Lectionary for Pentecost 15
What good is it if we say we have faith but do not have works? Faith without works is dead. James 2:14, 17
Collect. Let us pray (to our just and merciful God): Lord our God, in you mercy and justice meet. With unparalleled love you have saved us from death and drawn us into the circle of your life. Open our eyes to the wonders this life sets before us, that we may serve you, free from fear, and address you as God our Father. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17. As we begin to think of this reading we do need to keep in mind the biblical principle that faith comes before all things, for faith is based on trusting in what God can and does do for us through Jesus Christ. Before we can respond to God in any meaningful way we must have faith and trust in him. So, James is not saying that one is opposed to the other or that one is in some way better than the other. He is saying faith without any works does not bring life; it does not promote or lift up Jesus Christ for all to see. James is emphasising the need to put into practise those things that Jesus teaches and commands. In our reading today James is encouraging all believers to treat everyone equally. How easy it is to put people into categories, making snap decisions without knowledge or compassion. Jesus’ command to love one another is fundamental to the Christian way. When we have faith our way of life, our actions in life are guided by faith. People of faith have hope instead of despair, because they trust what Jesus has achieved. Jesus gives his followers a secure future. People of faith are prepared to forgive instead of holding grudges, rather than demanding restitution they are prepared to leave the outcome in God’s hands. They do this because they are filled with Godly optimism instead of convincing themselves that things are going to the dogs. They have faith in him because their lives are anchored in what Jesus has done. Above all people of faith are guided by God and find opportunities to serve him all of the time. God has tasks for us to do, works for us to work, and he has also equipped us to do these things. Faith gives us the confidence to know that simply trusting in God and trying to honour him in all we say and do helps make a difference and at the same time pleases God.
Prayer. We will give to you all glory and honour for in Jesus Christ You have won the victory over sin and death and given to us the promise of a future of peace and justice. Though we do not see that completely as yet, still we know that the victory has been won; and we give to you all thanks and praise. There is none like you O God. Your power and strength bring justice and mercy to all who trust in you. In you alone do we find the comfort and assurance we need for daily living. Today we thank you for the peace and blessing that is ours and pray for those whose lives are troubled and threatened by forces and powers which seek to destroy. We pray for those in places where wars still rage and where the struggle for power crushes the lives of the powerless: As the psalmist says, “They all look to you”: so we call out for mercy on their behalf. Bring peace and justice to the world and may all creatures give thanks and praise to you, Lord Almighty. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Mark 7:24-37. Between these two miracles of healing Mark has recorded an interesting dialogue between Jesus and the Gentile woman from the area of Tyre and Sidon. Mark does not tell us why Jesus had entered this region; some commentators wonder if it was to have some respite from a busy teaching and healing ministry. We might be a little taken aback at the response that Jesus makes to her plea on behalf of her daughter. Certainly it had remained in the mind of either Mark or Peter, so it was not the normal way that Jesus responded to a request for healing. On the other hand the Gentile woman would not have been surprised to be greeted like that from a Jewish Rabbi for it was not uncommon to be so addressed. If you read Ezekiel 28:20ff you find that when God passed judgement of this region the Jews were to treat this people with contempt because of their idolatry. However, the intention of the Greek word Mark uses here is best translated as “puppy” which might soften the “contempt”. Even so, to our ears it still sounds quite confronting. However as Mark records it, Jesus response to her rejoinder to him indicates at least pleasant surprise, even pleasure. However that may be, Jesus immediately heals her daughter and encourages her to go home to her family. Matthew when recording this incident indicates that the Gentile woman knew who Jesus was and was determined to face any opposition in order to find a cure for her daughter. Knowing that Jesus could heal, she was resolved to participate in the healing Jesus had to offer. One of the things this passage reminds us is that sometimes we have to hold on to our faith and wait for God’s timing: She knew that Jesus could heal and her faith gave her confidence to be persistent. Another thing this passage reminds us that we have no right to ask anything from Jesus: That does not stop us from asking but it sometimes might mean that the answer might not quite be as we expect.
Prayer. O great and glorious God, whose nature is to be all loving, accept our grateful thanks and praise today. Through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ we know that no one is outside the boundary of your love; no one is deemed unworthy of your special care; each of us will be welcomed into your fold when we turn to you. Give to us the faith we need and help us to live in the strength and knowledge of your everlasting love for us, now and always. Amen
Collect. God of the outcast, through Christ, you offer healing to all; lead us to share your love with others, that our faith may be seen in the life we live, for the sake of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
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