Proper 26 Yr A
Humility
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
Initially, the gospel might sound like a repeat (and in some ways it is). "If you exalt yourself, you will be humbled. If you humble yourself, you will be exalted." Very reminescent of "the first will be last and the last will be first." And that reminds me of a story. I was teaching that concept ("first will be last) to teens a few years back. A response of one of the teens was, "Then I'll just be last in line so I can really be first." Of course that really misses the mark but was very clever thinking on the teen's part. This concept has been repeated in different ways over the past month or so.
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
From sermon4kids.com: “When it comes to living the Christian life, we need to make sure we do what we say. ”
Scripture: November 5, 2023, Proper 26 (Pentecost 23) Year A—Track 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (image); Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 (image); Track 2: Micah 3:5-12 (image); Psalm 43 (image); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (image); and Matthew 23:1-12 (image). A visual/audio journey
Collect: Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection:
Track 1: Jesus gives a sharp critique of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:1–12). It is easy to find faults in others; can you see any of the scribes’ and Pharisees’ behavior in yourself?
Track 2: Each day this week, look for one example of exquisite humility exercised by someone (a family member, friend, neighbor, stranger, yourself) and meditate on what it means that the one who is humble is the greatest among us.
Source: Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press.
Eye Candy:
“The Ten Commandments“, wood carving from a church in Poland;
“Greatest commandment” by Matt Philleo;
artwork from Pinterest
Ear Worm:
“Rise up, O church of God“, men’s chorus and congregation, The Netherlands;
“Love the Lord your God“, kid song;
“Jesus, lover of my soul” by Hillsong
Brain Food:
“commentary” from Church of Scotland;
“The great command and the work of Christ“, from Left Behind and Loving it weblog;
“Sonnet of the star and ship“, poem for the lectionary
Parables:
“Almost famous” (2000, R), “seductive nature of temptation, "a coming of age drama", influence of mother and rock music on teenager, Review;
“The Emperor’s New Groove“ (2000, animated, G), a goofy Disney movie, Review;
“The Hurricane“ (1999, R), story of man sentenced for murder he did not commit, about hope, story of potent force of small doses of hope, love is more powerful than hate, Review 1, Review 2;
"News of the World" (2020, PG-13), Civil War vet and girl kidnapped early by native americans, Review.
"Me and Earl and the dying girl" (2015), lessons of life, Review;
"The drummer" (2008), transformation, Review.
Hymn Notes: "Rise up, O church of God" (referenced above) has changed (with good reason) from "Rise up, O men of God". This wonderful hymn says much about how we approach time. Read more here.
Eye Candy:
“The Ten Commandments“, wood carving from a church in Poland;
“Greatest commandment” by Matt Philleo;
artwork from Pinterest
Ear Worm:
“Rise up, O church of God“, men’s chorus and congregation, The Netherlands;
“Love the Lord your God“, kid song;
“Jesus, lover of my soul” by Hillsong
Brain Food:
“commentary” from Church of Scotland;
“The great command and the work of Christ“, from Left Behind and Loving it weblog;
“Sonnet of the star and ship“, poem for the lectionary
Parables:
“Almost famous” (2000, R), “seductive nature of temptation, "a coming of age drama", influence of mother and rock music on teenager, Review;
“The Emperor’s New Groove“ (2000, animated, G), a goofy Disney movie, Review;
“The Hurricane“ (1999, R), story of man sentenced for murder he did not commit, about hope, story of potent force of small doses of hope, love is more powerful than hate, Review 1, Review 2;
"News of the World" (2020, PG-13), Civil War vet and girl kidnapped early by native americans, Review.
"Me and Earl and the dying girl" (2015), lessons of life, Review;
"The drummer" (2008), transformation, Review.
Hymn Notes: "Rise up, O church of God" (referenced above) has changed (with good reason) from "Rise up, O men of God". This wonderful hymn says much about how we approach time. Read more here.
For families: Study guide, group activity, snacks, kid video
For children: Activity; bulletin, craft
For middlers: See family guide/activities (other activity); bulletin, craft
Coloring: Exodus 14, Show the love
For youth: For this week, focus on "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” What do you think about this statement of Jesus? Does it apply to you? Do you think about it when someone is strutting about with pride?
Video for “Why are there so many versions of the Bible?”
Comments welcome.
Study guide, snacks, group activity
Today’s readings deal with those who minister to God’s people.
The harsh words about the Pharisees and scribes in the gospel reading are at least partly due to the situation in Matthew’s community during a time of difficulty between Jewish Christians and other Jews. The point for the church today is that those called to lead in the church, both clergy and lay leaders, must avoid lording it over their brothers and sisters.
The first reading is a prophecy against false prophets who lead the people of God astray. The problem here was that the people preferred the false prophets with their easy and undemanding religion to the true prophets who called the people to obey their God.
In the second reading, Paul describes his own ministry to the church in Thessalonica. Central to this is his love for them and that they are together brothers and sisters in the faith.
The church gathers in liturgy, and here as well as in other parts of its life there are leaders of its actions. However, the leaders of the Christian community are above all to be the servants of the community. This model from our worship is given to all the members of the church. We are called to serve all people in the name of Jesus. That is the kind of greatness we should seek..
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.