Scapegoat

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

14 March 2019

In Lent we focus more intensely on that which separates us from God, and seek to turn (repent).  In this respect our focus becomes intensely personal, but in doing so we must not ignore the corporate/collective sin in which each of us partakes.  In ancient Judaism this corporate aspect of sin was addressed on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, on which the high priest was to cast lots for the selection of two goats, one to be offered in sacrifice to the Lord, and one (the scapegoat) to have the sins of the people placed upon himself, to then be released into the wilderness.  (See Lev. 16.8.) 

The history of the scapegoat (and the origin of this word as derived from Hebrew is argued to indicate either the burden of sin or the name of a fallen angel) coincides on this date with the execution of a British admiral (Sir John Byng, d. 1757), who was blamed for the fall of Minorca to the French, but who was widely understood to have been blamed for wider failures in the Admiralty.  If we look to the example of Byng (and if we accept that he was not really to blame), then we see an example of how “scapegoating” involves placing the burden of a failure or sin on one who in not justly culpable.  And it is in this sense that we can draw a straight line from the scapegoat of Leviticus to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

In God’s self-offering the full burden of Sin is assumed by Jesus.  His cry of dereliction is real, “My God, my God!  Why have you forsaken me!” is from the depths.  There is no human experience (save for sinning) that Jesus has not shared in.  This means that in whatever state of loss, despair, or pain we might find ourselves in we can yet trust in the reality that Jesus has triumphed over Sin and Death, and we may participate in this triumph.  In suffering we may offer our suffering to God, to participate in the redemption of the world.  As Christ’s Body, we share in His triumph through how we share our suffering in His.

The burden of sin is real, but the triumph of Jesus allows us to trust in, and live into, the reality revealed at Ps. 103.12:  “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.”

Admiral Byng paid a price in this world, and probably unjustly, for a naval failure.  In the ultimate justice of God, however, we need never fear being “scapegoated”.  That role has been fulfilled once, and for all time, by the One so free from sin as to make any judgment against Him unjust.  The source and summation of all justice bears the weight of injustice, that injustice may be ultimately redeemed.

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 

§  Bill and Deb Gagin, Doug Hamilton, Stuart Schmidt, Mary Snyder and Tom Wright for the Sunday coffee hours, with cleanup help from Julie Davidson.

§  Bobbie May and Bill Gagin for janitorial help.

§  Jack Britton for outdoors cleanup, ice removal.

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshipers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday in the week of publication.

Don’t forget “Something Extra for Grace”:  Supplemental giving envelopes can be found in pews.  If you want to give something extra, please use an envelope to ensure that you are credited. 

Music this Week:  The Second Sunday in Lent

                              Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director

Mass Setting                   New English Folk Mass

Entrance Hymn 401         “The God of Abraham praise”                                  Leoni

Sequence Hymn 675       “Take up your cross”                                          Bourbon

Offertory Hymn 448        “O love, how deep”                         Deus tuorum militum

Communion Motet           Dear Lord and Father of Mankind        C. Hubert H. Parry

Closing Hymn 142           “Lord, who throughout these forty days”          St. Flavian

Parish Notices:

§  Lenten Meditation Booklets are available on the table in the Narthex.

§  Adult Formation: Growing a Rule of Life: Adult Formation participants will spend four more weeks using a tool from monastic spirituality and the Society of Saint John the Evangelist to develop their own personal Rule of Life. Participants will discover a highly personal, guided way to gently live into who God invites us to be. All are welcome to join at any time.

§  Sacrament of Reconciliation: Lent is a time of self-examination preparing for the death and resurrection of our Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered by appointment. Please contact Fr. Schaffenburg to set up an appointment to make your confession.

§  Lenten Program: On Friday nights during Lent, we will have Stations of the Cross at 5:30pm, followed by a simple Lenten supper at 6:00pm. At 6:30 the program will be Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story. The six-session DVD features Dr. Amy-Jill Levine offering a fresh, timely reinterpretation of the Passion of Jesus. The video segments are approximately 10-12 minutes each. The program will be facilitated by Fr. Karl and Mother Michele.

§  Cooking on Friday Evenings in lent: If you are interested in cooking and hosting a dinner on the Fridays during Lent, there are sign-up on sheets on the Narthex. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this ministry!

§  Scout Appreciation Pancake Breakfast, this Sunday: After each service, to savor a down home Pancake Breakfast. Scouts will supply all the know-how for the event. As an added bonus, Maple Syrup will be supplied by the Drewry Farms of Plymouth. This award-winning Maple Syrup is served at all the major restaurants in the area and beyond.

§  Save the Date-Chrism Mass: On Tuesday, April 16, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Fond du Lac. In the early church bishops baptized catechumens at the Easter Vigil with blessed oils. Over time this blessing was made earlier so oils could be used at the local level. This tradition includes blessing the oil of catechumens (adults preparing for baptism), oil of the sick (for anointing) and chrism (for baptism, confirmation, ordination of clergy, and consecration of altars).

§  Ushers Needed: Ushers are often the first people seen by newcomers, visitors, and even regular parishioners when coming to Grace Church. People enjoy being greeted by a smile; Ushers welcome parishioners and visitors, distribute bulletins, and ensure that the worship service runs smoothly.  They provide directions and answer questions for newcomers as needed, collect the congregation’s offering, and bear the alms to the altar. They also maintain an attendance record for parochial reports. Did you realize that Ushers do so many wonderful things? Become a part of this ministry today!

§  Something Extra for Grace: Envelopes are available in the pews if you are moved

to give an extra gift, beyond your pledge or regular plate donation, toward the life of the church. Gifts are tax deductible; please write your name on the envelope.