Then I said: listen every one of you in the royal family of David. You have already tried my patience. Now you are trying God’s patience by refusing to ask for proof. But the LORD will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel. Even before the boy is old enough to know how to choose between right and wrong he will eat yogurt and honey and the countries of the two kings you fear will be destroyed.
Isaiah 7: 13-16
Reflect on the word IDENTITY for a few moments.
The courteous attendant at the desk greeted him.
“Good evening, sir! How may I help you?”
“Good evening! I’d like a room for three nights please.”
“Certainly sir! Could you please fill this form for me? And if you would, could you please give me your credit card so I can complete your check-in?”
“I am sorry, but I don’t use credit cards. I will pay in cash.”
“Oh! Well, sir, then may I see some identification? A driver’s license, perhaps? Or an identity card?”
“I don’t drive. We just got in on the Inter-State bus. Don’t you believe me when I say that I will settle my account with cash before I leave?”
“Well Sir, I am sorry but the Management does require proof of identity if you don’t have any credit cards or acceptable identification. Perhaps a smaller motel may accommodate you. I am sorry sir.”
The Attendant looked across at the next customer.
“Good evening sir! How may I help you?”
No one paid much attention to the man as he walked out into the street with his pregnant wife beside him. No one offered to help them.
Proving our identity is normal in our technologically savvy society. When God offers us proof of identity do we continue to ask for more proof?
You never question my identity, God. You never ask for proof of who I am. I accept and celebrate your presence.
© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera
For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.
When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.
The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.