Grumpy Pharisees

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32; Jer. 31:27-34; Eph. 5:1-20; Matt. 9:9-17

 In our gospel reading appointed for today, we meet Jesus among tax-collectors and sinners. And there is grumbling among the Pharisees, who do what they can to distance themselves from these people who are despised ... because they are living outside of the laws of the Lord. And yet, the parables and exchanges Jesus shares with the Pharisees show us that they, too, are missing the mark of holy living. The tax-collectors like Matthew and other sinners draw near to Jesus. They know they are broken and spurned. Jesus nurtures these seekers all the same, and he calls them to change their lives. He invites them to live mercifully and honestly.

Then we have the Pharisees, who do not see their own limitations, though they see and name others' shortcomings readily. Jesus tells the Pharisees to understand the phrase, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" - a quote from the prophet Hosea. They have work to do on themselves, as the letter of the law is tripping them up from living into God's heart of the Law.

I wonder why the Pharisees were so snippy and particular? What if they were just hot, hungry, and tired? I wonder if they needed a rest. Did they even have the words to name that they were worn out? One day of sabbath time per week is not always sufficient to recover.

I find that when I am tired, I am more likely to be nit-picky, especially when what is around me does not match my internal expectations. Coming home after a messy day, I do not want to clean off the dining room table of backpacks and dirty track clothes, only to trip over baseball pants on the floor. I long for things to be neat and orderly. And my family hears about it as I correct issue after issue - even things that are not problems in the first placce. They come away feeling beleaguered, rather than loved. And my actions do not reflect how I truly feel about them.

So, maybe the Pharisees were tired. I get it. When life is messy, sometimes rest is the answer, rather than clamping down and working harder. Let us remember the counsel of the prophet Hosea and the wisdom of Jesus, that God desires mercy, not sacrifice. God's amazing grace and mercy welcome us when we name our limitations...and we are called to be nourished by the salvific care of Christ Jesus - the greatest gift.

Beginning today, I am stepping away to take a sabbatical for deep rest and rejuvenation. Thank you for your prayers and support during my time away. I will return to Saint Stephen's at the end of August and look forward to resume writing, working, and praising God alongside you.

With God's help and grace,

Katherine+

Connections in Your Life

What ways of rest are you embracing this week? Is there something you need to take a break from doing, so that you can return with a brighter outlook or rested muscles? Pray about what rest in our Lord can look like in the week ahead.