Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sunday Sermon 9/15/13

Today's readings have some eccentric qualities, i.e. God as an eccentric. In the Old Testament reading Moses argues with God's plan for retribution and wins. In the Gospel, three parables are told, one of a shepherd going after a lost sheep, one of a fussy woman who has lost a coin and the doting father who is thrilled with the return of his prodigal son. All of these images are a bit offbeat, a responsible loner in the mountains, an obsessive cleaner/collector and the father in love-- nothing like the fierce and vengeful God so often depicted in Christianity--all devoted to the lost, the separated, the failed.

Only the bitter and jealous older son--the man--in the last story breaks the spell.

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