Lectionary Readings for Sunday 9.22.24 (Proper 20, 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
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, September 16: Mark 9:30-37
Introduction: Mark 9:30-37 highlights the theme of humility and service within Jesus' teachings. In this passage, Jesus once again predicts His suffering and death, a concept that His disciples struggle to understand. He uses a child as a symbol of the humility and openness required to enter the Kingdom of God. This teaching challenges conventional notions of greatness and emphasizes that true greatness in the spiritual realm is defined by selfless service and welcoming those who are often overlooked.
Passage (NRSVue):Mark 9:30-37:
“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’”
Summary: Mark 9:30-37 contrasts the disciples’ preoccupation with status and power with Jesus' teaching on true greatness. Jesus predicts His suffering, an idea the disciples struggle to grasp. He addresses their argument about who is greatest by emphasizing that greatness in His kingdom is measured by humility and service. Using a child as an example, He teaches that welcoming and serving the vulnerable is the path to true greatness.
Tuesday, September 17: James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a
Introduction: James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a addresses the ethical implications of wisdom and the dangers of selfish ambition. The passage distinguishes between earthly and divine wisdom, urging believers to pursue a wisdom marked by purity, peace, and humility. It also confronts conflicts and desires that lead to strife and encourages submission to God as the path to spiritual renewal. This text calls for integrity and genuine faith that manifests in actions aligned with God's will.
Passage (NRSVue):James 3:13 – 4:3:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
James 4:7-8a:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Summary: James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a contrasts divine wisdom with earthly wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom is marked by purity, peace, and humility. It addresses the origins of conflicts and desires that lead to strife, urging believers to seek wisdom from God rather than selfish ambition. The passage calls for submission to God and emphasizes that genuine faith requires aligning one’s actions with divine principles.
Wednesday, September 18: Proverbs 31:10-31
Introduction: Proverbs 31:10-31 offers a portrait of an idealized woman who embodies wisdom, strength, and virtue. This passage praises her for her industriousness, care for her household, and charitable actions. Often interpreted as a celebration of the value of women’s contributions to family and society, it also reflects broader principles of diligence, integrity, and compassion that are universally applicable.
Passage (NRSVue):Proverbs 31:10-31:
“A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with eager hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, bringing her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.”
Summary: Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a woman of exceptional worth and capability, commending her for her dedication to her family, her industriousness, and her charity. This passage celebrates her strength, wisdom, and the respect she earns from her community. It serves as a tribute to the value of qualities such as diligence, kindness, and reverence for God.
Thursday, September 19: Psalm 1
Introduction: Psalm 1 sets the stage for the entire Book of Psalms by contrasting the righteous with the wicked. This psalm emphasizes the blessings of living in accordance with God’s law and highlights the stability and prosperity that come from such a life. It serves as an introduction to the psalms by outlining the fundamental principles of righteous living and the benefits of a life rooted in divine guidance.
Passage (NRSVue):Psalm 1:
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Summary: Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the joy and stability found in living according to God’s teachings. The righteous are likened to fruitful trees, reflecting the nourishment and growth that comes from a life centered on divine law. In contrast, the wicked are compared to chaff, which is easily blown away. This psalm underscores the importance of adhering to divine guidance and the resulting blessings.
Friday, September 20: Find the Intersection(s)
1. Humility and Service as True Greatness
Mark 9:30-37: Jesus redefines greatness as humility and service, particularly service to the vulnerable and marginalized.
Proverbs 31:10-31: The virtuous woman is praised not for status but for her hard work, service to her family and community, and her fear of the Lord. Her greatness is found in her dedication to others.
2. True Wisdom and the Dangers of Envy and Ambition
James 3:13–4:3, 7-8a: James warns against envy and selfish ambition, contrasting these with the true wisdom that comes from God, which leads to peace and righteousness.
Proverbs 31:10-31: The virtuous woman’s life reflects wisdom, not ambition for status, but wisdom rooted in service, kindness, and the fear of the Lord.
3. Choosing the Way of Righteousness
Psalm 1: The psalm presents a choice between the way of the righteous, which leads to flourishing, and the way of the wicked, which leads to destruction.
James 3:13–4:3, 7-8a: James urges his readers to submit to God and resist worldly temptations, choosing a path of humility and service.
4. The Blessings of Faithfulness
Psalm 1: The righteous, who delight in God’s law, are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit and flourishing.
Proverbs 31:10-31: The virtuous woman is praised for her faithfulness and integrity, and she is honored by her family and community as a result of her dedication and hard work.
Summary
These readings call us to live lives of humility, wisdom, and service. Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in serving others, especially the vulnerable. James challenges us to seek wisdom from God, rejecting envy and selfish ambition, and instead living lives that build peace and righteousness. Proverbs 31 presents a model of a life lived with integrity, generosity, and faithfulness, while Psalm 1 invites us to choose the way of righteousness, trusting in the blessings that come from aligning our lives with God’s will. Together, these passages challenge us to reflect on how we can live lives of faithful service, wisdom, and righteousness in our own communities.