David & the Bread of the Presence - July 18
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 31; PM Psalm 35; 1 Samuel 21:1-15, Acts 13:13-25; Mark 3:7-19a
If ever you think that the Bible is dull or boring, read the First Book of Samuel. It is a riveting tale that I cannot put down…akin to the adventure and drama in William Goldman’s The Princess Bride. There are scenes of intrigue, romance, battles, and the voice of the Divine sounding in answer to prayers. If you’ve been following the Old Testament reading in the Daily Office lectionary for the last couple of weeks, you already are wrapped up in the excitement of David and King Saul of Israel.
Ever since he took out the mighty Goliath against all odds, David has been the shining star. The farm boy succeeds in battle wherever he goes, and the king is jealous. King Saul feels threatened and attempts to get the young man killed by every foe in the region. His son Jonathan is a faithful, dear friend (and brother-in-law) to David, and he works to mend the rift between the two men. Reconciliation with thin-skinned King Saul is short-lived and David must flee again.
He arrives alone in a place called Nob, a priestly city near Jerusalem. David seeks out the priest Ahimelech and asks for bread (for nourishment while evading Saul). The only loaves the priest has on hand are holy ones – called the bread of the Presence. They cannot be shared with just anyone; young men receiving the bread must “have kept themselves from women.” David assures the priest that he is worthy of the holy loaves. David asks Ahimelech for a weapon; the only one available is the sword of the Philistine of Gath, known as Goliath. Equipped with five loaves of holy bread and a legendary sword, he sets out. (Keep reading 1 Samuel to follow the saga!)
I keep thinking about that bread…the special bread of the Presence in the Temple. There were specific parameters of how to honor that holy bread. Did you know that in the tradition of the Episcopal church, we treat the consecrated bread and wine in a special way? Whatever is not consumed during or after the service is returned to the ground – either poured out, spread around, or buried…because it is more than just bread and wine. It has been made sacred through prayers and God’s blessing. And so, we return those gifts to the earth as best we can. Following a late-night Eucharist in Santiago, there were some crusts of fresh bread not consumed. As the roads were cobblestone and the trashcan was not an option for disposal, we toted the crumbs to the Spanish countryside and Finisterra, where they were distributed on the rocky soil overlooking the ocean…not far from where another group of Episcopalians were celebrating the Eucharist.
Whatever adventures are ahead of you, may you be nourished and cared for in unexpected ways, and may you receive the gifts given to you as special.
Faithfully,
Katherine+
Reflection and Challenge
What is an item you have (or have had) that is more than just the thing itself? How do you tell the stories of that item and honor its sacredness?
Take time this weekend to share a story of this item - tell a beloved friend, or even meet someone new and ask them about a possession that feels sacred.