Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, November 5, 2017, Proper 26, Year A

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Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for All Saints Day can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 3:7-17)

On Yahweh’s word Joshua orders the ark of the covenant into the Jordan and the people pass over on dry ground into the Promised Land. This demonstrates that Yahweh is with Joshua in the same way he was with Moses, authenticating him as the new leader of Israel.

Psalm (107:1-7, 33-37)

The Psalmist calls for thanks to be given to Yahweh for his steadfast love as shown in his redeeming those who cry out to him in the midst of serious trouble. He gathers them to safety and satisfies their thirst and hunger by his power to change even the natural environment to their advantage.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13)

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his conduct among them as a herald of the Gospel. Instead of being a burden, he supported himself while treating them with honesty, respect and concern. He gives thanks that they responded by accepting God’s word into their lives.

Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12)

Jesus acknowledges the value of the teaching of the rabbis but warns his listeners not to follow their example. Their concern is to be seen as pious and to enjoy their exalted place in society. He urges his followers instead to consider themselves students, children, and servants, predicting the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has power over nature, human and otherwise
  • Humility has its rewards
  • God does not overlook the needy
  • True spiritual leadership requires humility and integrity

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Micah 3:5-12)

Yahweh is going to withhold his revelations from those prophets who predict good things for those who feed them and evil things for those who do not. By the Spirit Micah determines to speak the truth of coming judgment to the leaders of Israel who are corrupt at every level.

Psalm (Psalm 43)

The Psalmist calls upon God for vindication against the deceitful and unjust who have oppressed him. He is confident that, if led by God’s light and truth, he will once again offer praise in the sanctuary.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13)

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his conduct among them as a herald of the Gospel. Instead of being a burden, he supported himself while treating them with honesty, respect and concern. He gives thanks that they responded by accepting God’s word into their lives.

Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12)

Jesus acknowledges the value of the teaching of the rabbis but warns his listeners not to follow their example. Their concern is to be seen as pious and to enjoy their exalted place in society. He urges his followers instead to consider themselves students, children, and servants, predicting the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • True spiritual leadership requires humility and integrity
  • The easy but spiritually dangerous path of fulfilling societal expectations
  • God will judge his servants who abuse their calling

 

 

 

One Reply to “Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, November 5, 2017, Proper 26, Year A”

  1. George just reading your comments on Joshua and realizing another development or evolution; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Prophets, Judges, Kings as leaders of the chosen people. I guess the prophets happened over the same time period as the Judges and Kings. Is it reasonable to believe that our relationship/understanding of God is still evolving? Maybe you can include in your e-mail response?

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