Readings for October 23, 2016 Year C Proper 25 (30)

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First Reading and Psalm

  • Joel 2:23-32
  • Psalm 65

Alternative First Reading and Psalm

  • Jeremiah 14:7-10
  • Psalm 84:1-7

Second Reading

  • 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Gospel

  • Luke 18:9-14

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

The prophet Joel is granted a vision of a coming age in which YAHWEH will exalt his humiliated people by means of extremely abundant material and spiritual blessings . Indeed his very Spirit will be poured upon them and “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved”! The Psalmist calls us to rejoice in “the God of our salvation” who delivers us from evil and whose powers of creation, especially in providing abundant water, enable the fruits of the earth to flourish. The apostle Paul looks forward to “that day” when, having been poured out for the sake of the Gospel, he, along with all who have looked for Jesus to appear, will receive the “crown of righteousness”. He knows that he will be rescued from all evil attacks and saved for the kingdom. Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the fact that God will exalt the truly humble and humiliate the falsely proud. It is the sinner who calls out to God for mercy who is saved, not the one who is confident in his own righteousness.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Joel is granted a vision of a coming age in which YAHWEH will exalt his humiliated people by means of extremely abundant material and spiritual blessings . Indeed his very Spirit will be poured upon them and “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved”!

Psalm

The Psalmist calls us to rejoice in “the God of our salvation” who delivers us from evil and whose powers of creation, especially in providing abundant water, enable the fruits of the earth to flourish.

New Testament

The apostle Paul looks forward to “that day” when, having been poured out for the sake of the Gospel, he, along with all who have looked for Jesus to appear, will receive the “crown of righteousness”. He knows that he will be rescued from all evil attacks and saved for the kingdom.

Gospel

Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the fact that God will exalt the truly humble and humiliate the falsely proud. It is the sinner who calls out to God for mercy who is saved, not the one who is confident in his own righteousness.

Connection Based on Alternative Readings

The prophet Jeremiah voices the appeal of a repentant people to a YAHWEH whose ears appear to be closed. They acknowledge responsibility for their distress and do not plead on the basis of any good in them. Instead, they point out that if YAHWEH does not save his covenant people his own great name will be disgraced. The Psalmist exults in the blessings of living in the presence of God, his temple and his city. He affirms that those who derive their strength from God alone are the happiest of all. The apostle Paul looks forward to “that day” when, having been poured out for the sake of the Gospel, he, along with all who have looked for Jesus to appear, will receive the “crown of righteousness”. He knows that he will be rescued from all evil attacks and saved for the kingdom. Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the fact that God will exalt the truly humble and humiliate the falsely proud. It is the sinner who calls out to God for mercy who is saved, not the one who is confident in his own righteousness.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Jeremiah voices the appeal of a repentant people to a YAHWEH whose ears appear to be closed. They acknowledge responsibility for their distress and do not plead on the basis of any good in them. Instead, they point out that if YAHWEH does not save his covenant people his own great name will be disgraced.

Psalm

The Psalmist exults in the blessings of living in the presence of God, his temple and his city. He affirms that those who derive their strength from God alone are the happiest of all.

New Testament

The apostle Paul looks forward to “that day” when, having been poured out for the sake of the Gospel, he, along with all who have looked for Jesus to appear, will receive the “crown of righteousness”. He knows that he will be rescued from all evil attacks and saved for the kingdom.

Gospel

Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the fact that God will exalt the truly humble and humiliate the falsely proud. It is the sinner who calls out to God for mercy who is saved, not the one who is confident in his own righteousness.