Greetings on the sixth Sunday after Pentecost – our continuing journey this summer in our faith.
Our invitation to worship is a prayer reminding us that God knows everything we need before we ask and will provide everything we need to survive. Our first lesson from Amos, relates the condemnation of the Israelite leaders as they did what was against God’s will and direction. The Psalmist’s refrain condemns the tyrant because they do things which are against the desires of God for health and wholeness in creation. The New Testament reading Colossians gives a perspective of Jesus as the one for whom the world finds its wholeness. Our Gospel from Luke tells the story of Martha and Mary and one who is overly diligent in over-functioning and one who sits at Jesus’ feet to hear Jesus teach.
Our lessons lead us to consider the motivation for our faith with and toward the community we live in. We are invited to determine whether we use our standards to measure other’s ministry or whether we provide space for God to work in and through others in ways different than with us. While the focus of our ministry is, or should be, focused on pleasing God and allowing others to please God in their way. But, being human, we realize we don’t always get “it” right. But, as Thomas Merton reminds us, we should be assured that God is pleased by our attempt to please God, even if we are flawed in our action. Our job is to be faithful as we are called to be faithful and support others as they are faithful in their way.
How will you support those you are in community with to strive to be the best they can be for God? I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-6-sermon
