good news sunday after sunday the season of pentecost · sunday after sunday the season of...

GOOD NEWS Sunday after Sunday

The Season of PENTECOST

Pentecost – July 9

The season of Pentecost following the Second Sunday after Pentecost is generally referred to as

the non-festival part of the Church Year. Already in the prior six months (the festival part) it can be seen that each year uses a different Gospel for the gospel readings. Year A uses Matthew, year B uses Mark, year C uses Luke, and selections from John are spread throughout the 3 years.

For the non-festival Sundays (but also including the Epiphany season from the second Sunday

after the Epiphany onwards): - the gospel readings are chosen semi-continuously [Matthew (year A), Mark and sections of John (year B), and Luke (year C)]; and

- the second readings are also chosen semi-continuously [Year A: using 1 Cor., Rom., Phil., 1 Thess. Year B: using 1 & 2 Cor., Eph., James, Heb. Year C: using 1 Cor., Gal., Col., Heb.,

Philemon, 1 & 2 Tim., 2 Thess.]. This continuity of readings, of course, makes it more difficult to find a theme that connects all the readings, but I think there is value in the search.

The non-festival Sundays from Proper 4 onwards have 2 sets of first readings (with a Psalm).

The second set has been chosen because of a connection between the first reading and the gospel, so that may help with the search for a common theme. The first set is a semi-continuous reading of various OT books, which makes a common theme

more vague. So I have not considered this set in looking for a theme for the Sunday.

P e n t e c o s t

Year A Year B Year C FRa: Acts 2:1-21 FRa: Acts 2:1-21 FRa: Acts 2:1-21

FRb: Num.11:24-30 FRb: Ezek.37:1-14 FRb: Gen.11:1-9 Ps: Ps.104:24-34, 35b Ps: Ps.104:24-34, 35b Ps: Ps.104:24-34, 35b SRa: 1 Cor.12:3b-13 SRa: Rom.8:22-27 SRa: Rom.8:14-17

SRb: Acts 2:1-21 SRb: Acts 2:1-21 SRb: Acts 2:1-21 Ga: Jn.20:19-23 G: Jn.15:26-27; 16:4b-15 G: Jn.14:8-17 (25-27) Gb: Jn.7:37-39

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This Sunday strikes me as the most mysterious Sunday of the Church Year. The events recorded

in the readings are fairly strange and surprising, or at least have aspects that are strange and unusual. Today we encounter the Holy Spirit – the mysterious, obscure, shy, Person of the

Godhead.

I don’t always welcome the surprises I face in my life. Nor the fact that God is a God of surprises.

But I have to live with this challenging – and wonderful – quality of God.

Listening for the Good News Years A, B, and C – readings that occur every year

The key reading for today is the Acts 2 passage – to be used as either the FR or SR. The other reading used every year is the Ps.

A few things strike me about the FRa/SRb. The first is the noise of the occasion – the sound like a violent wind, the jabber of all those languages by the twelve apostles, and the confusion of the amazed and wondering crowd as they try to work out what is going on. Another thing that strikes me is the guarded language of this account by Luke – there

is no wind, just the sound of it; there is no fire, just things that looked like flames. And then the reading is cut off after Peter’s announcement that all this is the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy – no indication that 3000 are given faith in Jesus and are baptised before the day is over. Perhaps God’s pouring out of the Spirit is enough for our worship today,

without us being concerned about the reaction to it. Whatever the people’s reaction, the Spirit has been given!

The Ps expresses both wonder at God’s care for his creation and creation’s dependence on God’s Spirit.

Year A

In the Ga the resurrected Jesus breathes his Spirit (the word for spirit also means breath and wind) on his disciples

and gives them the authority to forgive in his name.

In the Gb Jesus talks about the coming Spirit who satisfies thirst with living water.

The SRa proclaims the Spirit’s gift of faith, and the diverse spiritual gifts he gives to believers, the body of Christ,

for the common good of the church.

The FRb sounds like a forerunner of Pentecost. God takes from the Spirit given to Moses to put this Spirit on 70 elders – who then prophesied and caused confusion in the camp.

The readings for today announce God’s outpouring of his Spirit on his people. This Gift is accompanied by other gifts – gifts to give power for living God’s new life, gifts for the mutual edification of the Body of Christ on this earth, and

gifts for a close community life within the Body of Christ. All this happens according to God’s grace and mercy without us doing a thing.

That’s good news for people who know how dependent they are on God or wonder if he is doing anything with them

or for them.

The Holy Spirit is poured out on God’s people sustaining their life as the body of Christ.

Year B

In the G Jesus promises he will send the Counselor (the Spirit of truth) to his disciples. He announces what this Counselor will do for them: testify about Jesus, and guide them into all the truth. The Counselor will also convict the

world of guilt, righteousness and judgment.

In the SRa Paul announces that the gift of the Spirit makes believers groan inwardly because they are waiting (like

the whole of creation) for their final redemption by Jesus. The Spirit also helps them in this waiting by praying for them.

The FRb is Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones. Ezekiel is commanded to prophecy to the bones, so bodies could be formed, and then to command the wind/breath/spirit (the word used here means all three) to give them life. He is

commanded to give God’s message to the nation: God will raise his people from their death of hopelessness, give them life and his Spirit, and bring them home from exile.

The readings for today announce God’s outpouring of his Spirit on his people. This Gift is accompanied by other

gifts – the Spirit’s in-breathing to maintain a life of hope, his guidance of people into all the truth of Jesus, and his help for people as they groan through life on this earth. All this happens according to God’s grace and mercy without us doing a thing.

That’s good news for people who know how dependent they are on God or wonder if their hope has any real substance.

The Holy Spirit is poured out on God’s people sustaining their hope.

Year C

In the G Jesus expresses to his disciples his oneness with the Father. He promises that his Father will give them another Counselor, the Spirit of truth. This Spirit will be with them, living in them, to teach them and to remind them of what Jesus said.

The SRa announces that being led by the Spirit makes a person a child of God. The Spirit gives the assurance that this adoption makes us heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. He also removes all our fear – if this adoption results in suffering with Jesus, that also means we will be glorified with Jesus.

The FRb is the account of the tower of Babel. Mankind’s pride led to the building of a tower meant to ‘reach the heavens’ – but when God ‘came down to see’ it his judgment followed. The result of this judgment was the confusing of language and the scattering of the people. The result of Pentecost is the opposite of this – the reversal of his OT

judgment.

The readings for today announce God’s outpouring of his Spirit on his people. This Gift is accompanied by other

gifts – the removal of fear, the uniting of his people, and the gift of being a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus, our elder brother. All this happens according to God’s grace and mercy without us doing a thing.

That’s good news for people who know how dependent they are on Go d or wonder if they really are God’s children

with an inheritance of life.

The Spirit is poured out on God’s people sustaining their confidence in being adopted by God as his child.

F i r s t S u n d a y a f t e r P e n t e c o s t

( T r i n i t y ) Year A Year B Year C

FR: Gen.1:1 - 2:4a FR: Is.6:1-8 FR: Prov.8:1-4, 22-31 Ps: Ps.8 Ps: Ps.29 Ps: Ps.8 SR: 2 Cor.13:11-13(14) SR: Rom.8:12 -17 SR: Rom.5:1-5

G: Mat.28:16-20 G: Jn.3:1-17 G: Jn.16:12-15 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Today’s readings bring me face to face with God’s majesty and holiness and mystery – and the fact that he uses all this for the benefit of this world and of the people he created and rescued from death.

Year A Listening for the Good News Year A

In many ways this world is a chaotic place in which to live. Today’s readings proclaim the order

and harmony God brings to life on this earth.

The G contains the final words of Jesus on this earth. He announces that he has been given all authority in heaven

and on earth. He gives his disciples the use of this power, and his presence with them always, to make disciples of all nations. This happens as they baptise people in the name of the Triune God and teach them.

The SR is the final recorded words of Paul to the Corinthian congregation. He reminds them of God’s gifts of

perfection, unity, and peace, and passes on the blessing of the Triune God.

The FR is the creation account – as a world of chaos and formlessness becomes orderly and ordered and very good. The Spirit is present, hovering over the waters. The means of creation is the Word of God, whom we know as

Jesus. The image in which humankind (male and female) is created is the Triune God. The ability of his creation to be fruitful and multiply comes from his blessing. The authority for humankind’s care of creation comes from God.

The Ps praises God’s greatness and glory, his detailed work of creation, and his g reat care for humankind (given a

glory just below that of the angels as they care for God’s creation).

Today’s readings reveal something of the relationship between the Triune God and humankind. They work together in caring for creation and in making disciples of all nations. And this relationship depends on the gifts and the blessing

of the Triune God. These gifts and this blessing also serve God’s purpose of bringing into the disorder and chaos of life in this world God’s harmony and peace and well-being.

That’s good news for people who wonder about their place and role on this earth – where disharmony always seems to lie just below the surface.

The Triune God blesses humankind with the care of life on his earth, and blesses the church with the care of

the new life he gives in Jesus.

Year B Listening for the Good News Year B

I hear and read a lot about ‘new birth’ that doesn’t match up with what is proclaimed in today’s

readings. Especially God’s good news that his new birth – like any birth – happens to me without any activity on my part.

The G is the account of the visit of Nicodemus to speak with Jesus. This visit very soon turns into Nicodemus listening to Jesus. Jesus announces the Spirit’s gift of a new birth, entirely the work of the Spirit, based on the ‘lifting up’ of Jesus on the cross. This action of God’s Son reveals the amazing love of God for every person on this earth.

This new birth, that makes eternal life possible, is the work of all three Persons of the Trinity.

In the SR Paul also speaks of the work of the Triune God. The Spirit gives the power for putting to death our sinful

nature, and testifies to our status as God’s children. Being the children of God means that we are co -heirs with Jesus,

inheriting both his suffering and the glory he won through his death.

The FR describes Isaiah’s vision of God, the heavenly king. The heavenly court sings praises to this holy God whose glory fills the whole earth (now that’s something amazing – even if people can’t see the glory of God on this

earth that doesn’t mean it’s not here). Isaiah is struck by his sinfulness, but at the touch of a live coal from God’s altar, he is forgiven. When the Triune God asks for a volunteer Isaiah offers to go. (The extent and the difficulty of Isaiah’s

task is only revealed in the verses that follow this reading.)

The Ps offers praise and glory to God who rules over the earth. It proclaims the glorious power of his voice.

These readings focus on the glory and majesty of the Triune God. A glory and majesty that is demonstrated in his

saving love for the people he has created. He offers them a new birth, making them his children, and gives them eyes to see his glory that fills the whole of his creation.

That’s good news for people who know that their sinfulness makes them completely unworthy of his love and grace .

The glory and majesty of our Triune God is revealed in his life-giving love for the human race.

Year C Listening for the Good News Year C

I remember reading somewhere that God is ‘a community’ – a community of three Persons

working very closely together. These readings give some substance to that claim.

The G records Jesus’ words before his ascension. He will send the Spirit who will reveal and guide his disciples

into all truth. He will reveal truths from the Father and the Son.

The SR proclaims the gifts that the Triune God holds out to those who are justified through faith. Through Jesus they have peace with God, access to God’s grace, joy in the hope of God’s glory, joy in suffering because it works to

strengthen hope, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who pours God’s love into their hearts.

In the FR wisdom is personified as the craftsman at God’s side during the creation, witnessing the ordering of

creation, rejoicing at being in the company of God, and rejoicing in the results of God’s creative work – especially mankind. No doubt this reading has been chosen for this Sunday because wisdom in the OT has a close relationship with the Spirit.

The Ps praises God’s greatness and glory, his detailed work of creation, and his g reat care for humankind (given a glory just below that of the angels as they care for God’s creation).

These readings proclaim the unity and oneness of the three persons of the Trinity. They are unified not just in who

they are, but also in the care and love they are always showering on the human race.

That’s good news for people who need hope and a sense of worth and value.

The Triune God is unified in showing loving care to humankind.

S u n d a y b e t w e e n 24th - 28th M a y

( P r o p e r 3 ) Year A Year B Year C

FR: Is.49:8-16a FR: Hos.2:14-20 FR: Is.55:10-13 Ps: Ps.131 Ps: Ps.103:1-13, 22 Ps: Ps.92:1-4, 12-15

SR: 1 Cor.4:1-5 SR: 2 Cor.3:1-6 SR: 1 Cor.15:51-58 G: Mat.6:24-34 G: Mk.2:13-22 G: Lk.6:39-49 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A quick look at the readings for this Sunday of the church year gets my attention on my relationship with God – on the changes he brings about for me, the blessings he brings, and the

difference he can make in my daily life. That makes me want to get to know him better.


Worry, anxiety, stress, inability to sleep, seem to play a major role in the daily life of many of us. How do I deal with all that without just ignoring it, or pretending it isn’t there?

Jesus proclaims (in the G) that God’s constant love and care for his creation means that his people are given a particularly valuable gift. Animals, with the rest of creation, can often show his people up in the way in which they live this gift far better than we do. This is the gift of no-worry. As his people realize God’s love and care, and depend on

it, and rejoice in it, this gift of no-worry flows through and shows in their life.

In the FR God proclaims his care for his people, and describes what this care looks like. He concludes by saying: I will never forget you. I care for you even more than a mother cares for her new-born baby. Your names are engraved

on my hands.

Paul (SR) reveals how God’s gift of no-worry works in his ministry. He regards himself as a servant of Jesus, entrusted with the ‘secret things of God’ (an intriguing phrase!). So he is answerable to Jesus, not to human judges or

even to his own conscience. This judge is his merciful and forgiving Saviour. That’s why he carries out his ministry with no-worry.

The Ps expresses a relaxed and trusting confidence and hope in a loving and caring God.

All these readings proclaim the constant, deep, loving care that God has for his people. This gift of care brings with it the extra gift of a life lived without anxiety and worry.

That’s good news for people whose lives are so easily taken over by worry and fretting.

God’s loving care gives his people a life free from worry.


I remember reading a book that claimed the Christian life is really a party – a party put on by God, to which he has invited us. And seeing us live our life others can see how happy we are to be at

that party. I like that description of the Christian life. But is it as simple as that? Is it an accurate or good comparison to make?

In the G Jesus is at a party put on by Levi (Matthew), whom he has called to be one of his disciples. When the Jewish leaders question his presence at this party, Jesus justifies his behaviour by announcing that his purpose for coming to this earth is to be a doctor to the sick, to call and heal sinners. Then when asked why he doesn’t expect his

disciples to fast, he proclaims that life with him is a wedding feast, a joyful family party.

The FR is God’s announcement that he is about to woo his people, to win them back from their present adulterous relationship with idols. He will restore the ‘teenage romance’ they had with him during their 40-year Exodus together.

His goal is that now they will marry and live together in prosperity, peace and faithfulness.

In the SR Paul rejoices in his close relationship with the church at Corinth. He regards the members of this

congregation as letters written by the Spirit proclaiming Jesus to the world. They validate Paul’s ministry by revealing God’s power at work.

The Ps is one of praise. It remembers the forgiveness, the healing, the blessings, his people have received

throughout their history. And it’s all the result of God’s great compassion and love. He has been a gracious and compassionate father to them.

All these readings seem to revolve around the close relationship with God that his people experience. This relationship is set up and nurtured by God – and even re-established by him when his people fall away. It’s like a close marriage (FR); it’s like having a really compassionate father (Ps); it’s like being at a party (G); and it shows (SR). And

God himself is the active force behind this relationship.

That’s good news for people who have difficulty even imagining a close, loving, or compassionate God.

God’s loving compassion brings about a close relationship with him.


We are told it’s important to embrace change, because we live in an always-changing world. Some changes in my life, in the church, in the world, I’m happy to go along with – but not others.

Why this difference? Why do I object to changes – is the real reason fear?

The G is the final part of Luke’s record of Jesus’ sermon on the plain. He speaks about the hypocrisy of a person

who tries to deal with the sins of others without dealing with his own sins first of all; about the effect the state of one’s heart has on one’s actions; and about the importance of acting on the Word of God one hears. Jesus is implying that

the new life given by God is one in which the acceptance of one’s own sinfulness is matched by the acceptance of other’s sinfulness. It’s also one in which attention is given to one’s inner being in order that loving actions and obedience to God will follow.

The SR is Paul’s jubilant announcement that Jesus’ victory over death is ours. Because of him everything about us that’s perishable and mortal will be clothed with the imperishable and the immortal. So what we do here and now for our Lord is never a waste of time.

In the FR God gives us the assurance that the words he speaks are never words that are wasted or empty. His is an active Word that does the work he says he will do.

The Ps is one of praise for the work God does for his people. They can depend on his care and blessing in their

lives.

Today’s readings proclaim the great changes God works in the hearts and lives of his people. He br ings about

change in our hearts – a change in our inmost being that works itself out in a changed life. He brings this about by means of his Word, which always bubbles away until his aims are achieved. He brings about this change through the resurrection of his Son. The faith he gives us knows that our mortality will be changed into immortality, and this faith

empowers us to work with God as he brings about his change in this world.

That’s good news for people who get lost in worldly concerns and can’t imagine anything changing for the better .

God’s power and activity in this world brings about great change for his people.

S u n d a y b e t w e e n 29th M a y - 4th J u n


FR: Deut.11:18-21,26-28 FR: Deut.5:12-15 FR: 1 Kgs.8:22-23,41-43 Ps: Ps.31:1-5,19-24 Ps: Ps.81:1-10 Ps: Ps.96:1-9 SR: Rom.1:16-17; 3:22b-28(29-31) SR: 2 Cor.4:5-12 SR: Gal.1:1-12

G: Mat.7:21-29 G: Mk.2:23 - 3:6 G: Lk.7:1-10 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The readings for today open my eyes to what God is doing – constantly – to help me, and all of us, to live the new life he has opened up for us.


I find I have all kind of reasons for making an effort to obey God. Many of them are selfish and distorted. Today’s readings offer help in getting my motivation back on track.

The G is the last section of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. In it Jesus stresses the importance of obedience to God. Even prophesying and doing powerful deeds in his name can’t replace obedience. The relationship with God that Jesus gives to us, and nurtures in us, is one that produces active and committed dedication

to God who has done, and is doing, so much for us.

In the SR Paul proclaims his allegiance to God and to the preaching of the gospel. This Gospel is the power of God. It demonstrates the grace of God as the message of grace works on sinners, justifying them. And justification

does not happen because these sinners have done something they can boast about. It happens because of God’s grace and his gift of faith in Jesus.

It is amazing to see the range of verbs used in the first 3 verses of the FR. God tells his people to fix, tie, bind, teach, talk about, and write his words in their daily lives. He does this be cause in his active word lies the power to bring about his blessing in their lives and for their future. In his gracious love God does all he can to see that his word

holds a central place in their lives.

The Ps is a prayer asking God to step in to bring rescue. It also gives honour and worship to God for the goodness and love he has shown to his people in the past.

The readings for this Sunday express God’s love for his people and proclaim some of the lengths to which he goes to make his people realize this love and to make it the very centre of their lives. He wants his people to have a relationship with him in which his word of mercy and grace becomes a power for blessing in this life and in the life to

come.

That’s good news for people who are letting their relationship with God slip.

In his grace God establishes and maintains his people’s relationship with him.


Many of the things I do, as I strive to live out my faith, I have done for years and years. They

have become traditions I do without thinking much about why I do them. Do I need to re-evaluate these traditions to see if they serve a good and valid purpose?

In the G Jesus is in conflict with the Jewish leaders regarding their Sabbath laws. The Pharisees regard these laws as part of God’s law – telling his people who they are, keeping them in their place, dishing out what they deserve, and making them work at earning their place before God . They can’t understand how Jesus, who claims to come from

God, can dismiss these laws just like that, and even give the impression he wants to get rid of them. And then Jesus even declares he’s in charge of the Sabbath!! But Jesus is, in fact, holding out the grace of God to these Jewish leaders.

In the SR Paul proclaims that all the suffering and pain he endures in the course of his ministry allows people to see that he is carrying in his body the death of Jesus. But he also wants them to receive the gift of seeing that at the same time he is carrying in his body the life of Jesus. Since his weakness and suffering is imparting life to those who

see the living Jesus in him, he doesn’t mind how much the death of Jesus is there in his life and ministry. It all serves a great and gracious purpose.

The FR is God’s command to his people to observe the Sabbath. He requires them to keep the day holy and to refrain from work. The reason for this commandment, God says, is to remind the people of their condition of slavery in Egypt, and to be a proclamation of his powerful, gracious, and merciful rescue of them. And that reminds me of

Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in the G.

The Ps is one of praise for God’s great actions of rescue as he led his people from Egypt, and his offer of free, abundant grace.

God’s grace is always there for his people. Even his laws are meant to be a reminder, even a re-enactment, of his grace to them. The trouble is that his people keep on forgetting, or covering over, or distorting, or even denying, that grace. So the greatest reminder and re-enactment of this grace is given us in Jesus, and in our worship of him each

week.

That’s good news for people who find themselves turning God’s grace into something they think they deserve – even if they don’t realize they are doing this.

In his grace God does all he can to proclaim, and to remind his people of, his grace.


There are people I go to for really worthwhile advice. And I have learned whom to approach for advice about what. What is it that makes a person trustworthy for offering advice?

‘He is worthy of your help’, some Jewish elders tell Jesus as they appeal for his assistance on behalf of a centurion whose slave is dying (G). ‘I am not worthy to have you come under my roof’ says the centurion, who sees that there is power in the words of Jesus. This power is there because he knows Jesus acts on behalf of God , with his authority

and authorization. This expression of faith – which amazed Jesus – results in health being restored to his slave through the powerful word of Jesus.

In the SR Paul writes to a congregation in danger of turning away to a ‘different gospel’. He proclaims that the

Gospel he proclaims came to him as a revelation directly from Jesus.

The FR is a small section of the prayer offered by Solomon on the occasion of the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. In it he asks that, when foreigners enter the temple for prayer, God would answer them and so demonstrate

his power before all nations. Surely the Gospel account is one occasion when this is fulfilled.

The Ps calls on the whole world to offer praise to God. He is the creator of the earth and does wonderful deeds of

might and awe.

This Sunday proclaims the power of God’s Word. Those who speak in his name release that power – and when that happens all people can come to know something of his power and grace.

That’s good news for people who are seeking God’s help.

God’s power is at work throughout the world especially as his ‘agents’ speak in his name.

S u n d a y b e t w e e n 5th - 11th J u n


FR: Hos.5:15 - 6:6 FR: Gen.3:8-15 FR: 1 Kgs.17:17-24 Ps: Ps.50:7-15 Ps: Ps.130 Ps: Ps.30 SR: Rom.4:13-25 SR: 2 Cor.4:13 - 5:1 SR: Gal.1:11-24

G: Mat.9:9-13,18-26 G: Mk.3:20-35 G: Lk.7:11-17 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I hear God’s offer of very significant gifts in the readings for today – gifts that are not available anywhere else.


There is something tricky about the acceptance of the gift of mercy that God holds out. There are times when that gift is just what I’m longing for. But at other times I’m sure that I can get on quite

well without it – and I almost feel insulted that God thinks I need it. Why does he seem to think I need it so much?

In the G Jesus is at a dinner put on by Matthew, whom he had called to be one of his disciples. When the Pharisees

question his presence at this meal, attended by many of Matthew’s religiously outcast friends, Jesus justifies his behaviour. He announces that his purpose for coming to this earth is to show God’s mercy by being a doctor to the

sick, and by calling sinners. And he expects his people to mirror his same mercy to the sinners around them. Then follow 2 healing miracles that reveal God’s mercy. A ruler whose daughter has died is convinced she will live if Jesus lays his hand on her. Which, after a little delay, Jesus does; and the girl is raised to life. And a woman with a 12-year

hemorrhage is healed after touching his cloak.

In the SR Paul looks at the ways in which Abraham experienced God’s mercy. It’s there in God’s promise that Abraham, though still childless, would be the father of many nations. It’s there in Abraham’s trust in God’s promise,

his hoping against hope that his and Sarah’s ‘deadness’ would still produce life – because of God’s power. It’s there in the gift of righteousness imputed to Abraham. In similar ways, Paul proclaims, we experience God’s great mercy. Our gift of faith in the death of Jesus grants us life, and the gift of God’s righteousness.

In the FR God despairs at his people’s lack of real love for him and their complacency. There is no genuine acknowledgement of their guilt in their proud display of confidence that God will rescue them. God appeals for lives

that reflect the mercy he has shown to them and a trust that relies on his mercy that’s even shown to self-satisfied people. (Jesus quotes the last verse of this reading in his conversation with the Pharisees in the G.)

The Ps is one in which God appeals to his people to stop relying on the formality of their offerings and to replace

this with obedient lives and a genuine dependence on the God of mercy in their troubles.

These readings proclaim the mercy God showers on his people in so many ways – which they never deserve.

