Glorify the Lord and exalt him as much as you can, for he surpasses even that.
Sirach is another book in the Apocrypha, that portion of the Bible that appears in Catholic bibles in the Old Testament, not in most Protestant bibles at all, and in Episcopal tradition, we take the middle way, including it in the Bible but it’s contained in its own section, between the Old and New Testament. Books of the Apocrypha don’t carry quite as much weight, but aren’t omitted entirely. As with ancient arguments between Papists and Reformers, the Anglicans took the middle way, asking ‘can’t we all just get along?’
This section of Sirach starts with a string of beautiful poetic commentaries on things in the sky. It was written around 3 bc, and I can imagine there was more wonder at what was in the sky, than certitude. The preceding verses talk about the beautiful sun, starting each day, but then scorching the earth at noon. But at God’s command, it moves on. The moon marks changing seasons, marks festal days, and serves as a beacon to those on high. The stars are the beauty of heaven, a glittering array, and at God’s command they stay where they are placed, and never relax. And the rainbow? It encircles the earth with its beautiful brightness. Praise the One who made that!
After reviewing the sun, moon, stars and rainbow in all of their beauty and mystery, the writer concludes with “We could say more, but never say enough”. How true is that? In their day, these things had some science, but mostly were shrouded in mystery. How does the sun rise every day? What creates a rainbow? More important than how, why? Why are we gifted with these beauties and wonders?
Maybe astrology and climatic occurrences aren’t your wonder. Mostly they aren’t mine, but occasionally, I’m awed by something in the sky, like this rainbow from my balcony. But these wonders are all around us, aren’t they? Love, hummingbirds, that first cup of coffee. There is no shortage of things to wonder at in this world. He surpasses all of that.
Later today, I’ll join a contingent from the Episcopal Church to march in the Pride Parade, joining many church leaders and the bishop.
That there is a Pride Parade is a wonder. That it’s a well-loved part of this community is something I give thanks for. I praise God, that my faith is so supportive of everyone’s right to be who they are, and that the leaders will be present. And that there are those in my tradition for whom this is not their position or anything for which to praise God. I actually give thanks to God for that. God is big enough to love those who march in Pride, and those who don’t.
This morning, I’m so grateful for a God that created rainbows and moons. That put me in a place where I will be marching with the bishop in the Pride Parade. That there are people who feel loved and welcomed because of Pride. And there are those who feel threatened and confused by a church that marches in Pride. God is bigger than all of that. God holds all of that, loves all of that, and made all of that. As Sirach writes, I could say more, but never enough.
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