Greetings from St. Mark’s on the Feast of St. Francis and the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, a celebration filled with companion animals and continuing our journey through Ordinary Time.
We were gathered with the recognition that God listens more than we pray and knows what we truly need in our journey of faith. Our first lesson from Exodus is the delivery of the 10 Commandments by Moses to Israel in the wilderness. The Psalmist sings a song of praise to God and the recounting of God’s blessing, even in our sin and separation from God’s ever-present grace. The reading from the letter to the Philippians describes Paul’s status in the eyes of the world which is counter to Paul’s status as a believer in Christ. Matthew’s gospel offers the parable of the unfaithful tenant in the vineyard, and Jesus’ continuing critique of the leaders.
As we live into our profession of faith in the power of Jesus and the grace and mercy of God in our world, we need to remember that being chosen by God and called to minister in God’s name is not simply a blessing which leads us to eternal life and salvation. As Israel identifies as God’s chosen people, it is likely that wasn’t exclusive. The blessing afforded to Israel came with a responsibility to fulfill (as best we are able) God’s commandments – to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our faith has consequences for us – to seek and serve Christ in all others and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It’s not enough to lead, rather we must lead with purpose and an eye on God in all creation. Our responsibility as Christians is to follow in our Jewish forebearers footsteps and share God’s bounty with others.
How will you bring God’s power to the world to make meaningful change for all, not just the “insiders” but all creation? I invite your comments,
Les+
Lessons: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 14-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-19-sermon-2
