| Today continues off of yesterday's post that dealt with a self-conscious ethic passed on through the storytelling of the liturgy of Judah. Moreover, "I have separated you from the peoples. You shall therefore make a distinction between the clean animals and the unclean...." (Leviticus 20:24-25). The practice of distinctiveness must pervade every aspect and dimension of Israel's life, down to the last small detail. This practice of clean and unclean seems odd. We often wonder how it was decided that these distinctions would be made. What if it is simply to help the people "practice distinctiveness"? Then there is no need to understand why this food and not that...why these people and not those. Rather, it is all for the sake of keeping in mind who one is within the world - people of promise and covenant with God. Yesterday in bible study we talked about the use of the Lord's Prayer. It is a simple prayer and one that really would be good to pray daily - as a reminder of whose we are and the life into which we are invited to live even as that life (God's Reign) is not always appreciated in the world. To have daily disciplines that touch even the most basic and essential parts of life can help a person stay on point. Then again, these disciplines cannot be mandated as though they are how one becomes or even is seen as God's holy people. It is for the benefit of the beloved people. The disciplines have more to do with shaping the character of individuals and the holy community than making an impact on the people around us. The life to which the disciplines point or remind us is what must show to the world. Not eating a certain food is not the witness to God's Reign, but not eating a certain food may remind me throughout the day of the life of God's Reign that is to shine around me. Connection: What do you do to remind you of whose you are and the life that is handed to you from our God as you move forward in this day? Lord of Life, encourage us to seek your ways and to follow you. Even as we are pulled to go here and there, remind us to come home to you and live within the spirit of your Reign. Amen. |
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