| One of the "editors" of the Hebrew Scriptures are the "Priests." Like other groups of editors, they attempted to hold things together and create an atmosphere that would bring to life the people of God in difficult times. During the Exile in Babylon was one of those times - again, Walter Brueggemann. ....it is conventional to locate the Priestly material of Genesis - Numbers in the exile, as a strategy for sustaining the sacramental sense of community. ....it was aimed toward the maintenance of order in a social context of acute disorder and chaos. The Jews in exile has no stable reference points (as with appeal to the temple), and so this tradition offers alternative practices in lieu of such supports. In Genesis 1:1-2:4a, the tradition provides a litany that is presumably liturgical.... the liturgy itself intends to challenge and override the chaos of exilic social circumstances. Having a sense of order can bring comfort and a feeling of security. When there is only chaos, it is time for storytelling. Storytelling can take us from the face of what is and help us to see beyond it all. This stories are not lies that are just made up, they are promises that are dressed up so that we can see how they are able to see us through what it at hand. Even in the storytelling of our country, editors helped to hold up some stories and leave others out. In that way, a large group of people can rally around a theme or story in the hope that we too may be such people. When I was growing up I used to hear the cry "remember the Alamo." I didn't really know what it meant until I hear the whole story. It was like listening to the story of the 300 Spartans. A small group can stand up against the powers and through their courageous acts, become an source of inspiration for others. Our storytelling helps us build our character - that can be a plus or a minus depending on the stories that are handed to us. The Priestly editors made sure there were stories of great worth - stories that could be repeated easily so that they would alter the view of the people and create an alternate reality that had the power to sustain and nurture life. Connection: Do you have stories such as these? Can you identify them? Where did you hear them? What keeps drawing you back to hear them again? What do they do to you when you hear them? Within the stories of our life, O God, we turn to you to hear words of encouragement and truthfulness so that we will know of a way to live that is not overwhelmed by the powers of the day that seem to be able to smash us. Pull us into those stories of your powerful love. Amen. |
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