That’s good news for people who justify themselves and their actions – whether they realize they are doing this or

not.

God showers his mercy on his people.


I don’t know if I’m fully aware of the dangers of temptation. Is that because of the help and protection that God constantly gives me, or my immaturity and ignorance?

In the G Jesus lets the Pharisees know that he is in the process of defeating the power of the devil. Two kingdoms are in conflict. Accused of casting out demons by the power of the devil, he asserts his God-given power over satan.

He adds (since the conflict is so great) that accusing him of having an unclean spirit is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – an eternal sin. He also claims that the members of God’s family are those who obey God.

In the SR Paul talks about the troubles he goes through because of his ministry of proclaiming Jesus . But he is content to put up with all that because his preaching serves to bring life to his hearers, and gives them joy in God’s grace. He proclaims that everything in this life is temporary while the life God gives is one of eternal joy.

The FR is part of the account of the results of the fall of Adam and Eve. They are fearful and guilty. God curses the serpent, putting enmity between the devil and the human race. But he also promises that a descendant of Adam

and Eve will obtain victory over the devil.

The Ps is a cry to God to listen to a person in great trouble, followed by an expression of confident trust in God who is a forgiving God, and then a call to the nation to live in confident hope in their loving and rescuing God.

Today’s readings proclaim God’s power over satan. Immediately after Adam and Eve succumbed to satan’s temptation God is there to promise humankind’s defeat of the devil (FR) – which was accomplished for them by Jesus. In Jesus’ life the powers of the devil are overcome in his casting out of demons (G). The Ps calls God’s people to trust

his power.

That’s good news for people who continue to be tempted and attacked by the de vil.

God tackles the power of the devil in this world, especially through Jesus.


Stories about a person’s escape from what seemed to be certain death seem to be popular articles

in newspapers and programs on TV. They are even more popular than the message of complete victory over death in Jesus.

In the G Jesus raises to life a widow’s son, who is being carried out to be buried. He does this by speaking to the dead young man, commanding him to get up. The response of the witnesses to this miracle is awe and praise of God, who in Jesus, they say, has ‘come to help his people’.

The FR is the account of another widow’s son being raised to life. This miracle is performed by Elijah who stretches himself on the child three times and prays to God to let the boy’s life return to him. The mother responds by acknowledging that Elijah is really a man of God and the word he speaks is the truth.

In the SR Paul proclaims that he received the gospel he is preaching by revelation from Jesus himself. It’s not the result of any consultation with, or teaching from, any human being. This revelation changed his life.

The Ps is one of praise for God’s rescue from death. It expresses joy and thanks for this demonstration of God’s

mercy and love.

These readings point to the new life God gives. It comes as a gift of God’s love and mercy. It comes through the

words Jesus speaks, and through the proclamation of the message Jesus brought. It’s a new life that can turn a person right around, and ultimately brings resurrection from the dead. It’s a life overflowing with joy and thanks to God.

That’s good news for people who find themselves overwhelmed by all the troubles and distresses in l ife.

The new life Jesus brings is one in which death is overpowered and defeated.



FR: Ex.19:2-8a FR: Ezek.17:22-24 FR: 2 Sam.11:26 - 12:10,13-15 Ps: Ps.100 Ps: Ps.92:1-4,12-15 Ps: Ps.32

SR: Rom.5:1-8 SR: 2 Cor.5:6-10(11-13)14-17 SR: Gal.2:15-21 G: Mat.9:35 - 10:8(9-23) G: Mk.4:26-34 G: Lk.7:36 - 8:3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In today’s readings I find myself confronted by a God whose love makes me face up to things I’d rather not know – about God and about me. But to know the depths of his love for me it’s probably

important that confrontations like this take place in my life.


I have a place where I put my wood carving projects that I haven’t got around to completing. I tell myself that some day I’ll finish what I’ve started – though part of me says that the momentum has gone and they will remain uncompleted. I’m glad God promises to see his plans through to the

end.

In the G Jesus gives his disciples a task – to proclaim to the lost sheep of Israel the nearness of the kingdom of

heaven – and to accompany that message with healings and exorcisms. This is exactly what Jesus has been doing. The reason for this mission is Jesus’ compassion for his sheep and the shortage of workers. He also asks his disciples to pray for more workers. The optional verses give instructions (to the disciples – and to the church?) about this

mission, the persecution they will face, and the nearness of the coming of the Son of Man.

The FR gives God’s message to his people, through Moses, calling them to obedience to him and to his covenant.

The reason for this call is his rescue of them from Egypt and his desire to make them a nation devoted to him.

In the SR Paul proclaims the peace with God that Jesus’ death brought about – a death that happened even while we were ungodly sinners. This peace produces rejoicing in the hope God brings, and even rejoicing in our suffering

(because of the way in which God uses it).

The Ps calls all people to worship God joyfully, because of his constant care and love for those whom he has created.

These readings proclaim God’s care for his people, and the lengths to which he goes to save them and to call them back to him, in order that they may delight in him and all the gifts he has for them.

That’s good news for people who feel lost and deserted, and who are not sure they can keep their part of the

covenant God has made with them.

God’s care for his people – his initiation of his relationship with them, his ongoing care, the eternal blessing he’s prepared.


I have come to realize that almost all of the events I attend involve significant behind-the-scenes

activity – especially those that go smoothly and seems so easy to organize. Today’s readings suggest that even God has stacks of work to do behind the scenes to bring his plans to fruition. I wonder if I’ll ever be aware of all that he does, and is doing, for me.

The parables in the G proclaim the behind-the-scenes power that’s at work in the kingdom of God. This power produces results – results that defy human understanding, and achieve God’s purposes.

In the SR Paul speaks about the power of God that’s at work in believers. This power produces a confident faith in

God’s gift of life with him, a deep desire to please God, a compulsion to share God’s love revealed in Jesus, and a desire to treat other believers as the new creations they are in Jesus.

The FR proclaims God’s action of taking his people (like taking a cutting from a tree) and making them grow into a

great nation offering safety and security for many people. Other nations will to able to see God’s great power at work.

The Ps proclaims the joy of praising God for his wondrous deeds. His care enables his people to flourish like a

tree, and produce their fruit right to the end of their life. That care produces even more praise to God.

God’s behind-the-scenes work in nature reflects the way in which he cares for his people. His power is at work whether people realize it’s there or not. God is always accomplishing his purposes, transforming his people, his world,

to become what he intends – despite the forces that are trying to prevent this from happening. By his grace he gives us eyes to see this power at work (or at least the results of it) and to accept that this power is at work in us.

That’s good news for people who wonder if and how God is really doing anyth ing.

God’s love is a power that’s at work in his people and in this world.


I catch myself reacting in all kinds of ways when confronted by my sins – most of them not helpful,

and in the long run giving me even more strife. It’s out of his great love for us that God confronts us with our sin.

In the G Jesus is confronted by Simon, a Pharisee, who objects to his acceptance of a ‘sinner’ anointing his feet. Jesus deals with Simon by confronting him with a parable , forcing him to admit that the greater a person’s experience

of forgiveness the greater is that person’s response of love. Jesus explains that the woman’s anointing of his feet is an expression of love and thanks for God’s merciful forgiveness of her. At the same time he is exposing Simon’s self-righteousness (over what he regards as his sinless life) and his corresponding lack of love for a forgiving God.

The FR contains a similarly confronting parable. It’s Nathan’s parable to King David that leads David to pronounce judgment on himself for his sin against Uriah and his wife. (Isn’t it fascinating that in these verses Bathsheba is not mentioned by name; she is always ‘Uriah’s wife’!) David’s spontaneous and open confession is also notable – and

stands in contrast to Simon the Pharisee’s reaction in the G.

In the SR Paul proclaims that the purpose of the death of Jesus is to bring forgiveness and justification to sinners. And the life lived by a believer is not actions of ‘observing the law’ but the out-flowing of being crucified with Jesus who

now lives his resurrected life in the believer.

The Ps rejoices in the blessings that God’s forgiveness gives, and calls on people to listen to the instruction God

gives.

These readings proclaim the ways in which forgiveness from God enriches and changes the way a person lives. They depict confession of sin as a normal and natural reaction to the great love that God showers on his people.

That’s good news for people who find it hard to own up to their wrong-doing by an open confession of sin.

God’s love, often experienced in his confrontation of our sin, is a power that works a response of gratitude and love.



FR: Jer.20:7-13 FR: Job 38:1-11 FR: Is.65:1-9 Ps: Ps.69:7-10(11-15)16-18 Ps: Ps.107:1-3, 23-32 Ps: Ps.22:19-28 SR: Rom.6:1b-11 SR: 2 Cor.6:1-13 SR: Gal.3:23-29

G: Mat.10:24-39 G: Mk.4:35-41 G: Lk.8:26-39 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

God is noted for his work of salvation, of rescue. In today’s readings I hear about that rescue, and the results of that rescue, all described in various ways.


It strikes me sometimes that the Christian life is a rare and unusual life – and for many reasons. But one of these reasons is proclaimed in the readings for today: While we usually see death as

the end of life, the Christian life begins with death. It begins with God’s work of rescue, and me dying with Jesus.

In the G Jesus warns his disciples that on their mission of preaching and healing they will experience suffering and

trouble and pain. But through it all God will be with them, so there is no need to be afraid. The earthly troubles that arise from their life of discipleship cannot touch the eternal life that he has won for them and holds out to them.

The SR proclaims the reality of the new life that God’s people live by their faith in Jesus. In their baptism they were buried with Jesus and were raised to life in Jesus. So they are dead to sin. It’s not possible to live in sin – because their life is in Jesus. Paul concludes by saying: regard yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus – it’s a fact; live

it! Or as The Message puts it: ‘Think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word.’

In the FR Jeremiah complains to God about the unenviable position in which God has placed him as a prophet. If

he proclaims God’s message (of judgment) he is ridiculed by those who hear it. But he can’t keep silent, either. The Word he has been given drives him to speak it. He has no option but to proclaim the message and trust God to protect him.

The writer of the Ps complains to God about the trouble and scorn he has to endure because of his obedience to God, and he asks God to rescue him from his almost unbearable situation.

In these readings I hear people wrestling with living the new life that God gives. Being able to live that new life involves suffering and pain and effort – which at times seems to be too much to bear, and is so unfair. But God’s presence and promises and grace at the centre of that new life makes all those troubles bearable, and can’t destroy

the comfort, the hope, and the joy that God gives.

That’s good news for people who find themselves in distressing situations because of their faith in, and devotion to, Jesus.

God’s care for his people shows in the rescue he brings.


When I find myself in trouble, whether due to my own foolishness or to situations beyond my

control, I react in all kinds of ways. Many times these reactions, unfortunately, make my trouble seem even worse. What can I do to train myself (if that’s what it takes) to react in ways that bring

relief?

The G proclaims the power of Jesus over wind and waves. The disciples in the boat with him are full of fear because

of the storm threatening to sink the boat. Waking the sleeping (on a cushion!) Jesus, their fear is replaced by awe as Jesus’ rebuke (the same word used for his confrontation of demons) of the wind and his command to the waves brings

calm.

In the SR Paul seeks to mend his relationship with the congregation at Corinth. He lists the troubles he has faced in his ministry of bringing to them the reconciling grace of the gospel. He appeals to them to open their hearts widely

to that grace, and to him as the bearer of that message of grace.

The FR is the beginning of God’s confrontation of Job regarding his ignorance, and his lack of comprehension, of

God’s mind and ways. He appears to Job out of a storm and asks questions pointing to his great power and might.

The Ps is one section of a Psalm that calls on people, who in various situations of danger have experienced God’s rescue, to join together in thanks to God. These verses call on sailors rescue d from dangers at sea to add their voices

to this song of praise.

These readings proclaim God’s rescue – from waves, from relationship troubles, from misunderstanding God .

That’s good news for people who find themselves in situations where some kind of rescue is needed .



I have difficulty imagining what a life in prison must really be like. Yet I know that there are many

things in life that can, and do, imprison me. And I can train myself to put up with, and even to accept, a limiting of my freedom – even my freedom in Jesus.

The G is the account of Jesus dealing with a man possessed by demons. There are many unusual features in this story – his living in the place of death, his uncontrollable strength, his isolated and naked existence, the demons’

request (which was granted) to be allowed to dwell in a herd of pigs, the drowning of the pigs, the local people’s fear and their request to Jesus to leave, and the healed man’s request (which was refused) to go with Jesus. Jesus’ intervention freed this man for a life of sanity, of normality, of peace, and of purpose.

In the SR Paul proclaims the freedom Jesus brings to people imprisoned by the law. It’s the freedom of belonging to God’s family, of being clothed with Jesus, of unity with others, of having an inheritance.

In the FR God proclaims his unmerited and unsought grace to his people. Even though they continually serve other

gods, or live lives dominated by death, or disobey him, or want nothing to do with him, still he will not wipe them out. He will see that his chosen nation will survive, and receive their inhe ritance.

The Ps is a prayer for rescue, and an expression of trust in God’s power to save .

These readings centre on the rescue God, in his grace, brings to his people. It’s a rescue from all that imprisons a person – including forces from within and from without, forces connected with death and sin and evil, forces against

which we have no power.

That’s good news for people who are in situations where rescue is needed – even when they are unaware of their need.


S u n d a y b e t w e e n 26th J u n - 2nd J u l


FR: Jer.28:5-9 FR: Lam.3:22-33 FR: 1 Kgs.19:15-16, 19-21 Ps: Ps.89:1-4, 15-18 Ps: Ps.30 Ps: Ps.16 SR: Rom.6:12-23 SR: 2 Cor.8:7-15 SR: Gal.5:1,13-25

G: Mat.10:40-42 G: Mk.5:21-43 G: Lk.9:51-62 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I find that life is full of contradictions and paradoxes. Some make life difficult – like: God loves you, but he also lets you suffer. Some bring freedom and joy to my daily living – like: God loves you, but he also lets you suffer. The readings for this Sunday of the church year confront me with

some of the paradoxical ways in which God acts.


I want my life to be one of freedom, of doing what I want to do. And often I think that a life of freedom is doing what I want to do. These readings proclaim that doing what I want to do is not freedom at all.

The G contains the final words of Jesus before he sends his disciples out to participate in his ministry of preaching and healing. He assures them they go with his, and his Father’s, authority. And even lowly actions of service to lowly

people are rewarded by God’s undeserved grace.

In the SR Paul proclaims the result of God’s grace in a person’s life. It brings freedom from slavery to the law, to sin, and to death. Grace brings the freedom of ‘slavery’ to righteousness, ‘slavery’ to God. This freedom brings a life

here of holiness, and of eternal life with God. This life is not a payment for services rendered, but the gift of God’s grace.

The FR contains the final words of the confrontation between the (false) prophet, Hananiah, and Jeremiah.

Hananiah promises peace and a not-too-distant return from exile. Jeremiah, after predicting doom if the people won’t return to God in obedience, warns that a prophet’s words are shown as the truth only by their fulfillment.

The Ps rejoices in the covenant God has lovingly made with his people, and pronounces a blessing on those who

live within that covenant.

The readings proclaim that God is always in charge of things – of life, of my life. His people live in freedom only to

the extent to which they acknowledge this, accept it, and rejoice in it.

That’s good news for people who really want to experience freedom in their lives.

God brings freedom to his people through their devotion and service to him.


‘Though Jesus was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.’ Now there’s a paradox to ponder!

The G presents us with two miracles, both received by people who demonstrate trust in Jesus. One is a healing received by a woman who trusted that touching his clothes would bring the healing she sought for the past 12 years.

The other began as a request for a laying-on-of-hands healing, but (due to the delay caused by the first healing?) turned into a command to ‘get up’ to a 12-year-old girl who, for Jesus, had ‘fallen asleep’. It seems it’s never too late to expect help from Jesus.

In the SR Paul calls on the congregation at Corinth to excel in their giving. Their ability to give is based on the grace that has been given to them. It’s the grace that brought poverty on Jesus so that he could make available to

them all his riches. It’s the grace that instills a willingness to give from what has been received. It’s the grace that

shares an abundance of gifts with those who are experiencing hard times.

The FR praises God’s great compassion. Even if he allows a person to experience loss, and grief, and aloneness, his compassion is always there.

The Ps expresses a joyful confidence in God’s never failing help. He heals, he takes away sorrow, he rescues, he acts in mercy, he gives many reasons for thanks and praise.

These readings proclaim the gifts and blessings our giving God offers to his people, and the cost of that giving to God.

That’s good news for people who feel that life, and the people around them, demand far too much from them.

God’s compassion never fails.


Freedom comes through willing slavery. That’s the paradox I face in these readings.

The G begins with the statement: Jesus ‘resolutely set out for Jerusalem’ – and therefore for his sacrificial death. He doesn’t let opposition from a Samaritan village , or his disciples’ desire to ‘sort them out’ distract him. Nor does he

allow those who want to follow him to be distracted by anything either. There are no detours on his path to death.

In the FR Elijah is given three tasks by God, one of which is anointing Elisha as his successor. His throwing of his cloak on Elisha is interpreted (by both of them) as his call to Elisha to follow him. Elijah’s ‘What have I done to you?’

is saying that this call is a simple and unimportant ‘take it or leave it’ matter, but it really means it’s a matter of ‘life and death’. Instead of just saying goodbye to this family, Elisha destroys the tools of trade of his previous life to provide a village-feast to celebrate his devotion to Elijah and his new role as a prophet-in-training.

In the SR Paul draws a picture of what freedom in Jesus really looks like. It’s a determined effort to avoid slavery of every kind – especially to our sinful nature and to God’s law. Belonging to Jesus means we have died to all that.

Freedom is living by the Spirit, serving others in love, and taking notice of the motivation of the Spirit within us.

The Ps expresses a person’s devotion to God , and to the great gifts of grace he offers. It expresses a desire and willingness to listen to God and to obey him.

Today’s readings proclaim that God lets nothing deter him from showering his love on the people who live in his world. Not even the suffering and death of his Son deters him. And that’s the love he gives to his people. It drives us to forget ourselves as we think of others and serve them.

That’s good news for people who want a worthwhile goal and purpose in life.

God’s love is a self-giving, forget-the-cost, always-active, love.

S u n d a y b e t w e e n 3rd - 9th J u l


FR: Zech.9:9-12 FR: Ezek.2:1-5 FR: Is.66:10-14 Ps: Ps.145:8-14 Ps: Ps.123 Ps: Ps.66:1-9 SR: Rom.7:15-25a SR: 2 Cor.12:2-10 SR: Gal.6:(1-6)7-16

G: Mat.11:16-19, 25-30 G: Mk.6:1-13 G: Lk.10:1-11,16-20 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This Sunday of the church year presents me with a few more of God’s paradoxes in my life of faith.


