March 17, 2014

AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65 
Gen. 41:46-57; 1 Cor. 4:8-20(21); Mark 3:7-19a

The readings appointed for today are a good example of how the Word can comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.  In Genesis, Joseph is recognizing that God has made him ‘fruitful in the land of (his) misfortunes.’  In the Psalms, David is hiding from his enemies, and is comforted by God’s presence.  In Mark, people crowd around Jesus to be healed.  And when there are too many, Jesus multiplies his availability by choosing apostles.  But 1 Corinthians is different. The Corinthians already have all they want, and they are being admonished.

The use of the word “admonish” implies that Paul is warning us, “especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner.”  He’s not trying to be harsh or critical; he does not want to shame us.  He is appealing to God’s beloved people.  And what is his appeal?  To be wary of arrogance.  (Tough word, isn’t it?  Arrogance.  Now, that would be a good thing to give up for Lent.)  It seems to me that when arrogance takes hold, we don’t feel the need to seek.  We’re not hungry, we’re not sick, we’re not afraid.  We’re good, thanks.  We’ve got this. 

This is when Paul’s warning is for us.  This is when we are in danger of turning away and relying on our own resources.  This is when we become lost.  This is when habits born out of need are set aside.  We begin to feel removed and distant.  We go through the motions without engaging our hearts and minds.  It’s hard to get connected again, and we forget.

Lent is a good time to remember.  “Re-member” and reconnect with God, and with the “saints” who have been placed around you, even if all is well right now.  Remember the peace you felt in God’s presence when you were hungry, sick, or afraid.  Remember that, when the destroying storms came, as they did for David in Psalm 57, you were able to say, “Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” 

~Sue Bastardo