Today in the Old Testament reading from Sirach (this Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), we hear: “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight…  Forgive your neighbor’s injustice…set enmity aside…” We are told in this wisdom book to cease nourishing anger against another, to be merciful, to remember our last days and to let go of hate: this is the way to expect healing, mercy and forgiveness from God. The Gospel parable today is a “mirror” expressing this, too—and a reminder as we ramp up in politics and opinion in our country; and as we fight the effects of social and economic injustice.

​Forgiveness given and forgiveness received are always the work of God’s grace. (Thank you, Rev Rohr!) Unearned and even undeserved forgiveness is necessary to break down the “quid pro quo” world we all know: it is where we have trade-offs, exchanges, and where one-hand-washing-the-other deals are made. True grace makes all things new; and nothing new can happen in those situations where forgiveness is needed and not extended. Without forgiveness we are doomed to just keep repeating the same old sin patterns: our illusions, half-truths, spinning the story, injustice, blaming and shaming, our self-lies, pride and prejudices, and our refusal to seek reconciliation.

“True Spirit-led forgiveness always frees and heals at least one of the parties involved, and hopefully both. True forgiveness also awakens and invites the hearts of others, most especially the offender. True forgiveness does not leave the offender feeling small and judged but liberated and loved.” (Rev. Rohr) In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ parable teaches us this truth about forgiveness, love and grace. In any pain-filled situation we are called as disciples to always choose goodness: especially for that of the offender; in trusting that God’s goodness flows in all things and works through all situations.

So how to start the healing, how to forgive? I suggest we start with prayer—especially for those with whom you disagree on any or all issues. I have reprinted “The Five Finger Prayer” as a helpful guide to begin. In this time of social unrest, fear, division, sickness and strain—we can all use the prayers of and for each other.

Keep singing in your hearts!

Elizabeth Dyc

The Five-Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as the great Christian writer C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.”
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach and instruct (especially at the start of this school year) and those who heal—especially all our first responders along with all teachers, doctors, priests, parents, pastors and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. In this time of toxic partisan division please pray for the president and all public servants, all leaders in business, industry and politics, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They all very much need God's guidance in order to lead us to justice and peace for all.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger (as any piano teacher will testify). It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, sick, sad, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As Scripture says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

We remember all God’s works in praying for others for God is as close as your own hand.

Our first and last readings this Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, remind us of our responsibility to speak up when we see injustice and sin. In the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel the Lord says if “you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die of his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” Wow! Jesus in the Gospel has a “plan” for dealing with problems between people and lays out very clearly the order you should follow in dealing with issues. He reminds us that what we do here binds us for always.

​The Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans is a “re-do” of the Ten Commandments, with Jesus’ greatest commandment to love one another thrown into the mix. This is very good advice! Address the wrongs and do it lovingly.

My sense is that we are told to always reconcile, to forgive, to prioritize our short time here to do the work for the Kingdom on earth; to deny ourselves and take up our cross (remember last week!). There is no better time than now to reflect on how you spend your time, talent and treasure—as we start a new school year.

So, BTW--If you have a musical talent, singing or playing, please consider giving your gift to the Church. Come and see me. We are all given different and necessary gifts. Not everybody is able to sing, but if you can, you should! We have a very active Music Ministry at St. Aidan, and I invite you to join us in praising God in song. (Do not worry if you don’t read music; teaching you to read and sing is part of what I do.) Your only requirement is a voice that sings in tune and the commitment to the Ministry. I am speaking up (as Ezekiel and Jesus tells us to today) and saying if you have a talent, you should be employing that ability to further the Kingdom! If you are interested in any of the Worship Ministries—call the office to volunteer! (Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers and Greeters, Arts and Environment—all take some kind of special talent—but, why not try?) There are many and myriad ways to serve!

Discern your responsibility to the kingdom. Please reflect and pray about your priorities and abilities in the giving and sharing of your gifts. You will be amazed what you receive when you give to back to God.

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Today we hear Jesus tell us that “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” We know that doing this always involves embracing the painful consequences of right actions when easier options are available. How tempting is that? The easy way, the comfortable and “non-confrontational way” is sooo tempting! But what we must understand as Christians is that this is “dancing with the devil.”

​All of us have danced this dance at some time; we are human and prone to sin and failure, greed, weakness and fear. So many times we are in positions when we could speak out, and do not speak up when we should—who wants to rock the boat, be branded a trouble-maker or big mouth, or go against the rest and stand out? That always feels like you have just painted a big red and white target circle on yourself. “Please, Lord, just let me drag the cross a little, okay? Because Jesus, it’s just too heavy to actually carry it…”

These moments of choice could be looked at in another light, however. They can be moments of grace for us; opportunities to do the right thing, to turn from the temptation of the comfortable and conformable. Discipleship does not mean to play it safe, and that is why Jesus rebukes Peter. He knows how hard it is going to get. I would imagine Jesus must be tempted already anyway, and then Peter offers him a plan to put the cross down and run away. We can see that in the name of love Peter does this, but we know that he has missed the mark. The easy way is the slippery slope, and it is a downward slide. Jesus turns his face to Jerusalem for us, praise be to God!

It always seems to be more difficult to do the right thing—whether it is choosing the non-fat foods or taking a deep, calming breath in the midst of righteous anger; being kind to the mean person or taking time for someone when all you really want to do is your own thing. It is realigning priorities, being fair, giving the benefit of the doubt, forgiving seven times seventy and putting others before your own self. It is speaking out against war (of any kind), injustice, prejudice and judgment (which is not our place). It is feeding anyone who is hungry—not just the “deserving poor” and picking up your cross while helping someone else carry theirs. What you may notice is that carrying our crosses together actually may make for a lighter load—or at least—good company on the way. “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.” Hmmm. Thank God for his mercy and compassion, forgiveness and grace as we struggle with our crosses and temptations.

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc