Three Stories of Power

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 -- Week of Proper 22

Today's Reading for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 987)
Psalms [120], 121, 122, 123 (morning) 124, 125, 126, [127] (evening)
Micah 1:1-9
Acts 23:12-24
Luke 7:1-17

(note; I printed today's Gospel yesterday by mistake)

In our three readings today we have contrasting images about the powerful and their use of power.

We begin reading the 8th century prophet Micah who declares judgment upon the ruling elite in Samaria and Jerusalem. He joins Amos to accuse the wealthy and powerful of corruption, greed and complacency. He and Amos condemn a kind of class welfare that protects and promotes the interests of the powerful and ignores or exploits the circumstances of the needy.

Because of the injustice of the elite and powerful, Micah declares judgment upon the whole country, especially the urban centers of Jerusalem and Samaria. "All her idols I will lay waste; for as the wages of a prostitute she gathered them, and as the wages of a prostitute they shall again be used."

As our nation faces an economic meltdown largely by the behavior of lending institutions and the complacency of regulatory oversight, these words seem to have a contemporary ring. Economists often call these downward cycles "correction." Prophets will call them "judgment."

Later in chapter 6 we will hear Micah call to the people and to the elites to change and to reform their ways. "He has told you, O moral, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In the two New Testament readings we have stories of effective leadership.

Paul is in custody on account of charges that have been laid against him by some Jewish leaders and a dispute that arose when he appeared before their religious council. When his nephew hears about a conspiracy to assassinate Paul, the tribune takes prompt action to remove Paul from the threat under protective cover. A good use of power and authority.

In the gospel we have a story about a Roman officer, a centurion. He is the commander of a cohort of one hundred men, responsible for their provisions, training, and deployment. He is among those who are called "Godfearers," Gentiles who participate in the synagogue worship, viewing from the Court of the Gentiles. Many Jewish synagogues and communities found financial and social support from influential Gentiles throughout the Roman world. The Jewish elders endorse the centurion's appeal to Jesus to come to heal a valued slave. "He is worth of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us."

The centurion understands the purity laws of the Jews, and he tells Jesus not to risk ritual defilement by entering his house. "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed." He offers to Jesus an analogy: I have authority over my soldiers; they do my bidding. You have authority over illness; simply speak and it will be done.

Jesus marvels over and complements the centurion's faith. The faith of an outsider, a "nonbeliever," Jesus says, is greater than any faith he has discovered among the "believers."

Two stories of authorities using their power for good. One to protect the vulnerable and to deter violence. The other who uses authority with humility and seeks the welfare of a servant.

One story about elites who use their power for selfish gain. Complacent and greedy, they look to their own interests while ignoring the needs of the people.

We have these same stories played out before our eyes in the daily news.

Lowell

_____________________________________________

Audio podcast: Listen to an audio podcast of the most recent Morning Reflections from today and the past week. Click the following link: Morning Reflection Podcasts

About Morning Reflections
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


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

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas