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Just when… Just when the People were getting used to their Egyptian overlords, God shows up. Just when their descendents were adjusting to being second-class disposable slaves, God shows up. Just when I’m thinking that I know a bit about ownership and lining my nest with Mammon, God shows up! Readings featured this coming week present a Holy Alternative to the daily dogfight of the surrounding culture, guaranteed to provoke discomfort in both the “sacred” and the “secular”.

We begin with the Ten Commandments, as found in Exodus 20. The recently enslaved Hebrews were exulting in their new freedom, and were living for their individual pleasure. But every society needs rules in order to adhere within a community. So God sent some basic words with Moses to govern their daily affairs: 4 to establish a relationship between YHWH and the People, 6 to provide an aura of trust and ethics within the new nation now forming. Each Commandment would be beneficial to study in detail; their purpose here is to present an alternative to the idolatry of self-direction which is endemic to those who’ve not yet grasped the Big Picture.

Paul’s Letter to the Church in Philippi lifts up this alternative system for those encumbered by the surrounding systems (3:4-14). Paul affirms that the encounter with the resurrected Jesus is “the central event forcing us to re-evaluate our lives”. (Nathan Eddy in SOJOURNERS, A 4:135) “For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.” (vv.8b-9) Paul considered sin as a kind of addiction, and wrote to free his readers from being beholden to the “rubbish” which could threaten to bury them.

The “rulers” of the Jerusalem Temple considered Jesus a DANGEROUS alternative to their safe life as partners to the Roman Empire. Jesus spoke to them in the form of a parable (Matthews 21:33-46) about two sons needed to work in the Vineyard. The first–Sadducees and other law-readers–promised to work, but didn’t. The second–everyday “sinners”–at first declined, yet eventually came around.

“Therefore I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces…” (vv.43-44) Now who’s tripping over God?

I like what Richard Rohr has to say in THE UNIVERSAL CHRIST: “The foundation of Jesus’ social program is what I will call non-idolatry, or the withdrawing of your enthrallment from all kingdoms except the Kingdom of God….Non-attachment (freedom from full or final loyalties to man-made domination systems) is the best way I know of protecting people from religious zealotry or any kind of antagonistic thinking or behavior….Just keep concentrating on the Big Thing!” (page 197)

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

My tripping over readings assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com

“The world is too much with us…” writes Milton. Many of us — myself included — wonder where God is during times of crisis. Will God ever move to comfort those carrying COVID, or those frustrated by socio-economic developments? Scripture to be read this weekend contains passages of assurance of God’s Presence during challenging situations.

We continue the story of the formation of the People of Israel, as they put Egypt behind them (for the most part) and wandered in the Sinai peninsula. In Exodus 17:1-7, we hear of how the thirsty pilgrims doubted that God would take care of them, until Moses struck the base of the mountain with his staff–God showed him where–and good water streamed forth. Did this convince them? Probably not the Back to Egypt committee, the first but not the last to say, “We’ve never done it this way before”. (Interesting reference to Wells Fargo here, but don’t get sidetracked.)

Paul’s fatherly advice to the Philippians, 2:1-13, is delightfully full of reminders to be imitators of Christ. Be “in full accord and of one mind….the same mind in you that was in Christ Jesus.” The disciple is to think beyond her own ambitions, thus to participate in the life and pattern of the group/ church/nation. As Jesus engaged life even to a horrible death, and entered into God’s fullness (“the name that is above every name”), so we Philippians are to understand that God is doing something wonderful in our lives whether we’re aware of it or not! This process of emptying begins when we respond to the Christ-light despite “the slings and arrows of daily fortune”.

Matthew’s Gospel remembrance tells of the now-renegade Jesus at the Jerusalem Temple during Holy Week (21:23-32). The credentials board asks him about his authority–“Who gave you the right to do all these healings and teachings? And what about the money-changers??” Jesus turned the question back on them (in rabbinic style) by asking where John the Baptizer got HIS authority: from God or from human origins. Was this also an occasion of God being at work?

