Tanakh: Micah 6:1-8
Hear what the Becoming One is saying: Come, present my case before the mountains, and let the hills hear you pleading. Listen, you mountains, the case of the Becoming One—you firm foundations of the earth! For the Becoming One has a case against her people, She has a suit against Israel. “My people! What wrong have I done you? What hardship have I caused you? Testify against me. In fact, I brought you up from the land of Egypt, I redeemed you from the house of bondage, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
“My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted against you, and how Balaam son of Beor responded to him; from Shittim to Gilgal— and you will recognize the gracious acts of the Becoming One.” With what shall I approach the Becoming One, do homage to God on high? Shall I approach Her with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Would the Becoming One be pleased with thousands of rams, with myriads of streams of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for my sins? “She has told you, O human, what is good, and what the Becoming One requires of you: only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God.”
Imbolc, Brigid, Nature, Trials, Slavery, Karbanot, Fight for 15, modesty
What else is happening today, liturgically? In other faiths?
What do mountains listen to?
Does the Becoming One also have a case against the united states? What is that case?
As this text echoes the Parashot, or Torah readings this month, what does it mean to read this text through Christian eyes, who do not have the same history of religious oppression? What might it mean to read this text through white eyes, who do not have a history of slavery?
What kinds of offerings is the text proposing? Why is God not satisfied with any of them?
What is good and just?
How is modesty helpful and harmful?
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Rev. Emily E. Ewing queeries the Gospel reading.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, Jesus' disciples came to him. 2Then Jesus began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the reign of heaven.
4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the reign of heaven.
11“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Queeries for the text:
What did we skip? Why does it matter?
Who are the poor in spirit?
Who are the meek?
Who hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Who are the peacemakers? Who aren't?
Who are reviled and persecuted?
What are your queeries?
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