Tag: Matthew

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Lectionary Notes

Lessons and Reflections for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost

In the reading from Isaiah, we hear the words of God to Cyrus, a foreign ruler, who is nonetheless called “anointed” = called, chosen, and empowered by God for God’s own purposes.  The working of the Lord is not limited to those who believe in or worship him!  The Lord of all can work his plan even through those who worship other gods.

Matthew’s Gospel tells us of an attempt to trap Jesus by asking him about the Roman tax.  Will he agree the hated tax should be paid to the foreign occupier, or will he denounce the tax and incriminate himself as a rebel against Rome?  Noting the image of the emperor on the coin, his answer is that the coin came from Rome and belongs to Rome, and meanwhile we must return to God all that belongs to Him as well.

Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonian Church. He rejoices to see all the evidence that they do indeed belong to God through Jesus Christ because their lives demonstrate this new reality.

Comment: What belongs to God?  As people of faith we know that the “correct answer” would be “everyone and everything.”  My struggle is to actually live this way.  Too often I act as if I am in charge of my time, my day, my plans, my possessions, and can be annoyed or resentful if my plans or wishes are thwarted.  My challenge is to daily offer up my expectations and whatever I have as an offering to the risen and living Lord of my life.  It’s as if I am saying, “Here I am Lord…everything is yours! Where do YOU want me to be, what do you want me to be doing for you in this day?”  Returning myself to the “mind of Christ” is a daily event.

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Lectionary Notes

Lessons and Reflections for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14

The prophet Isaiah describes a day when the Lord God will redeem his people and restore them to the fullness of life.  The great feast on the mountain (Jersusalem) is a vivid picture of this time when death and sorrow are no more.  Isaiah was not likely thinking of a “heavenly banquet” or dwelling – but a future time when an exiled Israel would be restored to security and abundance by God’s mighty hand.

The 23rd Psalm, attributed to David, celebrates the loving care of God in a very personal way. This and other similar Psalms almost startle us with the intimacy of God’s awareness and involvement in our personal lives.

Matthew 22:1-14 contains two parables of Jesus. In the first parable he continues to explain and defend his ministry of gathering “bad” people from the margins of Jewish life into God’s banquet hall, while at the same time making the scandalous suggestion that his opponents are making light of God’s invitation that they claim to honor. The second parable points out that regardless of circumstances, those invited to God’s party must “change clothes” if they want to stay and enjoy the feast!

Speaking to the Philippians, Paul describes the kind of life that belongs to those who know the Lord as their Shepherd. Giving thanks and trusting God in everything, they know a new kind of peace and are focused on what is good, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Comment: We Christians understand the great feast of God, described by Isaiah, in light of Jesus who came to be himself the bread and wine at the feast.  Like David’s psalm, we celebrate the Lord who nourishes our lives in every necessary way, even in times of darkness and death.  But this amazing grace does not replace Jesus’ call upon me to repent – to change “clothes” to wear a new mindset that is given me by Christ. To be aware of God’s great invitation and loving call upon me immediately leads me to put on the “wedding garment” of a changed life that is lived for Christ and not for me!

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Lectionary Notes

Lessons and Reflections for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, October 1, 2017

Exodus 17:1-7
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32

In the reading from Exodus, we hear the people of Israel contending with Moses over the lack of water. Their complaint to Moses is understood here to mean the same thing as doubting God’s guidance, since Moses is following God’s directions in leading Israel. Yet God demonstrates faithfulness and does provide water.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable against the religious leaders who did not believe (“believe” here seems to mean a faithful response) to John the Baptist, and now do not believe Jesus.  The parable is about two sons asked to work for their father…and it’s not what they say, but what they really do, that matters.

Paul writes to the Philippians to encourage them in living the Christian faith.  Christ’s own mindset it to be their way of life.  He was one with God, but offered himself to be emptied and offered in service, even when it meant His death on a cross.  This is the life that is exalted by God, and the life God will work out in those who believe (faithfully respond) in Christ.

Comment: “What Wondrous Love Is This…that caused the Lord of bliss to lay aside his crown for my soul.”  So goes the beloved hymn as it sums up how Jesus empties and humbles himself to come among us as one who serves.  Paul shows me today what it looks like when I allow the gift of God’s love in Christ to take hold and be worked out in me.  Jesus lifts us up into communion with God, so that from that place of power we may be poured out for the work God has for us to do in our world.  So I really need to keep my communion with God!  Am I doing that?  And I really need to go and do the things the Lord asks of me today.  Do I know what those things are?  I need to work this out every day!