Week One: Hope
Sunday, December 3, 2023:
Gracious God, as we begin this Advent season and light the first Advent candle, we embrace the dual anticipation of celebrating the birth of Christ and eagerly awaiting His glorious return. Fill our hearts with the hope that comes from both the historical fulfillment of your promises and the promise of future joy in Christ’s presence. Ignite a flame of hope within us, dispelling any darkness in our lives. Amen.
11.30.23
A reflection from Sunday’s message based on Matthew 25:31-46
But When?
We stand at the crossroads of profound reality, contemplating a future where our every choice, action, and word will be laid bare before Christ. The crux of our self-reflection lies in the dichotomy of being either sheep or goats in the eyes of the Divine.
For the sheep, the commendation from Christ is a resounding “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Their lives resonate with acts of kindness, echoing the very essence of the kingdom—feeding the hungry, offering a drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned.
Conversely, the goats face a moment of questioning, realizing missed opportunities to extend love and compassion. It’s a crucial reckoning with the daily choices that shape our lives.
Christ’s response is crystal clear: our actions, or lack thereof, are not mere gestures but encounters with the Divine. The challenge is to let the rings of love, compassion, and service be a constant reminder, urging us to ask, “But when?” When will we extend love? When will we make today count, regardless of what happened yesterday?
As we step out of this moment of reflection, let us carry the awareness that our daily choices matter. May the rings on our metaphorical smartwatches remind us to live with purpose, making each day count. The words “You did it” should echo in our lives not in fear but in joy, knowing that each act of kindness, compassion, and service is a sacred encounter with Christ.
So, as a church, let our journey forward be one that resonates with love, compassion, and a resounding “Amen.” May our response to the challenges and opportunities ahead be a testament to the transformative power of living with purpose and embracing the echoes of our choices.
Grace and peace!
Sela Finau
Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents
Exploring the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (sermon from 11.19.23), Jesus, in preparing his disciples for the Kingdom of Heaven, narrates a story of a master entrusting different talents to three individuals before embarking on a long journey.
The master expects diligence and active engagement, not idle waiting. Upon his return, the two servants who received more talents had doubled their investments, but the one entrusted with a single talent returned it without any growth. This servant’s fear and tendency to compare himself to others led to inaction, resulting in disappointment from the master.
The key lesson drawn from this parable is a call to stewardship. As stewards of God’s gifts—be it talents, abilities, or resources—we are reminded not to waste what has been entrusted to us. The perspective of being stewards, not owners, encourages us to manage our lives, time, and resources wisely.
The sermon emphasized the importance of an open-handed approach to blessings. Rather than tightly holding onto resources, we are encouraged to give and invest in the kingdom. Fear and the trap of comparison were identified as hindrances to effective investment. The dangerous game of comparing ourselves to others can lead to playing it safe and missing out on opportunities to make a positive impact.
Faith involves taking risks and trusting in God. Stepping out in faith and risking it for Christ is the challenge presented to individuals and the church. The kingdom doesn’t grow if faith is kept private or if we expect the community to come to us. The parable challenges us to make something meaningful with our lives and take the necessary risks to be faithful stewards.
The conclusion posed a direct question: are we willing to risk our most valuable possessions for Christ and invest our treasured gifts for the kingdom? The call to let go and let God was extended, irrespective of the quantity of talents one possesses. The message resonated with a challenge to reflect on personal investments for the kingdom, emphasizing that the church will continue, but the question remains: how will our investments perform?
The final prayerful reflection urged a response like the first two servants in the parable, stating, “Here, God, I didn’t waste your investment. I used it wisely for your kingdom. I took the risk and placed my trust in you.”
What is your response to the call of faith, trust, and investment for the kingdom?
<><Sela Finau
11.17.23
The timeless wisdom in the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids translates its message into relatable life lessons. Set against the backdrop of a wedding celebration, the parable urges us to embrace spiritual preparedness in the face of life’s uncertainties.
Representing spiritual readiness and unpreparedness, the wise and foolish bridesmaids highlight the need for vigilance and preparation for the return of Christ. Drawing parallels to everyday scenarios, like a surprise party or a road trip, emphasizes the importance of being ready for life’s uncertainties.
