Lectionary for Pentecost 22
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and freed me from all my fears. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who take refuge in him. Psalm 34:4, 8
Collect. O God, light to the blind and joy to the troubled, in your only-begotten Son you have given us a high priest, just and compassionate toward those who groan in oppression and sorrow. Listen to our cry; grant that all may recognise in him the tenderness of your love, and walk in the way that leads towards you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Hebrews 7:23-28. The High Priest was at the very centre of the sacrificial life of the Israelite community. Essential though it was to the worship life of the community it was not everlasting for each time a High Priest died a new one had to be chosen and installed. Jesus however continues for ever and so he is able to execute his priestly role eternally: thus those who are saved through his priestly ministry are equally saved eternally. As the writer says, Jesus is able to continually make intercession on their behalf. All those who trust in Jesus can confidently know that they are eternally secure in Him.
When the former Aaronic High Priest was preparing to offer sacrifice on behalf of the people, he had to separate himself for seven days in order to be purified before God. Jesus has no need to ever stand apart for his single offering of himself on the cross prepares him for his priesthood, purified for all times. Think how great a leap forward is the priesthood of Jesus when compared to the sacrificial system the Hebrew tribes relied on. As we think about that transition we can have great peace knowing that we have a perfect High Priest who on the one hand knows every aspect of human life and struggle and yet lived that human life, holy and blameless. Hallelujah; What a Saviour.
Prayer. All thanks and praise to you Lord God for sending Jesus to be the great High Priest who continuously applies to us his great salvation. We thank you for the peace that is all encompassing, passing all understanding; His mercy gives us complete assurance of an ongoing relationship with you and with all the company of heaven. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may live lives which are honouring to the Lord Jesus Christ. Unite us in one great fellowship of faith and love: We pray in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; One God for ever and ever. Amen
Reading. Mark 10:46-52. In this final miracle Mark depicts Jesus accepting the Messianic title of Son of David. This was a clear change for consistently Mark had recorded that Jesus demanded that his identity be known only to an intimate few. Throughout his Gospel Mark has emphasised the coming Kingdom. This announcement had been on the lips of Jesus from the beginning. (Mark 1:15). Suddenly Mark has Jesus openly allowing the title to be used. The crowd however are not happy with the title for it referred in Israel to the King and the coming Kingdom. Due to Roman occupation this title could lead to serious consequences as it would have been counted as an act of sedition against the authority of Rome. Mark is preparing the way to the cross.
The Synoptic Gospels all include the healing of a blind man, though in Matthew the healing is of two blind men. It is only in Mark that the blind man is named. Perhaps this suggests that Bartimaeus was known to the congregations to whom Mark was writing his account of Jesus’ ministry. This point may be being emphasised as Mark notes that Bartimaeus followed him on the way, remembering that believers were originally called, “follower of the Way”! Despite the crowd trying to silence him Bartimaeus will not desist as this presents him with his one opportunity to achieve his desired goal. When Jesus asks him what his need is Bartimaeus addresses Jesus in a very personal way; Rabbouni, My Teacher! It is much more personal than simply Rabbi, Teacher. This title will be used again in John’s Gospel when Mary greets the resurrected Jesus in the garden. (John20:16). In the healing of Bartimaeus, Mark is describing a deeply personal faith in Jesus Christ and is assuring his readers that Jesus does not disappoint. Due to the miracle Bartimaeus’s whole way of life will change. Mark is reminding his readers that the ministry of Jesus is life changing for all those who trust in Him.
Prayer. Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you brought sight to the blind and hope to the despairing; today in our world there are many who are crying out for comfort and mercy; and so we pray for our world, continuing to be locked in a struggle to overcome the virus which has gripped us all. We thank you that as the Great Creator we can look to you for the guidance we need. We know through Jesus that you are a just and merciful God in whom we can trust; and so we pray, grant us the peace that helps us place our whole trust in you. Give to us the confidence to look towards the future with hope; knowing that you are the one who is always walking ahead of us; help us to follow where you lead. Above all Lord, help us to be equipped and ready to serve in your name wherever we are. Trusting in your strength alone may we live to honour you in all circumstances. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. O God, energy of compassion, we praise you; you found us in rags, and opened our eyes, that we may proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
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