Prostitutes, Branches, and Action

Tuesday, July 18, 2005 -- Week of 10 Pentecost

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this link -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Discussion Blog
To comment on today's reflection or readings, go to http://lowellsblog.blogspot.com, find today's reading, click "comment" at the bottom of the reading, and post your thoughts.

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 975)
Psalm 26, 28 (morning) // 36, 39 (evening)
Joshua 2:15-24
Romans 11:13-24
Matthew 25:14-30

Each of today's readings prompts a little reflection for me.

It is interesting that the spies that Joshua sends to the walled city of Jericho find an ally in Rahab the prostitute. It is in her house that they find shelter. There is some sexual innuendo in verses 3 and 4 when the officials are looking for them.

Rehab is legally independent. She owns her own house and her own business. Strangers can enter her place of business without being conspicuous. She is in a uniquely powerful position for a woman in her culture.

Instead of cooperating with the city officials, she hides the spies and then negotiates with them for her own protection and for her relatives. She shows initiative as she drives the bargain and directs the escape of the spies. When they return to Joshua, their report is essentially only the information and interpretation that Rahab has given them. They will keep their promise to spare her house and all who are in them. (Note: they don't tell her to stop her immoral business.) Her family will be the only ones Joshua spares in the complete destruction of the city.
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Paul continues to insist that Israel is holy, God's people, despite the rejection of Jesus. "If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy."

He likens the new Gentile Christians to wild olive branches that have been unnaturally grafted onto the cultivated olive tree of Israel. How easy it will be for God to restore those natural branches who have been broken off. How kind of God to connect the wild branches to the tree. "You stand only through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe."

All is gift. There is nothing to be proud or exclusive about.
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One of the possible lessons about the parable of the talents also connects with the story about Rehab and the spies. Authentic life demands action and risk rather than safety and passivity. The slaves who act and risk find reward. The one who plays it safe is punished.

Where are we on the continuum between risking and playing it safe?
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Lowell