Proper 6  C                R Lundquist                           6/17/07

II Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15   http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=49025253

Psalm 32:1-8   http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=49025368

Luke 7:36-50   http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=49025403

“Forgive Me!” <sarcastically>   From the 1991 film The Fisher King.  Shock jock Jack Lucas is practicing for a TV role:  “Forgive me!”  he says, over and over, hoping to get the part of a self-centered put-upon character.  Meanwhile a tragedy of Jack’s making unfurls on the news channel behind him.  His careless words on the radio that day have pushed a listener over the edge, a young man who commits a mass murder.  He has walked into a bar with a shotgun and killed several people.  “Forgive me!” indeed.  3 years later Jack is undone, down & out, unable to forgive himself.  He lives above a video store, drinking himself into oblivion.

In the first reading today we hear of King David causing the death of Uriah, so that the king may wed his Uriah’s unnamed wife.  The Prophet Nathan tells David the story of the poor man with a single lamb, which is taken away by an arrogant rich man.  When David reacts with anger, Nathan points out that he is the sinner in the story.  In horror he exclaims, “I have sinned against the Lord!”  In other words “Forgive me, because I can’t forgive myself.”

Jack Lucas, former DJ, is suicidal in his grief & agony.  He is saved from death by Parry, a homeless man who is obviously crazy, hallucinating & delusional:

Jack Lucas: I don't mean to be flippant or to enrage you or anything, but you're a psychotic man.
Parry: I know.
Jack Lucas: A very nice psychotic man.
Parry: Thank you.

Parry (named for the knight Parsifal in the King Arthur myths) is the instrument of Jack’s forgiveness, for Parry’s wife was slain in the mass murder.  His condition is a result of Jack’s thoughtless words.  So when Parry’s demons drag him into a coma, Jack despairs of saving him.  Jack would literally have washed Parry’s feet with his tears if that would heal him.  “Forgive me!”

What a striking passage from Luke – another unnamed woman comes wordlessly into a dinner party, finds Jesus, and kisses/anoints/washes his feet.  She is a sinner, which is apparent by her dress and/or demeanor.  What great sin burdens her soul?  “Forgive me!” she acts out at Jesus’ feet…

Sometimes it is the act beyond understanding that conveys forgiveness.  In the movie Jack sets out on a quest, to obtain what Parry believes is the Holy Grail.  He breaks into a millionaire’s home and steals a grade-school trophy.  By setting off the alarm as he leaves, Jack saves the  life of the rich man.  And he brings the grail to the comatose Parry.  Within hours Parry comes to himself and begins the healing delayed for 3 years.

The woman who ministers to Jesus has asked for nothing, yet Jesus pronounces her forgiven.  As bizarre as this seems to the dinner guests, Jesus acknowledges her sin and forgives her.  The word “Forgive” is found 4 times in the passage.  It is her faith, says Jesus, that has saved her.

In the Arthurian legend the Holy Grail is the cup of the last supper, which first held the Blood of Christ.  It holds healing power and blessing.  It represents all that humanity longs for.  It is made real for us in baptism (in which we are washed, made clean, included) and communion (in which we are nurtured and healed, made one w/ God & each other).  In these sacraments we are made worthy, we are forgiven in Christ. 

From the psalm:  “I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my guilt.  I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’  Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.”

Sin is real.  One definition from Hebrew – sin is “missing the bull’s-eye,” an archery term.  Sin is brokenness, separation.  Things done & left undone, opposing God’s will in our lives, denying the goodness in each other & in ourselves.  The sin of David against Uriah & God; the sin of the woman acting out repentance and contrition, and the sin of omission – the lack of compassion by the Pharisees at dinner…

 “Forgive me!”  No longer sarcastic whine, but a cry to God.  “I cannot bear it – return me to wholeness!” 

Jesus says “Your sins are forgiven; your faith saves you, go in peace.”  Ah, peace.  The soothed soul, the sense of rightness with the world, the smile of God worn in the heart.  How much we desire it.  How far away we feel so often.  How dearly God wants you to know that peace right now and forever.  Open your heart – confess (acknowledge) your sin – ask for it:  “Forgive me!”

Let us pray.

Come, O Holy spirit, come.

Come as the wind and cleanse;

Come as the fire and burn;

Convert and consecrate our lives

To our great good and your great glory;

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.