Proper 14 - Year C

Welcome Statement

Good Morning everyone, This week the lectionary takes us into a call for repentance at the beginning of Isaiah. To set the stage. During Isaiah’s time, Israel was in one of its downturns in the sort of faithful, not faithful cycle, seems like most of our writings are because of things that happened. That’s what is interesting about Old Testament Prophecy, it is not just pointing to the future, but prophecying about the present and near present, a lot of it is social commentary, inspired by God, so people have a tangible lesson to latch onto, not just abstract theology.

This downturn was caused by a mix of issues. Israel was getting itself into political trouble by building alliances with foreign nations that didn’t share their same values, in a vain attempt of self-preservation, their worship was becoming similiar to how the Pharisees were treating it, something to fulfill out of transaction or obligation, not something to believe and live. Like the parable of the Good Samaritan, the downtrodden Isaia

Old Testament Reading - Isaiah 1:1, Isaiah 1:10-20

Isaiah 1:1 NRSV

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 1:10–20 NRSV

Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation— I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Worship with the Heart, not Words & Ritual

God doesn’t

Do Right by the poor and widowed, those without parents

Some might ask, I have zero power, no money, and no ability

not everyone can do almsgiving, or stand up for the justice of others. But we can allways be a saint for others through intercessory prayer

Old Testament Point #3

words

New Testament Reading - Luke 12:32-40

Luke 12:32–40 NRSV

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. “But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Giving Up the World, to Keep the Kingdom

wo

Keeping your Lamps Lit

Underground Railroad

Lamps took some effort to keep Lit

Lamps represented a safe place, they were also used to mark a Christian house during persecution, think of the

Preparing for the Thief in the Night

I wouldn’t have done X had I known Y.

This is not about fear of Judgement, but about living our lives fully in holiness, growing our connection.

Closing Statement

As we close, think about what it means to keep your own lamps lit daily, to be a light shining to others in their own pilgramages to God, even if they don’t know that is what they are seeking. We are called to be set apart, and reject

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, adfs asdfa

Amen.

Doxology / Benediction / Closing

May you Have a Blessed Sunday, and rest of your Week! Amen!