Grace Cathedral
2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21
This morning we revisit the very familiar Gospel reading of Jesus “feeding the five thousand.” This, in fact, is the only miracle story that appears in all four Gospels, giving it a reinforced authority and significance. For many of us, it was one of the stories that first captured our imagination in Sunday school. As youngsters, we might consider the “facts” of the story, and attempt to reason and determine exactly how Jesus was able to multiply food! Could this really be done, or are we to accept it as a fantastic biblical “magic trick?”
With insight and understanding, this seemingly impossible event is less important as a miracle and more meaningful as a sign – a visible manifestation of God’s abundance and generosity. The “feeding” also contains several Eucharistic themes – the occurrence near Passover, the “people were satisfied,” “nothing was wasted” and Jesus blessed and gave thanks over the food. All this gives a mystical foreshadowing of what was to come at the Last Supper.
But how did they end up with more food than when they started? A few years ago, a friend of mine at Grace speculated that in the generous act of providing food for the large crowd, Jesus opened the hearts of many to share the food that they may have brought with them, exponentially increasing the loaves and fishes – a theory I’d not considered.
There is a marvelous proverb in Sweden known as the “lagom.” It means “the perfect, balanced amount” or that, “enough is as good as a banquet.” Acts of generosity give others the permission and impetus to share in ways wildly unexpected. Jesus knew what would happen when he asked Peter, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” What resulted was the humble, surprising and miraculous fulfilling of all present, with “leftovers,” that were not wasted – the very definition of lagom, the very nature of Jesus. God’s banquet indeed.
Jeff Clark was a parishioner at Grace during his time in San Francisco and began his EfM studies here in 2007. He lives in Newport, Rhode Island.
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-7
As we continue on the miracle journey of the Easter season, we encounter a hopeful, comforting, instructive wisdom teaching on something revolutionary and new.
In Acts, a spiritually maturing Peter is recognizing the mystical significance of the Holy Spirit and taking bold action in the baptizing of the non-Jew and “all who have heard the word.” He seems to be living up to his name, Peter (“rock”) and into all that his Master had foretold and expected of him.
The abiding themes of belovedness, faith and adherence to God’s law are beautifully expressed, through the words of Jesus, in John’s gospel reading today. They impart a message, much like the tender lullaby of a parent, comforting, enlightening and nurturing a child, “as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” His words offer us the gift of a triumphant delight, by extension, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” Finally, as he reinforces the commitment to love one another, he refers to his disciples as “friends,” no longer servants. His work as teacher, in terms of speaking God’s truth, has come to an end.
These Gospel words evoke deep emotion. Their generosity and promise point to a profound and fundamental truth. A truth drawn from a deeper place than intellect or reason. The truth about the nature and will of God, as reflected in the person of Jesus. In this “Year of Truth,” may these words abide in us, and we in them.
Jeff Clark was a parishioner at Grace during his time in San Francisco and began his EfM studies here in 2007. He lives in Newport, Rhode Island.
Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20
What a dramatic journey today’s readings take us on! From the outwardly harsh pronouncement in Ezekiel, “O Wicked One, you shall surely die,” to the familiar verses in the Gospel of Matthew, “For when two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them,” to the full-throated exhortation by Paul, “We owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” At their core, each of these passages of scripture involve relationship: relationship to other individuals, relationship in community and relationship with God.
Ezekiel tells his people that it is their duty to call each other to repentance – a call to life, not death. By taking responsibility, one’s personal sinfulness is forgiven. While the language is sharp to our ears, the words point toward fulfillment and restoration.
The gospel reading speaks to a love based on the act of forgiveness – the central guiding principle of any Christian, especially those in community. Matthew’s is the only gospel where the term “church” is used and lays out a clear process in how to determine, confront and resolve grievances while establishing Christ in the center of it all. He is among us!
Paul’s epistle to the Romans makes a compelling case, in lush language, that the law, while vital and necessary, cannot be fulfilled without loving one another. In these anxious, confusing and turbulent times, the wisdom and hopeful theology of these words hold a key to deliverance and redemption – as individuals and a nation. Will we heed them?
Jeff Clark was a parishioner at the cathedral during his time in San Francisco and began his EfM studies here in 2007. He lives in Newport, Rhode Island.
Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Like many children, I was often distracted by an active and creative imagination. I had phases when I entertained all kinds of curious notions: the burning desire to be a pilot, the certainty that I’d been born in Ohio (I liked the funny sounding name), considering converting to Judaism, heroically saving scores of people in peril, etc. Fascination with the exotic, the exciting and the unknown is a part of life’s early growing stages, and I reveled in it!
For some reason, I also had fantastic imaginings about being adopted. I was not, but, much to my mother’s chagrin, I’d announce my certainty that this was the case and that both my parents were hiding it from me. Adoption to me, as a boy, meant a special kind of belonging because, rather than the random “natural selection” of biological birth, adopted children were sought out and “known” by their new parents and intentionally chosen — flaws, quirks, limitations and all.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul captures a wondrous sense of hopeful waiting and true belonging by using the metaphor of being “first fruits” of the Spirit yearning for Divine adoption. The radical idea that we are desired, chosen and loved in a profound way by another Parent (one who will never forsake us) is a powerful message. Even as we “groan” along in the travails and labored journey of life, the promise of ultimate and unconditional adoption as one of God’s own, into the place of gladdest desire, sustains and affirms us.
Perhaps that rambunctious little daydreamer had a glimpse of something truthful all those years ago? May we all find comfort in the possibility of an ultimate “adoption!”
Jeff Clark was a parishioner at the cathedral during his time in San Francisco and began his EfM studies here in 2007. He now lives in Newport, Rhode Island with his partner and is active in the historic Trinity Church.