Embedded Files
. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Proper 21 Yr B
Introduction
Introduction
When I read scripture like these, I am comforted. Comforted because even though the Israelites were whiners, God loved them and chose them. Comforted because even though the tattlers were accusing Eldad and Medad, the tattlers were treated gently. And comforted because even though the finger pointers were corrected, Jesus did not turn away from them. So God can look at my weaknesses, and faults, and whining, and still love me, still treat me gently. I AM truly blessed. But also, the scripture reminds me that there are many ways to God and I am not the judge. Feel free to comment.
Mark 9:38-50
Mark 9:38-50
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. ”
From sermon4kids.com: “The family of God is very large and there are many different groups who make up that family. Whenever we see anyone who is doing good in Jesus’ name, we should not be jealous. We should rejoice and be glad because “If they aren’t against us, they are for us.””
Scripture: September 29, 2024
Track 1: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (image)—creation focus: Plotting death backfires on schemer;
Psalm 124 (image)—creation focus: Raging waters destroy; follow God’s way to calm themTrack 2: Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29 (image)—creation focus: Greed destroys; find contentment;
Psalm 19:7-14 (image)—creation focus: Find joy in following God’s good path in CreationThe epistle: James 5:13-20 (image)—creation focus: Pray for Creation’s healing, save each other
Alternative reading for creation focus: K=Keith Nelson: "When we violate, abuse, exploit, or even simply ignore non-human creatures, we are rejecting a core dimension of our humanity and of God’s calling for us. We are crucifying the earth. We are interrupting, speaking over, or bickering with God’s gentle language of love, in which each creature is like a syllable of the living Word. Each creature is an instance of Divine Gift, God’s gift to Godself, the love language of the Trinity. We believe God became a Creature in Jesus Christ and redeemed Creation from the inside out so that we creatures can participate directly in this infinite pattern of God’s giving-and-receiving."
The Gospel: Mark 9:38-50 (image)—creation focus: Ally with any who heal Creation; support youth)
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.
Creation focus: O God, you show your glory throughout your Creation, calling it very good: Grant us the fullness of your blessing, that we, stewarding your garden, may become partakers in your joy; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection: Numbers 11:24–29 and Mark 9:38–41 are both concerned with expressions of divine power that occur outside the bounds of formal leadership and authority. Where have you experienced God’s mighty or gracious action in the church and in the world? What does it mean for the church to pray or act in the name of Jesus Christ? How do you account for gifts of the Spirit that seem to spill out beyond the church’s control?
(excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year B, Volume 2 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press)
A video/audio journey through the scripture.
Symbols of the Church
Symbols of the Church
From the time of the earliest known civilisations . . . the circle has been used directly or indirectly in visual art to convey the artist's message and to express certain ideas. However, differences in worldview (beliefs and culture) had a great impact on artists' perceptions. While some emphasised the circle's perimeter to demonstrate their democratic manifestation, others focused on its centre to symbolise the concept of cosmic unity. In mystical doctrines, the circle mainly symbolises the infinite and cyclical nature of existence, but in religious traditions it represents heavenly bodies and divine spirits.
The circle signifies many sacred and spiritual concepts, including unity, infinity, wholeness, the universe, divinity, balance, stability and perfection, among others. Such concepts have been conveyed in cultures worldwide through the use of symbols, for example, a compass, a halo, the vesica piscis and its derivatives (fish, eye, aureole, mandorla, etc.), the ouroboros, the Dharma wheel, a rainbow, mandalas, rose windows and so forth. Magic circles are part of some traditions of Western esotericism.
Excerpted from Wikipedia
Click here for a page of symbols described in this publication.
Images enhancing
the scripture
“Salt of the earth” by Casey Matthews
“Salt caravan“, iPhone case by Aidan Moran
cover photo from film “Salt of the Earth” (2015)
“Man stopping tank“, Beijing, iconic photo
Music founded
in the scripture
arranged by Moses Hogan
sung by children
sung by Etta James (long introduction)
Other voices
about the scripture
"Good Salt" by Leigh McLeroy
“Hi, Perbole! Exaggeration, Anyone?” by Alyce M. McKenzie
Blessed be the works of your hands, O holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with passion.
Blessed be these hands that have tended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have closed in anger.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
© Diann Neu
Movies representing some part of the scripture
“The remains of the day” (1999, PG), “. . . misguided professionalism and debilitating perfectionism”, Review
“Weapons of the Spirit” (1989, not rated), story of Huguenots protecting Jews during WWII, “the Bible says feed hungry and visit sick”, Review 1, Review 2
For families: Study guide and activities (another guide), group activity; snack, kid video
For children: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin; craft;
For middlers: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin; craft.
For youth: For a couple of weeks, we've looked at who is higher (or lower) in God's eyes. We heard that the first shall be last and the last first. Does this resonate with you? Do you see that the meekest and lowest among us deserve the best, and even more than others? We are called to recognize this "truth" that defies human logic. Moreover, we're called to put this into action. How will you do this? Feel free to comment.
Coloring page (all ages): This week the focus is on Esther.
In today’s Gospel reading, the disciples complain about someone (who was not part of their group) casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ response is that the man should not be stopped, for “whoever is not against us is for us.” The importance of the ministry of every person, rather than just the ministry of disciples or clergy or church members, is so great, that to despise other ministries is to risk personal disaster. If pride in our own ministry is getting in the way, cut off that pride.
Using Esther: The first reading today is from the section of the Hebrews known as “The Writings.” In Jewish practice, the little book of Esther is read on the feast of Purim. While there is little of religious value in this book (God is never mentioned), it gives us a story of a heroic Jewish woman who uses her wiles to save the Jews living in Persia from genocide. When read in synagogue, everyone rattles noise makers and makes rude sounds each time wicked Haman is mentioned.
Using Numbers: In the first reading, Moses complains to God about the burden of being the sole leader of the Israelites. God has Moses call together seventy of the leaders and gives them a share of the Spirit. Two of those chosen had not come to the meeting, and yet they also received the Spirit. When some complain about those two, Moses upholds the value of their ministry as well.
We continue to read from the Letter of James for our second lesson. Here James give some pastoral advice to the elders (the Greek word is “presbyters,” the origin of the term “priest” in the Christian church). The leaders are to minister to the sick, anointing them with laying on of hands and prayer. James reminds us that the prayers of faithful people are the source of God’s power.
Our ordained leaders are not the sole ministers of Christ; rather, they model the ministry we are all to perform. In our baptism, we are set apart as ministers of Christ who share in his royal priesthood. It is in that ministry, especially to the poor, oppressed, and dying, that we find God present to us in the lives of those for whom we care. Our ministry is expressed in our liturgical actions, and the Eucharist is the model for our daily living and for the nature of God’s kingdom.
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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