In September the ordered world of Proverbs and James is read
against the cross of Marks world. Walter Brueggemann
reminds us of Karl Marxs dictum, "The ruling ideas of
each age have ever been the ideas of its ruling class."
Who benefited by our pious simplistic characterizations of the
Hebrew scriptures as law and the New Testament as grace? How did
reading Proverbs and not the Prophets prepare us so easily to
turn the symbol of the authorities answer to those who
defied them into a symbol of the devotional life that posed no
threat to the authorities? Septembers meditations will
bring a chill to "whatever is, is right."
September 11
How Long Will You Love Being Simple?
Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38
The mysterious and attractive figure of Wisdom enters our
meditations. She cries aloud in the streets, asking a poignant
question: "How long, O simple ones, will you love being
simple?"
How long, O Lord, how long?
How long will we refuse to understand?
Psalm 19 tells us of the wonders of God. "The heavens are
telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims Gods
handiwork." Image is piled on image: The sun comes out like
the bridegroom and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
The law is as much a wondrous creation as the heavens,
"sweeter also than honey."
Wisdoms question remains with us. How long, O simple
ones, will you love being simple? How long will we refuse to
understand?
Within the joy and beauty of Psalm 19, we are reminded that
the law is as much a wondrous creation as the heavens. To the
nature worshipers comes he who fulfilled the law and paid the
price of a cross.
The gospel brings us to that moment on the road to Caesarea
Philippi when Jesus was trying to make the disciples understand.
"Who do people say that I am?" he asked them. He got a
variety of answersall good possibilities but none
reflecting the new thing God was about to do. Finally Peter said
Jesus was the Messiah ("Christ" in Greek), he by whom
the kingdom of God would be made known.
In parable after parable, Jesus had told them what the kingdom
of God was like, but a world turned upside-down was outside the
realm of the possible for them. A suffering and dying Messiah? A
crucified Messiah?
Too complicated for us. We love our sweet little Jesus who
died for our sinsnot because of our sin, the choice against
Gods way.
Is it possible we love being simple? It is safer that way. If
we dont understand, we dont have to be challenged,
confronted, disturbed. If we dont understand, we can keep
our religion personal and private. Wisdom was right. We love
being simple.
VERNA J. DOZIER is an educator and lay theologian in
Washington, D.C. She is the author of The Dream of God: A
Call to Return (Cowley Publications) and The Authority of
the Laity (The Alban Institute).