Ephesians 5:15-20
Proper 15 (20) - Year B
Live wisely, not carelessly, unthinkingly, in the midst of desperation and evil. A key here is looking at the word the NRSV translates as "debauchery." While that word carries negative overtones of being out of control in several different ways, the Greek from which it comes might be stated with less emotional and broader language of "excess."
We are back to the old moderation in all things that will better allow the Spirit to be noticed. Crowding our lives means less noticing of new material, which is part of the work of the Spirit.
I must admit to a messy desk. I tend to work in multiple projects. I can find things on my desk. Others can't. But if someone puts something on the desk I can't see it there. Leave me notes on my chair. Is my excessive clutter debauchery? It probably doesn't come up to that standard. Is my over-flowing desk a sign of excess? Probably. How do you limit the Spirit in your life? Does the Spirit have to leave things on your chair or are there multiple ways to get your attention?
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/august2003.html
Ephesians 5:15-20
1 Kings 2:10-12; 13:3-14 or Proverbs 9:1-6
Psalm 111 or Psalm 34:9-14
John 6:51-58
The temptation of "understanding" is very great. Even wise old Solomon finally failed that test. Along with understanding came/comes riches and honor. And what, I ask, can stand in the face of such principalities and powers? Understanding eventually pales in the temptation of increased riches and honor. Why, simply because it takes so much to increase in wisdom appropriate to this new time and place. Let your growth in understanding lag for a bit, presuming for a moment that you have sufficient, and, lo and behold, riches and honor gain momentum and priority.
Without an increase in wisdom there can be no sense made of metaphor and mystery such as living bread imaged in personal terms. Alice in Wonderland's bottle and cake remain as strange to us as Jesus' language about eating him. Where we are willing to suspend our disbelief with Alice, we don't seem to be able to do so with Jesus.
[Can't help but wonder if Jesus tastes as wonderful as Alice's drink - "mixed flavour of cherry-tart, custard, pineapple, roast turkey, toffee, and hot buttered toast" or what my flavor(s) might be or yours.]
- - -
wisdom connects
far better
with departing
from evil(1)
and doing good(2)
when wisdom
gets mixed up
with riches and honor
there is going to be
hell to pay
to keep wisdom
increasing in stature
attention to G*D's presence(3)
even more than any list
becomes our joy and focus
[Note: (1) (2) (3) are references to The United Methodist General Rules.]
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
Here is a contrast: Ephesians 5:15-20 and American Health Conflict.
Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get to remember the forgotten single-payer option. These are desperate times as evidenced by the desperation of so many working against their own best long-term interest.
Don't live carelessly, naively, absently in regard to the issues of the day. Make sure you can see a larger picture than the media portrays.
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
Solomon is known as “The Wise”. It is a questionable appellation. So how do we actually live wisely.
Well, instead of flattering G*D through feigned humility, it is listening to what builds creation and community, what extends steadfast love for all parts of creation and community. There is no time to waste on faking G*D out. There is plenty of time to make the most of.
We are not to build temples where singing spiritual songs go on apart from the world, but to express our heart’s desire and courage to build up creation and community.
“Wise” Solomon needs to be asked about a definition of debauchery or living carelessly. Do so many “wives” meet the standard of “extreme indulgence in sensuality”? Was it simply political wisdom to leverage power alliances through “wives” and is that a good use of time? What about the riches? Is being the top of the top long-term sustainable and thus wise? Read the story and where is anything left but ruin?
What are you working for beyond working to fill time, avoid something, or make money?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2012/08/ephesians-515-20.html