Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sirach 35 Timothy 4 Luke 18
Psalm 104 “Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Seek the Lord and the Lord’s strength. Seek always the face of the Lord.” This is a directive from our God; to seek always what we need from that source. How beautiful it is to actually process into church singing those words. This was a practice in my youth in the church I attended, as well as in the religious community in which I lived and ministered for many years. There is something in the singing that makes the words well up and assures us of a response from our Lord.
First Reading: From the book of Sirach. This book is also referred to as the book of Ecclesiasticus when referring to the complete old English translation. In its oldest tradition it is believed to have been derived from its author, Jesus son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, or the wisdom of Sophia. It is a delight to skim through the entire book in the New Interpreters Study Bible-NRSV. There we read common sense wisdom that touches every aspect of our mortal lives. Wisdom in the way Jesus taught: “Give to the most high in the way the most high gives to you… “(the translation of Sirach 35:12-14 & 16-18 in your Daily Mass booklet is different from the NRSV. It is interesting to read both and see how much more the wording in the NRSV invites and challenges us to take a more active part in becoming a partner with God to heal the ills of God’s people.)
The fun I found in researching for this reflection is that our all-patient God listens to all of us! Even though Paul, {2 Timothy 4:6}, sometimes whines, he gets our attention with that tactic and then goes on with bold faith to assure us he knows he had a reward awaiting him.
We move on to Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector are in the temple praying. {this is praying?}. God is laughing and we in the 21st Century may be thinking about the candidates running for a seat in the Blaine House! Yet, the Lord hears the cry of the poor and the rich and the proud and the broken because Jesus once walked this earth, experienced every pain, joy, and emotion that we do. Therefore, among all the caring ministries that God has placed his people into, God created Pastoral Care and Chaplains. We may not all be called to Chaplaincy, but we are all called to Care. As a Chaplain here at St. Mary’s I witness in every department the highest form of caring. Gentle voices, gentle touch, gentle assurance. People moving with the needy as Jesus did until the release of suffering is evident.
In my own recent experience as a patient, I could not get over the concern and care poured out upon me by nursing and rehabilitation staff as well as housekeeping and nutrition staff. I had a total knee replacement which is a common enough procedure for the professionals. However, I felt as if I were the only person with that particular affliction. I was treated as an individual with a knee that was also individual.
Jesus healed one at a time. He took time to touch, glance, smile, assure. During Pastoral Care Week, let us aim to “Let the beauty we love, be what we do.” So Be it!
Blessings,
Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain
