Greetings from Medford in the heart of fire season and the seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
We gathered with a remembrance that we only learn the things we ought to do through our prayers and the works of God’s community. Our first lesson from Genesis was the story of birth of Esau and Jacob and Esau foregoing his birthright for a bowl of lentils. The Psalmist praises God’s word as a light which will carry us down the path of fruitful life. The reading from the letter to the Romans reminds believers that Christ only condemns when we fail to observe and act on Jesus’ interpretation of the Law and the Prophets. Matthew’s gospel is the parable of the Sower and Jesus’ explanation of the parable to the disciples.
Our lessons today remind us that most believers, if they are honest with themselves, can struggle with the reality that their existence is filled with both good and poor choices. We hear of the dissolution of a family which is the pillar of our faith, Jacob and Esau, because there were poor choices made on both parts. We have an awareness, if we stop and listen, that all humanity is in the same boat – both good and bad – and that God’s grace saves each person from their self-imposed criticism and judgement. We should recognize that simply making our opponent into a meme doesn’t help us remember their humanity and belovedness in God’s eyes or as God’s creation.
How can we let God help us live into the grace we’ve been given and share that grace with others, especially for those who aren’t exactly like us? I invite your comments,
Les+
Lessons: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-7-sermon-2
