The Episcopal Lectionary concludes Mark with verse 9. Is Jesus stating that marriage is grounded in the very nature and substance of creation and thus has no place in the court of law at the time of divorce? What is the nature of the male-female bond? How do we proclaim this gospel in the midst of a world that has ceased to hear it? What is the good news?
This is somewhat of a challenging text to preach on with integrity in as much as I am a divorced person who is re-married. Though I don't endorse divorce as an "easy way out", I do feel that it is important to live with an understanding of God's grace and tolerance, kindness and mercy. Any thoughts?? PKC
There is a great story about a Meeting (Quaker) in Ohio during WWII. The young man arrived to marry his young lady, but because he was not from Ohio, he need to establish residency. He was unable to get the marriage license in time for the wedding. The wedding however took place without the license, and immediately following the service, the entire Meeting of Friends marched up to the court house to declare these two married and signed the license. Now how is that for a marriage! Puts the issues in perspective, removing it from the area of LAW into the realm of GRACE. Marriage is grounded in creation, not at Sinai! Tom
PKC, what are your thoughts since you were divorced and re-married? How do you interpret the somewhat harsh statement by Christ about divorce and adultery. No baiting here, I am truly interested. Stan
We are human and we make mistakes. My brother was married to a woman who constantly ridiculed the church and Christians. They were unevenly yoked. My brother has since remarried a wonderful Christian woman and is happier than he's ever been. I was very much against divorce until now. I thank God for my sister-in-Christ-sister-in-law, and continue to pray for my brother's ex., that she may come to know the Lord as her Savior.
I am commenting before doing the extensive exegesis that I want to do before preaching on this passage. I have a wedding on Saturday, and then a sermon on this text on Sunday! But my initial comments (and questions), also, like the others, are coming from experience. I have witnessed God's grace in the process of divorce and I have witnessed my understanding of evil in a marriage. I have certainly witnessed the relief, healing, and new life that can emerge after divorce. I would like to state in my sermon that in many cases, those who opt for divorce have worked much harder at their relationships than those of us who stay married. Sometimes it is easier to live a lie and stay on the surface of a relationship than to risk going deeper, and discover that there is no depth to discover. This is such a grey area. The "one flesh" idea also is disturbing to me. I remember a woman so enmeshed in her husbands life, that she no longer knew who she was. She quoted this verse. She felt his feelings, rather than her own, she accepted the abuse without question. She believed they were joined by God. Joined to suffer abuse? I don't believe that! And I can't accept that Jesus would either. I look forward to reading other comments as the week progresses. Wish I could hear your sermons as well. Mary
My question at this point is, What is Mark saying to us by the juxtaposition of the hard teaching on divorse, with the grace-filled example of welcoming the children? It strikes me that this is an interesting tug-of-war with which we must grapple for a clearer understanding of what Jesus is saying. Does this, can this tie in with the tug-of-war going on in Job, between "good" and "evil"? How about the Hebrews passage, between the humiliation of God's Christ, and the glorification of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth?
I, too, have not yet done any exegesis, but this should be an interesting week!
Rick in Canada, eh?
As an United Methodist minister, I have participated in and conducted weddings in which one or both of the participants were divorced. I have led weddings in which a denomination or church or pastor would not allow the wedding to be done on the church or by the pastor and those people have come to me. I always insist on premartial counseling even though i will probably never see these people again, because once they are married, these same churchs and pastors who wouldn't marry them will received them as members. I have always thought that was hypocritical especially concering Christ remarks here---because remember he is not only talking about divorce, but remarriage in the light of divorce. I have a minsiterial friend in another denomination whose spouse broke the marriage convenant and selpt around and left him and filed papers on him. But he cannot preach in the pulpit because of that. He can do administrative, counseling and ministerial work, but he cannot preach because he is divorced. Hear me here--I agree totally with all the positive comments thus far made on this page concerning divorce, but how does that work itself out in light of what has been attributed as Christ's words concerning divorce. I hope when we do our exegetical work, that we will not come in with a pre-conceived notion or look for some way to "prove divorce." I just think that would pollute the process. While I have seen divorce really give people a resurrected start, I am a little fearful as to what lies ahead in the task of interpreting Christ's words. One thing is for sure, if we are going to preach on this, ourpeople are going to be leaning forward to hear what we have to say about this in light of what our society condones and Christ seems to condemn. Stan
Stan!! You always insist on pre-MARTIAL counselling before a wedding!! I think God is using humour to get us started this week! I will use that as an illustration to get us all laughing and relaxed for what will be a tense subject! I appreciate Stan's freudian slip of the keyboard. I also appreciate Stan's warning that I do not take my preconceived notions into my exegetical work which I am off to do now. Pre Martial counselling...laughing all the way to my study! My dictionary defines "martial" as "warfare". Mary, also in Canada, eh!
Let's remember something about context here - divorce in the days of Jesus was not a mutual decision, could be done with a bill of divorcement and often would leave the woman destitute, outcast, without protection, identity, or livelihood other than crime or prostitution - there's more going on than our 20th century notions - a divorced woman would have been the legal and social equivalent of a child, or less - keep in mind also that divorce could be accomplished without anything we would recognize as `grounds'!! With this in mind, Jesus comments seem to be much more in keeping with his general theme - an admonishment not to exploit, abuse, cast off, or leave defenseless! I too have officiated at second marriages where the result would seem to be yet another resurrection story - a great love that lives after the breakage of a marriage, and brings new life! Kristine [in Canada !]
1. Jesus was obviously against divorce. 2. Mal. 2:15-16 states that God hates divorce. 3. Why? We are to love God, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Why does God hate divorce? 4. I believe God hates divorce because contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as no fault divorce. Have you ever seen a divorce that wasn't filled with pain. Pain for the wife and husband, pain for the children, pain for the parents and siblings, pain for friends, ..... and pain for God. God does not like to see His children in pain. I believe it is for this reason that God hates divorce. 5. Jesus teaches the ideal. 6. When Jesus met the woman at the well, He didn't condem her because she had had numerious husbands. He gave her living water. 7. Jesus meets us where we are, heals us, cleans us, and allows us to move forward, forgiven and loved. 8. God hates divorce, but God loves those who have been divorced, just as God loves all His children.
EOP
I read somewhere recently that the way we approach the marriage covenant today is not, 'til death us do part' but 'satisfaction or your money back!' From my perspective, Jesus doesn't whitewash divorce: broken covanants (marriage or others) are always less than God has intended. Laws (including divorce laws) are intended to protect the rights of persons... especially the weak and powerless (in Jesus' day, especially children and women). Rather than get caught into a debate over divorce, he chose to lift up the sanctity of marriage, recognizing that divorce is a human reality. I think Jesus would remind us that forgiveness and reconciliation are more desireable than legalism and judgment. The bottom line is that, none of us are better than the rest of us... and in the end, we each depend on grace - unmerited love. Not a bad theme for World Communion Day. Let's just be careful not to become so judgmental that we hinder the work of grace, or to sloppy that we are afraid to call a sin, sin! A broken relationship is just that.. a broken relationship. Now, let's get on with life, knowing that no person is beyond the grace of God. Just my opinion... but I may be wrong. CVE
Here's my take on the "one flesh" concept. I see it as marriage partners approaching life as "one", united in their vision of family life, community life, etc - not necessarily doing it the same way, but having a common bond of purpose, found within the love they share and the respect they share. It's facing sickness and health, richer and poorer, better or worse together, instead of creating it for one another. In marriage there is a responsibility to care about how we're doing as one flesh, and if our paths are diverging, what's happening in this marriage? I think God cares deeply about sacred covenant, but I also think we have to careful about turning marriage into an idol, as apposed to a living entity/relationship. Sometimes living things die, but I hear in Jesus' words the mandate to tend that living relationship called marriage. Dawn.(In Canada too, eh.)