When I hear the words peace and rest I know what they mean for me. But do they have the same meaning for God? What peace and rest does God offer – and how do I get it?

In the G Jesus complains that no matter what God does humankind is never satisfied (and so they never experience peace – Jesus doesn’t say that, it’s my conclusion). But there are some whose eyes have been opened by God to see who Jesus really is. These have been enabled to see their ignorance and lack of learning, the weary and burdened

life they live. They are able to hear and to respond to Jesus’ invitation: Come to me; I’ll yoke you to me and bear your life’s-load with you; I’ll give you rest.

In the SR Paul describes the struggle that goes on within him between his inner being that delights in obeying God

and his sinful nature that prevents him from obeying God. He proclaims that rescue from this wretched situation only comes through Jesus.

The FR calls God’s people to rejoice because their lowly salvation-bringing king is coming to bring freedom and peace through the blood of his covenant with them.

The Ps proclaims God’s goodness and compassion, the glory of his everlasting kingdom, and his faithfulness to his

promises.

These readings present me with a God who struggles to get his people to understand and to reach out for the peace he offers. And with people who struggle to understand and to grasp the peace God offers. It seems that it’s only the

gift of faith in Jesus that brings this struggle to an end.

That’s good news for people who are yearning for peace and rest in their lives.

God brings peace and rest through his gift of faith in Jesus.


I need something to hold on to to get me successfully through life. Is that something in me, or in

God, or is it a bit in both of us?

In the G Jesus visits his hometown. He expresses amazement at their failure to understand who he really is, and

their lack of faith. Then he sends out the twelve with authority over evil spirits to preach repentance.

The FR is Ezekiel’s account of God’s calling of him to be a prophet. He is sent to God’s rebellious people (as God calls them) to speak God’s message. Whether they listen or not is not the issue for Ezekiel – but they will know that

there is a prophet among them.

In the SR Paul, in response to the boasts made by false prophets at Corinth, refuses to boast about his experience of finding himself in the very presence of God. Rather he wants to boast about his weaknesses – his hardships and

persecutions, and the thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, that torments him. Through these weaknesses God’s power (in contrast to Paul’s power) is made perfect. When he is weak then he is strong. God revealed to him that not personal strength but simply the grace of God is all he needs.

The Ps proclaims that God’s mercy, and waiting on God for this gift of his, is all a person needs .

The readings confront me with people who are struggling to trust in God, to give up on themselves, and to let God be God. And then there’s Paul who experiences the grace of God – and the struggle is over.

That’s good news for people who want to let go of themselves but don’t know what else there is to hold on to.

God offers to be, and to supply, all that people really need.


What I can accomplish is certainly rewarding and brings me great joy. Is there, I wonder, any greater joy than that?

The G is the account of Jesus sending out seventy-two to heal the sick and to announce the nearness of God’s kingdom. Returning, they rejoice that even demons submit to the name of Jesus. The response of Jesus is noteworthy

– that he saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. It’s even more noteworthy that he goes on to say that though it brings joy to accomplish things for God there’s something that brings even greater joy – the gift of God’s grace.

In the SR Paul makes known his desire to boast in nothing but the cross of Jesus – because through the cross he

is dead to the world, and all that counts is the new life of grace in Jesus. He sees congregational life centered on the cross of Jesus, too. That’s why he begins with the instruction to restore gently any person caught in sin – and to do it with humility aware of the ease with which everyone submits to temptation. He goes on the say that the new life in

Jesus produces mutual care within congregations and continual effort to listen to the Spirit.

The FR calls for rejoicing – rejoicing over God’s abundant care for his people, the mother-like comfort and concern

he offers.

The Ps calls on all the whole earth to offer joyful praise to the Lord – for his awesome power, his mighty actions on behalf of his people, and his ruling over all nations.

Today’s readings proclaim the greatest joy people can experience – being the recipient of God’s mercy. It’s not the joy that comes from what I do for God, but what he does for me.

That’s good news for people who busy themselves searching for some joy in life.

The gift of God’s grace brings the deepest joy in life.

SURPRISED BY GOD’S GOOD NEWS

I’m amazed at the surprises God keeps throwing at me. The undeserved blessings that fill my life, the grace that hides behind the problems and difficulties and pains in life, the promises of

mercy that fill his message in the Bible. Above all I enjoy gathering on Sundays when God’s surprises are announced and proclaimed – and celebrated. The way he acts, the way he thinks,

the forgiveness and grace and mercy he reveals – all this astounds me, dumbfounds me. And it has a profound affect on my life, as I try to cope with the almost-unbelievable surprises of his grace and mercy.

Often these surprises at Sunday worship hit me quite out of the blue. I don’t expect them, I’m unprepared for them, and I’m not ready for the damage they do to the mould of my thinking. I

also know I can limit these wonderful surprises, and their impact on me, if I just sit back and wait for them to happen.

But I can get myself ready to be surprised. I can look through the readings for the coming Sunday

and listen for the surprising mercy and grace of God that those readings proclaim. It doesn’t lessen or weaken or destroy the surprise if I know exactly what the surprise is going to be. No, it

increases the surprise – the anticipation adds to it. And there’s always the added surprise when that Sunday’s surprise doesn’t turn out to be the one I expected and prepared for.

These pages contain something of the gracious and merciful surprises that fill the Good News

that’s there to be proclaimed Sunday by Sunday in the readings for the day. I’ve tried to find a theme for each Sunday of the Church year – a theme that summarizes that Sunday’s Good News in Jesus. The surprising mercy and grace highlighted here is just some of what I’ve heard – and

heard so far.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if in your worship and your preparation for worship you hear stacks

more. If only I could hear all that you hear.

In this attempt I admit to working with the following presuppositions or assumptions: - The readings for each Sunday of the church year were chosen because they share some

common threads or themes. - The dominant reading as far as the Sunday’s theme is concerned is the Gospel reading. The

other readings were chosen because they have some tie-in with the Gospel. (So I have started the listening process with the Gospel reading, and then moved to the other readings.) - I think it is helpful for the worship experience to know how the readings relate to each other;

and, when taken together, what specific aspect of God’s good news they proclaim.

Neil Stiller (v. 2016)

good news sunday after sunday the season of pentecost · sunday after sunday the season of...

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