EarthWords - connecting Scripture
and Creation
"Creation flavored" thoughts on the lectionary texts
Date: November 12
Text: Psalm 42 As the hart (deer!)
longs for the flowing stream, so longs my soul for thee, O Lord.
Thoughts
I always like the sound of "As the hart longs..", but who knows what a "hart" is anymore, and anyway, it "sounds" like
"heart"!
There is something about the sound and feel of flowing water. Tabletop fountains are a substitute, but a poor one.
As we develop more and more of the little wooded corners and lots, are we in danger of not having flowing streams or "natural
islands" in our lives? Probably here in the UP the danger is more that we don't take the time to notice (and point out
to our kids!) what we have.
vs 6 - "where the Jordan begins" (CEV. The Jordan watershed! What watershed are you in? What threats,
what protections are present? Who lives down stream? Upstream? Is there a watershed council? (Note:
if there isn't, or if you're not sure, or if you would like to help start one, check with the Superior Watershed Partnership
[another "Earthkeeper Partner"!] at
http://www.superiorwatersheds.org/)
vs7 "vicious waves, angry ocean, roaring waterfall." Waves splashing over the breakwater?! Nature is
not just cute and cuddly. God is powerful more than comfortable, and God calls us to be real more than pleasant or secure,
good more than nice.
vs 9 "The Rock" I usually picture some nebulous fortress, but how about the Black Rocks in Marquette?
Or Split Rock north of Duluth?
Text: Ruth 3.1-5, 4.13-17
Boaz goes to sleep outside, alone, and wakes up to find a woman at his feet!
Thoughts
There's the whole "don't take all you can, leave some for others and even for the creation to re-establish itself" idea.
We seem to be more oriented towards "clear out everything you can and then plant just one thing." Could we develop a
spirit that reveled in variety and diversity (which is a stronger and "more pest or disease resistant" practice anyway!) and
was content to leave some behind?
And then it just shows what can happen when you sleep out doors!
Text: Hebrews 9.24-28 Jesus a high priest
Thoughts
I know it's talking about heaven, but it is also exciting to sleep out under the stars without
a tent! (Just watch out for wandering women!)
Jesus, us, animals, sacrifice - how does sacrifice of one part of creation for another part
of creation fit into God's dream. (Especially as Nov 15 approaches!) As other parts of creation sacrifice their
lives, homes, comfort, future for us, is there a we are called to sacrifice for other parts of God's world?
Prayer
As the deer longs for the flowing stream
so we long for you, O Lord.
As the swallow longs for the open sky
so we long for you, O Lord.
As the salmon leaps for the upper water
so we long for you, O Lord.
As the chipmunk huddles in the hollow log
so we long for you, O Lord.
As the flowing stream longs for the big water,
so we long for you, O Lord.
May we feel your presence around us this day. Amen.
