Sunday, August 19, 2012
Scriptures: Proverbs 9:1-6; Letter of Paul to the Ephesians John 6:51- 58
“Ordinary Time”…there are 33 Sundays/weeks in the Church season referred to as “Ordinary”. Actually, this writer fails to find any time that fits into the category of ordinary. However, during these weeks or Sundays the church allows a variety of topics to be opened up for reading, worship and or study. The last two Sundays, this week and next, take in the subject of God’s special love for us in the ways God feeds us.
The first scripture reading for today is from the book of Proverbs which is one of the three books of Wisdom in the Old Testament. Wisdom is a very feminine book, giving deference and praise for the many gifts women bring to the world. Men also may bring the same gifts as we all have a masculine and feminine side which we are required by our God to develop for the good of all. This reading tells us, “Wisdom has built her house; she has set up her seven pillars. She has dressed her meat, mixed her wine, yes, she has spread her table. She calls out: “Whoever is simple turn in here”; “to the one, who lacks understanding, eat my food. Forsake foolish ways that you may live and advance in the ways of understanding.”
In one translation, the pillars represent seven gifts of character: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, joy and self-care. We do not have to linger long to recognize the men and women called to this, Saint Mary’s place of ministry by our amazing God.
Our reading takes us forward centuries later where Saint Paul is dealing with a society, much like ours today. “Be careful then how you live. Be not unwise, but wise because the days are evil. Make the most of your time, strive to understand God’s will for you.be of a sober mind and body and of a kind heart.”
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks in a clear tone about feeding us. However, the meaning was a problem for even his closest friends; some of whom walked away. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. “
God is a creative God; a perfect personification of the feminine and masculine.
If for whatever reason we do not partake in the eating of the bread and drinking the wine, we greatly please God by embodying the example and teachings of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Extra “ordinary” Journey to all!
Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain
Tags: book of proverbs, chaplain, old testament, ordinary time, pastoral care, scripture reading, scriptures, St. Mary's, St. Mary's Health System, st. mary's regional medical center, Sunday Scribes, twentieth Sunday
