Some years ago, a Church Lady of our acquaintance wore a sweatshirt which pictured a hen addressing a small flock of wide-eyed peeps, “Because I’m the MAMA! THAT’s Why!” Although my years as a “peep” have long departed, I sometimes look nostalgically at half-remembered occasions when a parental figure told me what to do… We all do, I think.
Scriptures for this coming Second Sunday in Lent weekend have to do with a loving Parent/God offering a Better Way. Back in Genesis 15, we find childless Abram growling at Yahweh because he had no children yet to inherit his genes. A protective Parent assured him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (v.1) The passage moves Abram from doubtful skepticism to acceptant trust, and establishes the psychological value of learning Parenting FROM a Parent.
There’s no specific reason why we don’t dance with the Psalms during our weekly conversations, so don’t ignore them! Especially this week, when Psalm 27 brings a magnificence to the whole Parent-Child transaction!
St. Paul thinks HE’s a Mother Hen! He writes to his flock in Philippi, “Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us [me].” (3:17) Part of Parenting is leading by example, being a strong role model for the peeps. Paul here isn’t speaking only to individuals, but encouraging a successful participation within the greater flock. Part of my late-life memories includes an appreciation of those saints who sparked my growing-up days with their steady presence.
Luke remembers how Jesus’ detractors warned him about his confrontational teachings. (13:31-35) He assured them that his path led immediately and urgently to Jerusalem, center of Jewish ancestral traditions, where he was to proclaim by word and deed a Kingdom whose values were opposed to the imperfections of Rome and Temple. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (v.34) Michael B. Curry writes, “For Jesus, God’s passionate dream, compassionate desire, and bold determination is to gather God’s human children closer and closer in [a holy] embrace and love.” (In FEASTING on the WORD, C 2:71)
If this week’s blog seems a bit over-the-top, attribute it to my persistent Winter Cold; or else the medicines which won’t cure me, but will make me feel better while I wait it out. Which brings me to one last cheep shot: a Mother Hen carrying a bowl of soup enters a sick-room where a peep is tucked in up to his chin–“Of course it’s not anyone we know! At least eat the noodles!”
God Bless Us,Every One Horace Brown King
My musing about Lectionary Readings for the upcoming week is found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook–or on horacebrownking.com
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