Psalm 52
Proper 11 (16) - Year C
Psalm 52 or 15
Within the tradition of a common lectionary there are still choices to be made. A movie still playing in a theater near you, Spiderman 2, the issue of choice is a key element – choices made and choices given.
Deceit and Integrity are holographic choices. Each is repeated in each part (replicated inward). Each brings pressure upon the next decision to carry it on (rippling outward).
And yet these habituated patterns are no guarantee of consistency. They help, but do not assure. Conversion and domino slippage do occur.
So, today, it is again a day of choosing what will further shape our common life. Here, yesterday, nominations were made to general decision-making bodies. Today the first formal introduction of and ballot for the United Methodist episcopacy will take place. By our choices will we be known.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2004/july2004.html
Psalm 52 or Psalm15
Psalm 52 sets two dramatically different approaches to life -- devouring and trusting -- against one another. Implication, it is better to trust -- it is to one's long-range benefit.
Leaving that duality behind for the moment, I am intrigued with the image of "a green olive tree in the house of God." The flourishing of ourselves (our tree-ness) is like the flourishing of steadfast love or mercy. This is what is called for, regardless of whether or not we ever gloat over those who limit such G*D-ly qualities.
It helps to remember Jeremiah 11:16 -- "The Lord once called you, 'A green olive tree, fair with goodly fruit'; but with the roar of a great tempest he will set fire to it, and its branches will be consumed." If flourishing is to continue it needs to continue to deepen and strengthen its roots or it, too, will fall.
The image of a green olive tree is not a cause for pride, but an investment in deeper roots to have greener leaves and more bountiful fruit. When satisfaction sets in, roots wither, ever so slightly at first, and fruits are reduced. It's not easy being green.
- - -
laughter at doing well
enhances such doing
even when all about
are mourning
by our laughter
we scorn not others
but enlarge our life and see
more reason for laughter
our laughter brims over
surely goodness and mercy
are with us now
and anon
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html
Boasting of mischief done (verse 1) is the result of not having been taught or learned the skill of hospitality. Some have it as a gift, but everyone can develop it as a skill.
It takes a fair amount of trust to find a refuge in kindness for it doesn't provide defensive armor (a star wars shield) or offensive sword (biological weapons).
On another blog we see the internal spat Christians have as some would Solomonly and willingly divide up a baby/bible. Mention hospitality and righteousness is quick to jump to defend itself.
The Enemy Within
The Division-Driven Church
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2010/07/psalm-52.html