Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
– Psalm 124
– Second Reading: James 5:13-20
– Gospel Reading: Mark 9:38-50

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

Esther—this great little book!  I read it this way: Give it all away.  When a door opens—take a bold step forward.  Esther had much to lose.  She could have said nothing and for sure she would have been spared.  When the moment came when she could really have some impact she gave away her safety and took a bold step forward.

We live in a world where people want to live in a cone of safety and security.  They want someone else to step up. Society wants the government to fix it.  We are quick to say, even if only to ourselves, “Hey, it’s not my problem.”

It is in our giving away our cone of safety and taking a bold step forward that we live the life of Christ.  That key verse of Esther 4:14 where good ole Uncle Mordy says, “Perhaps, …for such a time as this.”

This moment, this moment may be your very moment.  This moment may be the very moment to which God has called the church.  We can shrink in this moment, or we can take a bold step forward.

We can see our life as this door opening through which God’s Spirit goes before us inviting us to step boldly through.  When that door opens.  Get up.  Go.  Step.  Be bold; God is with you!

You are not alone.  Esther was not alone.  Do not hide out—step forward.

*

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus invites the disciples into this same way of being.  There is no need to reserve the wonder of the works of God.  Be bold—be the salt.

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk