Revised Common Lectionary
Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Genesis 9:8-15
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (see 10)
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:12-15
Growing up near Pittsburgh, I became accustomed to warnings and news of floods. Heavy rain can quickly lead to disaster in a region dominated by rivers, creeks, hillsides, and narrow valleys known as “hollows”—or as they say in much of Appalachia, “hollers.” Several buildings in downtown Pittsburgh have plaques that mark flood levels from the past, including one on the former Joseph Horne Co. department store (pictured here) that recalls the St. Patrick’s Day flood of 1935.
In this Sunday’s reading from Genesis, we hear about the aftermath of a great flood. The passage proclaimed today reveals that the story is less about death than about life and being saved from death. Noah and his family are kept safe aboard the ark that God commanded him to build. God creates the world anew and makes the very first covenant with humans, one quite unlike those imposed by rulers of nations. This covenant sets no conditions on people, but only on God. Sin may again take root on the earth, but the Holy One promises never again to inflict destruction. The rainbow is a sign of God’s pledge to remain faithful even when humans are unfaithful—abusing the earth, harming one another, and committing acts of injustice.
On this First Sunday in Lent, the story of Noah and his family sets the tone for the entire season, which originated as the final, intensive period of preparation for baptism. At Easter, candidates will pass through the waters of death to a new life aboard the ark of the church. The entire community of baptized believers is called to make this journey with them, remembering the gift that we have received and renewing our commitment to walk in God’s ways.
The new life that God promises is freely given. Yet the voyage is long and difficult, and along the way we will encounter suffering and death. The community that was being addressed in today’s Epistle reading knew all too well this cost of discipleship. They had experienced persecution for their faith, and so the author speaks a word of encouragement, reminding them that “Christ also suffered for sins. . . . He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” (2 Pt 3:18). These believers, who had been joined to Christ in baptism, could take heart from their union with the One who suffered, died, and rose again. The author invites hearers to think of baptism as the ark by which they have been saved from the waters of sin and death and carried to new life in and with Christ.
As we set out on our Lenten journey, today’s Scriptures invite us to board the ark, trusting in God’s faithfulness. We make our way through Lent with the community of the baptized and we take hope in knowing that we have been joined with Christ in his dying and rising. He remains with us throughout our life’s voyage, even in suffering and at the point of death.
All aboard!
A Hymn for Today: “I want Jesus to walk with me”
Although its origin is uncertain, this hymn is widely thought to have been sung first among enslaved African Americans, and so most hymnals identify it as a Negro spiritual. One can certainly imagine it being sung by oppressed people facing trials, heartbreak, and sorrow. This hymn is appropriate for Christian believers as they set out into the wilderness of Lent, following the way of Jesus and embracing suffering and death with him. Listen here to a recording made by the Fisk Jubilee Singers for their 150th anniversary album.
I want Jesus to walk with me;
I want Jesus to walk with me;
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
Text: Negro Spiritual
Tune: SOJOURNER
Image Credit: The Ship of the Church, Peter Koenig, 20th cent.
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
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