Psalm 80:1-7, Exodus 33:1-23; Luke 7:1-17

The Psalm asserts that it is YHWH himself that gives his people the bread of tears, tears to drink in full measure. In the Exodus reading, Moses boldy confronts YHWH by saying, "Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight" (v. 13). In the Gospel reading Jesus heals the Centurian's servant from afar and raises the widow from Nain's son by touching the bier. Each episode reveals the down-to-earthness of God, present in this creation to save and heal from within it! Each episode shows that the relationship with God is real, recognizing that he is present in all of life–even the seemingly mundane (a word that means worldly) things. Too often we over spiritualize God. Lutheran Service Book 358, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, says in verse four: 

"These are the signs that you shall mark:

The swaddling clothes and manger dark.

There you wil find the infant laid

By whom the heav'ns and earth were made."

Jesus Raising the Widow's Son at Nain, c1890, James Tissot