Lectionary Readings for Sunday 9.15.24 (Proper 19, 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
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday, September 9 - Mark 8:27-38
Introduction: Mark 8:27-38 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus responds with a profound teaching on the nature of His mission. This passage reveals Jesus' expectation of suffering and rejection, which contrasts sharply with contemporary notions of a triumphant Messiah. It challenges followers to reconsider the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that true faith requires self-denial and a commitment to values that often go against societal norms.
Passage (NRSVue):Mark 8:27-38:
“Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’”
Summary: Mark 8:27-38 reveals the complexity of Jesus' mission, contrasting Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah with Jesus' prediction of suffering and rejection. Jesus challenges His followers to embrace a path of self-denial and sacrifice, redefining the concept of discipleship. The passage underscores that true commitment to Jesus involves prioritizing divine values over worldly success and being willing to face hardship for the sake of the gospel.
Tuesday, September 10 - James 3:1-12
Introduction: James 3:1-12 explores the profound impact of speech and the challenges of controlling one's words. The passage uses vivid imagery to illustrate how the tongue, though small, can exert significant influence, both positively and negatively. It emphasizes the need for consistency between one's faith and speech, warning against the destructive power of careless or malicious words and highlighting the importance of integrity in communication.
Passage (NRSVue):James 3:1-12:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships, though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.”
Summary: James 3:1-12 emphasizes the considerable power and potential danger of the tongue. The passage uses analogies of bits and rudders to illustrate how small actions or words can have a significant impact. It calls for careful management of speech, urging believers to ensure that their words reflect their faith and contribute positively rather than causing harm or discord.
Wednesday, September 11 - Proverbs 1:20-33
Introduction: Proverbs 1:20-33 personifies Wisdom as a figure calling out in public spaces, urging people to embrace knowledge and heed her counsel. The passage contrasts the outcomes of embracing wisdom versus rejecting it, emphasizing that ignoring Wisdom’s guidance leads to disaster. It highlights the importance of seeking divine understanding and the consequences of turning away from it.
Passage (NRSVue):Proverbs 1:20-33:
“Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: ‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, and because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you, when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.’”
Summary: Proverbs 1:20-33 depicts Wisdom as a crucial, yet often ignored, guide for living a righteous life. The passage highlights the severe consequences of rejecting Wisdom’s call, including eventual distress and calamity. It underscores the value of seeking divine guidance and adhering to it, promising security and peace to those who follow Wisdom’s counsel.
Thursday, September 12 - Psalm 19
Introduction: Psalm 19 reflects on the revelation of God through creation and the law. The psalmist celebrates the ways in which God’s glory is manifested in the natural world and in the divine commandments. It emphasizes both the beauty of God’s creation and the importance of aligning one's life with divine instructions, highlighting the transformative power of both natural and written revelation.
Passage (NRSVue):Psalm 19:1-14:
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Summary: Psalm 19 extols the majesty of God’s creation and the transformative power of divine law. It celebrates how the natural world and the Torah both reveal God's glory and guide humanity. The psalmist acknowledges the value of adhering to divine commands and seeks purity and acceptance before God, reflecting on the integral relationship between creation, revelation, and personal integrity.
Friday, September 13 - Find the Intersection(s)
1. The Call to Discipleship and Putting God First
Mark 8:27-38: Jesus’ call to take up the cross and follow Him challenges us to prioritize God's mission over our own comfort or status. It invites us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.
Proverbs 1:20-33: The call of Wisdom is also a call to put God’s ways first. Ignoring wisdom leads to destruction, while embracing it leads to life and peace.
2. The Power of Words and Their Impact
James 3:1-12: James’ teaching on the power of the tongue reminds us that words are powerful and must be used responsibly. What we say can either build up or destroy, and taming the tongue is a vital part of living out our faith.
Psalm 19: The psalmist’s prayer that the words of their mouth be pleasing to God aligns with James’ message, urging us to ensure that our speech reflects the wisdom and goodness of God.
3. The Pursuit of Wisdom
Proverbs 1:20-33: Wisdom calls out to everyone, urging them to listen and change. It is a call to live a life that is aligned with God’s ways, promising security and peace to those who follow.
Psalm 19: God’s law is described as perfect and wise, reviving the soul and making the simple wise. This highlights the connection between following God’s commands and living a life of wisdom.
4. The Revelation of God’s Truth
Psalm 19: The psalm reflects on how creation and God’s law reveal His truth, calling us to live in harmony with God’s ways.
Mark 8:27-38: Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Messiah, and the difficult truth of His impending suffering, challenges His disciples to embrace a deeper understanding of God's purposes.