January 23, 2011
3rd Sunday after Epiphany. A. Year
- continue this week tucked into the problems of light and dark imagery. What God reveals to us?
The verses that follow the lectionary passage allow us some options, calling people to law and justice ( mishpat sedaqa and in verse 7)-the integral compression performance for the welfare of all is highly prized in the language of covenant.
The Psalm 27: 1, 4-9 continues the imagery of light, praising God is "my light" (verse 1). Once again, the light connects us with God's redemption which is sufficient for all human needs.
1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 continues the passage of the letter of Paul to the Corinthians of last week, calling the agreement between the members of the congregation. It was understandable under Roman rule that the congregation should not attract the attention of higher authorities with public protests. However, the call for total uniformity and agreement as a strategy in human communities is problematic. Healthy groups of people can agree to disagree, and accept and celebrate their differences rather than mutually bound to assimilation. This dynamic is especially important in the construction and maintenance of LGBT communities where many of us drag traumatic injuries to be excluded because of the difference.
- How clear is the diversity and difference in your community or church? Who's invited? Where seems set your limits or church?
Matthew 4: 12-23 back to Matthew's account we learn how dangerous it is for Jews who proclaims the change. John the Baptist is killed by his activities, and Jesus is frightened enough to move to Capernaum. The writer of Matthew recites the ancient script of the prophet Isaiah, again using l dualistic language of light and darkness to explain what is going on (verse 14-16).
remember the last Roman persecution persecution and resistance of the people of God in the Babylonian exile. Now, Jesus meets publicly to his followers to preach the end of the current rule. He knows what is at stake and proceeds without too much caution. He calls to conversion, to repentance. Which will leave us what we are doing and follow your path?
- What do you think of the word "repentance"? What might be the results of a radical conversion in your life, church and the political public sphere?
Prayer inclusive
Holy God,
you are in the midst of darkness,
see you in the light.
Shine on us.
Make us of our self-interest and privilege.
Forgive us and give us courage
to shine with your compassion, your justice and peace.
Amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment