Hebrews 9:24-28

Proper 27 (32)- Year B

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How would you handle this scripture if it came around in relationship to Christmas?

If we start with verse 23, we need something better than the usual rounds of repeated sacrifices. How do we get off that wheel of sacrifice? Perhaps we need Christmas to be paired with Good Friday or see how Good Friday is bracketed by Christmas and Easter.

How would it be to look at things through the gift of birth? "For Christ did not enter a world made by human hands, a mere copy of heavenly realms, but he entered into creation itself, now appearing as Emmanuel - with the presence of G*D alongside us. With new blood regenerated from the depth of bone, the foundation of the world, he comes to life. He has been present in every age to remove sin through an offering of life abundant. Just as we bump into life's consequences and are able to learn from the discernment of judgment, so Christ comes to reveal the unbearable bearing of repetitive life without progress. Christ's eternal presence does not focus exclusively on sin's repeatability, but on salvation, nonetheless."

http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/november2003.html

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Hebrews 9:24-28
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 or 1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 127 or Psalm 146
Mark 12:38-44

When called to put in to life all we have, it is helpful to have little. We don't have to sort through tough decisions about what to save when a fire is bearing down on us or the flood waters are rising. When it is very clear that we only have this cup of flour or these two coins, we might as well offer them now rather than wait for another hand - sort of like going all in when short-stacked - it is the only reasonable decision in an uncertain world.

Our senses are heightened when everything is on the line and, at the same time, there is a blessed quietness. This combination of choice and non-choice leads to the type of living that will force action. When in this space we are open to doors we never would have considered and, if nothing else, we are a blessing to any who observe our response to a dilemma - invest where you can your reputation, resources, and hope.

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a house is being built
a habitat for humanity
rises from random materials
a foundation here
a stud there
insulation blown or blanket
paint all around

a house is being built
a model of participation
sweat equity
partnering with G*D
and one another
pick your skill set
and use it well

a house is being built
its transformation
to a home
is in vain
without today's risk
sleeping with Boaz
cooking for Elijah

a house is being built
that requires
everyone's hands
to raise it up
not even G*D
does this alone
without a widow's help

http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html

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No Plato here - no copies.
No Sisyphus here - no again and againing.

Still a little Aaron here - one last, extra-strong, sacrifice.

Here there is a two-stage rocket to heavenland proposed. First stage, "sin-bearing"; second stage, "salvation-bringing".

As you consider the implications of this division of labor, remember where you are in this model that has yet to convince many: your sins have been borne; you are awaiting salvation.

This could be an enviable position to be in. So, what are you going to do while you wait? Pull a Vladimir and Estragon? Engage your eagerness by encouraging the end to come more quickly? Planting a tree? Forgive others preemptively? There are many choices regarding your wait time. You could complain about the kind of music being played while you are on hold. You could learn some new music or join a choir to learn how to harmonize. You could compose an anti-opera (much like the vaunted reverse country song) that would move us back to creation to find paradise right where we are.

Lots of choices in this waiting time. Pick one. Make it up, if necessary. Be proactive in your waiting.

http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html