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. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Proper 21 Yr A
Editor's note: During the season of Pentecost, churches that use the Revised Common Lectionary have two options. One, often called "semicontinuous" or "Track 1", provides more detail about the Old Testament stories. The other, called "complementary" or "Track 2", more closely marries the Old Testament lesson to the gospel reading.
Introduction
Introduction
The concept of “do what is right” is echoed in each of the appointed lessons for Sunday. God tells Moses what he needs to do to stop the whining of the people; and Moses does it. From the Prophet Ezekiel, we hear the reminder that "you reap what you sow"; if you're gonna sin, you'll pay a price. In the gospel, we get to chose who "did the right thing", the son who said "yes" but didn't do the work or the son who said "no" but did the work anyway.
But especially in Philippians is this message clear: “. . . be of the same mind [as Christ], having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. . . . ” Take a minute to read the full passage again.
My first observation is there is no mistaking the directive in this passage: Be like Jesus! We know that means be humble and be obedient. How is this so simple and easy to do? How is it difficult to approach? Think on these things.
Comments welcome.
Matthew 21:23-32
Matthew 21:23-32
. . . Jesus said to them, . . . “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
From sermon4kids.com: “. . . In telling the story, Jesus wanted us to realize that what we do is more important than what we say we will do. Jesus wants us to answer, “Yes,” when he tells us to “Love one another,” but what he really wants is for us to love one another! . . .”
Scripture: October 1, 2023, Proper 21 (Pentecost 18) Year A—Track 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (image); Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 (image); Track 2: Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32 (image); Psalm 25:1-8 (image); Philippians 2:1-13 (image); and Matthew 21:23-32 (image). Illuminating the scripture, an image and audio journey.
Collect: O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection:
Track 1: What does it mean to do the will of God? Has God ever shown up in the middle of your complaining? When have you been wandering in a “wilderness of sin”?
Track 2: The tax collectors and prostitutes, who were commonly known to be sinners, recognized God’s righteousness in John the Baptist and Jesus, while the religious authorities (the elders) did not. Do you know of any comparable examples today?
Source: Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press.
Eye Candy:
gospel illustration by Cerezo Berrado;
"Refuge" from The Painted Word by John Reilly
"My child go work in the vinyard today" by Eugène Burnand ;
"Pouring out" (contemporary), digital art by Hannah Garrity;
"discern what is right" (contemporary), digital art by Hannah Garrity
Red Vineyards by van Gogh
Ear Worm:
“Thy Word” by Amy Grant;
“J-E-S-U-S” by Leon Patilla;
“Let this mind be in you” by Lee Hoiby
Brain Food:
The third twin by Ken Follett, a suspense novel that may be akin to the two sons parable;
“The Two Sons” from the edge of enclosure weblog;
“Identified Sinners” from the Waking Dreamer weblog
Parables:
“The Savages” (2012, R)—siblings caring for aging parent, Review;
“The White Balloon“ (1995, unrated), siblings caring for each other, Review;
“Adaptation” (2002, R), a Spike Jonze film about passions, about imagined sibling, Review
Hymn Notes: "J-E-S-U-S" (referenced above) was written by Leon Patillo, a musician who had traveled with music elites like Carlos Santana. Read about his journey and how this song came to be here.
For families: Study guide and activities, (former guide), group activity, snacks, kid video
For children: See family guide/activities (other activity); bulletin, craft
For middlers: See family guide/activities (other activity); bulletin, craft
Coloring: Exodus 14, Forgive others
For youth: As is commonplace in the stories about Jesus’ life on earth, the chief priests and elders challenge him about his authority. Why do you think they did that? And why do you think Jesus answered with a question? Now turn your attention to the parable of the two sons: one said “no” to his father but relented and worked as asked to do; the other said “yes” to his father but never did the work. Try to put yourself in both sons’ shoes. What do you think was going on? And which of the two sons are you most like?
(excerpted from “What God has given us to do”, part of the Lesson Plans that Work series from the Episcopal Church)Extra: Video for “Is the Bible true?”
Comments welcome.
After Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, several groups who opposed him challenged him. Today he is questioned by the official leaders, the chief priests and elders. They question his authority but he responds with a question that reveals their own weakness. Then in a parable, Jesus warns them that their privileged positions will not insure them a place in God’s kingdom.
Track 1. As we continue the story of the Exodus, the people and God reach another crisis. God provided them with food but now they demand water or else they will turn back. Yet God loves them, rebels though they are, and acts to provide them water in the wilderness.
Track 2. In the first reading today, God appeals to the people through the prophet Ezekiel. God wishes to save everyone. The matter is in the people’s hands. They may repent and be saved or they may refuse and be lost. “I have no pleasure in anyone’s death,” says God, “Turn then and live.”
We continue to read from Philippians. Paul encourages his friends to live in unity and care for one another. As the example of how they are to live, he quotes what was probably an early Christian hymn about Christ’s self-giving love for us.
We gather week by week, a people called into God’s family. God sets no barrier to us or to anyone; only we can erect a barrier between God and ourselves. God calls us in this holy meal to join in that family of God for whom Christ emptied himself and gave up his life for us. We rejoice and join with all creation and every tongue in confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.
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