The snow is here! The snow was here! The slush is here! It is one of those days in dreary Chuckatuck and southside Virginia. We had some nice snow at the end of the week and a dusting overnight, which has become a steady drizzle this afternoon and basic gray. But there is no complaint because it is a wonderful day to worship in Chuckatuck, even in the exigent circumstances of Coronatide. Tomorrow starts a new month and hopefully the continuation of our reflection of the epiphanies we have been experiencing about life as a faithful church in the 21st century. Our prayers are lifted for those who are recovering from procedures and those who are afflicted by the coronavirus – may God hold you close in your recovery.
I wonder if anyone else in God’s kingdom hears the old saw, “just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” We live in a culture that often pushes people away because a person knows more or less than another. Yet God’s community is meant to thrive in the disparity of knowledge – because of the presence of Godly love. Our collect reminds us that we are looking for peace – not the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness – in our lives. The lesson from Deuteronomy serves as a reminder that God raises prophets whose sole responsibility is to be in communion with God and share the knowledge about the love of God with the world. Our Psalmist offers us an insight, ‘fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ – or better, being attentive to God’s commands is where wisdom begins. Our gospel from Mark offers us an insight into the authority we have to create a community which consists of others – not by overlooking differences but by celebrating them with love and connection.
Our sermon today took much of the foundation from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Paul told the, often stubborn, Corinthians that knowledge does not give us a pass with regard to making sure we care for others. Paul reminds us that ‘knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” He also reminds us that without community we are nothing, and community demands love. How are you called to share the love of God with others, especially with those who are different than you?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-12; Mark 1:21-28
Today’s worship video: https://youtu.be/vAMSAAKJ9hU
0 Comments