So here are three instances of God turning the world as we know it upside-down. Who would expect water from a hidden spring in the middle of a desert? Who would expect that an outside-the-box-of-Jewish Law reformer and iconoclast should be exalted in heaven as part of the Godhead? Who would expect this Jesus to lay his life on the line for the good of the world? The Church may yet be the surprising alternative to the business-as-usual of the rest of the world…

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

My encounter with lessons assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com

Maybe it’s the change in the air, or perhaps these chilly almost-fall mornings. Whatever, I find myself more thankful than usual for a nice place to live and a warm bed, sheltered from the elements and safe in the wilderness. Scriptures for this weekend deal with the richness of life in God and the warmth which comes from knowing that there’s One who takes care of our needs and provides just compensation for our response of service.

The story from the Hebrew Bible comes from Exodus 16, where the habiru/desert wanderers were wondering what was going to happen to them away from the security of slavery in Egypt. It says that they “murmered” against Moses & Aaron. YHWH heard them, and sent a flock of quail for their immediate relief, and the next morning showed them that the “fine, flake-like thing” was good as/better than bread. This stuff appeared EVERY morning until they reached the Promised Land! They called it MAN HU: “What Is It?”

Philippians 1:21-30 acknowledges that Paul himself is aware of his precarious situation at the caprice of the Roman Emperor. Is it better to keep living as long as I can, and preach & teach; or should I just accept death and go home to be with the Lord? Yet God has called him to deal with the “wilderness” and forego comfort for his friends. Paul exhorts his readers (and himself) to keep on living faithfully even in this imperfect world: “For [God] has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well.” Can we identify the abundance in our daily deserts?

Ah, then one of Jesus’ amazing parables is reported in Matthew 20:1-16–we’re still building community here. You may be angry to remember the story of the vineyard owner who needed to harvest TODAY, and so he visited the public square labor pool early in the morning; and then at later times during the day. He told all his hires that they would get “the usual wages” (a denarius)–but they got sore when even the late workers got the same thing. Does God reward late-comers? Yes, whatever the hour. Does God restrict the early-birds? No, for “the heat of the day” brings its own reward of productivity for a good cause. Is life worth more than a denarius? Do we not all get our daily manna, just the abundance we need?

So, shall I leave all “MY” stuff and join the Bruderhof, holding all things in common? Can’t do it; I like my elitism of two cars and a pension. Will those oppressed by poverty & politics be given their daily bread, or will I have to yield my come-early advantage to a more-equitable wealth? Abundance: what IS it? Is God’s ethic always so complicated??

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

My encounters with lessons assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com

The latest issue of SIERRA magazine lifted up a representative controversy: some were decrying the National Park Service for wiring “the wilderness” in order to increase cell-phone coverage. These were folks who wanted to get away from anything that would distract them from the loneliness of nature; as opposed to those who wanted to keep in touch with family & friends. This relates to today’s mask/non-mask decision of many who don’t really care if they’re spreading COVID or not, long as they’re safe themselves. The weekend’s Bible readings won’t be popular with rugged individualists–all three address the formation and responsibility of living within a community.

The Old Testament contains the story of the parting of the sea in order that the Hebrews could pass across to begin their Exodus wanderings; and vindictively includes the drowning of the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14:19-31). Please be careful to not have a tailgate-party of “We won, You lost!”: these Egyptians had wives & children… The story is included as a formative narrative for the community that would become Israel, and as an acknowledgement that YHWH rescues the oppressed in whatever alien land they live.