Good discussion on this passage so far!
In terms of context, the main theme Mark seems to be working with ever since the turning point of 8:29 is: "You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." (8:33b) We see it in the Transfig., the epileptic's healing, the arguing disciples and now w/ the Pharisees. They're more concerned re legal, nitpicking reasons for divorce than re God's gift of marriage.
Here's a quote from Vincent Taylor from his commentary The Gospel Accoring to St. Mark: "It is folly to treat (Jesus') saying as a legal prescription. His words are spiritual, and therefore are the more binding, but their application is left to the enlightened Christian consciouness." p.419 He also notes that Jesus reply is a very limited response to a hostile question.
I'd also point people to the curent Homiletics Web page (www.HomileticsOnline.com) which deals with this passage.
Best wishes, Randy in Des Moines, IA
No, no, I meant martial. Don't you think more marriages would survive if the spouses knew how to engage in appropriate warfare? Not buying that either, eh? Oh, well, Rick up norht, I am blushing all the way to the office--Stan
Well, well... with all this talk about divorce.. y'allmight want to have a conversaton in your sermon between Jesus and Dr. Laura! Is anyone trying to tie any of this week's scriptures into Mentil Illness Awareness week? Pam
Well, well... with all this talk about divorce.. y'allmight want to have a conversaton in your sermon between Jesus and Dr. Laura! Is anyone trying to tie any of this week's scriptures into Mentil Illness Awareness week? Pam
An Episcopal priest, recently divorced, commented on these verses, "It is just wrong. It is God's word that it is wrong;and that is all there is to it." Still in the throes of the pain and guilt which goes with divorce, this man was experinecing the gut-wrenching agony which accompanies most divorces. But, that is not all there is to it. Redemption of all situations in life is available to Christians. Some have complicated this problem by claiming that divorce and remarrieage presents a new relationship which is eternally damned. It is as if the divorced/remarried person lives "in adultery" forever; and, there is no forgiveness for the breakdown of the previsou marriage. We are approaching an "unforgiveable sin" category with this kind of thinking. God's mercy and love reach to us all -- sinners that we are. Sin brings convicting awareness and pain. Jesus brings forgiveness and a freedom to go and sin no more. Conrad Archer, Bishop, Texas
The question put to Jesus was about legality--is divorce "permissible." The fact is, Jesus never answers the question. Instead, he talked about God's intentions. Do we live up to God's intentions? Of course not. We may not be divorced, but we all fail to follow God's intentions (all have sinned...). There is no question that sometimes, divorce may be the best of several bad options, but Jesus chooses not to dwell on "when is divorce OK?" but rather speak of the goodness of marriage. The church has really screwed things up with all of the rules we place on when is divorce Ok (i.e. recent Kennedy annulment/remarriage goings-on in Massachusetts). Jesus resisted answering the Pharisees question and we would be better off if we resisted it to. We wind up pouring salt in the wounds of hurting people on one hand, or putting a "seal of approval" on human "hard heartedness," as teh text puts it.
I am tying the text in to World Communion Sunday, talking about the pain and brokenness in life--divorce, etc.--and talking about coming to the table in all of our brokenness and pain to receive healing and nourishment--a word of grace for those who have been touched by the heartache of divorce (nearly everybody) and all of the other broken places in our lives.
Lots of good discussion this week!
