Year C - Epiphany 1 or Beloved
January 10, 2016
What voice of G*D is able to speak through star-shine?
The same voice that cries out, “Come Forth!” and “Beloved!” and any number of other words and phrases worthy of an “!”.
For now compare this NRSV translation of verses 10 and 11:
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!
with this version from Opening to You: Zen-Inspired Translations of the Psalms by Norman Fischer:
You sat unmoving in the flood time
Your sitting is sovereign and constant
And you reflect this strength in our inmost hearts
So that we may be blessed with peace
The NRSV holds a traditional Christian vision of a static G*D made in a king’s image. The key action is that of giving or endowing humanity with power but it is G*D, not the people, who brings peace. If G*D doesn’t give this strength, there is nothing left for us regarding peace.
Fischer’s narrative is not a power over, but a loosing of a power within. Here is a constant stillness able to connect all the busy, moving parts vying for attention and recognition. This stillness becomes a strength within that attracts a desired peace. This internal approach to suffering, brings a connectedness with it that includes being partners in peace, regardless of the suffering.
You may want to sit with these two portrayals of G*D directing or reflecting. Which is most likely to help us hear, “Beloved!”, and begin acting like it?
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