Open secrets

 

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2)

My Scripture reading today speaks to me of trust – especially the watchful, waiting, careful listening and attentiveness that faith invites me to.

In Luke, after scathing criticism of the Pharisees in the previous verses (Luke 11:37-54), Jesus turned His attention to His disciples (Luke 12:1-7).  They were probably expecting praise and encouragement, but what they received was an admonishment: “Don’t be misled by the double standards of the Pharisees”, something they’ve certainly heard before. “Be careful who you follow…. the Pharisees may look fine in their robes, may be eloquent in speech, knowledgeable of the law, and seem to be all about the things of God, but appearances can be deceiving.”

The disciples may have been puzzled; they were still learning about the One that Jesus knew so intimately.  They may have wondered to each other… “What’s He got against the Pharisees?  Aren’t they dedicated religious, our spiritual leaders?”  I doubt that the next few obscure declarations --that what is secret will be revealed and what is said in darkness will be heard in the light – would have helped them much.  “What’s he talking about?”

But maybe later in the day, while cleansing and following ritual purity laws, or playing with their children, or conversation over a meal, Jesus’ words returned to them.  “Ah, I wonder if that’s what Jesus was referring to.”  Maybe I need to be more careful about what I label as “good” or “holy” and more discerning of the qualities I admire in spiritual leaders.  Maybe I need to take time to reflect on the impact my actions have on others – is it what I intend?

Paul’s letter to the Romans (Romans 4:1-8) reminds us also that what’s important is sometimes elusive or even hidden.  Abraham was “justified” …declared “good”... because of his faith.  He was blessed because of his trust in the promise of God, not in his own accomplishments, however good they might be.

Autumn changes are wonderful images for reflecting on trust and goodness.  As the leaves fall, we see the stark, naked beauty of tree limbs and trunks; as flowers die, skeleton shrubs remain; both are reminders that what sustained and nourished life these past months of summer was hidden until now.

For me, it begs the questions:  How does God sustain my life, and the lives of those I love, in ways that I can’t see?  How does God nourish me and those I love in ways that aren’t dependent on what I “do”?