Dave R. from the Illinois cornfields
Great discussion so far. Thanks to all. There is a tension between what Jesus says about the marriage covenant (what God joins together, let no one separate) and the situation Moses describes in Deuteronomy (divorce and remarriage makes reconciliation with the first spouse impossible/unlawful — Deut. 24:1-4). That Jesus presumes (according to the Pharisees' question), not a troubled marriage, but one that is shattered already by a divorce "decree" and beyond hope of reconciliation, makes his statement about the permanence of the marriage covenant seem almost ludicrous. Of course, it almost goes without saying that the Pharisees were more concerned with "trapping" Jesus than with divorce. This conflict demonstrates the "divorce" between God and God's people — seemingly beyond reconciliation. Yet Jesus has come to show that reconciliation is indeed possible between God and all people. He turns the challenge on its head to demonstrate the sweeping power of God's eternal love by pointing to the hope of restoration of a marriage bond long destroyed. Almost like Ezekiel's vision in the valley of dry bones. The awesome hope imbedded in this parable is that what is true of God's covenant with all nations must also be true of former marriage partners. Many of us know of bitter stories of divorce, when love seemed to die. But we also know stories that demonstrate love's ability to flourish in the face of covenental collapse, when, for instance, a partner remains committed to ensuring the children of the former union get to know their father/mother, even when that person has deeply wounded the partner. I'll never forget a woman who told me, on the eve of remarriage, that she was concerned that her former spouse (who had physically abused her) would one day find healing and happiness. Could this be what Jesus meant when he said "those whom God joins together, let no one separate"? And if it is true that reconciliation (at some level) is possible for profoundly separated parties in the wake of divorce and remarriage to other partners, then those who are still struggling to preserve a marriage covenant have a profound hope But it seems to me that this passage reverberates not just to married or divorced couples, but all people in relationship with God and with each other, especially those who believe they are beyond hope of reconciliation. Thus, what begins as a nit-picking argument about the finer points of Mosaic Law ends when Jesus proclaims that the Law cannot decree where love must end. Later, he will demonstrate with his life that death cannot decree where love must end. Amor conquista todo! Bo
I cannot agree with the Episcopal priest saying God's word is wrong. We are wrong. If God has ordained marriage as Christ seems to say when He aligns it with the act of creation, then it is humanity that is wrong. A comparison between God and humanity will always find that humanity falls short, or is wrong, or hard-hearted. If that is so, we fall into the same catagory as Moses' hard hearted people who received the law of divroce because they were so hard-hearted. Could we say that divorce is a reality because we, as a people, as humanity, as society, are so hard hearted. Don't stop the discussion now. This is really helpful. Stan
Just an observation -- this passage has generated more comment than most I have seen on this site. It speaks volumes to the degree that we are all touched by the pain and confusion around divorce. I am also looking at this passage in the context of Worldwide Communion Sunday. I've preached three times on divorce -- one of these times I may get it right. Thanks for the stimulating discussion. Larry (also from Canada)
Well, having done the exegesis and in the midst of writing my sermon, I was struck with the lightening bolt. There is a profound sermon to be given here on the issue of touch and children. In my imagination I see the people bringing abused children to be touched and healed by Jesus. Children who have been the victims of violent marriages. What is the church today as the body of Christ doing to touch these children, the products of unhappy homes? Do we turn them away, or actively bring them to Jesus to be touched? What would it mean for us to explore this on Sunday morning and then act upon it in weeks to come? We begin the scripture with the issue of divorce and we end with Jesus taking the children into his arms, and blessing them. He took THEM up into his arms. Not one. But all. AND ALL OF US. What an image for worldwide communion, all of us being held as children in Jesus arms, and blessed. The whole world. Mary again.
Here is a bit of an illustration, and then I am going to shut up. The other morning, in the midst of all this reflection, I felt something scratch my baby finger on the left hand. Looking down, to my dismay and shock, I saw that the diamond on my engagement ring, which I have worn for 20 years, was missing. Tears stung my eyes, and I was filled with the frustration and regret that I had not taken the time to care for my precious ring which symbolized all that my husband and I have meant to one another all these years. All the ups and downs, the conflict, the healing etc. etc. IF only I had taken the time to go to the jewellry store to check the claws of the ring. That which held my ring together had come loose without my even being aware, so busy I was at attending to other things. Something so precious has been lost, all because I did not take time to care for it. It has provoked much in my own personal life. How often our marriages, or all significant relationships are like that. Looks like a sacred voice is roaring at me this week, through many avenues. See ya next week! Thanksgiving! Mary, for the last time, I promise.
