Lectionary Readings for Sunday 9.8.24 (Proper 18, 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, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday, September 2: Mark 7:24-37
Introduction:
Mark 7:24-37 highlights the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and His willingness to break through cultural barriers. The passage features two significant healings: the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter and a deaf man with a speech impediment. These miracles not only showcase Jesus' compassion but also emphasize the expansion of His mission beyond traditional Jewish boundaries, reflecting a message of universal grace and accessibility to divine healing.
Passage (NRSVue): Mark 7:24-37:
“From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went by way of Sidon toward the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’”
Summary:
Mark 7:24-37 demonstrates Jesus’ inclusive approach and divine compassion, extending His healing ministry to those outside the traditional Jewish community. The story of the Syrophoenician woman highlights the breaking of cultural barriers, while the healing of the deaf man illustrates Jesus’ deep empathy and transformative power. This passage reflects a message of openness and accessibility to God’s grace for all people.
Tuesday, September 3: James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17
Introduction:
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 addresses the integration of faith and action, specifically challenging favoritism and calling for genuine expressions of love and justice. This passage critiques partiality based on social status and emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through acts of compassion and justice. It underscores that living out one's faith involves caring for the marginalized and embodying the values of equality and mercy.
Passage (NRSVue):
James 2:1-10:
“My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘Have a seat here, please,’ while to the one who is poor you say, ‘Stand there, or sit at my feet,’ have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.”
James 2:14-17:
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”
Summary:
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 challenges believers to move beyond superficial expressions of faith to engage in meaningful acts of justice and compassion. It criticizes favoritism and highlights that true faith is evidenced by actions that reflect God’s love and justice. The passage emphasizes the integration of belief and practice, calling for a faith that actively addresses social inequalities and supports those in need.
Wednesday, September 4: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Introduction:
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 provides practical wisdom on the value of integrity, generosity, and justice. These proverbs highlight the importance of maintaining a good reputation and treating others with fairness and kindness. The passage underscores that true wealth is found in ethical behavior and the pursuit of justice, with a focus on protecting and advocating for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Passage (NRSVue):
Proverbs 22:1-2:
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all.”
Proverbs 22:8-9:
“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail. Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:22-23:
“Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils those who despoil them.”
Summary:
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 emphasizes that true value lies in integrity and justice rather than material wealth. It advocates for generosity and warns against exploiting the vulnerable. The passage highlights the importance of ethical behavior and fairness, asserting that God’s justice is on the side of the poor and oppressed, and those who act unjustly will face divine retribution.
Thursday, September 5: Psalm 125
Introduction:
Psalm 125 expresses trust in God’s protection and justice, using imagery of Mount Zion to symbolize stability and security. The psalm reflects the assurance that God will uphold the righteous and protect them from harm. It contrasts the fate of the faithful with that of the wicked, affirming that divine justice will prevail and provide a secure foundation for those who trust in God.
Passage (NRSVue): Psalm 125:1-5:
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time on and forevermore. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous might not stretch out their hands to do wrong. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts. But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers. Peace be upon Israel!”
Summary:
Psalm 125 conveys a message of divine protection and justice, assuring that those who trust in God are securely upheld, like Mount Zion. It contrasts the stability and safety afforded to the righteous with the eventual downfall of the wicked. The psalm highlights God's enduring presence and justice, promising peace and security for those who remain faithful.
Friday, September 6 - Find the Intersections
1. Inclusivity and God’s Compassion
Mark 7:24-37: Jesus’ healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter and the deaf man illustrates God’s compassion and inclusivity, reaching out to those who are marginalized.
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23: The call for justice and generosity toward the poor reflects God’s concern for all people, regardless of their status.
2. Justice and Equality
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23: Emphasizes the importance of treating all people with respect and justice, especially the poor and vulnerable, as all are created by God.
Psalm 125: Reinforces trust in God’s justice and protection, assuring us that God’s care extends to all who trust in Him.
3. Faith in Action and Rejection of Favoritism
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17: James challenges believers to reject favoritism and live out their faith through actions that demonstrate love and justice, particularly toward those who are marginalized.
Mark 7:24-37: Jesus’ actions in healing those on the margins serve as an example of living out faith through inclusive and compassionate actions.