Sunday, June 2, 2013

Sunday Sermon 6/2/13

Is the command "Do these things in commemoration of me" the most obeyed commandment? It is a component of every Christian church and certainly is more manifested than loving God or neighbor. And it is a difficult request. Many of the Church fathers were confused by it; St. Augustine himself did not believe in Transubstantiation. And it always has seemed to have a subsidiary but real social element that the Catholic Church at least has scorned.

Today's readings center on this, one directly, one symbolically and two mysteriously. Paul quotes Christ--one of his rare quotes--at the Last Supper in his letter to the Corinthians. The Gospel reading is of the loaves and fishes, certainly a reflection of the meal at the Last Supper. But the other two readings, from Genesis and the Psalms, are stranger. In Genesis, Abram meets Melchizedek after several successful battles. Melchizedek is introduced as the king of Salem--the early name of Jerusalem--and his name is translated as "my king is righteousness." Melchizedek brings bread and wine--like the Last Supper to come--and then, after a mention of Abram's victories,  it is stated "And [he] gave him tithe from all." It is generally translated that the giver of the tithe is Abram and the receiver Melchizedek.

Later in Psalms is written: The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent: 'Thou art a priest for ever after the manner of Melchizedek.'." And Paul says in his Epistle to the Hebrews that Melchizedek is "without father, without mother, without genealogy."

What does all this mean? How could Abram give tithes to this desert king? Who was he?

Psalms and Paul see Melchizedek as the as a representative of God, predating the Aaronic priesthood who are descended from Abraham, perhaps God Himself,  before all people and clans, races and nations. Before the establishment of religious history itself.

Waiting.

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