Scripture Is a Gift, Not a Weapon

Parables are meant to shake up and shock the listener. They always have an unexpected twist that provokes more questions than answers. The Parable of the Talents is no exception. As with last week’s Parable of the Bridesmaids, we are shocked by the negativity and unexpected twists in the plot. Is this really the way God works? When in doubt, focus on the big picture, the core message, which is that Jesus has promised to return, and we are to stay alert and attentive to using our God-given gifts for the good of all while we wait. 

St. Margaret’s is blessed with many gifts. Some are obviously well-shared; some remain hidden. Matthew says don’t hide your gifts – cultivate and share them! We see all around us the visible evidence of gifts of service well-shared for God’s glory and our joy. Today we particularly celebrate the gifts of expertise and dedication to St. Margaret’s ministries by volunteers on two less visible ministries: the Finance and Cemetery Committees.

As we wrestle with the parables that challenge us, let’s not get distracted by extreme statements or project 21st-century biases onto what was written for a different time and place. The Bible was written by ordinary men inspired by the Holy Spirit. This means men wrote what they believed was from God, but being human with self-protecting motives, sometimes made God’s will remarkably like their own. Let us remember the Episcopal way of relying on Scripture, Tradition and Reason to sort this out. Then we can find holy truth in and between the lines, by discerning timeless truths and “what not to do.” This is why we are urged by our Collect to pray, 

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: 
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life.

Maybe God doesn’t cause harm but allows people to suffer the harmful consequences of their choices or those of others. Or, maybe God does punish sin. Whichever is true, we know that people project their own negative motives on God. To help us find truth, we need to remember the Big Picture: The Bible is the story of God’s unfailing love for all creation, the crown of which is humanity. God loves those who believe, and those who do not, those who try to be obedient, and those who thrive on rebellion and sin. But God will not force sinners, we have to let in just enough light to allow God to shine in us and through us as we are transformed into our better selves. Scripture also shows us life is better when people gather to share their various gifts for the well-being of all. This is what it means to live Jesus’ prayer:

Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.