Poured Out (Proper C25)

Trinity United Methodist is on my way home, and I always look at the sermon title on their sign. It is a secret little game I play with Art, the pastor. I see if I can steal his title for my sermon. Titles aren’t a big deal to me; they just form the filename on my computer. But during ordinary time, while he has been focusing on the gospel text and I have been mainly in the OT, his titles usually don’t work for me.

This week his sign reads “Reasons For Prayer” and I say ah-ha, he is focusing on the Pharisee and the Publican. This scene is also depicted on our bulletin covers for this week (we borrow extras from the Moravian church, thanks guys!)

It gets me thinking about where this fits in the overall theme… the OT texts speak of God pouring his grace and presence out on us with a lavish and fierce grace. Paul shares in the heart of God saying, “I am already being poured out like a drink offering.” As he nears the end of his race, he sees his life being spent, lavishly.

The publican’s heart is near to God’s in the same way. Here the stream poured out in the Hebrew text flows together with Paul’s own brook. The publican pours himself out and seeks God’s pouring of mercy.

The text doesn’t give the same hook words, but I don’t think it inappropriate to see the parable as a picture painted with the same themes. Far from the Pharisee’s exalted hypocrisy, the sinner engages his all, strength, soul, mind, spirit, and lets it all drain to the floor, laid bare.

The Hebrew poetry speaks of God in the same way, driven, emotional, pouring himself out for us – grace, mercy, depth of presence – all ours. Our response should be measured against his.

(Pour Me Out I think I will use this as a puppet song this week)