23rd February 2010

Text with 3 notes

homily for 2nd tuesday in lent

Readings: Genesis 37:12-24, Psalm 47, 1 Corinthians 1:20-31, Mark 1:14-28

1 Corinthians is not the book I want to read during Lent. Not because of how it’s written, or who wrote it, but because, in a very real sense, it is written to me. Now, obviously I know that it wasn’t written to me as its original recipient. But none of us would read and pray and worship through Scripture if somehow we also weren’t a part of it.

I don’t like 1 Corinthians during Lent because it’s salt in the wound. In many ways, I am a Corinthian. You are a Corinthian, too. I especially realize this during Lent. At different times throughout the year, St. Paul asks, “Where is the one who is wise?” “Here I am, Lord!” “Where is the scribe?” “Right here, Lord. I’m your man!” “Where is the debater?” “I’m the best, Lord. Right here, buddy.” And at Lent, I hear this retort: “Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” And I am ashamed at my answers.

God decided to span the gap we had enlarged by our foolishness by himself coming and acting according to what the world would call foolishness. We boast, we take pride, we talk around our sins; yet we proclaim a Christ who was killed. What a mystery!

And so, in Lent, let us bow low with the Savior who chose what was low and despised over what was wise, what was powerful, what was influential. But not for the purpose of pious self-depracation; no, for the purpose of the exaltation of the Lord. As the Psalmist reminds us, it doesn’t really matter what our circumstance is, the Lord is King, he chose us, and he is highly exalted, worthy to be praised - no matter what the season. This is a God who has taken the low road, and, as Paul says, becomes for us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, so that we might boast in God.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Tagged: lenthomily