July 21, 2013
Reflection on Lectoring
American physicist and Nobel laureate, Steven Weinberg is
famous for saying, “the more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it
seems pointless.” In other words, as we
better understand the universe through the logic of science, the more it
becomes evident that looking for a God-given purpose behind it all is foolish.
Perhaps more succinctly stated: impersonal, immutable law
trumps God’s immanent love.
We all live in a world where science reassures us that
things work in a consistent manner.
Cars, light bulbs, and washing machines all operate according to
scientifically proven laws and principles.
However, if all that matters is science, and if the entire world was
just one big machine, we might never need God’s help to keep things running
smoothly.
That is not the message lectors proclaim from the ambo on
Sunday.
The Scriptures are not anti-science, but they do insist
on God’s immanence in the affairs of his children. They do tell us that God loves us. And they do tell us that belief in God is
essential for our wellbeing, regardless of how much our world might seem to
push him into the background - or completely out of the picture.
For the past few weeks, we have explored the mission and
ministry of the lector. Perhaps an
important aspect of that mission lies in proclaiming Scripture passages that
help people embrace the reality of spiritual values. Perhaps our hearers might feel more secure in
believing in the presence in their lives of this world’s Creator. Perhaps they may find reassurance in knowing
that our loving God is behind it all.
____________________________
First Reading - Genesis 18:1-10a
No Laughing Matter
In this week’s Reflection on Lectoring, we suggested that
God is not a bystander in the affairs of his children. He is immanently concerned about their
welfare. Today’s first reading from
Genesis is all about God’s being directly involved in something that meant a
lot to Abraham and his wife, Sarah.
In the chapter immediately preceding today’s reading, God
makes a promise to Abraham (who was ninety-nine years old at the time) that his
wife (who was ninety) would have a son.
This makes Abraham laugh (ch.17, v.17).
But God persists and tells Abraham that the boy’s name will be Isaac
(which happens to mean “laugh” in Hebrew).
Today’s reading from chapter 18 demonstrates that God was
not joking. One of Abraham’s three
guests reaffirms that Sarah will have a child: “I will surely return to you about this time next year and Sarah will
then have a son.” Naturally, this prompts Sarah (who was eavesdropping on
the conversation) to laugh (v.12).
God must have been somewhat bemused at the response he
received from both Abraham and Sarah.
But like a loving parent, he kept his promise.
________________________________
Second Reading - Colossians 1:24-28
Letters from Jail Read in Church
In his letter to the Colossians, there is justification
for Paul to mention “my sufferings for
your sake.” Colossians is one of
four letters he wrote while in prison.
However, regardless of his personal circumstances, Paul is happy to continue
his job as “a minister in accordance with
God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God.”
The challenge contained in this reading for the lector is
the danger that the words, phrases and ideas may pile up on each other. What is the “mystery hidden from ages?”
How does Paul fill up “what is lacking
in the afflictions of Christ?” Why
is Paul “admonishing everyone?” What does it mean to “present everyone perfect in Christ?”
This rush of ideas can be difficult for the assembly to
understand completely. Perhaps while
preparing this reading the lector can start by speaking it out loud. Does anything stand out? What is Paul’s purpose in writing these
words? What will your hearers most
likely remember?
© George Fournier 2013
