A Parable about “Pure” Religion

The texts for Sunday, September 2, 2012 (Lectionary 22): Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9; Psalm 15; James 1:17–27; and Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

“It wasn’t about the stained glass window. At least it wasn’t supposed to be,” Bobby thought as she looked at the swirling colors of shattered glass through her tear-filled eyes.

She had wanted to do something for her mom—something to remember her mom by.

The way that her mom had loved that church
Had been there every Sunday
Had sang in the choir for as long as she could sing
Had helped with the Christmas pageant year after year
Had loved the kids of the church and snuck them candy from her purse when their parents weren’t looking.
Had lit up that church with her smile.

Her mom—who had loved that Church so very much: Each and every member … as though they were family.

And so, when she died, Bobby wanted to do something so that her mom could always brighten up that little church
so that the relationships that had meant so much would not be forgotten
so that the life she lived would live on, in a way.

But even more important than that, Bobby wanted to share a gift —the gift of her mom—
with the people
who had been her extended family
who had watched her grow up
who had helped her learn about God
who had loved her and driven her crazy.

And that window was the gift…