Fantastic discussion, everyone - I'm loving this!! Stan - yes, divorce represents a breakage of something that isn't meant to be broken, but we are dealing with fallible humans here - it's easy to say `through hell and high water' when you haven't experienced hell and you don't know how high the water can get - or, as I told one woman who came to me for counselling, " 'till death do us part' doesn't mean 'until he decides to kill you'!!" My pastoral concern with divorce, especially since I find people don't usually come for help from clergy until the marriage is dead, is some firm words about `collateral damage' - the children! and, I'm speaking as one who just passed her 15th anniversary! Marriage, like faith, is hard, unremitting, demanding work, with much happiness and much sacrifice thrown in for good measure - I'd find it more helpful to look closely at the nature of covenant vs. contract, and focus on the one-sided nature of marriage [male dominated/arbitrary levels of committment] as presented to/rejected by Jesus - in a perfect world, all spouses would be loving, gentle, encouraging and forgiving - models of God - in an imperfect world, where marriage has turned bad, or downright dangerous, Gods action, as ever, is to bring good out of bad, life out of death, love and renewal out of pain and suffering - throw in a healthy dose of prohibition to judge those who are either unfortunate enough or, given circumstances, courageous enough, to leave a marriage, and I think there is some healthy and well-grounded teaching - no need to lose the Christian teaching `till death do us part' - no need to validate the secular `till something better comes along' - Kristine!
It is amazing how often, even us preachers, hear our Lord's words as LAW (What God has join together let o one put assunder / separate!) For some reason GRACE eludes even us. Jesus is saying that a human beings not meant to be alone ... and nothing is to break up that companionship which is stronger than the natural bond of athr and mother. Loneliness, dismissing, releasing is the sin ... no matter the context, for unlike the Koran we were not meant to be lonely!
A good resource: Atlantic Magazine (October) article: Can Government Prevent Divorce? It is really about marriage preparation and divorce prevention strategies. But it doesn't touch what I think is the key to Mark's lesson. If you look at the whole lection, both marriage & divorce and the lives of children are placed in the context of God's intention. In the case of marriage & divorce, the intention is expressed through creation; in the case of children, through their participation in the coming kingdom of God. Which is to say: Our individual, social, community or "governmental" values are not the final word; God's values are. I do not find in this passage a rigid law about divorce and remarriage, but a grace-filled reminder that the context of all human goods & ills is larger than we think it is. Marriage takes place in the sight of God; so does divorce; so do the lives of (all of us) children. From creation to the kingdom, God's love and grace surround us.
If you look at the lection, you can see two passages: the Pharisees question, which JEsus answers in a sophisticated and critical manner. The second, to the disciples, he answers in a simple and juridical manner. It's sort of like the contrast between "He who is not with me is against me." and "he who is not against me is with me". One is nuturing and permissive; the other rigorist. Are we seeing some splits in the early church's understanding of JEsus' rule for life?It seems to me that the first passage is more humane than the culture around Jesus. The second is a more rigorist view. It could be seen as the same kind of moral tension as we see in Job. The old fashioned morality was that only bad people had bad things happen. Job is faithful and innovative when he says "Shit happens. I believe that God is Great."