The parable reminds us to take ownership of our spiritual journey, cultivate preparedness, and prepare for life’s unpredictable moments. Whether wise or foolish, the key is to show up and be present in the moment, ensuring we don’t miss the opportunity to be spiritually grounded.
What areas of your life could use more intentional readiness?
<><Sela Finau
11.10.23
Embracing the Beatitudes: Living Like Jesus
For All Saints Sunday, we explored the Beatitudes, the profound blessings Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount. These blessings challenge our conventional thinking, focusing on qualities like humility, meekness, and mercy rather than worldly success.
Think of the Beatitudes as a guide to living a life inspired by Jesus. They’re not just abstract ideals but reflect Jesus’ experiences and values. These blessings remind us to seek God’s presence when life gets tough. Finding contentment in who we are, valuing kindness and cooperation, and showing mercy to others are at the core of these teachings.
Moreover, the Beatitudes promise a profound sense of hope and renewal. By embodying these qualities and extending mercy to others, we not only reflect the spirit of the Beatitudes but also walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
May we embrace these blessings daily, becoming more like Jesus and sharing his transformative message with the world.
10.13.23
In Sunday’s sermon, we delved into the inspiring story of John Stephen Akhwari, a tale that beautifully illustrates the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering commitment. His story reminds us that in life, the ultimate victory lies not in winning the race but in finishing it with resilience and purpose, regardless of the hurdles in our path.
The sermon emphasized the significance of pressing on in our lives, even when faced with daunting challenges. As Akhwari persevered through bruises and pain, we were encouraged to confront our obstacles with unwavering faith. The message echoed the biblical teachings from Philippians 3:4-14, urging us to run the race of faith with endurance, keeping our focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The parallel between Akhwari’s determination and our purpose in the race of life is that we were not placed in this life to quit or give up. We’re in this race to finish. Stay encouraged and focus on Christ, who stands ahead, guiding us toward the ultimate goal. So keep pressing on and continue the race with endurance until we unite with Christ in the ultimate victory.
Press on…
Sela Finau
9.21.23
In the secular world, trials are a common and expected part of the legal system. However, when it comes to a trial within the walls of a church, it carries a weight of embarrassment and sadness. Among all communities, the church is expected to be a place where matters are resolved amicably. When individuals encounter conflicts with one another, they typically engage in discussions guided by grace and, at the least, aim to attain a “Just Resolution.” Regrettably, in this instance, that ideal has not been met. Instead, the entire world is now watching, taking note of the Christian community and the church’s proceedings in The United Methodist Church.
Regardless of the verdict’s outcome, it is painfully evident that our community is deeply fractured and suffering. Bearing witness to the testimonies of both the complainants and the respondent has been disheartening. I deeply empathize with Bishop Carcaño’s experiences, the denomination’s first Latina bishop, recognizing that many other clergy members have likely endured similar struggles. The pain of my colleagues is palpable, and the damage inflicted is painfully clear.
This case is marked by a shattered sacred trust, riddled with misunderstandings, false expectations, marred perceptions, and a pervasive lack of communication. It has unfolded in a culture of suspicion where everyone feels entitled, violated, and convinced of their own righteousness while undermining the Bishop’s authority. All of this occurred amid the backdrop of a global pandemic, further complicating matters with accusers and the accused, self-interest, power struggles, and imbalances. Implicit bias, race, and gender also contribute to the situation. The jury must carefully discern a complicated case and ask, “What are the facts?” “What is truth?” Ultimately, its resolution will hinge upon the Book of Discipline and, perhaps, our Wesleyan theology of grace.
This particular situation, it appears that like-minded individuals were recruited to amplify their stance, as if growing in numbers could validate their position. This situation brings to mind the trial of Jesus, where numerical strength also played a role in his crucifixion.
In this trial, there are no victors; the church bears the heavy cost of the harm done. Whether a guilty or innocent verdict is reached, it cannot erase the damage inflicted. At the very least, this trial has been heart-wrenching, but it also offers valuable lessons.
