The First Will Be Last
In the midst of the beautiful summer weather of August, we are never the less aware that suffering continues throughout the world. The explosion in Beirut and its aftermath is much in our thoughts and prayers. Please see below a pictorial article regarding the explosion and The United Church of Canada’s response, and appeal, to the devastation.
We continue with our look at the parables as told in the gospels. This week we look at the story of the labourers in the vineyard. It is a parable that no doubt elicited controversy when Jesus told it many years ago. And the same is true today. We find Jesus’ teaching on the economy of the kingdom of God the hardest of all to understand, and accept.
But in a way this is an important part of Jesus’ process to bring about the kingdom of God. He wanted people to Think Differently. He wanted them to figure out for themselves where the trouble lay. He wanted them not only to examine their own hearts, but to examine their culture, their inherent worldview, their economic and religious systems. And he did not make this easy. He offered challenging stories to people who were already challenged enough.
And that is because Jesus wanted his followers to participate in the process of bringing the kingdom of God into being. And in order to do that, they had to see and understand things from God’s point of view, not just their own. He wanted people to get involved, to get invested.
Because the kingdom of God is not brought about by divine intervention.
The kingdom of God is brought about by participatory collaboration - between God and humans.
So, very glad that you are taking time to learn more about the parables that Jesus has designed to encourage our participation, then, and now.
Call to Worship
I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say, Lyrics: Candice Bist
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
We shall not live apart,
You are beloved, o precious one,
Part of my life and heart,
And so it is with everyone,
Who wants to live in love,
No boundaries are that stand between,
Below and up above.
Divine the spark in everyone,
Exceptions there are none,
Though clouds may cover us with doubt,
The truth is we are one,
Our darkened thoughts, and sinfulness,
Are what keep us apart,
The illusion of our separateness,
Puts out our divine spark.
So, gather up now everyone,
Let go the lonely path,
Communion is with everyone,
With sky and trees and grass,
Take up your spot with humble love,
For all will have their place,
May compassion rich, and wisdom flow,
And above all divine grace.
“Parables are participatory pedagogy.”
“God without you, will not, as you, without God, cannot.”
People gathered amid the ruins of what used to be the entrance of the port on Friday. Credit...Diego Ibarra Sanchez for The New York Times
New York Times Photo Essay Show the Destruction in Beirut
The two explosions that ripped through Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, on Tuesday evening killed at least 154 people and wounded thousands of others. The second, much larger blast devastated a wide area, knocking people down, overturning cars and enveloping much of the central city in dust and smoke. Windows miles away were blown out, leaving streets looking as if they had been “cobbled in glass,” according to a resident.
The injured, who numbered more than 5,000, were soon streaming into local hospitals. Many arrived on foot or carried by others, with the streets impassable to cars and ambulance services overwhelmed.
READ MORE FROM A PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES.
A woman carries a child through the streets of Beirut, Lebanon after the explosion. Credit: World Vision/Reuters
Appeal from the United Church of Canada
The tragic explosion in Beirut on August 4 caused immense destruction, and the death toll continues to rise. You can help those affected by donating to our appeal. Your donations will be matched by the Canadian government until August 24, 2020.
The United Church of Canada has been in contact with our Mission & Service partners in the region about how best to respond to this tragedy. Please continue to pray for the injured and those who have lost their lives, as well as the families, communities, and first responders to the disaster.