Proper 16 Yr B
dwelling place

Introduction

Over the years, I've heard (and sung about) "how lovely is your dwelling place" and always had an image of a glorious church (think Notre Dame Cathedral (before the fire) or Washington National Cathedral). Only this minute have I realized that the dwelling place is where God/Jesus resides. In the psalm, we have the wonderful concept that the Lord's dwelling place is a special place. That special place is within each of us, if we choose. It makes perfect sense, then, that one should strive to keep that place special. An exercise for the week is to recall how we work to keep ourselves "special", and thus a receptacle for God's/Jesus' dwelling.  

In the past few weeks, we've heard repeated reference to Jesus as the bread of life and how our behaviors reflect Jesus in our lives. This week is yet another extension. When we eat, the food becomes an integral part of our bodies. When we consume "the bread of life" (either at eucharist or by acceptance of Jesus' teachings}, the bread of life becomes part of us and therein our bodies become the place where God/Jesus lives. Our objective, then, is to keep that dwelling place as special as we can by behaving in ways pleasing to God. Feel free to comment.

Psalm 84

How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Happy are they who dwell in your house! they will always be praising you.

From sermon4kids.com: “Jesus called the crowd to gather around and listen to what he had to say. "All of you listen. It's not what goes into your body that makes you unclean, it is the bad words that come out of your mouth. Out of your hearts come evil thoughts, greed, cheating, and envy. This is what makes you unclean." ”

Scripture: August 25, 2024—1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43 (image); Psalm 84 (image); Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (image); Psalm 34:15-22 (image); Ephesians 6:10-20 (image); and John 6:56-69 (image). A video/audio journey through the scripture.

Collect: Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: “Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name . . . and prays toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you” (1 Kings 8:41–43). Are there people of other nationalities, ethnic groups, or faith traditions in your workplace, neighborhood, community, or congregation? What are some ways in which you and your congregation can express the welcome of God to those who are different from you?