[Propertalk] Proper 6 c - part 2

[Robert P Morrison]

Part 2

	 The greatest contrast here between Simon and the Pharisees and the
unnamed woman was that she, in the midst of her loneliness and
isolation, heard and accepted Jesus’ word. The Pharisees, the ones
in charge, the ones whose role in society was to show the love of God
and the longing of God to help people; those Pharisees were too busy
trying to protect their own power, their own money, their own
property, their own carefully cultivated relationships, that they
didn’t want anyone or anything to upset their applecart. They were
willing to go to any lengths to keep their exclusivity. They were
trying to tell Jesus that He was just like that woman – someone who
deserved no respect no honour, none of their time. 

	 The problem was that they’d made their decision long before Jesus
had any interaction with the woman. 

	 How uncomfortable this may make US. We’re not perfect. Far from
it. But still we’re tempted to put barriers between ourselves and
others – the ones who don’t seem to have the same interests. 

	 We’re to resist these temptations as firmly as we can. No matter
who the person may be, we’ve to make sure that each hears clearly
that Jesus’ love and the forgiving compassion of God are offered
without hesitation to everyone. This isn’t a club with which to beat
and humiliate people. On the other hand, it’s not supposed to be the
world’s best kept secret either. We HAVE to make sure that there’s
no one who doesn’t at least know that God loves all in creation. It
is possibly through our actions, even more than our words, as
important as what we say is; it is through our actions that we make it
possible for all the women, all the men, all the children of Albany to
know that they’re loved and that they’re renewed. 

	 It is what we do in helping to open someone’s heart that allows
the person to feel whole, to feel valued, to feel welcome among all of
God’s creatures. This is what is important. 

	 WE are given the incredible privilege and responsibility of being
the mediators of God’s love. 

	 Sister Benedicta Ward, of Harris Manchester College at the
University of Oxford, wrote, “When anyone discovers the healing
fountains of conversion ( – the fact that God loves us no matter who
we are and what we’ve done – when anyone discovers the healing
fountains of conversion,) it is in some way through the gift of other
people, and the waters of life thus received overflow in their turn
into the lives of others, to fructify the deserts of human experience;
it becomes a chain reaction, not only for those who hear but for those
who read about the event. At each stage there are tears, not the tears
of self-pity or remorse, but the lifegiving tears that come from a
heart suddenly open to life and love.” 4 

	 All of this talks to us about the way in which we’re to encourage
people to know what it’s like to be liberated. All of this is why we
welcome Frances and Rhonda as they come to stand before the water in a
few minutes. Whether they understand everything or not – and I
suspect that Rhonda has picked up on this a little more than Frances!
– Jesus is holding out His hand in welcome. 

	 I think, though, that, even at three months, Frances has an
understanding of what the atmosphere of love is about. Apparently she
calms down and relaxes in interest when she hears us sing about God,
and God’s love for us, and of our love for God. 

	 Who knows how the Spirit works in the lives of different people.
It’s enough to know that the Spirit is present in and for us all.
All the Spirit has to produce from us is a heartfelt “Thank you,
Jesus!” Oh, and a remembrance of how were to make it possible for
other Franceses and Rhondas to come to know what it’s like to be
loved and admired by the God who created us all. 

	 At a meeting last week, Presiding Bishop Michael said, “The
Baptismal Covenant’s vows to follow Jesus is ‘not rhetorical
flourish’ (it’s not empty words) but instead is ‘Christian
witness and Christian witness which is particularly needed in our
time.” 5 We have to address bigotry which would keep people apart.
We have to talk about and correct anything which would prevent
everyone from finding their fullest potential. Above all, we have to
make it possible for everyone to hear the message of love and
reconciliation and to come within the saving embrace of Jesus. 

	 Whether it’s in coming to water with Rhonda and Frances, or in any
other way with any other people, we’re to learn the power of
liberation just as the woman did in Simon’s town, and to cry in joy
and thankfulness with those who meet Jesus. The promises we’ll renew
in a minute CAN and MUST bear this witness through our lives. That’s
what it’s all about. 

	NOTES: 

	[1] _“Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes”_ by Kenneth E. Bailey,
IVF Academic, Downers Grove, Ill. © 2008, page 242. 

	2 _“Tafir al-Mashriqi”_ by Ibn al-Tyyib, ed. Yusif Manqariyos.
Egypt: Al-Tawfiq Press, 1907, 2:129. Quoted by Bailey, Op. cit., page
242. 

	3 Bailey, Op. cit, page 243. 

	4 _“Harlots of the Desert”_ by Benedicta Ward. Cistercian
Publications, © 1987 quoted by Sazanne Guthrie “At the Edge of the
Enclosure: Soulwork Towards Sunday: Self-Guided Retreat Proper 6 c
‘… but that she wept …’ 12th June, 2016 Suzanne Guthrie
http://www.edgeofenclosure.org/proper6c.html [1] 

	5 _“Times need Christian witness of Episcopal Church, Curry tells
council. Executive Council also faces budgets, Haiti and personnel
issues”_ By Mary Frances Schjonberg June 8, 2016 
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/06/08/times-need-christian-witness-of-episcopal-church-curry-tells-council/
[2] 

	 

Links:
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[1] http://www.edgeofenclosure.org/proper6c.html
[2]
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/06/08/times-need-christian-witness-of-episcopal-church-curry-tells-council/

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