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A look at the appointed gospel from the Revised Common Lectionary for July 5, 2020.
“[Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds...
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
”Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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My Two Cents….
It has been a while since I've been to a wedding reception. That is probably true for most given the restrictions and precautions caused by the pandemic. I feel sad for those who have had to postpone or dramatically alter long-held wedding plans. Someday, the changes will make for stories for couples to share on their Anniversaries. For now, the pain is too raw.
Think back to the last wedding reception that you attended. Was it a 'family affair' with guests both young and old? Was music played to which all the generations could dance? Were people out on the dance floor having fun? If so, there was probably a little girl in a pretty dress. Perhaps she was a part of the bridal party?
Imagine a little girl dancing and twirling, with the frills of her dress swirling outward. Her's is a joy unbridled and infectious. A smile accompanies her freedom. She is not embarrassed by her movement, nor does she restrain it. The little girl glides across the ballroom bringing gladness in her wake. Some take the opportunity to dance with her. Others will get on the dance floor for the first time in years. Even those who remain in their seats will smile.
We can compare Jesus's invitation to discipleship to a little girl dancing at a wedding. It is a summons to freedom. Unlike the Pharisees, who demanded a rigid adherence to a strict holiness code, Jesus welcomed disciples into the joy of the gospel. Following Christ was to be more about participating in the generous hospitality of God than adhering to unchanging codes of conduct. Mercy (not judgment), inclusion (not exclusion), and forgiveness (not vengeance) are the dance steps taught by Jesus.
Instead of constant worry and judgment, Jesus encourages trust and grace as he twirls out on the dance floor. Christ's movements invite us to lower our guard and empower our participation. Like a little girl at a wedding, Jesus's dance steps captivate hearts with unbounded joy.
How might you find joy in Jesus's dance this week? What movements will you make that are unbridled, unrestricted, and flowing? How might joy, love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy be part of the way that you interact with others?
I pray that you are safe and healthy.
In Christ’s Light,
Walt
A Prayer for You:
Lord of the Dance of Life, move within my heart. Create within me the courage to move freely according to the music of your gospel. Allow love, grace, and mercy to guide my steps as I dance with others. Amen.
Permission granted to share today's content with family and friends. Copyrighted 2020. Walt Lichtenberger
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