Alison in Toronto
Kristine, thank you for your comments, but I have to tell you that I don't find it easy to say "even through hell or high water." Throughout all of this excellent discussion, my focus has been the conflict that I and maybe other pastors have in supporting spouses to divorce and then trying to deal with today's scripture. My hope was that since divorce is so accepted in our time, that we would do serious struggle with what Christ was trying to say rather than allowing experience, 20th century experience immediately influence our understanding. Nothing about this is easy; not living in a abusive marriage, not protecting the children (if that is possible) from a painful marriage or painful divorce, not even taking a realistic look at helpling a spouse get out. Nothing about this is easy. I agree that Christ wouldn't want someone to stay in an abusive situation, But he knew that was happening in his society with the male dominated system in which a man could get a divorce without his spouse even knowing. Why didn't Christ say that if Christ really agrees with what we are sauying about divorce freeing people. It is not that I disagree, it is that I am seeking for a way to connect Christ's society with ours. Stan.
Pray for God's presence today as the Promise Keepers gather in Washington. Marriages are strengthened when God is a true partner in the marriage union. May our nation 'Seek God first and His righteousness'.....
1) God hates divorce, but not those who get one. 2) I'd be interested to see how you spin doctors tie this into a World Communion Sunday idea--isn't every week world communion Sunday, and what this text have to do with it? 3) I'm amazed at how we decide that things Jesus said simply aren't true. Think about that. 4) There's no gospel without a good dose of law. Jesus says it (divorce) and shows it (children).
I am praying that all of the folks in Washington today will come home to strengthened relationships and do all they can to strengthen their relationships to spouse and children but, I have to be honest by saying that I am not praying that they somehow pick up "their sacred responsibility to be the head of the house" as I have heard many in this movement say. I hope they return home to do something positive about the "male dominated/arbitrary levels of commitment" of which Kristine you wrote.
Now, to the text. I, like Dave from the IL cornfields, find a very appropriate jump from the Markan passage to World Communion as we think about the "New Family" that Jesus inaugurated. The new family is where partners (spouses???) deal with the brokenness they experience, where the most vulnerable members of the family (children???) are nourished, and where freely given grace (God's???) is accepted and appropriated -- all for the purpose of strengthening the family. And what better symbol than spilled blood and a broken body to highlight that grace? Or, as Mary wrote -- the symbol of Jesus holding all of us as children in his arms and blessing us -- the whole world.
As a divorced and re-married male who has quite comfortably done everything I can to let my adult children (all three were adults at the time of the divorce) know that I believe their mother was the best mother they could have possibly had, I struggle continually with the importance of making sure that my feelings toward her are feelings of encouragement and reconciliation (not for the marriage but simply because she is one of God's special creatures). I intend to begin the sermon with thoughts like that -- the struggle I have always to affirm and support my "ex" and to also share thoughts about the struggle I sometimes have to affirm and support others in this family of faith who have pained me and hurt me. But I intend to quickly move in the same direction in which Jesus quickly moved -- to the holding and the nurturing and the loving of the most vulnerable. This, it seems to me, is the task given to the church.
I have just found this site. It has been a great discussion. Is it always this good?
Greetings to all -- especially youse up norht, eh.
Gary, FROM Canada (although many years ago), now living in Central Indiana.
Regarding note 3 above. Check out Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Jesus is not giving a new law; he is showing those who are testing him that "their Law" is not the way up the ladder to God that they thought! MOSES says that anyone who marries after a divorce is "defiled," NOT Jesus!! Jesus is not replacing an old law with a new one! This is simply another example of Jesus pointing out that the Law is not the way to God!!!
Regarding note 4 - Those who have gone through the hell of divorce do not need some legal expert in the pulpit condemning them more than they have already condemned themselves! The Law is not to be used as a tool by insecure preachers to set up their listeners for whatever crumbs of Good News we decide thay are ready to hear. The Law is to be used to show our distance from God and to show that God has bridged that gap.
Re note 2 - Yes, every Sunday should be World Communion Sunday. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see Communion as a wonderful response by God to this broken world, typified by the number of broken homes around us (and maybe with in us??). God gives grace to broken people through this wonderful sacrament. Why is this so hard to understand? Why is this so hard to apply from the pulpit?
Nuff said.
Rick
Greetings all...
