Remember the cartoons that had an angel on the character’s right shoulder and a devil on the other? Well, today’s readings brought this scenario to mind, however simplistic it may sound.
In all three readings, the people are warned about how their ancestors “stiffened their necks” against God, his prophets, and, of course, against Christ, who warned: “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls against house.”
After reviewing today’s readings, I felt I had been given counsel as to how to create a path toward fulfillment and wholeness. It was a set of instructions that I needed to hear today and need to remind myself of everyday. “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live….” All three readings, from Moses in Deuteronomy to Asaph in Psalm 78 to Matthew, are exhortations on the path to fulfillment and wholeness. “Live by God’s law,” they cry out in unison.
“REMEMBER NOT THE SINS OF MY YOUTH.” (But how often shall I forgive my brother?) The combined lessons of the day left me with the following impressions: We ask God to set up guidelines for us (e.g., “Lead me in thy truth,” “Teach me thy paths,” “Make me know thy ways,” etc.) Daily we beg God’s forgiveness and remind him of his promises to deliver us in the time of need. (All this despite the fact that we systematically disregard the very guidelines we asked him for in the first place.) We ask for (and secretly expect) carte blanche forgiveness for ourselves while carefully calculating and cataloging wrongs done to us by others. We are the children of God, and we often react like children — striking out blindly in fear/anger and avoiding responsibility for our actions by pointing a finger at someone else.
The first Parish Round Table Discussion on March 3 was a lively and productive session that provided important input for our Parish profile. If you were unable to participate, please sign up for the second session on Sunday, March 17. The sign-up sheet is in the Parish Hall. The hour-long discussions will start in the Parish Hall right after the service at 12:30pm. A
Playing the hometown crowd is not always easy. What stirred the congregation at Nazareth into such a rage? I have never heard a sermon so offensive that the preacher deserved to be hurled from a cliff. Perhaps if Jesus had been from a faraway town or a noted rabbi down from Jerusalem, his reception would have been different. The sudden fury could have come only from people who knew Jesus well.
THE STORY JESUS TELLS of the Prodigal Son may be the first parable I remember. No wonder: As the oldest of two sons, I’m sure I saw myself in the story’s elder brother, whose little brother got away with everything and received a party as punishment. I wasn’t completely certain what “loose living” was, exactly, but I knew it must describe my brother’s annoying behavior perfectly — or surely would someday, just as soon as he learned to drive.
JOSEPH SOLD INTO SLAVERY, the messengers and then the son of the vineyard owner beaten and killed…. These readings describe in vivid detail the jealousy and greed of humanity at its worst. However, taken one step further, Joseph’s enslavement led to Moses and the Promised Land, and the slaughtered Son led to the Resurrection and our Christian faith and worship.
THE BOY ASKED, “Why doesn’t God send Jesus back to earth again to remove all doubt?” He took the thought no further. What would he have wanted? That Jesus come to Iowa, climb the steps to his parents’ porch, and knock on his door?
HAVE YOU EVER FELT like that clay pot? Looking around and thinking, hey I’m a pretty good pot. I’m pleasant to look at; I hold cold, clean water for people to drink; I am always available whenever I’m needed. I’m doing just what a pot should do. And I’m feeling pretty good about myself. Then along comes the potter to take a look at you.
The deadline for the Parish Questionnaire is extended to Sunday, March 3, to enable everyone to participate. A reminder that the parish Questionnaire can be found online here. Hard copies are available in the Parish Hall or Narthex, as are drop boxes for completed questionnaires. The first of two Parish Round Table Discussions will be held in the Parish Hall on March 3. The