For Sunday, June 23, 2024, Readings: 1-
Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16; Psalm 133,
2 Corinthians 6:6-13, Mark 4:35-41
David had success in
all his undertakings; for the Lord
was with him. When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him.
But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in
leading them. [1 Samuel 18:14-16]
Oh how good and
pleasant it is when brethren live together in unity! …for there the Lord has ordained the blessing: life for
evermore. [Psalm 133:1,5]
As we
work together with Christ, we urge you not to accept the grace of God in
vain…as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great
endurance…hardships, calamities…kindness, holiness of spirit…in honor and
dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. [2 Corinthians 6:1, 4, 6, 8]
A great
windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already
being swamped. But he was…asleep…and they woke him up and said to him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the
wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be Still!” Then the wind ceased, and there
was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” [Mark 4:37-40]
The story of Saul’s rise and fall is one that repeats itself
continuously throughout the history of the world and into our own day, and no
doubt, beyond. Power is intoxicating and addictive whether bestowed, assumed,
or taken by force. The more power one has, the more one wants and needs, be it
wealth, political, or any other form of which greed is a by-product. At some
point such power breeds fear within the power monger as enemies mount, serious mistakes
in judgment are made by the one who must continue to believe that they cannot
fall even as their failures to triumph increase in frequency. The fear of
losing often accelerates into near madness. Earlier in 1st Samuel,
Saul ignores Samuel’s instruction to wait for him and takes on the religious role
to offer the appointed sacrifice before a battle. Samuel recognized Saul as the
political authority but not as the religious authority and was
angry at this usurpation. We read last week that God later regretted his
appointment of Saul as King. This week Saul having bestowed much favor on David
becomes afraid of him as the Lord
has withdrawn his favor from Saul for ignoring his instructions and has now
given it to David. Later we’ll read what happens when David comes to his full
power…
And then we move to the
utter simplicity and brevity of Psalm 133. In only its first and last short verses
lie the complete encapsulation of ALL of God’s commandments: live together
in unity…for there the Lord has ordained
the blessing: life forevermore. Ah, but then we’d have to give up some of
our personal power however small in comparison to another.
Contrasting David's confidence in Mark's Gospel, the
Disciples are terrified of the storm on the water. But wait, aren't most of
them experienced fishermen? That must have been one whale of a storm to
frighten them so much and you can almost hear the translation of Jesus's words
to them in today's terms as "Seriously, you woke me for this? Where is
your faith?" And, of course, Jesus tells the waves and winds, Peace!
Be Still!
And what does this all mean for my life here and now and tomorrow? Do
I step up like David and face the Philistine-giant Foe of our own time, or
cower like the Disciples in the wind-blown boat? Am I faith-strong or
faith-weak? Well, that truly depends on the day and the fear; especially in
these current days of not only of multiple worries on many fronts but raging
anger, strong division, and the growing prevalence of random as well as
targeted violence and bloodshed in this country and the across the world.
Paul urges the Corinthians not to accept
the grace of God in vain. That sentence jumped out at me. As well as reminder
that in commitment to and as servants of God there is to be no complacency, no
cowering, whatever the hardships, calamities...sleepless nights...hunger…kindness,
holiness of spirit... as there is work to be done in our own fields of
faith-filled living. And yes it is very difficult and often thankless work in
this earth-bound, high-tech, materialistic, us vs. them, temporary
life. Keeping my faith in God through Christ and the Holy Spirit conscious and
active takes great effort in most times. Yet, it also means that I may surprise
myself with my own strength, resilience, and capacity to face the fearsome foes
and woes in life, most especially the ones I create for myself! I can
also shine as the brightest of suns when the greatest joy arrives. And yet even
in the most ordinary of times with daily frustrations, or the stormiest with
anger, anxiety, and apprehension all around, mostly what I need is to take a
moment to be still, breathe deeply, and quiet the winds and waves within
myself. And then a step forward and another and another, in faith, in hope,
in genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God [2 Cor
6:6b-7a]. Then some more deep breaths to bring in enough physical and
mind-ful peace to just keep still-ing while moving. Then: Repeat. Often.
LET
US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ O God, the
Power in our Souls, in the face of fearsome foes, grant us the courage to brace
against and still the winds of evil and the waves of emotional, physical, and
spiritual damage engulfing so many of Your people, especially the children.
Remind us often that You never forsake those who seek Your trust.
Lord of Justice and Peace
RESPONSE:
Still
our fear; Strengthen our faith
~ O
God, the Power in our Souls, infuse our minds and hearts with the skills of
Your servant David, that we may challenge the leaders of Earthly, National, and
Local governments to work against discrimination, injustice, and physical
danger for all Your people. We pray especially for: add your own
petitions
Lord of Justice and peace
Still
our fear; Strengthen our faith
~ O
God, the Power in our Souls, restore health and give comfort to those who
suffer in body, mind, or spirit, and give patience to those who tend their
needs. We now join our voices to pray for those in need… add your own
petitions
Lord of Justice and peace
Still our fear; Strengthen our faith
~ O
God, the Power in our Souls, lighten the burden for all who grieve, as You
embrace those newly arrived to dwell with You, in the glory of everlasting life
and peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Lord of Justice and peace
Still our fear; Strengthen our faith
~
O God, the Power in our Souls, we pause in this moment to
offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and
memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions
Lord of Justice and peace
Still our fear; Strengthen our faith
~ O
God, the Power in our Souls, provide all of our ordained Shepherds with extra
measures of endurance, conviction, and serenity. Especially in the week ahead in
our Church’s General Convention, grant wisdom, clarity of purpose, and stamina
for the US House of Deputies, clergy and lay, who with the House of Bishops now
gather, worship, and do Your work to benefit the fields of Christ’s Mission and
Ministry. Guide their discernment for the election of a new Presiding Bishop as our
Spiritual Leader and Mentor for our journey as Your servants, always discovering
ways to live into Christ’s Call. We pray especially for: We pray
especially for: add your own petitions
Lord of Justice and peace
Still
our fear; Strengthen our faith
The
Celebrant adds: Most
Loving God, help us to fully accept Your grace as true and humble servants in
the wildest of storms and the most ordinary moments of this life. Fill us with
faith enough to quell the tempests within ourselves and with each other, that
we may see through another’s eyes and learn to walk together, if differently,
to Your Eternal Shore. We ask through Jesus, our Peace and our Salvation; and
the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom Guide; who with together with You, are One God for
all of time eternal. Amen.
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