Complicated friendships

Tuesday, October 24, 2006 -- Week of Proper 24 (St. James of Jerusalem)

"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 location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html



Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 989)
Psalm 26, 28 (morning) // 36, 39 (evening)
Ecclesiasticus 6:5-17 (found in the Apocrypha; also called Sirach)
Revelation 7:9-17
Luke 10:1-16

Living in relationship, living in community is complicated. Today our readings have comments on some of those complications.

Jesus ben Sira writes in Ecclesiasticus that it is good to have many friends, but he is also cautious. Much of ben Sira's concern is about the pursuit of honor. His ethical advice is centered on the gain of honor and the avoidance of shame, almost in an economic sense. For him, honor is more than reputation, but is more like a commodity or stock. Men of honor competed for social status with their peers, gaining and losing honor in the sight of others. The ultimate honor comes from God who alone gives a good name that lasts forever.

So, in such a "zero sum" game, one must be cautious, even defensive in friendship, for these friends are potential competitors in the pursuit of honor. "Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. When you gain friends, gain them through testing, and do not trust them hastily. ...Keep away from your enemies and be on guard with your friends." It is an anxious, competitive world view of friendship.

The Revelation of John sees a glorious vision of friendship. The tribes of God's people are gathered and "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nations, from all tribes and peoples and languages" is gathered. All stand joyfully "before the Lamb, robed in white with palm branches." They worship with great thanksgiving. They have come out of "the great ordeal" (life is difficult); "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Christ's death is the first fruits of resurrection for all). They live without earthly suffering -- no more hunger, heat or tears. It is a beautiful vision of universal divine protection and reconciliation for all the earth. John's vision is encouragement in difficult times.

Jesus sends out seventy to prepare for his mission. They go out "like lambs in the midst of wolves." They carry no defenses or power of wealth. They offer peace to all. Remarkably, they will eat whatever is given to them, ignoring Biblical kosher laws. They heal those who need healing; they announce that God's reign is at hand. If they experience resistance, they let it go and move on, leaving any consequences to God.

The first and last vision (Jesus ben Sira and Jesus of Nazareth) contrast dramatically. The latter Jesus sees no zero-sum game, but an unquenchable renewable of grace. His vision is a culture of abundance, not competition. And the greatest honor is humble service. There is no anxiety over status or rejection. His invitation is to a freedom which is joyful, confident service.

In the middle, we see the goal -- a reconciled, resurrected humanity. All are joyful, all are raised, all are one. After all, everyone goes through the trial of death. Ultimately, we are all one. God will wipe away all tears.

Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR