Archive for Pastor’s Weekly Message

Blessed Are Who?

Beloveds,

Just when you think it can’t get any…. Well, you know how the saying goes. My head is reeling from the news reports and the conversations I am having with firsthand experiences of the injustices going down over the last couple of days. It’s all I can do to not “lose my religion.”

Fortunately, I have had several collegial and local leadership Zoom calls with like-minded people who remember that we are called to care for one another. And, I have you. It leaves me with hope and resolve. We – all of us – have some big work ahead as the counter narrative of love to the White Christian Nationalist initiatives.

This week’s lectionary is Luke 6:17-26 – Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain (Luke’s Beatitudes). In addition to the “Blessed are you…”, Jesus also says “But woe to you who….” I invite you to review the text before Sunday’s reflection. Maybe you have some thoughts?

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Invite a friend to join the love movement.

Blessed are you,
Rev. Michael

P.S. “Even if I can speak in all the tongues of earth—and those of the angels too—but do not have love, I am just a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1
Be love. Act in love. Speak in love. Happy Valentine’s Day Eve.

Gone Fishin

Anglers for God,

Most of us have probably heard the euphemism “Gone Fishin” used for retirement or taking a vacation. I remember going with my best friend from college to visit an uncle of his who had, at the time, recently retired. When asked how his retirement was going, he responded, “I am so busy, I don’t know how I found time to work!” But, for some, fishing is a job and a vocation.

In the Gospel of Luke 5:1-11, Jesus starts forming his posse. Seeing his friend Simon (Peter), a fisherman, having empty nets, Jesus instructs him to try again in the deeper water, and to great astonishment and success. Jesus invites Simon, his partners James and John, to leave what they know behind and to join him to fish among humankind. And they step out into the unknown.

It seems that these days are filled with unknowns, uncertainty, and insecurity. As I reflect, I wonder if it is less about that than it is an invitation to look deeper. As we navigate the waters of life, do we find ourselves a spot, complacently anchor ourselves, and then bob along gently on the water’s surface?

I invite you to join me in reflecting upon Luke 5:1-11 and the work that God is calling us to do in this time. I look forward to seeing you at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Ready your nets.

Tight lines!
Rev. Michael

Hometown Boy

Beloveds,

Last week, the reflection on Luke 4:14-21 brought Jesus home to Nazareth, and people were excited to hear the little boy-all-growed-up teach in the synagogue. There were probably memories good and bad – as well as expectations about the message he would share. He stood up and read Isaiah, proclaiming his anointing and ministry. We left off with a gobsmacked congregation and Jesus’s mic drop moment: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Dun-Dun-Duuun

This week, we pick up with the second half of the story in Luke 4:21-30. The people were pleased and spoke graciously of him … until he challenged their preconceived notions, started to point out their shortcomings, and spoke of upsetting their status quo. And then they tried to throw him off the cliff.

It takes courage to speak the truth. I am reminded of hearing the Inaugural Message delivered by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Cathedral. Many applauded her courage to speak the gospel truth to power. Others not so much. The proverbial attempt to run her off a cliff ensued.

Are we willing to step out and follow in the path of Jesus? What are we willing to risk?

I look forward to seeing you at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream.

Share the love!
Rev. Michael

Mic Drop

Beloveds,

You might recall President Obama’s final April 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, “I’m Out” moment. (https://youtu.be/y13tA8GXpsI?si=vhS092HQwYE82cB3) It was epic. As it turns out, it was one of a history of mic drops.

This week, the Revised Common Lectionary offers us Luke 4:14-21 – Jesus reads the prophet Isaiah. In his hometown temple, he stands up before those who knew him since … and read:

“The Spirit of the [Sovereign] is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and [visions for those who cannot imagine]
to set the oppressed free,
    to proclaim the year of the [Sovereign’s] favor.”

Then, he rolled up the scroll and handed it to the attendant as he said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” MIC DROP.

I think of Rev. Gwynn’s message to us last week and how it might have made us uncomfortable. A prophet does that. On Monday, which was, by set calendar coincidence, both the Inauguration and the Observance of MLK Day, several hundred gathered at 400 County Center in Redwood City to hear the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. It is chilling to realize how much has not changed in sixty-two years. 

I look forward to being with you this Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as we reflect upon this week’s text and apply it to our lives.

You are God’s Anointed,
Rev. Michael

In God We Trust

Beloveds,

I pray this finds you well. I imagine that your heart, like mine, continues to break for the people of Los Angeles. The loss and devastation continues as the death toll climbs. Communities are being destroyed (see wildfire appeal below).

We are in a leadership transition that brings dis-ease and fear for some. If allowed to be executed, the proposed Project 2025 policy attached to the incoming administration will undo so many of the hard-earned rights gained. Lives will be destroyed.

And – this year marks the 21st year that the MLK Jr Day of Service was made a Federal Observance. We celebrate and honor a leader who sought to build up lives and create beloved community. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.”

