Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A), Jan. 30, 2005
BCP: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 37:1-18 or 37:1-6; 1 Cor. 1:(18-25)26-31; Matt. 5:1-12;
RCL: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Matt. 5:1-12
An outsider looking in might easily conclude that Christianity is a religion concerned solely with the grabbing and guarding of power, and many of us would be hard pressed to dispel that notion. Indeed, much of our history, from the councils to the great schism to the Reformation, has centered around fights over who’s in charge.
Many around us in our own country today actively pursue a “Christian” political agenda, striving to force fundamentalist opinions and biases on everyone else through law. Curiously, these are often the most vocal critics of conservative Muslims pursuing “Islamic” agendas in their own lands. But no matter. In our own Church, the problem is writ especially large.
Traditionalist bishops threaten progressive clergy and congregations with “discipline,” even as liberal bishops go to secular courts to deprive conservative congregations of their property. The rationales given are high sounding enough, but they’re always incredibly self-serving. What it ultimately boils down to is power. “My way or the highway,” goes the saying. And, “I’ll keep the cash,” our own leaders might add.
Today’s readings strike at the heart of that version of the Christian walk which blesses power-grabs cloaked in self-righteousness. “[W]hat does the Lord require of you,” the prophet Micah pointedly asks us, “but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). What indeed! Jesus points out in no uncertain terms the qualities of genuine Christian greatness: poverty of spirit, meekness, mercy, and a willingness to endure persecution.
In the midst of our current preoccupation with grabbing and exercising power, today’s readings invite us to a better way of being Christ’s body. “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong,” Paul insists. “God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are” (1 Cor. 1:27-28). Low and despised things like meekness and charity, perhaps.
Look It Up
How does Jesus react when his original disciples argue about matters of authority? (Luke 9:46-50). Why?
Think About It
The names of 13th-century patriarchs and popes are long forgotten, but a simple deacon named Francis is still revered. Why might this be?
Next Sunday
Last Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A), Feb. 6, 2005
BCP: Exodus 24:12(13-14)15-18; Psalm 99; Phil. 3:7-14; Matt. 17:1-9
RCL: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 or Psalm 99; 2 Pet. 1:16-21; Matt. 17:1-9
