Imagining the Lectionary: Appearance and separation (Proper 27B, Ordinary 32B)
contributor: David Perry
Description
Imagining the Lectionary:
Appearance and separation (Proper 27B/Ordinary 32B)
Reflection accompanying images “Autumnal kaleidoscope” and “Autumn leaves fallen”
We all fade like a leaf and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away (Isaiah 64:6)
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-44)
Our local woodland is gloriously carpeted with newly fallen leaves, providing a rich kaleidoscope of autumnal colour.
Leaves of many different species have found their way into this vivid display of fallenness under our feet. However this splendour is short lived, and the inevitable transition to a uniform brown mulch is clearly taking hold. Indeed, on the pavement at the corner of our street the fallen leaves are already becoming shrivelled and curled up, and with each day that passes more and more of them are being blown unceremoniously by the wind into the gutter. Soon our focus will return to the bare trees themselves, sentinels in a barren landscape in the grip of approaching winter. Stripped of their visible glory only the tough substance of their hardy vitality remains to endure and wait. Bereft of leaves, the trees are rooted and ready to respond to the embrace of greater light and warmth, heralding the approach of Spring, with a verdant outpouring of fresh growth.
Continues...
Appearance and separation (Proper 27B/Ordinary 32B)
Reflection accompanying images “Autumnal kaleidoscope” and “Autumn leaves fallen”
We all fade like a leaf and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away (Isaiah 64:6)
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-44)
Our local woodland is gloriously carpeted with newly fallen leaves, providing a rich kaleidoscope of autumnal colour.
Leaves of many different species have found their way into this vivid display of fallenness under our feet. However this splendour is short lived, and the inevitable transition to a uniform brown mulch is clearly taking hold. Indeed, on the pavement at the corner of our street the fallen leaves are already becoming shrivelled and curled up, and with each day that passes more and more of them are being blown unceremoniously by the wind into the gutter. Soon our focus will return to the bare trees themselves, sentinels in a barren landscape in the grip of approaching winter. Stripped of their visible glory only the tough substance of their hardy vitality remains to endure and wait. Bereft of leaves, the trees are rooted and ready to respond to the embrace of greater light and warmth, heralding the approach of Spring, with a verdant outpouring of fresh growth.
Continues...
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