Lectionary Readings for Sunday 10.13.24 (Proper 23, Year B)
The interwoven story of Christ in the Scriptures
Enter the Story
Ordinary Time
The church year is divided into liturgical time and ordinary time. Liturgical time proceeds from Advent, through Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter to Pentecost and is structured loosely around the progression of the story of the Christ Event. Ordinary Time encompasses the other half of the year and has no specific thematic foci that shape Sunday worship.
And so we move into Kingdomtide or Ordinary Time, and the Lectionary begins the journey of challenging us again to live out the message and mission of Jesus that we have been remembering through the events of the Church Calendar so far.
Weekly Collect Prayer
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday, October 7, 2024: Mark 10:17-31
Introduction
In this passage from the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a rich narrative that illustrates the teachings of Jesus as he interacts with a wealthy young man seeking eternal life. This account takes place during a time of significant social and political change in first-century Judea, where wealth and status often dictated one's place in society. Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of wealth, emphasizing the importance of humility, generosity, and reliance on God over material possessions. As we read, we are invited to reflect on our own values and the ways in which our relationships with wealth and community shape our spiritual journeys.
Mark 10:17-31 (CEB)
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him. He asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except the one God. You know the commandments: Don’t murder; Don’t commit adultery; Don’t steal; Don’t give false testimony; Don’t defraud; Honor your father and mother.”
He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things since my youth.”
Jesus looked at him carefully and loved him. He said, “You lack one thing: Go, sell what you own and give the money to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But the man was dismayed at this statement and went away saddened, because he had many possessions.
Looking around, Jesus said to his disciples, “It’s very hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples were shocked at these words. But Jesus said again, “Children, it’s difficult to enter the kingdom of God. It’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
They were even more amazed and said to each other, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
Peter said to him, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers or sisters, mother or father, children, or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news will receive 100 times as much now in this life—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Summary
In Mark 10:17-31, a rich young man approaches Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, which makes the man sad because he has many things. Jesus then explains how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, comparing it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing love and generosity over material wealth, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from helping others and building community rather than accumulating riches.
Themes:
The Importance of Humility: Recognizing our need for help and guidance.
Wealth and Spirituality: Understanding that money can be a barrier to true connection with God.
Sacrifice for a Greater Good: The call to give up personal comforts for the sake of others.
Eternal Life through Faith: Emphasizing belief and trust in God as the way to everlasting life.
Community and Support: The value of being part of a loving and supportive community in our faith journey.
Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Hebrews 4:12-16
Introduction
The passage from Hebrews 4:12-16 is a powerful reminder of the word of God as both a source of wisdom and a tool for reflection. Written in the first century, the book of Hebrews addresses a community of Jewish Christians who faced challenges in maintaining their faith amidst persecution and cultural pressures. This text emphasizes the transformative power of scripture, highlighting its ability to penetrate our thoughts and intentions. It encourages readers to approach God with confidence, knowing that they can find grace and mercy in times of need, reinforcing the idea that faith is an ongoing journey of growth and understanding.
Hebrews 4:12-16 (CEB)
12 God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before God no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Summary
This passage from Hebrews emphasizes the power of God's word, describing it as sharp and able to discern our thoughts and intentions. It reminds us that we cannot hide anything from God, as everything is exposed before Him. The text encourages believers to approach God with confidence and seek mercy and grace, especially in times of need, highlighting the importance of a relationship with the divine that is both honest and supportive.
Themes:
God's Word is Powerful: It can change lives and hearts.
Truth Reveals Our Inner Self: It helps us understand who we really are.
Compassionate High Priest: Jesus understands our struggles and challenges.
Approach God with Confidence: We can come to God freely with our needs.
Grace in Times of Need: God offers help and support when we need it most.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024: Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Introduction
The passage from Job 23:1-9, 16-17 takes place in a time when Job, a wealthy and righteous man, faces immense suffering and loss. As he grapples with his circumstances, he expresses his desire to speak to God and understand the reasons behind his suffering. This text is part of a larger dialogue in the Book of Job, which explores deep questions about justice, faith, and the nature of God in the face of human pain. Understanding this context helps readers appreciate the emotional struggle Job endures and the profound questions about existence that his story invites us to consider.
Job 23:1-9, 16-17 (CEB)
1 Job answered: 2 “Today my complaint is bitter; my strength is weighed down because of my groaning. 3 If only I knew how to find him, to go to his dwelling! 4 I would present my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would learn how he would respond to me; I would discover what he would say. 6 Would he vigorously oppose me? No, he would pay attention to me. 7 There an upright person could present his case before him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
8 But I go east, and he isn’t there; I go west, but I can’t find him. 9 I look for him to the north, but he’s hidden; I turn south, but I still can’t find him.
16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. 17 If only I had never been born, or had died at birth!
Summary
In this passage from Job, the main character expresses his deep feelings of confusion and despair as he seeks to understand his suffering. Job longs for a chance to speak directly to God, believing that he would find answers to his questions about justice and fairness. He reflects on how he feels distant from God and struggles to see a reason for the hardships he faces. Despite his pain, Job holds onto the hope that there is a greater purpose behind his experiences, showing that even in difficult times, people can search for meaning and connection with the divine.
Themes:
Seeking Understanding: Job questions the reasons for his suffering.
Divine Silence: Job feels abandoned and struggles to find God.
Justice and Injustice: Job highlights the unfairness of his situation.
Hope in Despair: Despite his pain, Job holds on to a sense of hope.
The Search for Truth: Job is determined to seek the truth about his circumstances.
Thursday, October 10, 2024: Psalm 22:1-15
Introduction
Psalm 22 is a poignant expression of deep anguish and suffering, traditionally attributed to King David. Written in a time when the Israelites faced significant trials, this psalm reflects the struggles of a faithful individual feeling abandoned yet still reaching out to God. Its vivid imagery and emotional depth resonate with readers, illustrating the human experience of despair while simultaneously conveying hope for deliverance. This text has been influential throughout history, often seen as a prophetic glimpse into the suffering of future generations, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in our faith.
Psalm 22:1-15 (CEB)
"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I cry out but my God, I don’t receive any help. I cry out by day, but you don’t answer; by night, but I can’t rest. Yet you are the holy one, enthroned as Israel’s praise. Our ancestors trusted you; they trusted you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved; they trusted you and weren’t disappointed. But I’m a worm, not a person; scorned by people, despised by others. Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads. “Commit yourself to the LORD! Let the LORD rescue him; let the LORD deliver him, because he delights in him.” It was you who brought me out of the womb, placing me safely at my mother’s breasts. I was thrown on you from birth; you’ve been my God since my mother bore me. Don’t be far from me, because trouble is near, and there’s no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their mouths to devour me like a lion, roaring and roaring. I’m poured out like water, and all my bones are dislocated. My heart is like wax; it melts away inside me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me down in the dust of death."
Summary
In Psalm 22:1-15, the speaker expresses deep feelings of despair and abandonment, crying out to God for help while feeling surrounded by suffering and mockery. Despite these intense emotions, the psalm reflects a journey of faith where the individual acknowledges their pain but also remembers their trust in God. This passage highlights the human experience of feeling lost, yet it emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and the belief that divine support is still present, even in the darkest times.
Themes
Questioning faith in tough times.
The struggle between despair and hope.
The importance of community support.
The feeling of abandonment.
The power of prayer and lament.
Trusting in a greater purpose despite suffering.
Friday, October 11, 2024: Find the Intersection(s)
Intersections and Themes
The passages for this week share several common threads that weave through the biblical texts, revealing deep insights about faith, human experience, and our relationship with God:
1. Seeking Understanding in Difficult Times
• The rich man in Mark seeks eternal life
• Job searches for answers to his suffering
• The psalmist cries out to God in distress
2. The Struggle Between Material and Spiritual Wealth
• Jesus challenges the rich man's attachment to possessions
• Job's loss of material wealth leads to spiritual questioning
• The psalmist feels "poured out like water," stripped of everything
3. Divine Presence and Perceived Absence
• The rich man seeks Jesus for guidance
• Job feels he cannot find God despite searching
• The psalmist cries out, feeling abandoned by God
• Hebrews reminds us of Jesus as a sympathetic high priest
4. The Power of Vulnerability and Honesty Before God
• Jesus invites the rich man to be vulnerable by giving up his possessions
• Job expresses his raw emotions to God
• The psalmist pours out their heart in lament
• Hebrews encourages approaching God's throne with boldness
5. Transformation Through Faith and Struggle
• Jesus challenges the disciples' understanding of salvation
• Job's suffering leads to deeper spiritual insight
• The psalmist moves from despair to hope
• Hebrews speaks of God's word as active and transformative
These intersections remind us that faith is a journey filled with questions, challenges, and growth. They encourage us to approach God honestly, even in our doubts and struggles, trusting that this vulnerability can lead to deeper understanding and spiritual transformation.