Some Folks Do; Others Sit

You’re probably aware of the Frank Sinatra Syndrome: “do-be-do-be-do”. It often leads to those heavily into a Work Ethic putting down the mystic contemplative ones who choose to bask in the Holiness of Creation all around them. Synods have been called and wars fought over the seeming divide between Faith and Works. Scriptures to be heard this weekend are reminders that the disciple can (should?) be BOTH: there are times to change the world AND there are times to watch the clouds…

AMOS 8:1-12 is an ethical rant against the corrupt business practices of the Northern Kingdom–and also against Israel’s leadership that promotes and passes over such corruption. The root of the problem was that these leaders had so far gotten away with it: “What does God know? We’ve been very successful!” Yeah, so far. But sooner or later, the piper must be paid, and such retribution will be like the ending of a bitter day. In retrospect, we can see how the Assyrians invaded that Northern Kingdom and dispersed the Ten Lost Tribes to the ends of the earth… But can the hearer make the leap from Antiquity to Right Now?

The author of COLOSSIANS 1:15-28 has chosen a hymn that may already be part of that congregation’s liturgy to speak of the riches found in Jesus. These riches are contrasted with the “evil deeds” once done, and the congregation is challenged to make a definitive decision for Christ. This congregation seems to have been named as the poster-boy for world-wise deeds: even the Colossians can find redemption if their hearts keep right! And you?

Which brings us to the Gospel of LUKE, 10:38-42. On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus & Co. stopped at a village nearby (sometimes identified as Bethany) to be the guests of old friends, Martha and her sister Mary. Martha’s OCD got the better of her, and she fussed at Mary for listening to Jesus instead of helping put a meal on the table for all those people. Yet Jesus said that Mary had chosen the good portion; i.e.,kwitcherbellyachin’.

We sometimes beat up on the Martha’s who want to make sure everything is as perfect as possible. Or we grouch at the Mary’s who want to sit in God’s Presence and recognize that all things have been created by God and pronounced “good”. These readings suggest that we can be BOTH hearers and doers and that the world needs both the sky-watchers AND the movers & shakers! F’r goodness sake, go outside and play!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Join the conversation every Tuesday as we look together at readings assigned to the upcoming weekend: at horacebrownking.com