In a world bent on dividing and condemning, how might we listen to and seek reconciliation with the complex song our whole life is singing? On the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Christopher Mack seeks illumination on the intimacy shared between David and Jonathan, and what it teaches us about loving ourselves and loving our enemies. [2 Samuel 1:23-27]

Reflection

What part(s) of your life and story do you struggle to welcome or find wholeness?
Where have our interpretations of scripture reinforced problematic, or unjust understandings of ourselves or others?
How can we embody God’s good news to ourselves and others?

Resources

Book: Jonathan Loved David: Homosexuality in Biblical Times by Tom Horner
Book: The Love of David and Jonathan: Ideology, Text, Reception by James E. Meredith
Book: Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte

The Life-Changing Power of Jesus