Category: SSCSJ
Paragraphs from SSCSJ
A few paragraphs from SSCSJ for the Lectionary texts for July 8, 2012.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
This part of David’s ascent to the throne is not a pretty picture. It makes the very clear point that all of the 12 tribes of Israel did not welcome David with open arms. It was not a smooth transition of power. The new king gains the throne only after the death of the rightful heir, Saul’s son. David secures the stronghold of Jerusalem by violence, a move that foreshadows a characteristic of this king (and others) – he takes whatever he wants by force, without consideration of the harm he will cause others. Yes, there’s no denying that the DH portrays David has having God’s favor, but even with its ideological “spin”, we are shown the faults of this man who will be remembered as the “greatest king of Israel”. Like any human ruler, David is imperfect; he falls prey to the greed that often comes with the acquisition of absolute power. Like too many human rulers, David often puts his own desires and interests ahead of the needs of the people who made him king and for whose well-being he is ultimately responsible.2 Corinthians 12:2-10
In this week’s reading, Paul, speaking in third person, describes a mystical experience that many scholars argue is Paul talking about his own experience, while trying not to “boast.” The Lectionary leaves out 12:1, “It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” Verses 2-4 are not explicitly identified as his Damascus road experience, but it is a plausible explanation for Paul’s “14 years ago” reference to the time when Saul became Paul. You probably reference your baptism, or some other moment on your faith-map, as a “turning point” or marker in your journey.Is Paul trying to create a parable in vv. 5-9? These words seem like a reversal story. There is strength in weakness? Can you imagine “boasting” about your weaknesses in a job interview or in a support group? What personal weakness would you put on a billboard in town or be willing to share with a Sunday school as a badge of honor?
Mark 6:1-13
Jesus turns his attention to the disciples, the twelve he would send on behalf of the good news of God to speak and heal in the name of God. Unlike other traveling evangelists, philosophers, or healers of their time, they only take shoes and a walking staff, nothing else, and the emissaries of Jesus don’t stay in one place too long. Is it a stretch to consider that Jesus is doing two things here? First, he is making a case for “relational” ministry. Second, he is preparing the disciples for the variety of responses they will receive by carrying the good news of God that is countercultural.What kind of social dislocation today challenges religious and secular power structures? Taking the good news of God seriously, as practiced and modeled by Jesus, has something to do with the purpose of ministry. Suggesting an alternative way of being community will bring scrutiny to the voice, or voices, offering that alternative.
Paragraphs from SSCSJ
A few paragraphs from Sacred Steps: Children’s Sermon Journal for the Lectionary texts for July 1, 2012.
Psalm 130
Like all of the psalms, Ps 130 provides good fodder for reflection and discussion. Have you ever had an experience in which it seemed like your prayers were going unheard by God? Have you cried out to the Divine out of the depths of despair and demanded to be heard? What does it mean to “wait for the LORD”? Is this a statement about patience or an assurance of trust? How does one live (or a community live) that reflects that they “wait for the LORD” in their very nephesh? How do you, or your faith community, assure people of God’s constant love and forgiveness? This psalm declares that God forgives constantly, without any requirement of punishment. Do you believe that God’s steadfast love and forgiveness are truly given with no restraint? Is this what your church teaches children & youth?
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
The last 3 verses of II Sam 1 seem to be a separate lament, because of the use of an inclusio (i.e., “How the mighty have fallen” in v 25a and v 27a). Here, David expresses his great “distress” over the death of Jonathon, who was “”greatly beloved” by David (v 26). The covenant that David and Jonathon made with each other (I Sam 18) was stronger than blood and longer than this earthly life. David describes Jonathon’s “love” as “wonderful, passing the love of women” (v 26b). The exact nature of this relationship cannot be determined from the biblical text, but there can be no doubt that it was an intimate and meaningful one. While, as king, David had many wives and concubines, none of those relationships reached the level of mutuality and depth of feeling he had with Jonathon. In this opening chapter of II Sam, we see David as a man deeply wounded by the loss of his dear companion, Jonathon. The DH also wants us to see David as a man who was loyal to Saul until the end, and who did not immediately seize upon Saul’s death as his opportunity to take the throne as king. That does not happen until II Sam 2 (king of Judah) and II Sam 5 (king of all Israel). The way the Lectionary has led us through the stories about the move to a monarchy is based in an ideological agenda, similar to the propaganda of the DH, that presents the most favorable characteristics of David, whom tradition names as Israel’s greatest kings, but as is often the case political figures who are portrayed as larger than life, there is a “backstory” that someone is trying to cover-up.
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Two words in the text, “genuineness” and “earnestness”, are worth exploring, as Paul sets up his testing of the Christian community in Corinth using these as measuring tools: their (Corinth) genuineness compared to the earnestness of others.
Genuine: 1) Possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic; real. 2) Properly so called. 3) Free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere. 4) Descended from the original stock.
Earnestness: 1) Serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous. 2) Showing depth and sincerity of feeling. 3) Seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention.
Which of these words best describes the work, or ministry, of your congregation in your local community? In an era of shrinking budgets, could this testing tool be an effective way to discern the real focus of ministry for your congregation?
Mark 5:21-43
Intertwined into this narrative are examples of faith and belief that are inspiring and can be as equally disappointing. In many hospital rooms, prayers are offered; personal faith and belief are stretched, reassured, and broken. Sometimes we can make healing too much about an individual’s faith or belief, and this can lead to deeper pain, self-doubt, and confusion about the role of God in one’s life. The odds are good that many in your congregation, including the children on the sacred steps, have played all four roles in this narrative during their lifetime: acting out of the hope of last resort, advocating for another, relying on the advocacy of another and healing hands, and mourning and disbelieving (like the crowd). How was Jesus restoring, saving, and healing, when you played these roles? Which character in the story most resonates with your current experience?