When I was younger (so much younger than today), it seemed as if the proscribed lections for Summertime were blue skies and fluffy clouds. We sang, “This Is My Father’s World” and “When Morning Gilds the Skies”. Sermons were about gardens/harvests/growing things. Lately, readings have become harsh with personal discipline and alternative ethics. The unfolding Kingdom of God is seen as over-against, more than the fulfillment of natural cycles. What makes things so serious? Or have I changed that much…?!
Even as a kid, Jeremiah never lightened up. If he were alive today, he woulda been the only kid in 10th Grade who finished “War & Peace”. “Under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with indignation. Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?” (Jeremiah 15:17-18) And a holy answer came, “If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them.” (v.19) In the midst of all the fluff, how do I utter what is precious??
It’s best to savor Paul’s Letter to the Romans one sentence at a time. This week, we have an entire treasure- chest of gems in chapter 12:9-21. One that leaps out at me is verse 12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” In keeping with the other threads, Paul speaks of his own tenacity and wishes his readers also to hang in. I imagine that Roman Believers often sat alone, apart from the arrogant cruelty which marked their culture. We peculiar people ARE odd, not going along with popular moon-struck values which fade in the Light of Christ….
“From that time on,” Matthew says, “Jesus began to show his disciples that he MUST go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (16:21) Peter (recently appointed as The Rock), speaking for me as always, points out how tough and impractical this would be — and gets reprimanded for missing Holy Direction. Again. Jesus goes on to say that there are greater values than our momentary cravings. Our daily survival pales when compared to the Eternal Life of the Ultimate Community!
Sometimes I sit alone. Even in a group, the talk sooner or later comes to issues of justice, equality and forbearance. My advocacy for the poor & disenfranchised is uncomfortable to most, and friends drift away. I’m seen as a Religious Nut. Jeremiah-like, I’m sometimes angry to be burdened with a Greater Vision, especially when everyone else is playing games and not worrying about racial shootings and far-off tribal conflicts…. But THANKS BE TO GOD for the alternate community of the Church, a tangible Island of Holy Misfits who’ve glimpsed an Ideal Kingdom which shall prevail!!
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
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