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This week we revisit the crisis of leadership and presence at the base camp around Sinai, listen in again to the corrective words that have memorialized Euodia and Syntyche, and to hear again the third parable of the allegory trilogy in Matthew’s gospel. We are called to worship God only, think appropriately and pray incessantly, and to accept the wedding invitation to God’s great banquet of the kingdom. Enjoy!

Exodus 32:1-14—Meanwhile back at the ranch . . .

Bereft of pastoral care and leadership, the people of Israel seek a new and more visible spirituality; so Aaron has a golden bull made around which the people dance and carry on. Why a bull? Perhaps it was a symbol of strength or maybe a symbol of virility—at least that was the common understanding of such an idol in the ancient Near East. The real crisis comes, however, with the logical consequences of their actions. God and Moses disagree over what to do—God has made the divine mind up to smash the clay and begin sculpting a new people under Moses’ leadership. Moses intercedes and God relents.

Philippians 4:1-9—Get It Together—you hear me, Euodia and Syntyche?

Paul draws to a conclusion his joy-exuberant letter that focuses here on naming two folks in the church who need to get it together and resolve their disagreement/s. Euodia and Syntyche are good folks—"sisters, hard gospel workers, and focused on spreading the gospel. Paul’s mild reprimand is followed by some excellent pastoral advice about demeanor, prayer, and appropriate thinking which ultimately will lead us to shalom.

Matthew 22:1-14—The Wedding Party

This is the third allegorical parable that confronts national leaders and country about the coming reign of God. The Two Sons, then the Tenants and Absentee Landlord; now we’re invited to a marriage fete that a king throws for his son. The allegorical form provides the interpretive code so that the king (= God) gives a wedding banquet for his son (=Jesus) and several groups of people are invited: those who are the first to receive invitations (=Israel), and later all and everyone (=gentiles).