The Adventurous Lectionary – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 19, 2018
I Kings 2:10-12; 3:13-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
This week’s readings focus on the interplay of divine and human wisdom. Human wisdom is grounded in divine creativity evidenced in the heavens above, the earth upon which we live, and the divine movements in our body, mind, and spirit. Alignment with divine wisdom – and not our own individualistic and self-interested projects – brings true joy and promotes healthy community.
If you have wisdom, you have everything? Would that our national leaders would take Solomon’s prayer seriously. He doesn’t ask for wealth or power. He recognizes his inexperience and asks for something much more important – an understanding mind or what Etty Hillesum describes as a “thinking heart.” Wisdom and understanding gives us a spiritual GPS that joins the ideal and actual, the possible and the concrete, the big picture and the daily details. We see examples of leaders who lack understanding hearts on a daily basis. The recent crisis on the borderlands, involving the separation of children and parents – reflects what happens when – charitably speaking – leaders don’t think things through, when they fail to understand what they are doing and the consequences of their actions. Lack of wisdom is not only evidenced in a failure of compassion but a lack of preparation. God is the details – the big picture of the universe and its moral arc and the micro world of embodying care in daily personal and corporate decisions.
Wise leadership looks beyond the moment to see what is best for a family, congregation, community, or nation. Decisions are made, inspired by seeking the greatest good and encouraging the widest creativity. In congregational life, Solomon’s prayer involves both pastoral and lay leaders: we need to look beyond ourselves, recognize limitations and possibilities, honor diversity, and look for ways to bring health to the whole organism.
Psalm 111 affirms the importance of the “fear” or “awe” of God in wise decision-making. Our lives are rooted in the cosmic providence of God. God is not only the creator of a wondrous universe; God has a bias toward justice and well-being. Alignment with the universe – and with its creator – begins with radical amazement and awe, humility before God’s grandeur, and wise decisions in light of God’s care-taking of all creation.
Ephesians continues the theme of wisdom. Live wisely for the days are evil. The author of Ephesians is not denying the wonder of creation but recognizing the situation in which he lives – a time of persecution and temptation. Nothing really has changed. Even in the best of times, life is ambiguous. Our lives are brief – too brief – and we need to make the most of every moment. We need to discover and orient our spiritual GPS to guide our lives through the maze of daily life and citizenship. Ephesians gives both negative and positive guidance – don’t be foolish or get drunk. Don’t get caught up in the seductions of power, pleasure, and prosperity. Find your orientation in worship, prayer, and gratitude. Remember God is your creator and source of wisdom and in turning toward God’s way, you will find your way.
The gospel reading presents a eucharistic vision of life. Jesus is the bread of life. Those who share in this bread share in eternity in the midst of time. They can enjoy good bread and the best life has to offer, but true enjoyment comes from sharing in the divine bread – receiving nourishment to sustain our spirits now and forevermore. God permeates the earth – the Spirit is embodied and embodiment reflects divine wisdom. The bread of life is spiritual, but in light of the wisdom passages, it is also physical. We share in God’s bread so we can provide whole-person nourishment for those around us. This passage has deep economic implications. Solomon recognizes that understanding goes beyond wealth and seeks the health the community. If some go hungry and lack the basics, the community is at risk. Jesus’ words may initially seem sacramental, but the divine sacrament embraces the whole earth. The bread that lasts forever nourishes body, mind, and spirit. It is not about escape from ambiguity but embracing ambiguity and struggle with a sense of God’s presence and healing power. Let us pray for wise hearts and practical wisdom in the conduct of our personal and corporate lives.
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Bruce Epperly is Pastor, South Congregational Church, UCC, in Centerville, MA, and a professor in the D.Min. program at Wesley Theological Seminary. He is author of over forty books, including “The Gospel According to Winnie the Pooh,” “The Mystic in You: Discovering a God Filled World,” “Becoming Fire: Spiritual Practices for Global Christians,” and three volumes of an ongoing series of short books on process theology: “Process and Ministry,” “Process Spirituality: Practicing Holy Adventure,” and “Process Theology: Embracing Adventure with God.” He can be reached for lectures, retreats, and seminars at [email protected].
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