July 28, 2006

de poissons sans sausse

Susie, John Calvin has something to offer us! Who knew? This week's lectionary is the Johannine feeding of the 5,000.


Now, though we do not every day see miracles before our eyes, yet not less beautifully does God display his power in feeding us. And indeed we do not read that, when he wished to give a supper to his people, he used any new means; and, therefore, it would be an inconsiderate prayer, if any one were to ask that meat and drink might be given to him by some unusual method.
And this is what I have been thinking about in terms of Lebanon and any other crisis in which we may find ourselves...private or public. Sometimes we want the magical and not the miraculous. The miraculous is, according to Calvin, beneficent and commonplace. It is de poissons sans sausse (fish without sauce).

Posted by tripp at July 28, 2006 09:44 PM
Comments

"Fish without sauce" I like that. It is a miracle to eat fresh salmon or tuna flash grilled with only a touch of lemon. It's not enough, but it is enough for now. Thanks for the conversation.

Posted by: Rich at July 28, 2006 10:54 PM

And verses later, as Jesus walks up to the disciples out in a boat, they disbelieve. Something major and magical happens, and "hardens their hearts."

Posted by: Mark J. at July 29, 2006 01:48 AM

Plain bread and fish...are we not cared for? Should we ask for something with a rich creame sauce? It becomes silly after a bit, but Calvin's essential point is a good one.

What is it that haredns their heart? Calvin suggests that it is idolatry. "For if he presents a simple demonstration of his divinity, we immediately fall into our imaginations, and every person forms an idol for himself instead of Christ." The miracle is never the point of the ministry. The miracle points to God, like an icon or a hymn.

Micah reminded me of something Augustine or someone said...paraphrase: "Don't look at my finger. Look at where it is pointing."

This is the reason they wanted to make Christ their king. They wanted to put him on a throne, idolize him.

Posted by: Tripp at July 29, 2006 08:40 AM

mmm. fish.

As usual, you can keep your Calvin... we don't have that miracle this week, BCP has moved on to the walking on the water that Mark is talking about. (ha! both Marks, I guess.)

Posted by: Susie at July 29, 2006 11:08 AM

Thanks for your phrase in the comments here: "The miracle is never the point of the ministry. The miracle points to God..." I quoted you in my sermon yesterday at a sister American Baptist Church out here on the West Coast! :)

As a Baptist studying for my PhD in liturgy, I think you and I share some similar interests and commitments! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance through the RevGals.

Posted by: JWD at July 31, 2006 04:06 PM