The 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23A), Oct. 9, 2005

BCP: Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Phil. 4:4-13; Matt. 22:1-14

RCL: Exodus 32:1-14 or Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 or Psalm 23; Phil. 4:1-9; Matt. 22:1-14

Psalm 23 is like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” They are so well known, they slide into the well worn and the ho hum. When that happens, we basically file them by title. We take in the opening verse, or hear the first notes, or give a momentary glance, but the rest is osmosis. Nothing against the psalm, the symphony, or the painting, but we do tend to let familiarity diminish their power and beauty.

So here’s a take on Psalm 23 seeing David’s Christian as an undomesticated follower of Jesus:

The Lord enters this person’s life as companion, guide, and provider. David’s Christian has habitual meetings with the Shepherd. Where the rest of us might sneer at the omission of common sense or of secular counsel, this person waits patiently on the Lord, knowing that the next steps or the next meal will be forthcoming.

Still waters are for still people, and this person knows regular times of fasting and quiet. There is no regret of not having seen the latest TV special or having missed a day of food. The still waters and the green pastures serve up heavenly dimensions of color and, therefore, of satisfaction.

This revived soul doesn’t keep joy inside. Rejoicing in the Lord is heard and seen frequently. Verses quoted, signs and wonders recounted, choruses sung — all these come out at most inopportune and awkward (read: embarrassing) times, but this soul is rejoicing!

Right pathways take the mind to the contemplation of things honorable and pure, things true and pleasing. While this seems obvious and easy to David’s follower, it may well come across as prudish to domesticated followers of Jesus.

In the valley of the shadow of death the great preposition “with” means everything — more than dodging news of cancer, the onset of dementia, the loss of bodily functions. To know the Lord’s presence throughout is the essential thing. The focus stays on the presence of the God of mercy, on the coming eternal life with the God of resurrection.

When the cup overflows, the giving becomes abundant and extravagant. So when Katrina comes along or a neighbor’s turn of circumstances, David’s Christian is absurdly generous — absurd in anyone’s perspective except that of 500,000 displaced people from the Gulf Coast or one quiet neighbor who has been overlooked.

Surely, this person knows the mercy of God and will have no doubt that his goodness lies in the paths ahead as it has in the paths behind.

Look It Up

Find other promises of God to be our guide, to satisfy fasting, to please our minds, and to honor absurd generosity. David’s Psalm 145 covers many of these.

Think About It

How am I domesticated and uneasy around this untamed witness? And which of these would I like more for myself?

Next Sunday

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24A), Oct. 16, 2005

BCP: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96 or 96:1-9; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:15-22

RCL: Exodus 33:12-23 or Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 99 or Psalm 96:1-9 (10-13); 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:15-22