lectionary 376 June 26

Scripture: Lectionary 376, June 26. Lamentations 2:s.10-14,18-19. Psalm
74:1-2.3-5.5-7. 20-21. Matthew 8:5-17

Lamentations offers us a prayerful transition from the narratives of the
wars and downfall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. There is a
prayerful tone to Lamentations and most of the psalms or prayers are
laments made to God either for the king and for one's own difficult journey
in life. It is possible that Jeremiah the prophet who thinks very deeply
about his relationship with God may have been the author of Lamentations.
(See II Chronicles 35:25). Four of the five chapters of Lamentations
bemoan what Judah has gone through in the captivity years 587-586 B.C. The
fifth chapter is a prayer for the redeeming and renewal of Israel. This
book or scroll is read in the synagogue on the evening and morning services
of Av 9.

We can in these days while our country is at war within two alien nations
make the mourning and prayer mode of Lamentations our own for the men and
women we have lost in these wars. Our world is no different from what
Israel experienced in the past as recorded in the Book of Kings I and II.

Our Psalm helps us to enter the same mode of mourning and prayer for peace.
We lament the fact that the sacred place of the Temple has been destroyed:
"They have set your sanctuary on fire; the place where your name abides
they have razed and profaned."

Jesus gives us hope in the healing of the servant boy of the centurion.
Though Jesus came primarily for his own people he will heal the servant and
show that the Gentiles are also to be redeemed through the healing power of
God. Jesus opens up a door of hope for all peoples. And we see him
praising the great trust and faith of the Roman centurion. The response of
this commander is admirable and humble: "I am not worthy to have you under
my roof." This phrase has become part of our communion rite and many of us
enter into the spirit of the prayer that was said two thousand years ago.
We then see Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law who then serves the Lord
and his friends. We too pray "Lord, say but the word and my soul shall be
healed." Amen.