Scripture Introductions

Pentecost 15 September 13. 2009 Scripture Introductions by Stewart Clarke
In our first reading, Wisdom ("Hochmah") is speaking. Wisdom is very highly valued in the Older Testament, as represented by the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. It can refer to human wisdom, garnered from experience and reflection. It is generally practical, leading to a full, profitable, and wise life. It is moral, rather than theoretical, to be lived rather than discussed. It is also basic or foundational, represented as the first of all that is created, and a partner in God's Creation ( Prov. 8). A similar message is found in the opening words of John's Gospel, "In the beginning was the Word." (John 1:1), or you may compare it to Micah 6: "He has told you O Mortal what is good.". In today's reading, Wisdom challenges humanity and rejects humans in their wilful stupidity, (much as Jesus rejects the "sin against the Holy Spirit!" (Matt.12:31). Let's listen, and, in listening, we can ponder our own wisdom, or lack thereof, as we read from: Prov. 1: 20 - 33, (You may want to reserve your thanks and praise until after the Gospel, or use traditional language or say something like, "May the Spirit help us be open to wisdom's challenge and nurture. Amen")
The Psalm invites us to contemplate God's creation in awe and wonder and appreciation. Some phrases may leap out at us, in references to God's law, presumptuous sins, and the closing verse, which often precedes a sermon. Let's.... Ps. 19 (VU 740)
In the practical Epistle of James, we are shown another aspect of wisdom: the responsibility of passing it on. So teachers (leaders, clergy?) have a special responsibility with a corresponding price tag! The writer goes on to warn, imaginatively, about the human tongue! Let's listen, and in the words we may see ourselves, in : James 3: 1 - 12. May we hear the message of responsibility, reality, faithfulness and humility. Amen
A different kind of wisdom is called for in the Gospel reading. We find Jesus and his followers well to the north, beyond the Sea of Galilee and on the other side of the Jordan, at Caesarea Philippi, just south of Mt. Hermon (which may have been the scene of the Transfiguration![2]) Not long before, Jesus had fed the 4000, ha challenged his disciples to understand what that meant, shaken his head in disappointment at their lack of insight, and restored sight to a blind man. Now Jesus asks what they are hearing about him, challenges his followers to reflect on his meaning for them. Peter blurts out his testimony, "The Christ!" ("Christ" is Greek for "Messiah," the expected "Anointed One!" The key is: what kind of Messiah? Peter, who got the first question right, fails miserably on the second and is soundly rebuked. Jesus goes on to explain, ending with a warning of rejection, parallel to the warning in our first reading. Taken in context, this suggests that if we are not ready for the Suffering Christ and his Way[3], we do not belong, no matter how much we honour his name! If we compare ourselves with Peter, we may understand how he must have felt - but that may be where we meet Jesus' Good News!) Let's rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in: (Or: Let's listen closely for the Good News for us in: ) Mark 8: 27 - 38 "May the Spirit help us understand the challenge and invitation of accepting this Christ-image. Amen" It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.
Notes:
  1. With thanks to CAM.
  2. It seems to me that Albert Schweitzer suggested that Peter's "confession" came after the Transfiguration!
  3. How are we to understand the last verse with its reference to judgment, when it comes from one who has just spoken of suffering? And how are we to see ourselves and the Church with its authority, pomp and pageantry?
(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)