Sunday, August 7, 2022
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
9th Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 14

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
– Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
– Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
– Gospel Reading: Luke 12:32-40

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

Faithfulness.  It is about faith, and it is not about fear.  The consistent message of scripture is that we need not be afraid—oh, how we need that message in a culture rife with anxiety and fear.

We are called to faithfulness.  As such, it is a call to be ready.

How do you get ready?  How do you be prepared?  What is it that you prepare for?

There is so much fear—it is impossible to escape.  “Jesus’ teaching offers an extraordinary word of comfort in an increasingly threatening world: ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’” (v. 32)

The consistent message throughout the passage is not to be ready so that you will avoid punishment, but rather “be ready so that you will receive blessing.”

God’s providence enables a response that runs counter to the human propensity to be afraid…

God’s good pleasure = God’s delightful decision.

Is an invitation to an orientation that life is an abundant gift from a generous God—a gift that can be given away with abandon…

Faithfulness calls for us to be open to God’s delightful decision to be oriented toward us.  In that, the power of fear diminishes. 

May such be “the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not (yet) seen.”

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk