Lectionary for Pentecost 5
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Reading. 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 The news of Saul’s death would, in human terms, have been a huge relief to David. He and his followers had been forced to fight on behalf of the Philistines due to King Saul’s hostility. However this passage records the deep compassion David had both for Saul and his close friend Jonathan. Saul had been anointed by Samuel to be the King and leader of God’s people and so David showed great respect for Saul and his anointing. David had always acted honourably towards Saul and had refused to act aggressively towards him: now at his death David recounts the good things Saul had achieved during his reign. This was coupled with his great love for his friend Jonathan and so his grief was not a pretence, but keenly felt. Saul had accomplished many good things until his personal weaknesses had turned him away from trusting in God. The words of William Shakespeare come to mind, “The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones”. It is easy to dwell on the failures; David holds no grudges but rather mourns the national loss and remembers the good things that Saul and Jonathan had achieved. Rather than dwelling on the latter years when Saul no longer looked to God for guidance it was Saul’s initial effective leadership that is recalled. In so doing David demonstrated his own integrity and his ability to see the wider picture. Many in the nation would have mourned Saul and Jonathan and so showing good leadership David responded to those feelings in an admirable way. The lament that David wrote is well crafted and expresses the emotions that not only David but many people in Israel would have experienced. A good leader is able to pick up the mood of the people along with the leaders own personal feelings and so offer leadership which is best for all.
Prayer. Lord it is so easy to remember the failures and the disappointment we have encountered in daily living: Help us to place our trust in you, listen for your guidance, and be ready to follow along those paths that you would have us walk. When we go astray, Lord call us back, and so keep our feet on solid ground. Grow in us the will to serve you alone, the strength to live a life of truth, a humble life that recognises your right to rule and our obligation to serve. As you have been gracious to us, so may we be gracious to one another. May we be worthy of the name, Christian. May our whole life be lived under your direction, until we meet the destination you have prepared for us and may all we do give honour and glory to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Mark 5:21-43. As is common in Mark’s Gospel this passage is filled with activity and at the centre of the activity is Jesus himself. To begin with Jesus has just arrived from across the lake when he is accosted by Jairus the synagogue leader with the plea to go with him to lay hands on his dying daughter. As he accompanies Jairus he is touched by a woman in desperate need of healing so she could rejoin society as a well person. Then the message comes that the healing had become an encounter with death. In three short paragraphs Mark reveals Jesus’ willingness to heal; his power to heal and his authority to minister to a person whose condition places her outside society. Not only was the woman unwell, she was also unclean according to the religious restrictions of the time. In every situation that Mark describes Jesus is always in control. Mark’s record of Jesus healing the woman who simply touched his cloak tells that the healing occurred not by magic but through the power that was in Jesus. The statement that “power had gone out of him” is telling for it reminds us that the healing comes through Jesus: Healing is contained within Him. The healing brings her wholeness and also restores her to her society and her circle of family and friends. Even before Jesus has finished ministering to the woman, the message comes that Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus responds directly to the situation by assuring Jairus not to be afraid but to keep on believing. It is interesting that though Mark’s Gospel is very succinct, still he records that people laughed at Jesus. We laugh when confronted with the uncomfortable aspects of life. Mark is reminding us that this event is at the cutting edge of life, death and loss are so final. Jesus calls the small child back into life, demonstrating his mastery over death. Only the inner circle of those involved see life return to the child yet for Mark’s readers the message is clear; Jesus had authority both to heal and to bring life. In both stories, no matter how extreme the circumstances, the key message is to keep on believing.
Out of the depths I cry to you: Lord, hear my voice! With the Lord is love unfailing, and great power to redeem. Psalm 130:1, 7
Prayer. Gracious Lord the story in Mark’s Gospel reminds us that all of life is subject to the command of Jesus Christ and in Him alone can we find the healing and wholeness that brings us security and peace. We rejoice that we live under the Lordship of Jesus. Help us we pray, to trust in Him for each of life’s episodes; not seeking to guide but to follow; to trust in Him enough that one step of the journey is all that we need. Isaiah reminds us that “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places”. This is the fruit of walking in obedience; so Lord may we choose the path that you have set before us, and trusting in you, enjoy the peace and blessing that is your gracious gift. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect. Almighty God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge: open our eyes to your presence, and make us more responsive to your call, that we may grow in the wisdom and grace you offer us in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Jesus, hope of the hopeless, give us abundant confidence in you that we may find comfort at all times, relief from our burdens, and healing where it is your will; until that day when we see you face to face, and know you as you are for ever and ever. Amen.
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