Psalm 34:15-22
Proper 25 (30) - Year B
"Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, G*D is there every time." [The Message, v 19]
From youth and childhood days comes a memory of a hymn verse that goes:
Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Part of the power of that hymn is an understanding that disciples do often get into trouble and daily walking close to he will lead us safely o'er. This is our out from the consequences of daily trouble.
Might it be helpful to come to understand that part of the closer-walk or cloister-walk is just exactly a getting into trouble?
When we come to know that G*D is with us every time, we are better able to imitate Jesus, a great getter-into-trouble. Like him, our every bone will be safeguarded as we face the consequences of getting in trouble - a cross or equivalent. If this is the case, we don't need to spend so much time avoiding trouble or attempting to do so.
Troubled disciples, arise. You have nothing to lose.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/august2003.html
Psalm 34:15-22 or Psalm 84
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 or Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
If you had to choose between grandeur or protection, which would it be? The grandness of Solomon's over-the-top prayer and grandiose temple is a wonder to behold. It inspires awe. Is that a desired dwelling place for more than a moment?
Joshua's recounting of a journey from nowhere to a particular somewhere and the interpreted protection that took in the face of enslavers and people already living where we claimed we were to live and were, thus, by definition, our enemies. It inspires awe. Is this a desired dwelling place for generations?
Where is G*D's dwelling place? Temple or Promised Land? Prayer or Journey?
- - -
we image G*D's armor
as being fit for us to wear
forgetting David trying
to wear Saul's helmet and shield
what arrogance we have
to be able to bear up
under the weight of armor
umpteen times too big
such armor can at best
be worn by a whole community
and even then turns to pride
claiming god on our side
what armor is there
against spiritual forces
a Maginot line
against flanking tanks
participate in prayer
for all saints of every stripe
share life and lives
be bread for one another
trust not in more arms
trust arms more
which may embrace
with shorthand's - amore