Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
As I read this part of today's Lectionary, I started thinking a lot about the movie For the Bible Tells Me So, by First Run Features. I watched it again in preparation to write this particular blog. In the course of the film the Rt. Rev. Richard Holloway, retired Bishop of Edinburgh made the remark that "Biblical literalism is a modern invention." Most people associated with the religious right interpret the Bible from a very literary point of view. Yet, what is often very interesting is that of all Scripture passages that get taken most literally, are usually the ones thought to be associated with homosexual behavior. All of this got me to thinking that even Biblical literalism can become a form of idolatry if one is not careful. Because as Bishop Holloway also brought to mind those who make use of Biblical literalism and religious fundamentalism are also capitalists bringing in revenue of hundreds of millions of dollars while they spread their anti-gay, anti-woman and anti-liberal message. In the last few years, we have seen those into radical Biblical literalism becoming more politically powerful and even supporting violence and death.
The message of Jesus to about not storing up for ourselves treasures on earth is not just limited to "things acquired by money". Treasures on earth can also be compared to political power and those who interpret the Bible literally because it gives them power in which to become violent and hateful, with the Bible as their justification. Such attitudes can also be a way of storing up for ourselves the wrong treasures in this world.
Inclusive love on the other hand, is a love that stores up not treasures on earth, but a sense of unconditional love and mercy that can point people towards God and each other. Encouraging an inclusive society and Church that welcomes women, people of other races, nationalities, colors, classes, immigrants, LGBT people is building up a community that can carry us beyond what is temporary and into a sense of that which is transcendent. When we include others in our churches and in society to help them achieve equality and justice, we embody the love of God and that which is beyond comprehension, becomes real, close and personal. Inclusion builds community, relationships and tears down walls of hatred and division. When inclusion is turned into exclusion through the idolatry of Biblical literalism, it closes people off to the God who is unconditional and all-inclusive Love. In so doing, we may acquire the earthly "treasures" of hate, violence, money, political power and prejudice, but they are not the "treasures" that God desires for us to have and keep.
A woman that I used to know who was in a choir I once directed used to say that "God's flower garden is full of beautiful colors and flowers of all kinds." The great St. Lawrence before he was placed on a grill to be burned alive told those about to kill him that the poor and homeless that were there with him, those were the treasures of the Church. God's flower garden and God's treasures include a wide number of people and among those are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, single or in committed relationships and beyond.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu said in the movie "For the Bible Tells Me So": "I cannot for the life of me imagine God saying: 'I will punish you because you are a woman, and you should have been created a man. I will punish you because you are black, you should have been created white. I will punish you because you are homosexual, you should have been created heterosexual." How exactly does God be God who loves and knows all far better than we do, become a psycho-path, except by the words and actions of Biblical literalists? I think God is so much bigger than all of that. And I am hoping that my readers do too.
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Fifth Sunday of Easter, Book of Common Prayer, Page 225).
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, Page 815).
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