Sunday, November 6, 2022
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 27

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Haggai 1:15b-2:9
– Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21
– Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
– Gospel Reading: Luke 20:27-38

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

The Sadducees that approach Jesus have a clear point of view that must not be overlooked.  They did not believe in resurrection.  They believed that life is to be lived fully, and they believed that with death all is ended. Their scenario is set up to trap Jesus.  “If this, then this, then this…then what…”  We have all been trapped in theological debates (and debates of all varieties) that take this shape, and the goal is always to win and rarely to learn. 

Jesus turns to their body of literature and shows how the very language of the story of the bush demonstrates resurrection.  In that story, God announces to Moses that God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  The tense matters.  It is a present tense.  God does not announce to Moses, “I was the God of Abraham,” but rather, “I am the God of Abraham.”  This shows that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue in resurrection.  In Luke’s Gospel, we also encounter Moses as one who continues in resurrection.  The story of the Transfiguration has Moses as one of the dazzling white figures who is transfigured on the mountain.

As we look at scripture, consider our challenges in the context where we serve, and dream of what might be next for the church, we are to be conversation partners with one another.  To be in conversation is not to be in a sparring situation.  In our faithfulness we are not striving to be winners but disciples and those who embody love.

Our work is to invite others into conversation, welcome diversity of opinion and views, and know that God is in the conversation.  Our work is not to be right, not to win, not get it over on someone else.  When we discourage theological contest and welcome theological conversation, then we are demonstrating leadership that looks like justice, community, and love. 

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk