eleven::twelve

(a homily)

Today's readings are a dream collection. In the couple of years now of writing short homilies for morning gatherings, I've come to rejoice when some common theme seems to flow through the first reading, the psalm, and the Gospel passage. The readings aren't always so well coordinated in Ordinary Time as they appear to be today. We might say the message the Word of God has for us today, based on the lectionary texts, is this: be disciplines and do not sin for God is an all-encompassing God present everywhere. The attentive listener might decipher such a message and the wise preacher might justly expound upon the plain word of God.

And yet in the the midst of these choice readings and their straight-forward words, I'm troubled as a homily writer. Is anything ever that easy, especially the Word of God. Has not quick and easy theological reflection led to disaster throughout the centuries? Preachers and parishioners, history seems to elucidate, would do well to not assume they 'get it'. I'm wondering if giving up 'getting it', if letting go of greedy knowledge, will make room for wisdom to take up residence in our souls and for little, yellow round seeds of faith to germinate in our spirits, uprooting the age old tree of knowledge that never quite helped us in figuring things out.

This life is complicate, and this life is a gift. Into this life the Word of God, filling the world already as Spirit, manifesting in the flesh in Jesus Christ. Responding to the Word of God as heard and seen in Christ does not 'uncomplicate' life. In Christ we're called to recognize there is knowledge too wonderful for us, too lofty for us to attain. We won't discover that there are depths too deep and heights too high, however, until we dive into the nether world and reach up to the heavens. Such a task, such a calling, such a way of life has the inevitable potential to be overwhelming, and so we have a guide, the Holy Spirit, the Wind of Wisdom. And we have a meal to sustain us on our journey, to help us remember as well that these depths we seek in worship are to be made manifest in the world.

The message we hear today in the Word of God is not all words, and it's not something to simple be explained. It is much more profound and beautiful, for it is Word and Spirit enfleshed, it is bread and wine for strength and sobriety. In short, the message is an invitation to follow the Way, to dwell in the Truth, and to enter into the Life. May the Spirit guide us, the Son teach and touch us, and the Father sustain us and give us life.

(Wisdom 1:1-7, Psalm 139, Luke 17:1-6)