Genesis 32:22-31: Jacob wrestles with the stranger

The first funeral I ever officiated was for the infant daughter of my neighbors. Among the friends and extended family of my neighbors there were people whose faith ranged from fundamentalist Christian to Pagan to Atheist and many things in between. This is the scripture I clung to. The struggle, the pain, and the honesty of this story invite us to be honest about the struggle and pain in our own lives. The entirety of the Jacob story, and this episode in particular, provide a powerful counterpoint to any who would present the life of faith as carefree and easy, any who would offer platitudes in the face of devastation. This is not a happily-ever-after tale. Jacob leaves with a limp. And a new name.

Isaiah 55:1-5: “Come to the waters.”

As we read these comforting and encouraging words from Second Isaiah, it is helpful to consider them in the context of exile. What does it mean for people who have been separated from their land, their wealth, their communities to be invited to an extravagant banquet? What does it mean for people who have seen their homeland destroyed to be reminded of God’s everlasting covenant? What does it mean for people whose country has been violently defeated to be told that the nations will come running to them and they will be glorified? What do these words have to say to the oppressed and dispossessed of the world, and how can our preaching honor the original context of the prophet’s message?

Matthew 14:13-21: Feeding of the 5,000+

What exactly happens when Jesus uses five loaves and two fish to feed a huge crowd? Many people believe that this is a straight up miracle; the five loaves become thousands of loaves; the two fish turn into sooo many fish! It’s like a magic trick—the multiplying food. I’ve also heard a theory that the people gathered had enough food from the very beginning, but they were hesitant to share with each other. When Jesus passed around the five loaves and two fish, it encouraged others to open up their lunch boxes as well and contribute what they had brought to the common table. Honestly, I think this second reading is just as much a miracle as the first. This story can provide a good word about God’s abundant provision and about our human capacity—and responsibility–to provide for each other.