Readings for November 6

This Sunday we mark the Sunday before Remembrance Day. We will use the lectionary readings, but with special attention to issues of war and peace.

Take a moment to reflect on this prayer poem by John Moses of Trinity United, Charlottetown.

Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The board floor of a little country church;
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The fading carpet of the city church;
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The cracked linoleum of the Salvation Army Hall;
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The prayer mat of the faithful in the mosque behind the store.
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The red clay of the cemetery, where loved ones lie buried;
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The rolling green of an ancient battlefield,

quiet in the memory of heros and horror.
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
It is not so much different from aany other ground, really
And yet, it is like no other ground
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
Set apart, made sacred, consecrated by memory and yearning.
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
The place of mysterious presence, of unexpected meeting
Holy ground, hallowed ground:
Not so different from any other ground, really
And yet, the place where we long to stand.

READ Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 –
Joshua is giving thanks for his Holy/Hallowed Ground, and his “homeland”

But is the notion of "homeland" worth fighting for? Killing for? Dying for?

This story is taken from the end of the book of Joshua, which is basically a political document:
Why we went to war
How we won the war
Dividing up the spoils of war
Oh yes, and thank God we won
Written later than 1200 BCE when the events would have taken place, Joshua's story was part of the oral tradition, and shaped by the political reality of its author 600 years later!

A political alliance with the Assyrians meant Israel was prosperous, but not independent. Their prophets were ignored, Yahweh's concern for the poor was definitely on the fringe.
Perhaps that is why Joshua's story is so bloodthirsty – they need to "execute and massacre" foreign influences, idolatry. For centuries they were neighbours with many peoples, many religions, until David conquered and unified approximately 800 BCE.

This ceremony takes place at Shechem, an ancient shrine near modern Nablus, sometimes identified as Shiloh in some translations. It recalls Israel's history with Yahweh from the time before Abraham, literally in the KJV “the other side of the flood”. Some of the “eastern tribes” (Reuben Gad, Manessah) set up an alternate altar, but are brought back into the fold, and are confirmed by Joshua’s speech – they must choose who to serve. “As for me and my household” says Joshua, we will serve Yahweh. Joshua questions whether they really have the commitment, “the Lord your God is a jealous God” – the people insist they will do it.

Question for Reflection: What does it mean for us to make a commitment to God (Christ) in our pluralistic world?

READ Psalm 78:1-7

A “teaching” parable – not a particular situation but one that reveals a way of wisdom or an attitude towards life, not a specific petition or particular occasion for praise.

Maskil – a psalm with special meaning, or written in a special way, ie. revealing how God works in and through history. Asaph – director of music in David’s worship centre.
The imagery is of a secret or intimate telling of something important. It comes as a parable, or puzzle, because the teaching is not superficial, it must be sought after. It comes from an ancient source, but is valuable to pass on in the future. Its truth is intergenerational, not time-limited: keep commitment to God central in our lives, community.

Question for Reflection: What “wisdom” would you like to pass on to next generations?

READ 1 Thessalonians: 4:13-18

Thessalonica – a community with diverse communities, strong Jewish synagogues. Most converts were pagans interested in Judaism. Paul had to leave after a short time because of the opposition of the Jewish authorities. The Thessalonians grasp of Paul's theology was pretty superficial, but their commitment strong. Timothy also led them for a while, but at time of writing they are strong enough on their own. This is a letter of encouragement to “stay pure” and keep waiting for the coming of Christ. It was probably written about 51 AD – one of Paul’s earliest.

The Thessalonians have raised the question about those who die before Christ's 2nd coming – are they still saved? Paul says that their new understanding of ultimate end changes experience of grief into one of hope. Jesus' resurrection is the example, if he can be raised, so can their lost loved ones. There is a clear expectation that the 2nd coming will be in their lifetime. Paul uses all the traditional symbols of kingdom of heaven. It is a passage meant for encouragement (!) not fear. But how has this been used to make a dividing line between those raised and those Left behind??

Question for Reflection: How does your understanding of “ultimate destination” colour or shape your choices today?

READ Matthew 25:1-13

A parable has hidden meaning! It will be interpreted differently by every generation. The Greek word parabolei – means compare (ie. fiction with real life.)
Reference to “kingdom of heaven” should read “kingdom of God”, but Matthew’s Jewish audience wouldn’t say or read the name of God. This passage is not talking about getting into heaven, but the realm where we live what God wants.

Anceint Israel's weddings took place in both homes – the groom went in daylight to meet the bride and family; then at sunset took the bride and family to groom’s house for the banquet, led by young women with lamps. Oil was an expensive commodity in that time, were the first five really foolish or just cheap? Having extra meant going to an extra effort. All of them slept, but midnight was a most unexpected time to arrive. Then the wise would not share: would that ensure that the oil lasted long enough? Finally, the door was shut – does the kingdom of God lock some out? “I do not know you” We are known by our actions, our foresight, and our generosity.

Question for Reflection:
What do you think we need to “conserve” or “bring extra” in order to help prepare the kingdom of God in our world?

Closing Prayer:

Holy God;
By the Spirit, we have been chosen to be bearers of love in this world;
To illumine wherever we are with greater truth, kindness, and justice for all.
We pray for places of conflict and suffering in our world, our community, our homes and within our own hearts. For all these we pray, may we be awake to your love.
We pray about poverty in all its forms, that tip the scales of godly justice, creating greater vulnerability for some in our world. For all these we pray, may we be awake to your love.
We pray for the habits, attitudes and fears that cloud our vision of your realm, that keep us from shining forth in holy ways. For all these we pray, may we be awake to your love.
We go forth this day, awake with longing, active with inspirations, renewed in the Spirit. Amen