Proper 5
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1-9 (C)
This Abraham, whom we meet here as Abram, must have been some kind of guy. Seventy-five years old, settled, probably having worked hard all his life and deserving of rest and some fun time. Now he learns he must uproot his family and, along with Sarai (destined to become Sarah) and son Lot and apparently something of an entourage, he must head out into the desert to (imagine what this would sound like if it were you) "found a new nation." Abram didn't argue. "So Abram went as the Lord had told him," wrote the author of this section of Genesis. We must suppose that Abram was indeed a man of great faith (not to mention his wife, who might very well have questioned her husband's sanity). God has promised assistance in this ambitious and dangerous venture, and that was good enough for Abram. There's certainly a sermon right there for anyone who feels called to a mission but fears it may be risky.
Lesson 1: Hosea 6:3-6 (RC); Hosea 5:15--6:6 (E)
This entire book is a powerful statement, once we get past the antiquity of language and the quaint names from the past. Hosea has been betrayed by his wife, yet his love for her is unbroken. He wants her back, is willing to forgive her for her betrayal. That must have been an extremely rare reaction in that time of non-permissive love between man and woman. And then Hosea sees in this an analogy to his and his people's relationship with God. Perhaps looking deep within, Hosea realizes that his capacity for love cannot be nearly so great as that of God, yet he is capable, more than that, anxious to forgive Gomer.
Now we find him bespeaking God's disappointment with Judah and Israel. They have, like Gomer, betrayed the sacred trust which lay between them and God. It has hurt God. Although they belatedly try to placate God with sacrificial offerings, that isn't what God wants. He wants their love. Anyone who has ever been spurned by someone one loves must know how hopeless it must feel to demand love. Even God can't force love. And anyone who has been loved by another whom one doesn't love must also know how tragically unable we all are to pretend romantic love for long if it is not there. All God can do is declare his love, forgive the wrongs that the people have done, and let them know that they are loved by him.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:13-25 (C); Romans 4:18-25 (RC); Romans 4:13-18 (E)
Paul is still determined to convince the Jews that they are the rightful inheritors of the prophetic promise, the fulfillment of which was predicted by their own prophets. First, he scolds them for the attitudes and (in some cases) the actions which caused Jesus' death. However, he somewhat mitigates responsibility by stating that they did this partly because it was God's will that Jesus suffer. Paul is willing to let bygones be bygones, provided the people repent for what they did, and that they acknowledge that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prediction of Moses that God would raise up a "prophet" like him. For those who accept this, their descendants will be blessed.
Personally, I have never fully understood how God could have willed that Jesus suffer, have arranged that the Jews impose such suffering, then hold the Jews responsible for what God arranged they should do. Paul, however, seems undisturbed by this dilemma although the ease with which he promises them forgiveness implies that Paul may have worked this out in his own mind. The heart of this passage seems to be the faithfulness of Abraham and the other early founders of Judaism, their willingness to endure hardship because they had complete trust in God's promise to accomplish a divine purpose through them.
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (C); Matthew 9:9-13 (RC, E)
I suppose if the Bible were long enough to allow more complete reports of some of these strange and wonderful events, it would be so long few would read it. Truly, part of the genius of the Bible is its utter brevity about so many events. Still, do you suppose Jesus just walked by Matthew and said, "Come on, Matthew, follow me," and he actually did this? Or do you think it possible Matthew had had some earlier dealing with Jesus, had reflected for some time, then finally, seeing Jesus yet again, decided this was his life's calling? While I would never compare myself to an apostle, I must say I struggled for more than a year before deciding my sense of call from God was the real thing, and it took a while longer yet to get ready and go.
Maybe it doesn't matter. What is important here is that Matthew, like Abraham before him, went when called, and in both cases, God did exactly what was promised. Neither had an especially easy life physically. However, the truly good life is impossible anyway without a sense of purpose which is greater than oneself. This fact could be the focus of the sermon.
