Sunday, October 9, 2022
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
18th Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 23

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
– Psalm 66:1-12
– Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
– Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

We are to live like the Kingdom of God has already come, because indeed it has and the world has yet to embrace it, claim it, and live up to it.  We are called to see the world and claim the world that way.

To live in such a way is to live proleptically.  To live proleptically means that we will live right now according to that which is still coming in the future.

It is that idea of living proleptically that sets us apart.  Our information of how we make choices is not only based on data.  Our informed choices are based on the vision of how God has it to be.

See we are to be that one.  Not the nine, but the one.  We are to be that one that turns back to Jesus and not only says “Thank you” but lives out of that well of gratitude that gets it that all our benefits are God-given.  Such gratitude becomes the basis for how we live confidently in this world.

To live proleptically here is to step back and really look at our living.  If all we are seeing is how much work it is, then we aren’t seeing enough.  We need to step back and take a look and see that Garden of Eden intention that God has for us.  We are to live into the beauty of life that God creates for us.  We are to establish ourselves here and now with this gratitude that gives the glory to God and God alone.

So build.  And do.  Establish and give thanks.  Be confident in the coming reality that is the reign of God.

This exile may not be fun, but be that one, not the nine.  Be that one who turns in thanks to Christ for holding us and keeping us and making our life possible.

We learn this same lesson as we watch people recovering from Hurricane Ian.  While life as they knew is gone, still they have this spirit that points them forward, that sees a new day, and from that they strive today.  How is any of that possible?  It is possible because of this prophetic living in Christ.

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk