Just about every week I take notes on the sermon in my sketchbook. From time to time I’ll publish them here. My ultimate goal is conversation, not critique.
This week I’d like to give a big shout of thanks to Michael Strachan for beautifully opening up this passage from Matthew 22. I am so amazed at the depth of understanding he brings; his ability to connect the language from one text to other texts, which brings a totally new dimension to the passage. In this case, I was amazed by the power of Jesus’ words. I have always read this passage as “Look how clever Jesus was to “wriggle of the hook”– to escape the trap set for him by Pharisees. But Jesus doesn’t just wriggle off the hook- he puts the Pharisees, and by extension most of the rest of us (myself included), on it.
On another note- what an amazing anthem by Nathan Walhout. It was so emotionally powerful. We have a “no clapping,” rule at AllSouls, and I understand the rationale, but when something like this is offered I have to question it. Applause is a way for the audience to respond, to have a chance to participate. We get a chance to respond during the Eucharist (Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again). Is there something we could do here? Even having a moment of silence would be nice. I felt like I was still trying to process the music when it was time to move on.
Anyway- I’m making too big a deal of this. Main point: Rock on, Nathan!
