Fifth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 9B), July 9, 2006

BCP: Ezek. 2:1-7, Psalm 123, 2 Cor. 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-6

RCL: 2 Sam. 5:1-5, 9-10 or Ezek. 2:1-5, Psalm 48 or 123, 2 Cor. 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13

Fear can prevent us from saying things we need to say, doing things we need to do, or living the way we’re called to live. We can fear rejection or confrontation or even harm if we stand up for the truth. We can fear that we’ll be misunderstood or not appreciated. We can fear what people will say about us. None of those fears are controlling for the prophet Ezekiel when the Lord encounters him and sets him on his feet. God sends Ezekiel as a prophet to confront the impudent and stubborn, “whether they hear or refuse to hear.” It’s not about him, or the kind of reception he receives, or the comfort level of the people he addresses. Even if their looks are threatening and he finds himself surrounded by briers and thorns, he is not to be afraid. He has been sent to speak God’s truth to the people of Israel, and they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Paul also knows what it means to be carried beyond himself by faith. He describes his own ecstatic experience and the joy of revelation. But he also mentions a hindrance, a thorn in his side that points him toward humility and the lesson that divine power is made perfect in weakness. Paul has seen it both ways. He knows the joy of life in God, and he knows the anguish of his personal limitations. From this perspective he can face all kinds of difficulties with others for the sake of Christ. He can say what he needs to say and do what he needs to do in faith, regardless of the reception he receives from others. They will know that a Christian has been among them.

Jesus is resented in his own country. His teaching in the synagogue is astonishing, his wisdom and mighty works are evident, but people wonder, “where did he get all this?” They have a preconceived notion of who and what he is. They know his occupation, they know his family, they know his “place” in their society. Jesus observes that a prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own kin, in his own house. The bad attitude of these people is an impediment for Jesus, and he can do no mighty work there. He marvels at their unbelief, but he is undaunted. He heals others, and teaches in village after village.

There are many ways to be silenced when we have truth to share. We may be silenced by our fear of rejection or by criticism. Others may try to silence us because of who we are in their eyes. They may say that we’re too old or too young, inexperienced or overqualified. But Ezekiel, Paul and Jesus provide examples of fearless prophecy and witness in the face of opposition. Like them, we can let the truth of faith carry us beyond ourselves and our worries.

Look It Up

The prophets often spoke challenging words of truth to their people, especially the powerful leaders of their people. How was this true for Samuel, Nathan, Ahijah, Amos, Elijah, Micah, or Jeremiah?

Think About It

Imagine that people you know are unfairly criticizing a friend of yours. If you defend your friend, they may react badly to you, now or later. It may diminish your status in the group. What do you do?

Next Sunday

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 10B), July 16, 2006

BCP: Amos 7:7-15, Psalm 85 or 85:7-13, Eph. 1:1-14, Mark 6:7-13

RCL: 2 Sam. 6:1-5, 12b-19 or Amos 7:7-15, Psalm 24, Eph. 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29