Most of us recognize that our hearts are complex muscles which ensure that oxygen-carrying blood circulates throughout our bodies. Several generations ago, the “heart” was considered to be the residence of the persona, the keeper of valid or invalid decisions and the container for the Essence of Life. Today’s readers of scripture under-stand “heart” to be a metaphor for the belief and ethical life-style which ensue from our faithful relationship to God. Readings for the upcoming weekend address God’s persistence in rebuilding that which has been damaged, and the constant flow of life which we too simply call “prayer”.
Jeremiah’s words, 31:27-34, are about as close as the Gloomy Prophet gets to “good” news. He tells the disenfranchised that God hasn’t yet given up on them, that God is soon going to plant a new ‘n’ improved edition of the Holy People–and since the former covenant seems to be easily forgotten, this NEW covenant will be engraved upon their HEARTS! To some of his hearers, this will border on blasphemy; ‘course, that’s what they said about Jesus, too. But we do crave a God who will wipe the slate clean: “I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.” “God sees that forgiveness is an act of compassion prompting worth and value in another but forgetting is an act of love that reinforces the desire that the relationship not be broken.” (Bruce G.Boak, in FEASTING on the WORD, C 4:174)
II Timothy is jam-packed with advice and exhortations from an older mentor (Paul?) to his protege. This weekend we’ll look at 3:14 to 4:5. Simply put, it says, “Keep on keeping on, and don’t be influenced by all the ‘wisdom’ going around.” Despite all the baloney, God is still working and is there for us. I’ve always been attracted to the Process Theologians, who maintain that Creation isn’t static, but is rather an idea in the mind of God, in the process of unfolding. Wandering and return are necessary parts of this saga called the Faith Journey–and the defining news is that God rebuilds our hearts! Every day!
Jesus’ parable of the Unjust Judge, as told in Luke 18-18, can be both confusing and abused. It pits one at the peak of power and prestige against the culture’s most vulnerable, and seems to provide a happy ending. The pews are full of those who’re disillusioned, tired and given up to accept the prevailing injustice, whatever they name it. Will Jesus find those who faithfully believe that there can be a happy ending for them? To Luke, persistence in prayer and courage to live a holy life are not abstracts, but necessities.
I remember only snippets of this song from my Sunday School days in the last century: If the dark shadows gather as you go along, there is joy in their coming, sing a cheery song; In the gloom of your sadness there will soon be light, Every cloud will wear a rainbow if your heart keeps right.
If your heart keeps right, If your heart keeps right, there is grace for your journey through the darkest night; If your heart keeps right, If your heart keeps right (pause here for old Mrs. Grissom to hit the high note) Every cloud will wear a rainbow If your heart keeps right!
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My encounter with lessons assigned to the upcoming weekend can be witnessed every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
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