"Premeditation"

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
John 12:1-11

In the first part of John 12, the religious power brokers are so afraid of Jesus and Lazarus that they begin to plot their murders in earnest. Why? It makes sense that they’d be irate at Jesus for exposing the emptiness of their illusion. And I can see why they’d want to destroy the evidence, so to speak, by erasing the resurrected Lazarus from the scene.

But I don’t see how they could unequivocally dismiss the possibility that Jesus was telling (and living) the truth. How could they be so sold out to their own propaganda that they couldn’t see the sense-making beauty in what Jesus was saying and doing?

One of the reasons I’m so bothered by this riddle is my uneasy feeling that I could do the same thing. What am I guarding? What am I dismissing? What are the fears in me that skew my perceptions? Whose ideas am I ready to erase in order to protect my own?

Scott Burnett

"Our Son Jake"

Our son Jake (5 years old) has autism. He is incredibly smart but is missing the piece to connect with others. When he was 1 year old, he had about 20 words and first said, “Mommy” around his first birthday. At about 19 months old Jake lost all of his language and I did not hear "Mommy" for almost a year. Jake seemed to have gone into his own world. Not connecting to us at all. We have spent numerous hours in therapy, by his side trying to get our little boy back. With much hard work he is beginning to connect more. Jake is a five year old boy that can not tell us he is hungry or like other five year olds, ask to go to McDonalds or even that he wants to go to the playground. This morning I am doing my usual pick up around the house and Jake came over to me, turned my face to look at his eyes (this is hard for children with autism) and asked me, "Are we going to church Mommy?" I know that came from God and I no longer need to wonder why we have Jake in our lives. Yes... we came to church and today changed my life... because I listened to my little boy. We have been gifted with Jake and God gave him to us for a reason. We are the lucky ones.

Like everyone... we are a family with a lot on our plates and find ourselves procrastinating often by getting everyone into the car for one more place to be… even Washington Cathedral. Having a child with autism has not only blessed our lives but also tired us out tremendously. Scott spends many hours at work trying to make and save as much as he can because we have no idea what we will need to do for Jake in the future. My days are full and never-ending, making sure everyone gets from here to there. Courtney is almost 7 and although it is often hard for her to understand that her little brother has special needs she is the best friend he could ever have. Jake is a true blessing to our entire family. From him we have learned to have faith (lots of it). I know that we can no longer handle this road alone. I could not hold back the tears today after hearing how important children are to you and your family. I have always found Washington Cathedral to be a place that I can bring Jake and he is always welcomed with open arms. After this morning, I know in my heart that we want Jesus to be a part of our lives every day, we want a church family and to surround ourselves with others who have a strong faith and love towards children. We have also started a charitable organization called Autism is Real. We want to make a difference in these kids’ lives!

Thank you for a great service today!

Tonya Baker and family

"Thank You!"

Dear Friends at Washington Cathedral:

On behalf of the Bridge Ministries Board and staff, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for Washington Cathedral including the persons Bridge Ministries’ serves who have physical and/or developmental disabilities in your Santa Conspiracy again this year. What a marvelous ministry your congregation has chosen to spread cheer during this most blessed of seasons to those who are lonely, perhaps without families and to those who are in fragile health!

Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves with stuffed animals were a true highlight at our Bridge Ministries’ Christmas Party for persons with disabilities we co-hosted with St. John Vianney’s Catholic Church on December 8th. Santa always goes over big, but the way Santa got down on his knees and looked the individuals in the eye communicated such warmth and caring. It makes all the difference for people to be so joyfully received in our hearts! The stuffed animals were a treasure so gladly received by our guests. We took a picture of each person with Santa so that each person would have a lasting keepsake of this special moment. Throughout the year as we visit with these persons in their homes we will be introduced again to their teddy bear and often the picture is on the wall by their bed to be a reminder of a fond memory.

We especially want to thank Connie Wahlin for coordinating this and for being the #1 Elf, and Wayne and Linda Jaton and Craig and Reava Davis for being your hands and heart in bringing joy to so many. It was truly sacred encounters which brought great joy and delight.

Bridge is so honored by your ministry through the Santa Conspiracy. May you continually experience the fullness of Christ’s love and blessings.

Joyfully,
Rev. Donna Whitmore

Chaplain

"What's Your Achilles Heel?"

With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what's true and right. Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! Just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel. Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance. And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high.

Psalm 119:73-80 The Message

Do you ever feel like you make the same New Year’s resolutions every year?

I'm 28 now and the idealism over New Year’s resolutions has faded a bit for me.

This year, knowing that I make the same resolutions every year, I'm thinking reflectively: What is my Achilles heel? What is the one main thing that keeps me from becoming all that God intends?

I think a lot of people have an "Achilles heel" that is fairly easily discovered. Think about some of the characters in the Bible: King David: lust; Moses: quick temper; Peter: lack of faith; Paul: legalism. What's interesting about all of these characters in that God redeemed their areas of greatest weakness!

I think my Achilles heel is lack of discipline. Lack of discipline keeps me from diligence in my devotional life and the close connection with God that I desire. Lack of discipline keeps me from memorizing scripture that would help me to break strongholds in my life. Lack of discipline will have a long-term consequence on my health and has kept me from being a good steward of the vocational opportunities God has placed before me (college, etc.).

I think if we can become aware of our particular Achilles heel, we can open it up to God to reform it. If you'd like, you can pray this prayer from Psalm 119 along with me: "With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so that I can understand you... And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high."

Elise Diaz