Paul’s letter to the Romans continues to exhort people he’s never met to live in creative community with each other and within the (Evil?) Empire (14:1-12). The core of it to me is v.7: “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves “. This is more than toleration, it involves extreme hospitality of mind as well as opening of our personal space! It seems that we’re all in it together, irregardless of how the world judges our worth. It’s hard to see those different from me through God’s eyes… Can we live in a community of faith with all these diverse backgrounds? “In Christ there is no place for self-centeredness, because as Christians our entire life ultimately is centered on Christ….We are all accountable not only to each other but ultimately to God.” (Jeanette A. Good in SOJOURNERS, A 4:67)

Our Gospel continues Matthew’s attempt to form his mostly-Jewish readers into a Christian community (18:21-35). This parable of Jesus, found only in this Gospel, is the story of the slave who owed his master more money than he could ever repay. The kind-hearted master heard the slave’s tearful begging–and forgave him the WHOLE AMOUNT. Outside, this same slave encountered another who owed him a relatively small debt–and he had him arrested and thrown into debtor’s prison! The Master found out about this and angrily had him tortured ’til he could pay the whole thing (never). An analogy about mercy and forgiveness, which Matthew remembered to remind us about the need for these in community-building. Forgiveness is a conscious attempt to let go of past abuses, and thus not be trapped in our own litany of resentment.

These readings are important in this high-tech age. Many of us prefer texting to phoning, Zooming to in-person meetings, virtual church services to face-to-face confession. It’s a matter of power: if we don’t want to be in community, just push a button and they’re gone! Despite wi-fi, I believe that God is calling us to be part of all the others–in Christ.

In the process of unfolding Horace Brown King

My encounter with Lessons assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com

Know it well, love is its meaning.  Who reveals this to you?  Love.  What does he reveal?  Love.  Why?  For Love.  Remain in this and you will remain in the same.        –Julian of Norwich, as quoted by Richard Rohr, in THE UNIVERSAL CHRIST, page 69.  Fr. Rohr goes on to say, “When we are truly  ‘in love’, we move out of our small, in-dividual selves to unite with another, whether in companionship, simple friendship, marriage, or any other trustful relationship.” (p. 70)  Announce that the theme of worship is “Love”, and pew-sitters will expect hearts ‘n’ flowers–surprise!

The Old Testament reading, Exodus 12:1-14, tells of the origins of Passover.  Important to the forming of the habiru/desert wanderers of Egypt into the People of Israel, this story unfortunately doesn’t much show love to the Egyptians.  Despite Joseph’s insight into hospitality, the text portrays a vengeful and nasty understanding of YHWH.  How can we make this “right”?  Richard Rohr, again: “the Crucified and Risen Christ uses the mistakes of the past to create a powerful future, a future of redemption instead of retribution.  He does not eliminate or punish the mistakes.  He uses them for  transformative purposes.”  (op.cit., page 72)

Paul continues his examples of the Christian Ethic in Romans 13:8-14.  “The commandments…are summed up in this word,  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”  Doing our part in the mission of Christ is valid only as we interact with our neighbor in love.  Moreover, this interaction prepares the disciple for the ultimate fulfillment of the Kingdom:  the believer is urged to “live honorably”, putting aside selfish traits which will harm the community.  Is this a glimpse of Heaven?

Many individuals and congregations have misused Matthew 18:15-20.  Here Jesus tells us to communicate with each other–if there’s a problem, talk about it!  He warns that communities can be broken when conflicts or hurt feelings are allowed to fester–so here’s his formula for resolving tempests in teapots before they blow down the foundations!  “If another (member?) sins against you, go and point out the fault when you are alone.”  If no resolution happens, get a couple of mutual friends to intervene and come up with a compromise.  If still no mutual ground is reached, bring it to the attention of the whole faith-crew… and only then “let such a one be to you as a Gentile or a tax-collector”.  Even so, there’s always HOPE for the Gentiles, for the tax-collectors…and thus the offender is still offered the chance for restoration.

Loving ALL is difficult, a fact that should be acknowledged.  Broken friendships and hurt feelings happen every day;  just read the Advice Columns in your newspaper.  We who try to be disciples of Christ are no different:  the human condition is loaded with fragile egos.  Perhaps these readings will put these problems into a more loving perspective?  Valerie Bridgeman writes in SOJOURNERS (September/October 2020, p.48),  “We are called to live honorably, which means to love righteously by ‘putting Christ on’ and being the active love of God in the world by our deeds.”

In the process of unfolding                                  Horace Brown King

My ruminations on scripture passages assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook or at horacebrownking.com