This Sunday we welcome my seminary sister Rev. Gwynn Fuqua back to the IUC pulpit. She always brings us something to chew on. Her reflection “Vox Populi” will focus upon a moment where the people have forgotten whose they are in 1 Samuel 8:4-18: “We Demand a King!”

I look forward to seeing you on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Bring a friend.

Trusting in God,
Rev. Michael

Water Stuff

Beautiful beings,

In 1980-81, PBS aired the miniseries Cosmos: A Personal Voyage with Carl Sagan. In the series, Sagan explored 15 billion years of cosmic evolution and the development of science and civilization. He traced the origins of knowledge and the scientific method, mixing science and philosophy, and speculated about the future of science. He also discussed the underlying premises of science by providing biographical anecdotes about many prominent scientists, placing their contributions in the broader context of the development of modern science (Wikipedia). The series was the genesis of the quote: “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”

And we are also of water-stuff. It is said that approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Around 96.5% of all Earth’s water is found in the oceans, which is considered salt water and not readily drinkable by humans. The remaining 3.5% freshwater is mostly trapped in ice caps and glaciers, with only a small percentage accessible in lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The USGS Water Science School published that “Water is of major importance to all living things; in some organisms, up to 90% of their body weight comes from water. Up to 60% of the human adult body is water…the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.” As babies, we start out as about 78% water and drop to 60% as we mature.

Water is mentioned over 500 times in the Bible and carries multiple significant meanings from judgment to renewal, new beginnings, and ever-lasting life. This week is the Baptism of Jesus as told in Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. On Sunday, we will look at the significance of the baptism sacrament in relationship to our modern lives and commitment to God.  Invite a friend to “wade in the water” on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream at 10 am!

Yours,
Rev. Michael Cronin

AHA!

Happy New Year, Dear Ones –

I pray this finds you well on this second day of 2025. Many have made their New Year’s resolutions. Some of us have already broken them. Others have asked, “Why bother?”

On the heels of last week’s reflection, I have thought a lot about what I want to bring into the new year and what I want to leave behind. I intend to clean out some closets, purge belongings that they might find someone to love them anew, and minimize the chaos that surrounds me.

That’s the mundane.

This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday. The Epiphany is actually Monday, January 6. I’ve been thinking about how God reveals Theirself to us and all the opportunities we are given and perhaps overlook. I will be reflecting on John 1:1-18 (“In the beginning was the Word…”) and thinking about enlightenment – the deepening of our knowledge of and relationship to the Divine.

I look forward to seeing you at 10 am Sunday on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Start the new year by introducing a new person to Island United.

With love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

Dwelling

Merry Christmas!

Here we are. Advent has passed. We prepared the Inn. The Christ child has been born. God has taken up residency. We are basking in the glow of good tidings and cheer, preparing for the New Year. Now what?

As we reenter the daily routine of the world, and the warm energy of the holidays fades, the actual work begins. The indwelling God invites us to carry Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love with us as we engage the vulnerable, bring the love and light of Christ to the marginalized, and build a sustainable equitable world for all.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as we reflect upon Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:41-52 toward this work. Bring a friend.

Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

A Room with a View (Love)

Theophilus (Lovers of God),

Have you ever read the book by E.M. Forster or seen the Merchant/Ivory film A Room with a View? It is a go-to for me. From the beginning notes of Dame Kiri Te Kanewa singing Il Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi to the end, I use a fair amount of tissues. It is both a romantic story and a societal critique of those uptight British folk visiting Florence, Italy. The title refers both to the literal room at a pensione and a personality type. Some have a broad outlook on life while others don’t. Some live in absolute answers, black and white, while others live in the creative and sometimes uncomfortable question.

As we approach the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve on Tuesday, preparing to house the holy, we have asked ourselves questions about Hope, Peace, and Joy. And this Sunday the focus is Love. What does love look like to you? How does love manifest itself in what you say and do?

We will be looking at Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat) to reflect upon the promise of the fresh new way of being in the world. The disruption of systems and expectations. How will the view be from our newly remodeled interior selves and the Inn on Balclutha?

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. 

Share the love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

How Much is Enough? (Joy)

Companions on the Advent Journey,

This Sunday is Gaudete (Joy) Sunday. The term is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon, “Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always.” The theme of the day expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration. Until the high Middle Ages, Advent mirrored the 40 days Lenten journey of internal preparation, so this was a halfway mark and a respite celebration of Joy during the journey.

As I am given to do, I heard a conversation about the difference between happiness and joy on KQED radio. There is a difference! In his NYT Opinion Column, David Brooks writes, “Happiness usually involves a victory for the self. Joy tends to involve the transcendence of self. Happiness comes from accomplishments. Joy comes when your heart is in another. Joy comes after years of changing diapers, driving to practice, worrying at night, dancing in the kitchen, playing in the yard, and just sitting quietly together watching TV. Joy is the present that life gives you as you give away your gifts.”

As we enter into Gaudete Sunday, I invite you to think about what brings you Joy. Can we make more of it? We will be reflecting upon Isaiah 12:2-6 and Luke 3:7-18 while we continue our journey of anticipation and preparation of Christmas. Invite a friend to join us!

Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin