Lectionary for Pentecost 12
Jesus said:‘My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.’ John 6:55-56
Collect for Sunday. Almighty and ever-living God, you have given great and precious promises to those who believe. Grant us the perfect faith which overcomes all doubt; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading. 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14. The transition of power from David to Solomon is not quite as seamless as our reading would suggest. Solomon was David’s choice but the struggle for power was not set aside because he was the chosen one. Still the writer leaves us in no doubt that Solomon is a worthy king, well able to continue the reign of his father. Furthermore the writer also emphasises that Solomon was also God’s choice and so despite all the challenges and intrigues, Solomon’s kingship is established. In the Hebrew bible the book of Kings is regarded as a prophetic book not simply a record of the succession of the nation’s kings. Therefore the writer underlines that God is in relationship with Solomon just as God had been with David. Solomon’s faithfulness in worship and sacrifice is linked to God revealing himself to the king in a dream. Solomon recognises that it is God who will equip him for the tasks which lie ahead and his choice of asking for wisdom pleases God. Along with the riches and power that flow from being the king Solomon is given the additional gift of wisdom which he will need to exercise proper judgement. Nevertheless, along with the blessings of a great and prosperous reign comes the requirement of walking in faithful obedience to the ways of God. Always, in every godly leader’s life is the necessity of remaining faithful to God’s way. This requirement never changes. Though God provides all that each leader will need in abundance, keeping the first commandment, “you shall have no other gods before me”, (Ex 20:3) was the key to a successful reign. The writer is reminding us that Solomon began well and prosperity and long life lay before him. “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil”. Ephesians 5:15-16. NRSV.
Prayer. Lord, you have brought us to the beginning of this new day and it will be filled with opportunities to love and serve you as we relate to others. Help us to rely always and only on you. May our walk before you be in keeping with your will for us. Grant that we will always remember that you are Lord of all things and in all things may we be obedient. We are living in unsettled times and many are unsure about the future, help us all to look to you alone and have confidence in your promises to never leave us nor forsake us as we reach out to share your love. Look graciously upon those who give themselves to serve and help the young, and bless the work undertaken in your name. Enlighten those who teach and those who learn; renew their strength that they may not grow weary in their work; be a light to them when things seem dark and strengthen their hearts in times of disappointment. Inspire them with your Spirit so that young and old may be built together as living stones into the temple of your church. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. John 6:51-58. This passage brings to our minds the communion service, an ordinance that we hold dear. By linking the passage with communion it is hard for us to understand why anyone would take offence at these words. However, Jesus was speaking into a society which knew nothing of our Christian perspective. In its setting Jesus was saying more, that there needed to be a personal linking between him and his followers. In the ancient world devotees would dedicate their meat to their ’god’ and then as they consumed it believe there was a mystical fusing between deity and believer. So when Jesus spoke of eating ‘his flesh’ his hearers would have understood that Jesus was advocating an extremely close relationship between himself and his disciples. Jesus is saying to his followers that he is the bread of life, indeed he is the “living bread”. In the Greek language, in which the scripture was first written, this saying indicated that Jesus is the food which has life within it. Therefore those who eat this bread will live. Some Jews took offence at this, deliberately misinterpreting what Jesus had said. Yet the truth still remains, Jesus is the source of true life and when we rely on his strength and power we can really live. However we need to see that Jesus is talking about more than a communion remembrance, he is expecting that our linkage with him will be absolute. Only total reliance on Jesus will suffice to give us the eternal life of which he speaks. Our reliance on Jesus must not be theoretical but absolute, nothing less will do.
Prayer. Most gracious Lord, you have given so many promises to your people and you are always faithful in fulfilling your promises. Grant to us the wisdom and courage to trust in you alone as we live our lives. May we be fully reliant on you for all our needs. Give us the wisdom and insights to see where you want us to go. May we be as faithful to you as you have been to us. Guide us through each day we pray, that we may not miss those special times when we might be used by you to bring comfort and hope to others. Grant that in all things, we may rely on the power of your love and the presence of your Holy Spirit. May we be faithful in our witness and fruitful in our work, to the honour and glory of your name. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen
Collect. Jesus, Word made flesh, we thank you for the holy meal in which you give yourself to us; help us so to receive your body and blood, that we may grow in grace and strength, and live daily in praise and thanksgiving, now and for ever. Amen.
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