I graduated from law school and became a lawyer 15 years ago this year. As a lawyer, I’m continually reminded of the importance of language: word choice, phrasing, punctuation — subtleties in any text can have a dramatic effect on the meaning of a regulation or statute, and lawyers can spend many hours arguing about the right interpretation. Sometimes, however, the text seems clear; for example, take Deuteronomy 5:13-14:
Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, or your manservant, or your maidservant, or your ox, or your donkey, or any of your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your manservant and your maidservant may rest as well as you.
There seems no need for legal training to understand the meaning of this passage — do no work, no labor, rest on the seventh day. Period. No exceptions. And, a few verses before, there is this — “the statutes and ordinances that I am addressing to you today; you shall learn them and observe them diligently.” (Deut. 5:1). If I had been a lawyer in 30 or so A.D. in Palestine, I believe my legal training and experience would have led me to conclude that God, through Moses, had defined an inviolable law to do no work and rest on the sabbath. If I had been a leader in a synagogue, charged with disciplining violators of this law, I would have done so, likely without hesitation. It was God’s law, right?
I can therefore see some of myself in the leader described in Luke 13:10-17, who attempts to discipline Jesus for healing, on a sabbath, a woman who had been crippled for 18 years. Luke says the leader was “indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath,” citing God’s law to rebuke Jesus. In his own mind, the leader was following what he thought was God’s will — healing is a type of work; as such, it should not be done on the sabbath.
Jesus, however, is not interested in legal debate: he does not challenge the leader’s interpretation, does not distinguish the text. Instead, he says simply “ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound of eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?” (Luke 13:16). He focuses not on his actions but on the effect on her — what will set her free? What will give her rest from her torment? Jesus shows the leader was denying the woman the very thing the law sought to provide: rest, peace, relief from pain. In trying to keep to the law, the leader ended up doing exactly the opposite of what God intended.
All of this suggests that even what appears to be a clear statement in the Bible can be misunderstood and, if not careful, used as a reason to deny others the love of God. Jesus’ response to the leader is a reminder to me that I have to be wary of any way of looking at Him that permits me to have rest, what gives me relief, while ignoring the hurt and pain in others. And, in this time when there are so many efforts to enact new laws in God’s name, I hope we remember to ask ourselves — will these efforts give relief, provide rest, or promote peace? Or, will these efforts, like the leader’s actions in Luke’s story, prolong suffering and cause pain? In this Lenten season and beyond, I hope and pray that we will follow Jesus’ example, opening our hearts and minds to Him, serving His will by spreading God’s love and peace to those in desperate need of comfort.
Jeff Kelsey, Parishioner
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UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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WILDERNESS WORSHIP
Join the Rev. Patrick Burke for an outdoor prayer service with Eucharist including a warm fire, hot cocoa and fellowship. All are welcome! Questions, email the Rev. Patrick Burke.
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PLAY BINGO + EAT TACOS ON SATURDAY
Saturday, March 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
All are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors and come for Bingo, prizes and an all-you-can-eat taco bar! This all-ages community event is hosted by St. Paul’s Youth Group, and will be emceed by parishioner Drew Tharp. Dinner, and optional childcare for ages six and younger, is included with your ticket. Small additional games will also be available (bring cash to play them). Cost is $10/admit one, $20/admit two or $25/admit family. All proceeds will go to the MLK Center. Purchase tickets below:
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ADULT FAITH FORUM
Sunday, March 19, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
The Book of Common Prayer is the unique treasure of Episcopalians and our gift to the wider Christian world. How did the book first emerge within Anglican Protestantism, and how has it evolved over the centuries? Join historian and parishioner Peter Thuesen (Professor of Religious Studies at IUPUI) for "The Episcopal Church and the Book of Common Prayer" forum, celebrating the Episcopal Church’s liturgical heritage.
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CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER CLASS
Sundays, March 19; April 16, 23; May 7, 14, 10:15-11 a.m.
Room 207 (second floor, Parish Center Building)
Parishioner Jeff Wise is leading classes on Contemplative Prayer. This is a practice of being present in the moment and allowing our mind, heart, soul and senses to be open and receptive to the moment just as it is. Questions, email Jeff Wise.
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IPS #43 SNACK COLLECTION
Sundays, March 19, 26 and April 2, Burrows Commons
School #43 has asked for our help in providing students with snacks prior to and during their upcoming ILEARN tests. There are about 200 students, and all nutritional snacks and water are greatly appreciated! Please look for a drop off box in Burrows Commons. All snacks will be collected by April 2 and delivered before testing begins. Thanks for all that you do to support the students at School #43! Questions, email Janie Frazier.
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EASTER MUSIC & FLOWERS DUE MONDAY
Sponsoring music or flowers for Easter Day is a great way to honor loved ones. Sign up online below, or contact (for music) Meegan Kriner or (for flowers) Tana Hunnicutt. Payments must be received by Monday, March 20 for names to appear in Easter Day service bulletins. Donations of $40/music and $50/flowers appreciated.
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NEWCOMER SCHEDULE :: EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Sundays, April 2, 16 & 23
April 2 :: Tour the places and spaces we call St. Paul's, 10:15-11 a.m.
Please meet the Rev. Jeff Bower in the nave/sanctuary after the 9 a.m. service.
April 16 :: St. Paul's and the Episcopal Church 101, 10:15-11 a.m.
Join the Rev. Jeff Bower in the CRR (second floor, Parish Center Building) after the 9 a.m. service for an overview of all things St. Paul's and an introduction to the Episcopal Church.
April 23 :: Learn more about the Eucharist, 10:15-11 a.m.
Join the Rev. Jeff Bower in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd after the 9 a.m. service for an instructed eucharist.
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REGISTER BY NEXT THURSDAY FOR HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms will next be administered on April 16 and May 28, 2023
The deadline to register for April 16 baptisms is Thursday, March 23. If you or your child are interested in baptism, please visit below for more info and to request to be baptized on either of these dates.
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LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, April 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Parish Hall
Franklin Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, died in April 1945. His death shocked the world and left many anxious about the abilities of his successor who seemed particularly unqualified for the job. Yet today, Harry Truman is considered by many historians to be one of our best presidents. Join the Rev. John Denson, a lifelong student of Truman, for a look at the critical first months of the Truman administration which author A.J. Baime claims “had so much import in shaping the world we live in today.” The cost of lunch is $5. Please RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt by Friday, April 7.
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EPISCOPAL WOMEN'S MINISTRY SPRING GATHERING
Saturday, April 15, 1-3 p.m. (EST), Online offering
Bishop Cate Waynick will speak at "Rest and Self-Care: God's Sabbath Gift to Us." The gathering will focus on sabbath living and prioritizing time for God, for rest and for self-care. Registrants will receive a preparation welcome packet with both serious and playful resources. All are welcome to participate and registration is free. See details and register below:
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MEN'S WEEKEND RETREAT AT WAYCROSS
All men are invited to "Growing our Relationship with God." All will focus on fellowship, sharing stories and learning new spiritual practices. Several sessions will be led by a retreat leader and Spiritual Director, Dan Hoffman. There will be time for hiking, reading, relaxation, conversation and reflection. Also enjoy opportunities for community prayer, music, spiritual reflection, labyrinth walking and a fire circle at night. Rates range from $170-$280 dependent upon accommodation preferences. Questions, email George Slenski. Learn more and register below:
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CRAINE HOUSE THIRD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Gather as a group of four (bring best friends or colleagues) and have fun playing golf while raising money for Craine House. The cost is $2,000/foursome and $500 sponsorships are available. Enjoy 18 holes of golf (lunch and drinks provided) with prizes for the lowest score, par-3's and the longest drive. Thanks to all for supporting Craine House! Questions or to sign up, email Scott Redmon or call 203.482.6491.
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