Some of the toys my kids let me play with as I watched TV were called Transformers: they seemed like some sort of machinery, but if you twisted them just right, they developed into humanoid figures. Texts to be explored on the upcoming weekend remind us that things are often more than they seem; and that God is at work changing and developing Creation, taking the everyday stuff and making it holy.
The word “prophet” means “one who speaks for God”. Third ISAIAH uses this device in 51:1-6 to tell those recently returned from Babylonian exile that YHWH continues to build them into New Things. The Good Old Days are now past, and the faithful are encouraged to look forward. The Old Times can’t /shouldn’t be forgotten, but can be seen as foundations for the future. God can and will transform glorious futures from an ugly history! Those who “practice righteousness and seek the Lord” are given patience to wait for the “joy and gladness will be found in [Zion], thanksgiving and the voice of song”.
St. Paul continues to build the Church, in ROMANS 12:1-8. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” How then shall Christians live? Can we present an alternative to scrabbling in the dust for prestige and earthly power? Is there a way to advertise to the tired and storm-blown that a new understanding of Success can be spoken here? Eleazar S. Fernandez observes that “nonconformity in relation to the world is the stance that the community of believers must take in light of the life and ministry of Jesus and of the coming new age….The community of believers must live differently, as if the future were already present.” (FEEDING on the WORD, A 3:378)
The Gospel is yet from MATTHEW 16:13-20–“and whom do YOU say that I am?” Here is begun the formal idea of Church: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church”. Please note that this entire stance is based upon the grace of God through Jesus. Although the Jewish community has been well-established, God his here refining the old values of justice and righteousness. As we ascent to God continuing to work through us, our confession is that of the unfinished holiness in our midst.
This is truly a radical position, one which we’re all called to affirm. May the powers of Heaven bless us, even as we form a branch of loving, welcoming community.
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Every Tuesday we begin thinking about the Scriptures assigned to the upcoming weekend (common lectionary). You’re invited to come along at horacebrownking.com
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