So Many Options

I think Jesus was PC (politically correct) in his language, at least for his day. But by today’s standard it is easy to say that the writers of biblical literature (i.e. scripture) were not so concerned or futuristic. This week’s gospel reading from  John 5: 1-9 lends itself to some concerning language, at least in the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). Today we might say blind = sight impaired, lame = differently abled. Even the use of the word handicapped has become problematic for many folks.

I much prefer reading from the Inclusive Bible translation as it is a good effort by the Jesuits to replace gendered language and terms that are, in today’s modern culture, potentially harmful.

This week, I happen to be preaching on “rest.” And in the lectionary readings* it takes on a few meanings. Over in Acts 16 Paul is at rest (asleep) when God visits him in a dream. The visit results in Paul’s journey to Phillipi to meet up with Lydia who was also at rest (prayer and meditation).

In the reading from John 5, a differently abled person (notice I didn’t say lame man!) was poolside when Jesus rolls up next to him and invites him into a different kind of rest (inner peace, healing from infirmity, freedom from an oppressive life in mind, body and spirit).

The concept of rest, like much of the Bible, is relative.

Context, social location and nuance are required for an accurate interpretation.

Addressing ableist language is one example of how biblical interpretation has shifted over the centuries. As we have learned to engage each other in deeper, richer and more life-giving community dialogue, we have also begun to address some of the difficult issues ushered in by biblical tunnel vision.

Even in this post you can tell that I am deliberately moving about.

I invite you to read the texts highlighted above and see what you think.

• How do you interpret rest for yourself?
• What do you seek/need/desire from a relationship with the Divine?
• In what ways can you shift your faith life toward a more life-giving engagement with your neighbor?

The ELCA Lutheran church is rooted in radical grace, radical hospitality and is committed to creating a place at the Table for ALL God’s children.

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*”Lectionary reading”s are a series of passages organized and referred to as the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is used by Catholics and most mainline Protestant denominations in weekly worship.