Bull

Bull.

That's all I could think as I watched clips of A-Rod's press conference yesterday, as he tried to diffuse the steroids crisis that has enveloped him over the past week.

Bull.

Although there were moments when he seemed to be genuine and sincere, the vast majority of his statements, both those prepared ahead of time and those in response to questions, just seemed like a bunch of bull. An attempt to obfuscate the truth. Half-truths and purposeful non-answers. Although none of the reporters seemed fooled, I wonder what A-Rod and his handlers think today. Did they pull the wool over our eyes? Will it all go away now? Did his bull work?


This Sunday's lectionary text includes a reading from Psalm 50 in which God lays out his credentials as our accuser; his credibility to be our judge. We are reminded that this is in fact God we're dealing with here, not someone else. And if we were to read a bit further, into verse 9, we find the wonderful phrase (from the RSV translation) direct from the mouth of God, "I will accept no bull from your house...".


What a perfect lead into the journey of Lent, which begins this upcoming Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. Most of us actually think we can pull one over on God. As if he is just a friend, or spouse, or co-worker that we can hide our sins from. We actually think we can give God a bunch of bull and get away with it.


But this is God we're talking about here. THE God. He knows. He sees. He examines. He judges.


As we approach Lent, we need to forget the bull, for it doesn't work any better for us before God, than it does for A-Rod before the reporters. We need to forget the bull, and be real. We need to confess our sin and allow the light of God into the dark places of our lives. For then, healing can begin. Grace can fill the voids. Love and life can find its rightful home in our hearts.


Yes, I know the text from Psalm 50 is referring to a real, live (animal) bull offering/sacrifice. But I love the turn of the phrase. And the reality is the same. God doesn't want our bull. He wants our honesty and our humility. Not so he can gloat. So that he can save.


May Lent be a powerful 40 days of liberation from the bull that so often characterizes our lives and faith.

What if...

This video clip, sent by a friend, asks us to ponder what the coffee giant Starbucks would be like if they marketed themselves like a church.

Although it is humorous, there are some real nuggets here for the church to consider.