Centering. The term for finding and naming what’s important down deep inside.
Contemplatives have long been focusing on the kernel of Truth which sustains the human pilgrimage. To this observer, much of what’s askew in contemporary culture is a reluctance to be A People; that is, to name and identify what’s important in our ideal history. Several magazines are popular for their nostalgic look back at what we think we remember. Could we dare honor The Greatest Generation and then move forward? Why shouldn’t each generation claim its moments of greatness?
The Scriptures heard this weekend will lift up this centering–and the need for it. We begin with a rather abrasive oracle of Jeremiah, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, ” says the Lord. (23:1) This is both a comment of sadness about clueless Israel, and a cry of fury against The Establishment (Kings?) which lives only for itself. But there is a Promise: “Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them… The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch.” (vv. 3, 5) Around this Branch (Messiah?) the People will gather and be saved.
The Letter to the Ephesians is warm and inclusive: Paul’s writing was as controversial in those days as current conversation about LGBT participation in church-life is today! “Remember that you [Gentiles by birth] were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (2:12) But Christ has become the Center of Faith for both those who were “far off” and those who were “near”! “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.” (v.19) (I fear that many of you misread my sarcasm in last week’s blog, when I described the perceived American adaptation of “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” as being Not In My Back Yard. Society’s fears, but not mine!)
Mark’s Gospel recounts two narratives of Jesus & Co. who were literally chased from place to place by crowds desperate for a Center. “He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd;…” (6:34) After they were fed loaves & fish & the Holy Presence, they followed Jesus to yet another lakeshore venue, bringing their sick for healing.(vv.55,56) People then & now are more needy than they care to admit; yet throng around someone who (at least for one bright, shining moment) can point to the spot of hunger in their Center.
We veteran preachers get tired, even cynical (Marie says I was born that way) about our lack of audience. Like G. Washington in 1776, we cry, “Is anybody there? Does anybody care?” But once in a while a prophetic spark gleams my eye, and I want to help The World do some centering. Praise God for the Christ, the ultimate Center!
God Bless Us, Every One! Horace Brown King
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