Lectionary Reading 16 August Part 2
Read. Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Paul’s use of ancient argument can make this a difficult reading to understand. Put simply Paul asks a question and then gives an answer to emphasis his teaching point. So right up front he asks, “Have the Jewish people been rejected”? And the answer is “well I am a Jew and I have been saved so the answer to the question is an emphatic no!” Then Paul goes on to ask, “Have they offended God enough to keep them away from their promised inheritance”, and again his answer is “No”. However, their hesitation has provided the opportunity for the Gentiles to also come into the salvation of God. The grace of God has made provision for all people to have the opportunity to accept the invitation to be reconciled to God. God never goes back on his promises and once he has called a person into forgiveness he will never revoke that forgiving call. That does not mean that a person must accept God’s forgiving love. The other aspect of the readings is that we are all equally in need of forgiveness because we have been locked into a pattern of disobedience. Disobedience quickly becomes habitual, and disobedience is found in each one of us. Yet God in his mercy has called us from disobedience and by an act of grace, set us free so that we can choose to obey him. No wonder that Paul finishes his discourse with a great exclamation of praise and thanksgiving; reminding us that we all benefit from God’s wonderful forgiving grace. For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 (NRSV)
Prayer. “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth”. Holy Lord, forever to be honoured, we give you all thanks and praise for all the blessings that have come to us through Jesus Christ our Saviour. We thank you that we are made in your image and so can accept your gracious invitation to be in close fellowship with you through your Son. Great and wonderful are your works, drawing the whole of your creation back in to harmony with you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who has conquered sin and death. As we lift our prayers to you, may we with all your creatures give you true honour and thanks. Keep us steadfast in faith and service, being bearers of the good news that Jesus reins with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen
Read. Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28 There are many facets to this passage of scripture. In the section prior to this reading Jesus has been teaching about the way the tradition of the elders has been corrupted, which then leads into a discussion about clean and unclean greatly upseting the Pharisees. Then a Canaanite woman a Gentile, from a Jewish perspective an unclean person, recognises who Jesus is by addressing him as “Son of David”, this signals more than just a title particularly to the Pharisees who would be listening. The Son of David referred to the one who was to come, the Messiah: this is the one who would come to bring restoration to Israel and usher in all the promises of God. Those present who are Israelites do not as yet see Jesus as this promised one. Having recognised the power and authority in Jesus the woman has a constant trust in him. Even though Jesus initially seems inclined to turn her away, she recognises that he will indeed hear her request and deliver what she needs. She does not direct Jesus by specifying her need; she simply and persistently calls out for “mercy”. One of the important lessons we need to learn is that God is not at our beck and call. He is sovereign and has a right to say yes or no to our requests. He can do this without impinging on his integrity because he is perfect in his judgement and justice. The room for error is always on our side and we have no right to question God’s decisions. Yet as this passage reminds us, persistent trust will be heard. Jesus does meet her need and not only shows her mercy but also commends her for her faith and trust in him. Though the Gentile woman had great needs because of her daughter Matthew makes it clear that her hope and attention is on Jesus alone, she has recognised that in him is perfect healing and a perfect fulfilment of her needs. Jesus did and does have mercy.
Prayer. Blessed Saviour, you call us to trust in you alone. Forgive us Lord that so often our needs prevent us from seeing who you truly are: You lived a human life and faced its joys and sorrows help us to draw our strength from the knowledge that you have overcome the world. May we find in you the power to daily step out on the journey of life, filled with the assurance of your love and salvation. Like you, keep us in the faith in joy and in sorrow, trusting that in all circumstances God is working for our good. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 (NRSV). Amen
Collect. Jesus, servant of the Lord, faced by the faith of an outsider, you cannot refuse the help she needs; save us from restricting our aid to those who are like us; lead us to put our faith into action now and for evermore. Amen.
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