Laughter was Born
The letter to the Hebrews is of particular importance as it introduces the ‘new covenant’ to the Hebrew community and us.
The original covenant was between Yahweh and a very old man Abram and his elderly barren wife Sarai. In small asides scripture illustrates how much Abram cared for Sarai. We are told in their travels, Abram put up Sarai’s tent before putting up his own. The most telling incident of his care and respect for Sari was that though allowed by law and custom to take another wife to ensure offspring, he did not. It was only when Sarai encouraged him take her slave Hagar did he do so. Their son Ishmael was Abram’s first born. Scripture illustrates that God favored Sarai. One indication is that she is one of the few women named in the bible. Although barren, God blessed her and Abram with a child, Isaac, even after they both laughed at the proposition. “Isaac” means laughter. God speaks to Abram and tells him to no longer call his wife “Sarai,” but to call her “Sarah”. When God gives someone a new name as Jesus did to Peter, it indicates a new beginning. Sarah and Abraham were chosen as the recipients of Yahweh’s covenant.
Yahweh’s original covenant with Abraham and Sarah included the Promised Land, countless descendants and that his chosen people would bring blessings to all the nations. In return Abraham and his family, his tribe, were to be faithful to Yahweh. Yahweh was to be their God. This covenant did not work out as Yahweh had desired. Yahweh desired a faithful, loving, personal relationship with his chosen people. This sort of relationship was foreign to these people. Respect, fear, admiration, ownership and the law were the basis of most relationships. Love was not a consideration, especially the concept of a loving God.
Jesus was the incarnation of this New Covenant. The author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us “Christ is the mediator of a new covenant…”. Through Jesus, God promised “eternal inheritance”. “…so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him”.
Jesus was the incarnation of Love. Jesus was to mediate, to be the conduit of God’s love, faithfulness, mercy, justice and healing. Jesus showed us how to live out this new covenant, not just through the law, but also through personal and intimate relationships – with God primarily and with neighbor and family. By living this covenant of Love we would be given “eternal inheritance…salvation…”
Although Mark does not speak directly of the new covenant, he does say, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” The implication is that a united kingdom can and will stand. I think we can safely say that if the covenant is firm, if we as individuals and as community are committed to this ‘new covenant’, we can count on God’s faithfulness, love, support, protection and salvation. Through Jesus we will be joyfully and enthusiastically welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom. Imagine God’s thrill and delight that we respond to his covenant of Love! Joan B Howard Howard <Joan B Howard Howard <jpbh0125@gmail.com»
So Laughter was born!
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
