Parents and Children - October 10, 2010

Daily Lectionary for October 10, 2010
Psalm 107:1-22
Hosea 11:1-11
1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Matthew 15:21-28

Hosea 11:1-11
A wonderfully tender passage with God expressing his love for his children - Ephraim and Israel.  The ache at the willful disobedience of the children is palpable and the promise of grace that God makes is uplifting.  Especially uplifiting when we have that jolt of realization that we are right there with those disobedient children and we surely need that grace.

1 Corinthians 4:9-16
More talk of disobedient chldren.  Pauls says, "I am writing this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children."  Paul encourages the folks in Corinth to be "imitators" of him.  Another aspect of the parent metaphor - a parent shows the way, provides an example and the child then does what they will with that example as they find their own way.

Matthrew 15:21-28
The Matthew text shows us an actual parent at work on behalf of her child.  A woman, a Canaanite woman, come to Jesus seeking healing for her daughter.  The disciples ask Jesus to send her away and Jesus seems inclined to do so, but she is relentless and Jesus ends up doing what she asks and praising her faith.  This mother gives us another layer to add to our insight into God as parent as we see her unflagging love for and attachment to seeking the best for her child.

And so it goes...
The Reds finish out a season to remember with a series to not remember too much.  But the disappointment is not to great - the Phillies (who I hope ill for) are a very good team with superb pitching) - and the season was a great ride.  So thanks to the 2010 National League Central Division Champion Reds - you are great!  And now that they have bowed out, go Yankees!