Psalm 19│Exodus 20.1-17│1 Corinthians1.18-25│John 2.13-22
Psaumes 19 |Exode 20.1-17 |1 Corinthiens 1.18-25 |Jean 2.13-22
The Sky Above Us
What a glorious set of readings for these dark
days of Lent! What a brilliant description of the heavens, particularly
for those of us who are Eclipse Chasers, or who delight in the beauty of the
Sky at Night! How more clearly could one describe the breath-taking
magnificence of an expanding universe . . . And all to display the Glory of the
Lord, whose decrees are perfect, whose words are “sweeter than honey”, bringing
great reward! In humble recognition of our own unworthiness, we desire
only for our failings to be washed away, so that we can find favour in
his presence. The Commandments of Exodus 20 remind us of what we
must not do; but, from our loving God, include another blessed gift - the
Sabbath day of Rest. A sacred time of recuperation, of renewal, of Holy Day . .
. yet more caring generosity in God’s ordering of our lives.
But what a crazy mixture of ideas: tough rules
and thoughtful sensitivity; acceptance of criminal execution, turned around to
defeat of the bonds of death; submission in apparent weakness becoming new life
in the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul and John both write of this paradox in our other
readings.
Jesus wants us to be pure, as he wanted the
Temple to be pure of corruption, a place of prayer and communion with God. It
was God’s apparent Folly in allowing Christ to die that was his Wisdom; and it
was this Power, demonstrated by his resurrection, which bought for us that
Rescue from our own folly and weakness. As we look at the Night Sky, pure as
driven snow, we can be inspired to take in a huge Ruah* breath; we can ask the
Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with as much love for our Lord and Creator as he
has for us; and to fill our hearts with just as much love for his other
children too . . . ALL of them, just as weak and foolish as we are, and as
numerous as the stars above!
Pam Clements
*Editor’s
note: See, for example, https://www.ruahstorytellers.com/what-is-ruah/
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