You Did Not Dance

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ When the men had come to him, they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” ’ Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. And he answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.’ (And all the people who heard this, including the tax-collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.) ‘To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.’ Luke 7:18-35

We will be traveling back from a meeting in Delaware where I served when I was elected bishop. I think of all the times as a parish priest (and now bishop) that the times called for celebration of things big and small. There were also times for weeping and mourning and holding each other in grief. The importance of gratitude and celebration, as well as grief cannot be understated. We sometimes want to avoid these moments because they are too awkward or uncomfortable. Jesus reminds us that we are not whole without them. We cannot fully live if we are unwilling to join life's dance, to honor, grieve, sing cry and rejoice. May we, especially in these days of many transitions be always ready to dance with those who call to us, and weep with those who mourn, and in all moments, rejoice in the love that surrounds us.

Wondrous Creator, you love us in every stage

tenderly holding us when we are small ones

walking with us in our exuberant youth

and sitting with us in our twilight years.

You have brought love and healing to all

yet we are reluctant to hear your voice

we shut out the potential for rejoicing

and look away from those who are suffering.

Help us to listen to your call for dancing

help us to know when to get up and join

give us your wisdom to know each new day

as an offering of compassion and love. Amen.