Despite the marketing of Yuletide hardware in the chain stores, the Body of Christ is now working toward and appreciating Bountiful Harvests and other indications of the approach of God’s Kingdom. Prescribed readings for these several weeks will celebrate the richness of Creation and the blessings of life unfolding in Christ. Although they appear unrelated, I’d like to suggest that lessons heard on the upcoming weekend carry a disguised common thread of God at work in everyday moments.
The Story of Ruth introduces the ancestry of David (therefore Jesus) through the conjugation of Ruth & Boaz (4:13-17). A son was born, and Naomi immediately did the Grandma thing. Her cronies announced that a son had been born “to Naomi”, and even named him Obed, “Servant of God”. G. Malcolm Sinclair observes, “Part of the community’s strength is its realization that the Holy One is at work in the simplest, the earthiest, and the most authentic human experiences….Before all doctrine, theology, and liturgical tradition, there were simply people finding profound richness in the most ordinary and unlikely places.” (FEASTING ON THE WORD, year B #4:269-271)
The reading of Hebrews 9:24-28 can be pretty metaphysical–and oblique, if we’re not careful. The main thrust is a comparison between earthly worship and that of eternity. Some will get great mileage from the verses about Christ “appearing a second time…to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Yet I’d take this in the direction of finding a Holy Presence where and when we’d least expect it, even and especially in human contrivances. Because of Christ’s one-time intercession, we need have no angst about not being good enough! If our relationship with God has already been cemented, why should our imperfections keep us up at night?
Mark’s Gospel remembrance (12:38-44) is also one of contrasts: Jesus cautions against putting on religious airs, as the scribes do. He points out the devout widow with her two-cents’ worth as the ultimate example of knowing God’s blessings, and responding with a more holy attitude. This is often a “you can give more” sermon, which is OK–again, I’d like to lift up the aura of surprise where it’s least expected. Does the Kingdom of God find its harvest of blessings in the faithful expectations of one on the bottom of the ladder?
These readings are aimed at the 99%, we inconsequential strivers after wind who bring our hopes and fears daily before God, often embarrassed by the meagerness of our spirituality. We need to hear that the gates of God’s Kingdom are indeed open, that there are surprises down the road from the Keeper of ultimate promises.
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
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