Sunday Sermon for Pentecost 19 on the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge

St. Luke tells us that it is God's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom, which is where God dwells, God's Will is done, and the Grace of God is found. God does not give us a trouble free life, an easy way out, whatever we ask for that is not God's Will, or a life without responsibility or accountability. God's Kingdom is one of many kingdoms in this world. We need to give our life away in order to keep our life as God gives life and intends life to be. 

Why doesn't Jesus settle a property dispute among brothers as a rabbi when rabbis commonly did this as teachers of the law? The most important thing is Life itself which is a gift from God. No amount of possessions can make life greater or gift life security. Rich Fool believed this world was it. When God shows up he discovered he was wrong and no do-over was available. Blessed are we who truly know the precious value of time in this world and even more blessed are we when we discern our choices with this in mind.

Jesus teaches disciples the Lord's Prayer. The words we use in prayer affects what we believe about God. Saying it reminds us that God is an unconditionally loving parent who desires and works for our well-being. St. Luke's version has us ask for forgiveness of our sins from God because we forgive everyone indebted to us. There is a difference between sin and indebtedness that may be helpful for us to pay attention to. St. Luke says God answers our prayers with the gift of the Holy Spirit. In reality God never leads us into temptation. God gives us grace to choose against temptation or to go through something if it cannot be avoided. 

Mary sits at the feet of Jesus with the men rather than go work in the kitchen with Martha as the social custom of the day would have expected. Martha is frustrated that Mary isn't in the kitchen with her. Martha complains to Jesus rather than going to Mary herself. Jesus supports Mary's decision to do what was on her heart. Jesus' answer challenges Martha to follow her heart. The Greek word that is translated in English as "better" means good, profitable, generous, upright, virtuous. Mary chose what was good because it was what she felt in her spirit she needed to do. It's important for us to hear that Jesus supports Mary in her decision. As human beings we are called to be an Image of God. When we live true to ourselves, even if people disagree, we are most fully being the person God calls us to be and we can be assured of God's graces to keep us there. The Will of God will never lead us where the Grace of God cannot keep us.

Jewish law required Jews to be holy which required keeping separate from Gentiles, so could they expect that their neighbor would be only fellow Jews. Jesus dramatically expands this definition through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were half-Jewish and, therefore, despised by devout Jews. In the parable the Samaritan behaves like God behaves and also lives as a true human being, which is the image of God, since we are all created in the image of God.

Sermon on Sunday 7/7/2019

Sermon on the Bishop's annual visit for Confirmation and Reception.