Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The Holy and Great Martyr Christine; the Holy Martyrs Boris and Gelb, baptized Roman and David

Title

Our Lives are about Him not Us

Outline

The lives of most people are about them

They live in the egodrama (Henri de Lubac)

The seek what they think will make them happy

These often revolve around pleasure, wealth, power, and honor - the focus may vary over one’s lifetime

And in their quiet moments they wonder why they are not happy, why life seems empty

In following the egodrama they have lost their place in the theodrama

Look at Romans to see the correction

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.” That is not about us, it is about the good of the other.

But it is not about a rejection of our good and seeking the good of the other because good things are bad for us. It is about joining Christ in the theodrama: “For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.””

The result is our joy: “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That is, joyful right praise.

We join Christ in his service of others and end up joyful, men and women fully alive, realizing that that is where we find fulfillment.

Now look at Jesus and the two blind men

Jesus has done a number of wonders, including raising the dead, but he has also been in several conflictual situations

Two blind men follow him, naturally concerned with their own situation. “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Jesus waits until he is out of public view, in the house, then focuses on the men. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” When they affirm they do, he touches their eyes and says, “According to your faith be it done to you.” It is according to their trust, not in themselves, but in Jesus, that Jesus acts, not for his benefit but for theirs. Notice that they were in the house, so when Jesus says, “See that no one knows it” he could be suggesting that they slip out, but they cannot shut up about the event.

So we see the formerly blind men going down the road and a man who was demonized and, because of the demon, dumb was brought to Jesus. Jesus cannot dialogue with him, but does good to him, although the result is stirring up hostility against him. The Pharisees wanted power and honor so they must demonize Jesus, scapegoat Jesus.

But Jesus is not about his own reputation, but about the good news of the kingdom or rule of God, which he demonstrates by healing folk. And that, in turn, sets him and his followers into their proper place in the theodrama, the place the Old Testament prophets had talked about.

Brothers and Sisters, our life is not about us but about being one with Jesus

If we seek our fulfillment in pleasure, wealth, power, or honor we will end up empty.

If we seek the good of others, that is, follow Jesus and identify with Jesus as he takes his place in the theodrama, we will end up fully alive and be, in C. S. Lewis’ words, surprised by joy.

It is as simple and as countercultural as that. But that is the way of divinization.

Readings

Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) 7-31-2022: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

EPISTLE

Romans 15:1–7

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; 2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. 3  For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5  May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Possible second Epistle:

The Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition Chapter 12

6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Gospel

The Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition Chapter 9

1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Possible second gospel

Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) 7-31-2022: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

GOSPEL

Matthew 9:27–35

27  And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

32  As they were going away, behold, a mute demoniac was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

35  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.

Notes

Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) (7-24-2022: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2022 | OCTOECHOS

Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) 7-31-2022: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Bright Vestments

Matins Gospel John 20:1–10

Epistle Romans 15:1–7

Gospel Matthew 9:27–35