose in our House and Senate who accept money from giant corporations, and who would rather ignore the needs of the jobless, the working poor and the environment. They continue to belittle our President and block his efforts to help the American people. We're praying for God's guidance, that our petitions and letters to our representatives and senators will be according to His will.

...

Sep 17, 2010 at 6:48 pm

Written by robin,

I enjoy coming to this sight for inspiration. When we bring politics into it, I leave a agitated and frustrated. I do believe that the argument can be made that our President has also accepted money from giant corporations, those with terrorist ties and has done VERY LITTLE to help businesses that offer the jobs to the working poor and those that are currently unemployed. Unending unemployment benefits do not elevate the quality of life. Yes, I am praying for God's guidance as well...and hope all of the United States 'voters pray with me.

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