My experience with Bishop Carcano while serving on the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) Board from 2012 to 2016 was incredibly positive and truly inspiring.
In any scenario, my fervent hope and prayer are that all charges against Bishop Carcaño will be acquitted.
Sela Finau
Update 9.22.23 Bishop Minerva Carcaño was found Not Guilty on all charges. Amen.
9.21.23
This past Sunday, we celebrated our church’s 64th anniversary with worship, followed by a marvelous feast. The food selection was fantastic, with plenty to go around and even some leftovers to take home.
In our message from Romans 14, we explored the vital theme of “Mind the Gap.” The message emphasized the significance of love, unity, and harmony as we navigate the natural gaps stemming from differing perspectives in our church family.
We’re called to bridge these gaps, demonstrating Christ’s transformative love within us and in the world. Just as passengers must exercise caution on a train platform, we, as a church, must be vigilant in our interactions, especially when our experiences and beliefs diverge.
These gaps go beyond theological differences; they include generational perspectives, approaches to social issues, and the impact of our upbringing and context. These gaps can hinder our unity as the body of Christ when we do not fully seek to understand.
However, “Mind the Gap” is not a mere warning; it’s an invitation to bridge these divides with love. As we celebrate our 64th anniversary, let’s remember that God’s faithfulness has guided us through endless challenges. Looking ahead, we envision a church that celebrates diversity and thrives in unity, love, and service.
As we stand at the threshold of the next 64 years, let’s embrace love, tolerance, understanding, and unity. Our church’s future will be marked by deeper relationships, reaching our community, and shining with Christ’s love.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Happy 64th anniversary to our church, and may God bless us abundantly as we continue to “Mind the Gap” in faith and life.
Peace and Grace!
Sela Finau
9.7.23
In a world often marred by conflict and division, the age-old question lingers: How do we respond when faced with evil or hostility? From our message this last Sunday based on Romans 12: We have a choice. We can either perpetuate the cycle of hatred or choose a higher path – one illuminated by love, compassion, and reconciliation.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the apostle Paul, we are reminded that responding with love can be a transformative force. It is tempting to meet hatred with hatred, engage in conflicts, and build walls. However, the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks to us: “You cannot drive out darkness with darkness, only light can do that.” The path to change and reconciliation lies in responding to adversity with the radiance of love and kindness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of change. Our faith compels us to rise above the negativity surrounding us and be beacons of love, compassion, and justice. Rather than allowing conflicts to escalate, we can actively choose to de-escalate them through our actions and attitudes. It is in these moments of challenge that our true character as disciples of Christ is revealed.
We are confronted with a pivotal choice. Will we surrender to the darkness that seeks to divide us, or will we rise above it? In the face of adversity, will we become instruments of love and transformation? The answer lies within each of us, and it is a decision we must make daily. While numerous aspects of life are beyond our control, the one element firmly within our grasp is our response.
Ultimately, our calling as followers of Christ is clear: we are to overcome evil with good. Through God’s grace, we possess the strength to embrace this calling. By choosing love, we have the power to transform ourselves and the world around us. In this transformation, we find the path to unity, reconciliation, and a brighter future for all.
Love and peace,
Sela Finau
8.31.23
Romans 12:1-8 deals with the concept of interconnectedness within the body of Christ. The passage reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but rather vital members of a collective whole. Together, we contribute to a diverse array of roles, from prophecy and ministry to teaching, support, generosity, leadership, and compassion.
While we can undertake these roles individually, their impact is magnified when embraced within a supportive community. Our actions, infused with God’s grace, transform our lives into offerings that align with God’s will. This reflection encourages us to consider the sources of influence in our lives. Are we living according to our own will, the noise around us, or are we attuned to God’s guiding whispers?
As we move forward, let us take time to pray and connect with God. By doing so, we can discern God’s will amidst the distractions. In summary, our lives are intertwined in the body of Christ, and as we embrace our unique roles, may we remember that our actions, guided by God’s grace, create a harmonious symphony that fulfills God’s purpose.
a journey in existence 