1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)
Proper 5 (10) - Year B
Who is in and who is outside of family? This question continues in the political realm. We are determined to have a leader over us who will lead us into war unending and more taxes for the poor. Patriotism is the measure of family.
This question continues in the relational realm. We are determined to have internal secrets that heighten our fear to the point of one lie leading to a next. Your lie justifies my lie and mine, yours. Co-conspiracy is the measure of family.
This question continues in the relgious realm. We are determined to have it both ways - G*D's love is steadfast (enduring forever) and doubtful (do not forsake me). We cry to be heard even if all we have to say is confession, appealing for forgiveness with a claim it is for G*D's glory rather than our benefit. Justification is the measure of family.
This question continues in the realm of identity. We will continue to be who and what we are. If not in this world, we will claim it in eternity - never letting go. Pride and greed are measures of family.
This question continues in the realm of biology. We will choose to protect our own, blood being thicker than water. When one is in danger we will gather to rescue them from themselves. Genetics is the measure of family.
And then the questions get deeper. Who is my family beyond all our usual measures? Those who do not give up on hope of better than we have! This cuts across all political, religious, personal, and racial/cultural lines. Here we find common cause in families trying to hold on to the purity of appearances or the openness of new learning.
- - -
I give thanks with all my hearts
strung out with commitments
to you and you and youvoluntarily enslaved to you
my heart knows liberation
because of other commitmentsso many families I already have
rubbing each other the wrong way
dividing and fallingso many families I dream of holding
creating dancing imagining
fertilizing each other as wellpray may our frictions
not bring burning heretics
but pentecost wonder sharingmy village of families
invites your village
to an easy eveningkings and slaves dissolve
creator and creation resolve
division questions salved
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html
Jesus, you are doing it wrong. Samuel, you are doing it wrong. ______ (your name here), you are doing it wrong.
In all times and all places, you will be accused of doing it wrong, of being crazy.
This is a test. You might be crazy and doing it wrong. You might be the only sane voice in a hubbub of same-think.
There is no sure-fire guarantee that you are simply off-base or on-target. In this uncertainty, consider how the world would be different if we don’t follow the temptation to uniformity and empire. To follow in this direction is about as close as we can come to testing our participation in creation’s growth.
Today is election day in a gubernatorial recall election. We will see what the people of Wisconsin will advocate for - power and riches over common-wealth (Saul) or people banding together to care for themselves and one another (alternative family members).
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2012/06/1-samuel-84-11-12-15-16-20-1114-15.html