Blessings to you on the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, a Sunday where we begin our transition towards fall.
Our invitation to worship is a prayer asking for unity through the Holy Spirit which will allow us to share power and God’s love with others. Our first lesson from the Prophet Jeremiah recounts God’s call on Jeremiah, even when Jeremiah feels unworthy to be a prophet. The Psalmist’s refrain recounts the refuge taken in God’s presence so that the faithful won’t feel overwhelmed. The New Testament reading from Hebrews lays out the blessing we find in the new Jerusalem, and that the God we serve is approachable not like the God of Sinai. Our Gospel from Luke is the story of Jesus healing a woman who had been ill for 18 years on the sabbath and then standing against the temple leader who wants his rules followed more than God’s call for us to heal everyone.
Our lessons and sermon highlight the dynamics of our call and response to God’s calling on our life. We can feel overwhelmed by the size of the call but need to be assured that every person called by God is equipped to do the work God calls them to. Our “job” as Christians will, very likely, upset some in our society because: the gospel isn’t about us, we are highlighting people and actions which divide as opposed to build, and that the work we do helps the marginalized more than the powerful. But we are assured that the work we do is meaningful and brings hope for all. Our work breaks down barriers and builds up neighbors.
How will you allow your life to be changed as you change other people’s lives for good? Who are you called to serve? I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-11-sermon-1
