Today’s Scripture Reading (September
30, 2015): Numbers 19
Pope
Francis, during his historic visit to the United States, characterized himself
in several ways. He mentioned that he was a “son of this continent” (the Pope
is from Argentina), and in doing so identified himself as one of us. He also
called himself “the son of an immigrant” (the Pope’s father emigrated from
Italy in 1929 to escape the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini), and with these
words he identified with the immigrant population in the United States and
weighed in on the Immigration debate that currently rages in the nation. He
spoke about our responsibilities to the least of these and proposed the
abolishment of Capital Punishment. His words seemed to come off as the “Pope of
the People” – the one who had left the ivory tower behind and was deeply
concerned for the same issues as “the least” of our continent.
The only
thing missing was an insistence that he was the greatest of all sinners. And I don’t
mean this in a disparaging way or as a prelude to the release of some savory piece
of gossip about the Pope. I love that he was a nightclub bouncer before his
time at Seminary, somehow it makes him a little more human. But the admission
of sin seems to be something that is sadly missing among our religious – and our
political - leaders. Donald Trump insists that he has never done anything wrong
which required him to seek for forgiveness from God - a statement which simply
reveals a lack of biblical understanding. I do not want – or need – the salacious
details. My fear is that we have forgotten what it is like to be far from God –
and if we don’t remember, how can we expect to minister to a nation that is
questioning whether God even exists.
As Moses
lists these things that are to be burned with the Red Heifer in this rite of
cleansing, scholars have noticed some parallels. One of them is that all of
these things are used in the cleansing of a leper. In Moses day, Hansen’s
Disease (leprosy) was not just a physical health issue. Even though it was
untrue, most recognized leprosy as a reflection of the interior spiritual
health of the person. In other words, leprosy was a sign of the sin in your
life – and if you suffered from leprosy, the sin must have been great. So as
David screams out to God in Psalm 51 “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean …” (Psalm 51:7), what
he is actually doing is identifying himself with the leper. It is as if he is
saying “Look at me – I am the worst sinner you could possibly find.” The
statement is echoed by St. Paul in his letter to a young pastor named Timothy -
“Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). At a time when
Christian failings are public, the message that needs to go out is that we are
just like anyone else – we fail miserably. We are not proud of that fact, but
we understand the sin that the world struggles with, because we are working to
overcome it just like everyone else. And if God can forgive us (as Christians)
and me (as a Christian Leader) – there is hope and forgiveness available for
all of us.
Astute readers of this passage have noticed something else. Each of these
three items connect with the crucifixion of Jesus. Cedar wood is a reminder of
the cross itself. Some believe that the cross was made of cedar, but we can all
agree that it was at least made of wood. A hyssop branch was used to lift a
drink up to Jesus lips in the midst of his suffering. And the scarlet wool was
a reminder of his blood. Or maybe it is the other way around. All of these
things were elements of the rite of purification and of the cleansing of a
leper. And on the cross, Jesus identified with the leper, and purified the
world forever.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Numbers
20
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