Notes from the Readings

Friday, August 7, 2009 -- Week of Proper 13, Year One
John Mason Neale, Priest, 1866

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 978)
Psalms 88 (morning) 91, 92 (evening)
2 Samuel 12:1-14
Acts 19:21-41
Mark 9:14-29

There is so much that is compelling in today's readings. I'd like to write a full reflection on each. But maybe only a little note.

Psalm 88 is unique. There is no ray of hope or word of confident faith in this psalm. It is pure grief and lament. I'm glad we have Psalm 88. I'm glad we read it out loud in public. There are times and conditions that we experience as unmitigated sadness. There are circumstances that are hopeless. This Psalm gives voice to the powerless and hopeless. If we are fortunate enough not to need to pray it for ourselves, we can certainly offer it on behalf of those who live in such despair and hopelessness.
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The prophet Nathan speaks truth to power. It is a dangerous act, for David has the power to kill, to exile or to exercise revenge on Nathan, if he chooses. But Nathan boldly tells David what David has done, using a parable, a story of a rich man and a poor man. The rich man takes the poor man's "one little ewe lamb." The injustice of the act is manifest.

In what other contexts might that parable be spoken to those who abuse power and cause suffering to the poor and weak? It could be spoken to our nation for our over-consumption and abuse of the planet. Or to those who manipulate economic systems to produce profit that creates no value or product -- the kinds of trading that set off the recent worldwide depression. It could be spoken to various forms of militant activities that prey on the most vulnerable tribes and villages around the world. To those who make themselves obscenely wealthy on the labor of people who do not have a living wage. There are many stories of the rich man who had many flocks and the poor man who had nothing but one little ewe lamb. Nathan forces the rich man to see the interconnection between the two.
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In our story from Acts we see another power struggle. Paul's challenge to the Roman civil religion threatens an industry. The silversmiths and others who benefit from trade with visitors to the famous shrine of Artemis in Ephesus accuse Paul of costing them money. They are at the point of rioting or becoming violent before the town clerk restores order.

How often "it's all about money." Civic conflicts; religious conflicts; political conflicts; issues of justice. Money is usually a big player. And people will do violence -- emotional and physical violence -- when money is at stake.
_______

And finally, we have the fascinating story of the child whose condition is so severe that the disciples cannot cure the child. The father is desperate and seeks Jesus' aid, "If you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." Jesus replies, "If you are able! -- All things can be done for the one who believes."

Feel the heartache of the father's immediate and passionate response. "I believe; help my unbelief!" That is one of the most beautiful lines in the scripture. Who has not felt so? It is likely that Mark is writing comforting words to people in his community who have been threatened with persecution. They doubt whether they can face what they must face and still hold on. At the edge of our need, we cry: "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Jesus honors the cry. The child is healed. May it always be so.

I believe that good overcomes evil; that true power triumphs over mere force; that love is stronger than anything. I believe; help my unbelief!

Lowell

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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