Belonging to God

Scripture: Genesis 29:15-28 and Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Psalm 128  • 1 Kings 3:5-12 and Psalm 119:129- 136 •   Romans 8:26-39  • Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

I really like the articles for this week's lesson. As Jesus gives us the parable of the mustard seed, the yeast, the pearl, and the basket of fish, we are shown that we can live with a sense of wonder and surprise, and, as we experience in the beautiful sacrament of baptism, we learn that we belong to God. See "Wow! Would You Look at This?" by Peter Woods, and "You Belong to God," by Daniel P. Clendenin.

Living in the kingdom. Even when things happen which we don't understand, or we can't make everything right, Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans, chapter 8, that the Spirit intercedes for us in sighs "too deep for words," and that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God. So, let's open our eyes in wonder, to make way for the surprises God has in store for us. And let us respond in gratitude, and giving.

Wheat and tares sown together - a lesson on judging

Scripture:Genesis 28:10-19a and Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24  • Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8 and Psalm 86:11-17  • Romans 8:12-25  • Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

This week we study Jesus' second parable of sowing seeds. Again the sower broadcasts the good seed, and this time the wheat and weeds grow up together. Should we weed the field so the good plants can grow? They become entangled. Is this about judging others? What can we learn about judging others? Is this about the good and bad in all of us? 

Consider Christopher Burkett's "Tangled Humanity," and reflect on Sister Kym Harris'  "This Sunday's Exposition."

Brothers and sisters,  “Life is short, so be quick to love and make haste to be kind

to gladden the hearts of those who go the journey with us." ~Henri Frédéric Amiel

Sowing good seed

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34 and Psalm 119:105-112  • Isaiah 55:10-13 and Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13  • Romans 8:1-11  • Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Jesus gives us one of his parables of the sower in this week's gospel reading. Here, it seems, is a wild, perhaps reckless sower. Some seeds fall on rocks and hard ground. Some among thorns. And others on good soil. Several years ago I learned an important life lesson from a now retired Episcopal priest, Fr. Rodge Wood. He taught me something like this: When you make a gift, it is no longer yours to worry about how it will be used. Otherwise, in seeking to control the consequences, you have taken it back. Such is forgiveness. Be set free by giving your gift, and yourself. I texted him about this this week, and he told me that I taught him how to live an abundant life. This week's lesson is about "reckless" giving without worry or control, but trusting that every good gift comes from God, whose love is abundant, and will see us through every second of our lives together. And we can teach, and learn from each other - if only we care and try, which is what Jesus calls us to do.

Consider The Rev. Joseph Evans' "The Sower's Lesson," and "Life and Death
: God's Care Package is Bursting, " by Enuma Okoro, published in Sojourners.

Taking on Jesus' Yoke

Scripture: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13  •  Zechariah 9:9-12 and Psalm 145:8-14  • Romans 7:15-25a  • Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

After a few weeks considering the costs of discipleship, Jesus is moved with compassion for us, and offers himself as a respite for all who are heavy burdened and weary. He, of gentle humility, welcomes us, receives us and offers a lightness, a rest. What does Jesus mean when he tells us "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
See The Rev. Joshua Bowron, "Taking on Jesus' Yoke."

What about failure, acceptance, coping. Consider Daniel P. Clendenin's "'I Don't Know What I'm Doing," Failure Tolerant Christians.