Greetings from St. Mark’s on the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, the beginning of the end of our liturgical year.
We were gathered celebrating the truth that God and Jesus came to earth to separate the works of the devil from believers and lead believers to eternal life. Our first lesson from Joshua is Joshua’s challenge to Israel as he prepares to depart for them to choose whether they will serve God or their own gods. The Psalmist reminds us that as believers God hears our call for help, not because we are special but because God cares for us. The reading from the first letter to the Thessalonians proclaims the belief that those who are followers of God in Christ will be called to heaven just like those who came before us. Matthew’s gospel is the parable of the ten bridesmaids and how those who actively prepare for Christ’s return will be found at the heavenly banquet and eternal life.
This Sunday begins discussions of the paradox of the “now and the not yet” and how the ancient paradox shapes our life of faith both inside our churches and outside our walls. In many places, this week begins the pledge campaign (mistakenly called the stewardship drive). The parable helps unseat us from our comfortable places: why can’t the bridesmaids cooperate? Why doesn’t the bridegroom welcome their kin even though they weren’t ready? And many others. Jesus irritates us and forces us to take a step back and breathe – to find the real story of faith and a place where we can do the hard work of faith. We are called to provide hope by sharing the need for preparation with others and doing our part to help all see where God is calling them to prepare.
How does the unsettling nature of this parable invite you to deepen your relationship with God, yourself, and your community? I invite your comments,
Les+
Lessons: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-24-sermon
