Lord of the Sabbath
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
This fascinating illustration from the first engraved Christian Bible in Russian features an intriguing depiction of God's rest on the Sabbath day. The central image is a serene, slumbering figure enveloped in flowing robes, surrounded by a circular frame adorned with intricate patterns and smaller, angelic figures. It is a visual representation of some of the scriptural themes we'll hear in this week’s lessons: particularly the sanctity of the Sabbath and the importance of finding respite amidst life's labors.
The Sabbath commandment, as outlined in Deuteronomy, carries deep significance as a day set apart for rest and rejuvenation. The illustration's tranquil scene embodies this notion, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect on the restorative power of stillness and contemplation. Just as God rested on the seventh day after the work of creation, we too are called to embrace moments of repose and spiritual renewal.
Moreover, the illustration's intricate details and artistic craftsmanship speak to the enduring value of human creativity and perseverance, echoing the themes of resilience and perseverance we hear in the passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. The very existence of this engraved Bible, a labor of love and devotion, stands as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges and bring forth beauty and meaning.
The presence of smaller, angelic figures surrounding the central image evokes a sense of community and shared purpose gathered around the divine repose. Just as the disciples in the Gospel passage grappled with the nuances of Sabbath observance, we too are invited to engage in thoughtful dialogue and seek understanding around the puzzles and paradoxes of God’s active rest.
Thus, this intricate illustration serves as a visual meditation on the harmonious interplay between rest and labor, spirituality and creativity, and the ongoing pursuit of wisdom and understanding within the context of our communal bonds. It reminds us to embrace moments of respite while also celebrating the fruits of our collective endeavors, all the while remaining steadfast in our commitment to growth and enlightenment.
We who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
— II Corinthians 4:11
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
O God, the protector of all those who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy, that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Lord of the Dance
The contemporary hymn "Lord of the Dance" offers a poetic rendering of the life of Christ through the metaphor of “dance.” Hymnist Sydney Carter draws together several eclectic inspirations in the song: the Shaker melody, “Simple Gifts,” the English carol, “Tomorrow shall be my dancing day,” and (curiously) the image of Shiva Nataraja — suggesting the universal resonance of the Christological “Lord of the Dance.”
The hymn images Christ’s ministry, his challenges to tradition, and his healing works as acts of compassion under the metaphor of “dance.” It presents Christ as a figure of liberation, “Lord of the Dance,” emphasizing the transformative power of love. It doesn’t shrink from the reality of Christ’s suffering and death, but it also affirms life’s ultimate resilience with the refrain, “I am the Life that’ll never, never die!” It calls for communal participation in the sacred dance of life, urging us to support each other, and embrace grace.
Ultimately, Carter’s hymn is an invitation to celebrate life’s journey, harmonize with the divine, and find meaning in life’s rhythms, symbolizing our spiritual voyage of discovery and renewal.
The recording here is from the Irish folk group, The Dubliners. Here’s a live version from a 40th Anniversary concert in 2003.
