Mariel's worship page included a fantastic image of legions of guardian angels assembled in clouds looking down on earth. A theme of trust and protection emerged from the scripture selections and prayers, and she asked us for any images of God's protection in our lives recently. Among the answers were the gazebo in Marietta Square (where sometimes people go to eat meals given them at a nearby soup kitchen) and a family home in another state.
Class: Christine, first year; Mariel, Gene, second year; Erica, third year; Scott and Susan, co - mentors. Absent: Susan.
Erica started our discussion of the week's readings by telling us about the fight against Apartheid. "It was Anglicanism's time to shine after a century of mediocrity," she observed. We explored that thought, before picking up on these threads in her opening statement:
- Christine had read last week about Esther's "fight" for her people;
- the "fight" in heaven described in Revelation parallels the fight on earth, as the hierarchy in heaven mirrors the hierarchy on earth, said Mariel.
- "Hierarchy" of the sexes is a strong message in Hebrew Wisdom literature; Yee's book highlights some outliers in the wisdom literature and Psalms in the form of "Wisdom" embodied as a nearly co - equal to God the Creator. But the female voice in Song of Solomon presents as fully equal to her male lover in a celebration of carnal love -- that may also imply (1) an imagined pre - Fall Eve and Adam, or (2) analogy to God and His people
- Mariel expressed a theme that emerged from this week's readings across the board: when we think of male - female themes in our tradition, we should remember that God is always the bridegroom and we are all, male and female, the bride.
Theological Reflection
In keeping with the years' theme of multicultural experiences, Gene read to us from a book of sermons by a priest at Sewanee, who remembers in the 1960s taking a job at the same Dupont factory where his father worked. He, a white man, joined his trainer, a black man, at a table in the company cafeteria, between an all - black table and all - white table. Gene stopped reading at the point when the young man has been warned not to eat with the black man again.
We followed instructions for the "Dilemma" method, finding two positive goals: Preserving his dignity and self - respect, and preserving his physical well-being; or, as we came to think of it, saving face, or saving our face. From the Tradition source, we settled on Peter's denying his tie to Jesus three times, to be safe from suspicion. As we explored that story, we came to see it as part of a process in Peter's growth, to be followed by his telling Jesus three times "I love you," and eventually being crucified upside - down. We also thought of President Clinton's admission that his greatest regret was his decision not to use US power to halt horrific violence in Rwanda.
Our collect pulls together threads from the evening: wisdom, protection, "Alpha and Omega" in Revelation, "fighting," and the idea that Peter's denial was part of a process.
Collect when Facing a Threat
O Lord, Alpha and Omega: though Peter, fearful for his life, denied you three times, you accepted his love three times and built your church on his apostleship; when we must choose between saving face and facing physical harm, may we remember how even moments of weakness can, in You, be steps toward greater strength, wisdom, and fulfillment of Your purpose. Amen.
Gene told us the rest of the story: The young man passed by his black friend the next night; but, in his shame, went on to become a participant in key civil rights battles of the next several years.
Our final prayer was for travelers, as we directed our thoughts towards Susan,
en route to France as we met.
Next meeting will be May 28. We will meet 6:45 in the Choir for a short worship service. We'll walk to a year - end meal on the Square.
Interesting TR idea for next year: TR in Motion! See the RRG, p. 281.
