Lectionary for Pentecost 14
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, comes down from the Father of lights, who gave us birth by the word of truth. James 1:17, 18
Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and constantly give more than either we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Reading. James 1:17-27. As we read this portion of James the old quote from someone long ago comes to mind. “It is not the things in the bible I don’t understand that worry me; what does worry me are the things in the bible I do understand.” It is hard to remember who said that first but as we read this passage from James it is easy to see how great a calling it is to be living a truly Christian lifestyle. Consider this sentence from verse 8 “In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures”. In the first portion of the passage James has reminded us of how great a blessing God has given, when we were called to the salvation that for us Jesus Christ has won. Then he immediately reminds us that with the blessing comes the expectation that we would be “a kind of first fruits of his creatures”. We understand that the “first fruits” reminded God’s people that the whole harvest was from God and was for God. We are equally reminded that the “first fruits” were always the very best of the harvest. So, unambiguously James is reminding his readers that being a Christian is a very high calling and nothing but the best is worthy as a response to all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ. James then goes on to remind us of how we are to live out the Christian life. The Christian life is more than good works; it is consistently exercising self control, focusing not on the needs of the self, but on Jesus Christ and his will and way. It sounds so simple but experience teaches us that the way of the world makes it unattainable without the power and presence of Jesus Christ. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27. NRSV.
Prayer. In hope and with great expectation we begin this new day, for you are a faithful God whose love touches every life and like the sun brings light and life to all. Grant that we may live as your children today, graciously walking with you in love and forgiveness. By your grace may your presence guide all that we do today: May each life we touch know the warmth of your acceptance and love. Protect us from the dangers that are all about us, keep our hearts and minds pure through your continuing presence; may we not be ashamed to be faithful ambassadors for Jesus Christ and by your power, may our work for you today point the lost and broken to you, the eternal shepherd of the flock. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
Reading. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. This is the gospel reading for Sunday and it calls for a purity which is from within. It is not a purity formed by keeping laws or rituals but it is an action which begins in the heart. Ritual purity had become a central part of the Pharisees’ religious practise. By keeping this purity they believed that they were more able to worship God. The Pharisees believed that adhering to the tradition made them more worthy to worship. Jesus reminded them that the tradition had become more important that their devotion for God. Jesus further points out that having clean hands with an unclean heart distanced them from God and the actions and attitudes God required. In the closing verses of our passage Mark’s remembrance of Jesus’ teaching has gone from washing food utensils to the actions in life which destroy both relationships and people’. By quoting Isaiah, Jesus is reminding the Pharisees that devotion to the tradition rather than the commandments springs from a rebellion against God. Love for God must come first before love of anything else. Love for God needs to be demonstrated by Godly words and actions.
As we read this passage we too are reminded to look at the words and actions that our lives display; what are the things that we hold dear; are they acting as an excuse not to fulfil all that God requires of us in our Christian walk? Jesus is saying that our words, deeds and actions display the state of our hearts before God: If they do not align with what God requires then we need to ask ourselves the vital question, have we like Mark’s Pharisees abandoned the true worship of God?
Prayer. Lord we thank you for this day, as always, you have met us in your word, full of grace and truth and reminded us of the salvation which is ours. We thank you that by your sacrificial grace we are at peace with God. May we also be at peace with ourselves and with each other. Give us the courage Lord to face up to what we are, so that through your forgiving love and by the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus we may obtain what we shall be in your kingdom. May we walk as true children of our heavenly Father doing those things which will be pleasing to him. Grant us a fruitful day walked always in the paths of faithfulness. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and constantly give more than either we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and give us those good things which we are unworthy to ask or receive except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord. Amen. [Uniting in Worship]
Collect. Loving God, wellspring of grace, save us from making petty rules, rather than rejoicing in the life which comes from you; help us to take in your truth and walk with Christ our Wisdom, in whose name we pray. Amen.
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