19 April 2005

A powerful word from Walter Brueggemann again in "The Prophetic Imagination."

...(Jesus') criticism of the "law" is not to be dismissed as an attack on "legalism" in any moralistic sense, as is sometimes done in reductionist Pauline interpretation. Rather, his critique concerns the fundamental social valuing of his society. In practice Jesus has seen, as Marx later made clear, that the law can be a social convention to protect the current distribution of economic and political power. Jesus, in the tradition of Jeremiah, dared to articulate the end of a consciousness that could not keep its promises but that in fact denied the very humanness it purported to give.

We can see it over and over again even as we take a glimpse around us at the political climate of our day. Those in power try to use the law to give to those in power...more power. That does not end. That is not a mere biblical picture. For example (and this just seems to be a very current issue), I hate filibusters. But they are essential to our form of government. If it was not for this extreme method of stopping the system spin on its merry way, the majority would always rule as the majority wants to rule. That is never good for the welfare of all. And yet, we can see that some powers like to make room for more and more power to be at ready at hand for those who want the world to go their way. Filibusters are not ideal...but they make us look again at how being in the seat of power can overwhelm anyone. If we are indeed concerned about the welfare of all the people how is it that we are afraid of such an odd piece of our governing system that lets any minority voice...have a voice greater than it usually would. Sometimes the minority - no matter what "side" it is - has more wisdom in the moment than the majority ever will.

Connection: Laws are only as good as the vision that writes them. If we have a limited vision, our laws will only lead us in a limited manner. If a family is unwilling to let itself imagine a better day, then there is a good chance that the children will never grow beyond the limits of past generations.

Come upon us, Holy Spirit, and set our anxious hearts to rest so that we are able to look into the gracious homeland of your blessed Reign. We anxiously search for ways to control our world but we need you to life up our eyes to see beyond our ways and into the very heart of your way and truth. Amen.