Signs and Metaphors
AM Psalm [83] or 34; PM Psalm 85, 86
1 Macc. 1:1-28; Rev. 19:1-10; Matt. 16:1-12
Today’s gospel reading sent my mind in several directions, and I’m trying to find some coherence. So here goes. Two short vignettes. First the Pharisees and Sadducees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven, in order to test him. Jesus puts them down with “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” He says that it’s an “evil and adulterous” generation that asks for a sign.
The second vignette about the yeast of Pharisees and Sadducees results in Jesus rebuking the disciples, “How could you fail to perceive that that I was not talking about bread?” Then they understood that Jesus was telling them to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
I, like the Pharisees and Sadducees, also want signs, not as a test of God, but as confirmation of my own faith and decision-making. Am I on the right path? Is this dream a sign, or just the unloading of a garbled mind? What about this synchronicity, a sign or merely a coincidence in a random universe? My plea, my prayer, often is: “God, will you please speak to me in plain English?” And God does not. I think I’m wanting a safe path through life, and God, bless Her heart, has left me with my own free will and discernment, rather than rigid guidance. She may be quite bemused with my bumblings, as Jesus was with the disciples.
Which brings me to the second vignette. The disciples did not initially understand the metaphor about the yeast, and Jesus chastised them. I identify with the disciples on this one. I can easily miss, or misunderstand, metaphors and symbolism. (I have gotten better at this as I’ve gotten older, however.) Like the disciples I do my best to understand the teachings that come my way. Like the disciples I sometimes misread, misunderstand, misinterpret and need help in figuring things out. I know I feel bad when that happens, and I’m guessing the disciples felt bad too when Jesus corrected them.
This brings me to having compassion for those who ask for more clarity and certainty than God provides. And also to having compassion for those who misunderstand, knowing that they, like me, are doing the best they can. And God loves and cherishes all of us, despite our human foibles.
Written by Cathy Campbell
A parishioner who joyfully sings in the choir, and who continues to look for signs and (sometimes) misinterprets teachings.