I am PKC - and I want to appologize for not being an active part of this discussion throughout the week - especially in light of the fact that I was 2nd one to write a comment - and ask for help. Forgive me - but in my Hospice Chaplain work - this week - time just simpoly slipped by me and I did not get a chance to get back to D.P.S. until now.
Stan - I would like to answer your question specifically - but would rather not use this forum to air my own personal story. My e-mail is chilcote@bright.net and I would love to hear from you - so I could write.
I really enjoyed reading the discussion tonight - and have decided that there is NOTHING GREATER than God's love. There are many times in our lives when we make mistakes, break covenants, blow it, screw up, and fail. It rememinds me of my New Test. Prof - who when a student asked about the Pharases complaining about Jesus eating with sinners - said "Well, it seems to me that Jesus either ate with sinners, or he ate alone!" In our case - we either eat with sinners, or eat alone with one sinner - ourselves.
Rick in Canada, eh? - I appreciated your pointing out the justapositioning the divorce question when Jesus' accepting the children. When I first read the passage, I thought too - but have concluded that there is always law & grace in the scripture. In this case - the grace in the divorce part - many of you have mentioned - "God loving the sinner, but hating the sin" etc. - the reality... we are all guilty - and keeping the law simply for the law sake is not living in the abudance of life that Jesus came to show us and lead us to.
I hope that the morning goes well for all of you - especially in light of the fact that on World Communion Sunday - we will all be celebrating around the common table - with each other. We will be sharing in the presence and person of Jesus Christ, HIS brokenness, sacrifice, and love for each of us. If I know the pain of divorce, which I do, then how much more does Christ know the pain - not only from Calvary - but from the very brokenness of his bride - the church, who (in my opinion) more than not - has forgotten who we(the church) are wed to (Christ.) - And have we (the church) not too often been guilty of adultry - flirting with other "husbands", covenental relationships, and gods?
Well - I better stop thinking out loud on my keys. I love you all.
Phil (PKC)
Hi everyone, I'm PKC, I want to say that I'm sorry, after writing the 2nd comment - and asking for help - that my Hospice Chaplaincy work kept me super busy this week and I never had a chance to get back until tonight.
Stan - I would be happy to share what I think (and feel) about divorce with you, or anyone else. But I do not want to take up the space here to do it. My email is chilcote@bright.net. Please - feel free to drop me a note, and I promise to get back to you (whoever).
The only thing that I want to share here is simple - we (the church) are the bride of Christ. Have we (the church) ever been guilty of adultry - that is having affairs with others - putting ourselves in the position of being emotionally tied to ANYTHING ELSE more than Christ? I fear that we all have. So - we are all guilty - and all in need of forgiveness for our transgressions. Now having said that - God knows that all too well - and has forgiven us - in fact that has happened through the brides husband HIMSELF - in his sacrifice and brokenness for his bride. And that, my dear friends, is what Holy Communion is all about: healing through and because of Christ's brokenness and Forgiveness through the shedding of His blood. Thanks be to God, who GRACES us with his victory - through the love of the churches husband - our most Holy Spouse - Jesus Christ.
Love you all - and may tomorrow be a wonderful day of unity and healing.
Phil (PKC)
Gary, from central IN
Where are you in Indiana? - I'm from W-Central OHIO - liked your comments!
PKC - chilcote@bright.net
It is Sunday morning, it is time to face the congregation which, as one of you said, stands against the culture and the experience of most of my people. Divorce is as comon as the common cold! But after doing the exegesis, I was struck that if I were female - there wouild be a whole different dynamic going on with the hearers. You see this is a discussion among men (Jesus and the Pharisees) about what Moses (another man) stated - all in a heavy patriarchal society. When a woman proclaims this message there is already a subvertion going on and the Gospel will be heard differently. Good luck to all the female clergy; and to us men - hold on to your hats!
He lacked one thing. She chose the one thing necessary. Is ther a connection between the rich young ruler and Mary of Bethany?