You can find this week’s readings here. I am currently running a discount on the “Deep Dive” subscription (through July 7th). This is normally $1200 per year. For a limited time, and in an effort to get this to as many preachers as possible, it is only $600. It includes A FULL YEAR of 10-13 page notes as well as a weekly Zoom call with other pastors.
*Footnotes are Works Consulted. Illustrations are original unless otherwise cited*
One classic way of reading scripture is by placing oneself in the shoes of one of the characters of the story. This is practiced in Lectio Divina as well as in other forms of scripture reading.
It is not always the best way to read it. It is possible, for example, to only place oneself in the position of a story’s protagonist and not to see the entire picture. It is also possible to individualize the story to such an extent that the reader imports 21st century dilemmas onto ancient texts.
Taking those cautions into consideration, this method can be quite helpful (and beautiful!), especially with specific readings.
Perhaps it is helpful to invite our congregations to place themselves in Naaman’s shoes (2 Kings 5:1-14). How do you see yourself? When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Confidence or Insecurity? Often pride and insecurity are two sides of the same coin. We feel the need to firmly emphasize the things about our personality, physical appearance, or acquired skill we deem to be valuable because we do not want others to discover the things of which we are ashamed. The great conquering hero Namaan, a man of high status, had a leprosy problem. We can imagine his internal narratives. “No matter what I do, I will never be anything because of this leprosy!” What is that thing for each of us (Size, shape, personality quirk, past, addiction, etc.) Do we believe that we will never truly be clean?
Perhaps, like Naaman, we try to compensate….I will just make sure people know how good I am at this! I will show up at the prophet’s house with chariots!
Undoubtedly, many in our congregations will find themselves replaying similar narratives. Our prayer is for these precious souls to hear this good news: you are loved, just as you are. God is calling you to get in touch with your weakness, to humble yourself, and surrender to your baptismal identity.
Or perhaps, we might place ourselves in the shoes of the Galatian Christians (Galatians 6:7-16). In what ways have we been tempted to separate ourselves from others because of culture or politics? In what ways have we actually de-humanized others as we’ve found our identity in something else over besides cross of Christ?
Political identities often feel safe because they give us some sense of control. If we elect the right person, if we can just straighten up (or defeat) the other side, all will be right with the world. Oh how quickly this leads to idolatry! The good news is that we are not part of God’s family because we check the right cultural boxes. These things will not save us; therefore, we must not boast in them. As Christians, our only boast is in the cross.
Finally, let us place ourselves in the shoes of the villagers in our gospel reading (Luke10:1-11, 16-20). In what ways are we resistant to God’s peace? Onto which things to do we cling? For those in the Gentile villages, their hope was in violent revolution. How does the message of peace shake us from our false narratives?
Today, may we hear the message of peace which is also a message of woe. May we know the way of peace run after it with all of our hearts. The Collect for this Sunday from the Book of Common Prayer is beautiful.
O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.