Lectionary for Sunday 28
Rejoice in the Lord always; the Lord is near. Philippians 4:4, 5
Collect. Let us pray (that God will help us to love one another): Lord, our help and our guide, make your love the fountain of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Philippians 4:1-9. The church at Philippi had been founded by Paul after he responded to his “Macedonian call”. (Acts 16:9) The church had flourished and had been a loving and generous supporter of Paul’s ministry. Now in this passage some years have passed and Paul who by now is probably a prisoner in Rome, (Phil 1:13), is, among other things urging the whole congregation to stand firm in the Lord. The purpose of standing firm is to obtain the prize at the coming of the Lord! As a response to “standing firm’ Paul pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to settle the difference of opinion which is of great concern to him. We do not know what the argument was based on but we do know that Paul also had a concern that false teaching was circulating around the congregation. (Phil 3:2). These two leaders are called to set an example of working together for divided leadership can tear a congregation apart. They along with Paul have worked hard for the gospel but it can be all unravelled through disunity. As a way of settling their dispute they along with the whole congregation are urged to set their hearts and minds on all that Jesus Christ has done for them and let that knowledge bring both joy and peace to each one of them. Paul has already said that nothing is of value save knowing Christ and his saving love for them. Differences of opinion need to be set aside when we are under the authority of Jesus Christ for by his command, even enemies are to be loved and prayed for. (Luke 6:27). As we are all one in Christ how much more should we love those who are in our own fellowship? True joy is only to be found in Jesus Christ it is never to be found by winning an argument.
When we put aside our differences it is then that God’s peace can guard our hearts for our focus is not on whether we are right or the other person is wrong but on who God is. How awesome and majestic it is to be under his protection and care. Leaders do have to lead yet leadership should always be with an aim of gathering all together under Christ’s authority. That is why Paul urges the Philippians to keep to true doctrine that they have heard and seen in his ministry.
There is more in this passage than urging us to settle our disputes. Above all it reminds us that each one of us can take our cares and concerns to God and in God we can find comfort and peace. The passage is worthy of committing to memory for it contains all the assurance and comfort we need to face each day for it reminds us that God’s power and love surround us at all times and in all circumstances. Rejoice in the Lord and find peace.
Prayer. Holy God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, we thank you that you are the one on whom we can always rely. Today we bring to you our world and all that is in it. All around we hear of destruction and war, of lives torn apart by violence and hatred. Our hearts are anxious for the safety of people we do not know, and we wonder what the future holds. Yet Lord God we also know that in you there is perfect peace and true forgiveness. As we pray for our world, grant that our hearts are stayed on you and help us to trust you for each day that unfolds, confident in the knowledge that you hold the future and you care for each person no matter who or what they are. Help us to bring the message of Jesus Christ and his saving grace into every conversation, trusting not in our wisdom but in your infinite wisdom and power, for you are able to bring peace and restoration. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Matthew 22:1-14. To human wisdom it would seem that the kingdom of God is further away today than ever, yet we know that it is foolish to think that way. As our passage from Matthew reminds us God is preparing the wedding feast for the Son. The parable tells us that the kingdom is not a place but an event, a happening. In this event is acceptance and celebration and yet though invited the chosen guests refuse to participate. The parable at this point picks up the theme that Jesus has been declaring in the parable of the tenants in the vineyard. Participation in the kingdom is now available but those for whom it is prepared are refusing the invite. The reasons that are put forward for not participating are normal and legitimate life events, working on the farm or attending to business. However the refusal is an insult to the king and abusive to the messengers tasked with the responsibility of issuing the invitations. Participation in the feast was an invitation to joy and celebration but a preference to hold onto the cares and worries of this world held them back. Because of the chosen ones refusal, other guests are invited even to the lowest level of the society. In the parable no one is left off the invitation list, a reminder that the invitation came not through merit but by the grace of the King.
Though all are welcome there are still some requirements. As the parable indicates each guest is to have on a wedding garment, that is what the king requires. The parable does not indicate if the king supplied all the guests with “wedding robes” but from a Christian perspective we would understand that we can only come into the celebration when clothed with the covering of Jesus Christ. As Romans 13 implores us to put on the armour of light which is a sign that we belong to Jesus Christ and are trusting in him alone. (Romans 13:12ff)
The parable reminds us that God’s preparations for the future are already in place and no earthly events will prevent what God has prepared from taking place. The true perspective of a Christian is that Jesus is already reigning and one day we will be with him. The end will not be determined by war and violence but when and as God chooses. Jesus was issuing a warning to his religious contemporaries. He was also reminding them that the opportunity to join in the celebration remained.
For us the parable also reminds us of the invitation that is there for us to join the joy of God’s celebration of the victory of Jesus. It is guiding us to not be blinded by the events of the day but to recognise that despite all the indications we still live in God’s creation and God is still in charge. It is also a reminder that as we come through God’s invitation we can only come as God demands, through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Prayer. Almighty and Ever Living God we pray that your grace would flow to all that you have invited to the wedding feast of your Son and that none would seek to ignore that invitation. May all our hearts be open to receive the gift of coming into your presence where we can find the peace and assurance that will free us from fear and worry. Despite the disorder that we see and hear may we never doubt that you have prepared a new way forward in every situation for nothing is a surprise for you. Above all guide us as we trust in Jesus Christ, in all circumstances to strengthen us and lead us on. We pray in Jesus name. Amen
Collect. Generous God, you invite all people to the wedding banquet of your Son, and you clothe us in the righteousness of Christ that we may come; help us always to rejoice in your presence, and to look for the coming kingdom of Christ our Lord. Amen.
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