Rocka My Soul

When the poor man died,

he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. Luke 16:22

Earlier this week a strange convergence occurred.  This line from Luke appeared in the lectionary text on the same day I completed viewing the Showtime series, “The Borgias”and saw the film “Spotlight.  There is much to be said about the juxtaposition of these two media events and the historical content they portray. This is for another day.  Today, I share my reflection on the the greater whole of the three and the important message they bring to the Lenten season.

The “bosom of Abraham,” that most cherished place at the table of eternal love.  This is place of rest, peace, and endless delight in the courts of the G-d of Hosts.  It is our promised inheritance as the baptized People of G-d. 

I cannot see these words or think of this spiritual without reliving cherished remembrances of my dad and me, an awestruck 4 year old, sitting at the piano singing this, my favorite in the “Fireside Book of Folk Songs.  As only a four year only can insist, we sang it again and again.  Occasionally, Joshua fit the Battle of Jericho provided contrast. Growing up is tough and the loss of innocence painful.  Those experiences of safety fade as we become acquainted with the world around us. Sometimes this transition is seamless. On occasion, it is very painful.

“The Borgias” and “Spotlight” each expose the rawness of this unwelcomed assault.  Old and young alike are subject to the excruciating pain of innocence lost, what was the hoped for place of safety became the locus of deception.   How does this happen?

African innocents asked the same question as their parents and tribal leaders sold them into slavery. The locus of safety, the haven of care was shattered. How could this happen?

Yet, through it all, these African slaves continue to teach us the lesson that can only be known to those who hold the promise of the bosom of Abraham.  It is joy that carries the day.  The ever-present joy of knowing that by faith we are promised a special place at the table of the eternal banquet.  G-d holds those who violently shatter innocence, betray trust, to account.  By baptism we live into the joy of knowing that the Kingdom of Heaven is ours and with Lazarus, we will thirst no more.

No room for sadness in this celebration. Rejoice in this season of renewal.

Rocka my soul in the bosom of Abraham

Oh, rock o’my Soul.

I may be weak, rocka my soul, but thou art strong, rock o'my soul.

I'm leaning on, leaning on, I'm leaning on his mighty arm.

Oh, rocka my

Rock o'my soul in the bosom of Abraham

Oh, rocka my Soul.

My soul is fed, rocka my soul, my soul is free, rocka my soul, 

I'm going home, going home, I'm going home, to live with thee

Oh, rocka my

Rocka my soul in the bosom of Abraham

Oh, rocka my Soul.