Readings for Epiphany 2 - January 15, 2012

Opening Prayer:
O God, you are full of grace; you see possibilities in us, that we do not see in ourselves. Help us to understand O God, your call to us. When we don’t hear you or heed you the first time, call us again and again. Send your spirit on us that our understanding may become clear. Prepare our spirits to act in your way. We pray in the name of the one who makes learners and disciples of us all, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

READ 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
In scripture and lectionary studies, sometimes what comes in parentheses is more intriguing than the main scripture. Taken alone 1-10 is the story of a call, but when you add verses 11-20 , it is the harsh reality of why God goes to such lengths! And the courage it takes to follow.

Historical background – no king in Israel, a nation led by “judges” “prophets” “priests”. Eli was a priest of the temple, a good man with corrupt sons – he was either blind to their faults, or unwilling to do anything to stop them. Eli's story demonstrates that, for Israel, human succession to leadership just doesn’t work – the one worthy to lead is only demonstrated by the ability to listen to God.

Samuel is the son of a “barren” mother, Hannah, who promised him to God – thus he was taken to temple to serve Eli at a young age.

In verse 1, we are told that God's word, and visions, are rare…? Was God not speaking or was no one listening? Eli 's “eyesight dim” likely a metaphor for his blindness to sons' corruption. The lamp in the temple was a sign of God’s presence, but weakened – had their neglect of spiritual things ended in the practice of letting it go out?
Sam – u – el – means literally "God has heard", but Samuel doesn’t get it, he goes to Eli, he is young , needs Eli to interpret for him. Eli finally opens his eyes and gets it. Samuel must be ready to WAIT and LISTEN.

What he hears next will make both ears tingle! Eli knew of god's judgement but couldn’t stop his sons. Samuel developed into the kind of leader who won people's trust. In verse 19: "none of his words fell to the ground" and in verse 20: "and all knew"

The story of Samuel takes cooperation between youth and experience in order to return the community to faith. It also demonstrates how God acts through others, sometimes unexpected others – but the role of the mouthpiece depends on trust of others.

Question for Reflection: What perspectives do we have trouble hearing? What makes both ears tingle?

READ 1 Corinthians 6:12-20


Likely 2 letters were sent to Paul
1) In chapters 1-6 Paul responds to 4 problems from the first letter, written by Chloe's people: factionalism – incest – litigation – fornication with prostitutes.
2) In chapters 7-15 Paul responds to a letter from the congregation, giving them his Theology of Christian community life.

This passage is about physical freedom – it leads into theology of who we are as individuals, as God’s people in the later chapters.

What is in quotes is probably a slogan used by those who enjoyed "complete freedom". Paul’s response is that it is for their own good to curtail their behaviour – choose faithfully.
The Greek philosophy and Cynic ideal – eleutheros – true freedom to eat, love – without caring what others think. Paul is introduces another “freedom” – IN Christ means not to be dominated by addictions or desires for what is unimportant.

There are issues around food – eating meat sold from the temples. There are issues around fornication – consorting with temple prostitutes. Paul affirms the belief that the body is worthy to be raised (versus Greek soma/psyche dualism.) Therefore how we treat our bodies matters. He contrasts one flesh versus one spirit – cannot have one without the other.
The reason body is special is because the Holy Spirit has to dwell there. If one belongs to Christ, then all that we are is already "bought and paid for!"

Question for Reflection:
Modern age almost worships the body – it is the spiritual that seems less important. How do we live out Paul’s understanding of the balance between the two?

READ John 1:43-51

In John, Jesus makes several trips to Jerusalem, in this story he is heading back to Galilee. Philip is from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee – perhaps he is hitching a ride?
Geography is very significant in this story: Jesus was “from Nazareth” “in Galilee” – but no prophets link that area with the messiah. Philip claims Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets, but he is also from Nazareth. Nathanael is convinced the two are contradictary, so Philip says “come and see.” But it is Jesus who “sees” Nathanael’s honesty, and rigorous faith first. Nathanael wants to know: HOW COME YOU GET ME? It seems Jesus knew him even before he knew about Jesus. Nathanael takes this as a sign – that he is fully known. Jesus promises him greater understanding, vision than he has anticipated.

Question for Reflection:
How much does our trust in someone depend on how well they “get” us?

Closing Prayer:

based on Psalm 139 by Meredith Dinsdale on 11/28/2007

Mountains are Your majesty
And flowers touched delicately
Oceans churn with veiled world
And rivers carve their freedom

Yet You know me
For You made me

In the midst of mountains
And the coast of seas
My purposeful Creator
It's in Your image You made me

And I'm ready to know
Who You wait for me to be

Your perfect water sculptures made
When icy breath halts misty haze
Then summer sunset colors drip
Off the quill of You my Creator
On the banks of raging rivers
Under illuminated canopies

My purposeful Creator
It's in Your image You made me

And I'm ready to know
Who You wait for me to be

I'm ready.