Psalm 119:129-136

Proper 12 (17) - Year A

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"Redeem me from oppression." A worthy call.

"Help me redeem others from oppression." Another worthy call.

"I weep because your intentions are not kept."

"We weep because our intentions are not kept."

To work against oppression of any kind is to work out of weeping that faces might shine.

Let us work. Let us shine.

http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2002/july2002.html

 

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Psalm 119:129-136 or Psalm 105:1-11, 45b

"Seek the Lord's strength" can be a call to dependence or greater interdependence.

Our tradition has a huge hunk of worminess within it. When we operate from that stance this kind of approach leads us to bow our heads and leave it all up to the one with power. We place our enemies before G*D to be smited.

Fortunately our tradition also has a huge hunk of wisdom and goodness within it. When we operate from this stance this kind of approach appreciates the qualities of G*D, for they are also our qualities and we are able to reveal them in our day-to-day living. We place our enemies before G*D to be forgiven.

Place your bets. How will G*D's strength be lived out in the midst of all the indeterminate issues of life? Does it have to do with some absolute as a law about Roe v. Wade or the Sabbath? Does it have to do with some imponderable as birth and death matters or spiritual breathing space?

Many will be reflecting on that as the new U.S. Supreme Court nominee becomes better known. I know from my own voting for United Methodist bishops that the issue of peering into a person's soul is most trying. May G*D have mercy as well as strength.

http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2005/july2005.html

 

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Psalm 119:129-136 or Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Psalm 128
Genesis 29:15-28 or 1 Kings 3:5-12
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

With what intentionality does G*D create or foreknow? One camp says absolute intentionality - there is plan, purpose, malice aforethought with every thought/action of G*D. Another camp says no intentionality, only potential.

Of the two, we side with the potential that accords with spending time following the twists and turns of love and understanding. Mindful of a covenant of mutuality that thinks and acts for the sake of others/creation, we experience a love and understanding that continually pulls us toward one another.

There are many ways to express this unity of mutuality. Mustard seeds, yeast, treasure, pearls, and fish but scrape the surface of the presence of G*D.

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before prayer
a sigh
before knowing
a call
before covenant
a thanks
before serving
a love
before presence
parable

http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html