From Unfaithfulness to Trust

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 -- Week of 2 Lent

"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. 952)
Psalms 61, 62 (morning) // 68:1-20 (21-23) 24-34 (evening)
Jeremiah 2:1-13
Romans 1:16-25
John 4:43-54

There seems to be a progression in today's readings.

We begin with Jeremiah speaking in God's name accusing Israel of forsaking God. He remembers the early "devotion of your youth, your love as a bride." But now, although God has faithfully brought Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness into a plentiful land, the people do not remain faithful. They do not say, "Where is the Lord?" It seems incredulous to Jeremiah. No other nation has changed its gods, even though their gods do not exist. And Israel, who has been adopted as God's own, is worshiping their own handiwork rather than God. This unfaithfulness will lead to destruction.

Paul is describing some of the behaviors and consequences of following the pagan religions. He paints it with a particularly vivid and critical brush. "They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles... and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever!" He goes on (in verses beyond today's reading) to describe the sexual prostitution that was part of some pagan rites and an exhaustive list of vices that destroy meaningful relationships.

The irony of this passage is that it is addressed to Gentile Christians who now are incorporated into the community of the church. Paul sees his mission to be primarily directed to these Gentiles. Later, he will offer a generous and inclusive picture of Gentiles, especially those who do good, as being on an equal footing with Jews in the graciousness of God. From Jeremiah to Paul the directions have reversed. The people, even Gentiles who have lived sordid lives, are returning to God in faith.

Finally in John we see Jesus again performing a sign in Cana. A royal official approaches him. This official would be someone who served Herod Antipas, the ruler who arrested, imprisoned, and beheaded John the Baptist. This unnamed royal official asks Jesus to heal his son and trusts Jesus word. His trust is the example the Gospel of John wishes to raise up. The child is healed, and the whole household believes and trusts in Jesus.

I am reminded of the word from St. Augustine -- "Love God, and do what you will." (Or "Love God, and what you will, do.") In the context of these stories, to love God is to trust God, and to trust God is to follow in his way. It begins with relationship, and relationship manifests behavior.

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

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Our Rule of Life:
We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.