Greetings from the Rector’s Study as the summer solstice approaches and our post-Pentecost journey picks up speed.
We gathered with a remembrance that God’s grace is what empowers us to boldly minister with compassion to ensure justice comes to earth. Our first lesson from Genesis was the story of Abraham meeting the messengers at Mamre and Sarah’s birthing of Isaac by God’s command. The Psalmist sings the reminder that God is more than worth of praise and that our greatest offering is fulfilling our vow to be in God’s community on earth. The reading from the letter to the Romans proclaims we are justified by faith and that God’s love for us is demonstrated in Christ’s offering for us. Matthew’s gospel lays out the commissioning of the Apostles to proclaim the good news and to heal the community, so God’s grace may be recognized.
On the third Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate and remember the commission afforded the apostles, and by extension, our commission. Our mission as ones sent by God is not to make people just like us, rather, we are commissioned to proclaim the good news and to heal our community through God’s grace. Our job and mission is not to simply grow our church, rather it is to provide hope and wholeness in a world darkened by division and sin. We are called to restore hope and community to those who are lost and confused. As we reach out and do the work of God, people will be changed and lives will be improved along the way. Once we reach out with God, we will see the place God is calling us to serve.
How do you capitalize on being God’s chosen person to help others find health and wholeness in the middle of their often-mundane lives? I invite your comments,
Les+
Lessons: Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7; Psalm 116:1, 10-17; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:23
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-3-sermon-1
