Lectionary for Pentecost 18

Lectionary for Pentecost 18.

Make a joyful noise to God; say to God, How awesome are your deeds! All the earth worships you, they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name. Psalm 66:1, 3-4

Collect. Father in heaven, the hand of your loving kindness powerfully yet gently guides all the moments of our day. Go before us in the pilgrimage of life, anticipate our needs and prevent our falling. Send your Spirit to unite us in faith, that, sharing in your service, we may rejoice in your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. 2 Timothy 2:8-15. As we begin to read this short passage it is easy to miss the profound statement that Paul is emphasising; namely that Jesus was born as a human being:”a descendant of David”. Paul is reminding Timothy that Jesus is one with us and what is even more amazing was that as a human being, though he had died, he was raised back to life again. This he says is “my gospel’ and it is because of this gospel that I am bound in chains.

For over two thousand years we have grown up with the knowledge of resurrection; we may not fully understand it but it has become part of our history. This was not the case for Paul! The resurrection marked a radical change to the normality of life. If a person could return from the dead then that event shattered the normal and natural order. The whole of life took on a different meaning for it opened up a new and unknown future. For those in authority it was the threat of death that underpinned their power over people. Paul was imprisoned in order to silence him but he rejoices because the truth about Jesus could not be bound for a new era had dawned. Thus Paul rejoices because the truth is able to be proclaimed and so even though he is suffering, the salvation that Jesus has won remains to give hope to every believer.

It is the faithfulness of God that is the guarantee that nothing can stop the radical change in life that Jesus resurrection has signalled. If Jesus as a human being could return from the dead and participate in a new era of life, then it was possible that any, or maybe every, human being had the potential to enter into a new era of life. While this gave new hope to the living the most significant message that Paul’s gospel announced was that once more God was now in control. Those who gave their trust and allegiance to God had opened a door into a future that the fear of death could not shake.

With this in mind Paul encourages Timothy to get on with the essential things of life and live out his ministry in such a way that he will not be ashamed when his earthly life is over. This exhortation should be our watch word also. Through Jesus we live with the hope and assurance of eternal life; yet we should not become complacent about how we live and the actions we take. By trusting in God and all that he has done for humanity our lives need to reflect the love and grace God has for all people.

Prayer. O Lord, you are abounding in love and faithfulness to all people, help us to respond to you by being true and faithful in all our relationships; not only with you but with each other. May the grace that you have poured out on us through Jesus inspire us to live lives in company with him. Grant that our trust will be in you alone; keeping you at the centre of of all we say and do. And so Lord, guided by your grace may your name be honoured throughout your world. We pray in Jesus name. Amen

Collect. God of healing and wholeness, you have drawn near in Jesus, and lifted our heads up high; help us to rejoice in what you provide, and offer thanks for each new day, in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Luke 17:11-19. Earlier in his account of Jesus ministry Luke has reminded us that he is on his way to face the events that would lead to both his death and his return to glory. (Luke 9:51). Therefore in this passage Luke is reminding us that Jesus is on his way to the final confrontation. On his journey Jesus travelled through Samaria.

Though he is facing the greatest challenge to his ministry, Luke is reminding us that Jesus was willing to attend to all those who asked for his help. In this case even a Samaritan. The Jews had a deep seated revulsion towards Samaritans. Historically the Samaritans, like the Jews linked their ancestry back to the twelve tribes stemming from the sons of Jacob. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after his confrontation at the Jabbok river on his way home from Paddan. With the death of king Solomon the kingdom has been divided with Judah and Benjamin forming the kingdom of Judah and the remaining ten tribes becoming the kingdom of Israel. The kingdom of Israel was overpowered by Assyria and taken into exile and their portion of the Promised Land was resettled with people from other nations and religions. Over the years some with Israeli heritage returned but the religious practise which evolved was a mixture of other religions and so they were not “pure” worshipers of the Lord God. Jesus speaks not only to Lepers; in itself a highly unusual thing for a rabbi, but he also addresses a Samaritan.

Jesus heals the group of lepers, telling them to confirm their healing to the religious authorities, honouring what was the normal way proscribed in the Law of Moses.(Leviticus 14) It is as they accept the healing that Jesus’ offers they are healed; “As they went, they became clean!” On noticing that his skin has been restored the Samaritan returns to thank Jesus while the other healed lepers show themselves to the priest and then get on with their lives. What is implied is that their lives leave no time to give thanks to the author of life! The passage further implies that Jesus considered giving thanks to God was of great importance.

Note the way he responds to the Samaritan’s return, “Where are the other nine?” To emphasise that the one healed was an outcast, and was also named as an outcast because his religion was not “pure” would to the Jews have been highly offensive.

The Samaritan is further blessed when Jesus tells him that his faith has made him well, giving him the assurance of his strong relationship with God; a relationship which was important to him or he would not have firstly given praise to God.

Leprosy was an illness that removed the leper from normal society and so Luke is reminding his readers of Jesus’ power and authority. Furthermore, Jesus is both willing and able to restore those who are outcasts and bereft.

Jesus’ teaching showed that God’s people had missed the real blessing while the Samaritan had been fully affirmed. This reminds everyone that those who consider they hold a “pure’ religion can miss out on the blessings and assurance that Jesus brings.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”. Proverbs 3:5–6. NRSV

Prayer. We thank you Lord that Jesus accepted all people and always worked for their good. Help us to recognise the healing that Jesus can bring to us and gladly accept his ministry of love. Help us also to trust in his work alone and so not try to place ourselves above or below others but to recognise that all are equal in your sight. Through your faithfulness Lord God, we know that where ever we go and whatever we do, you are always with us. Always with us to help and heal not to hinder or harm. Let us today draw strength from this knowledge, and live in the hope that is your gift to us. By your love and power grant us such a thankful heart as will praise you and expand our love for one another. This we ask through the merits of Jesus the Lord of life. Amen.