The passage goes on, though, with several healing stories close together, the most noteworthy being the resuscitation of a little girl whom others at least thought was dead. The preacher could focus on the healing issue itself, or see this as an example of the power of God which is also brought to bear for those who, having found their calling, go.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Doing What We're Here To Do"
Text: Genesis 12:1-9
Theme: The preacher may wish to set aside the issue of whether there was ever literally a man named Abraham, and whether this story is part of the myth or a literal report. Behind the scenes, as it were, that is an unavoidable question. However, most congregations are content, I think, to let the clergy worry over such matters, and to make the Bible passage relevant to their lives today. Speaking as a listener, I don't much care whether Abraham was a person or a mythical symbol, sort of like Uncle Sam is to us Americans. What is important is the assurance given by the writer that when a man or woman is called to an important work, even though the work may seem difficult or even frightening, God will empower that person in the work.
1. Each of us is called by God. I believe this. One may be called to serve the church as clergy, but that is only for a few. One may be called to medicine, to law, to carpentry, to art, to teaching, to law enforcement, to counseling, to be a paint contractor -- any respectable, worthy life's work is honored by God, and given the complex nature of our world we need a wide variety of vocations. One of my clergy friends had three children. The two eldest went on to graduate school, then to professional careers. The third, a boy, dropped out of high school to become a carpenter. He loved the work, was darn good at it, and that was where he felt he belonged. Bless their hearts, his parents affirmed him in this and are equally proud of each of their three children.
2. Our "calling" is determined by the way in which we are equipped for life. I do not think each person has only one vocation assigned, or anything like that. But as we grow, we discover in ourselves certain gifts and also likes and dislikes which equip us for certain kinds of work. For example, that boy I mentioned has marvelous manual skills. I, on the other hand, am guaranteed to injure myself and remain in bad humor for some time if I even try to perform a simple repair. But I love to be with people and that young man prefers to work in solitude.
What I do believe is that God desires us to choose a life's work that makes a contribution to the good of society, to the good of other individuals, and one that fulfills us as individuals. Certain people seem to be called for special tasks. A friend of mine currently holds a very high office in America. His mother tells me he gets up at five every morning, runs several miles, showers, is picked up by his driver about six and off to the office or the airport. He can make speeches in three different cities in the course of a day, fall in bed at midnight, then be up at five again Somewhere in there, he absorbs the events of the day, bills to be voted on, deals to be made, and has managed to help raise a wonderful family. I'd last about a week with his schedule. He has no leisure time, can never walk the malls, or take an afternoon off to see a movie. Yet as far as I can see, he loves every minute of his life. He's a devout Christian and draws his energy from his faith (and some good genetics, but that's part of my point). He believes he was called to do what he does, and our country is all the better for it.
3. God will empower us in our work. We have used several Bible passages this year which emphasize that this is a two-way agreement, a covenant. We, for our part, are to do our work according to God's commandments. The person who seeks only to make money and achieve recognition, whatever the cost, will be sadly disappointed. "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ..." That means I am to focus my efforts on the work I am doing for the good of others, not just myself. I am to be known as an honest man who cares about others, and I am to let God decide what rewards are fair. I know of a clergyman who was very talented and beginning to receive wide recognition. He took his own life. Why? The recognition wasn't coming fast enough and when someone whom he felt to be less talented than he was received an honorary degree, it was too much.
In sum, each of us has been equipped from birth for certain types of work. Our particular talents and life experiences shape us in this way. Our work is to be done with honor and with fidelity to the divine will. God will enable us to do our work well, and the rewards will be great. To those in the congregation preparing for their world, prayer will make a large
difference in the choice they make. Those who are vocationally unhappy will find the same to be true, and guidance in making necessary changes.
Title: "As Old As You Think"
Text: Romans 4:13-25
Theme: This passage could be used for a sermon to a group of elderly people. I have decided that age is as much a matter of outlook as of years passed. True, the physical body does slowly fall apart. Paul here remembers Abraham as being nearly a hundred years old (the original report had him at 75). He was "as good as dead," said Paul. But look what Abraham was able to do because he had faith. One of life's tragedies is the mistaken idea that once a person reaches a certain age, he or she is no longer able to do anything worthwhile. As a result, much wisdom and talent goes to waste. If this old guy (Abraham) could do all he did, most of the rest of us can do much of value to others if we are willing to run the risk and trust God to help. I recently returned from a work project in a remote part of Jamaica. One of the hardest working people in the group was a 75-year-old man who was always to be seen wielding a hammer or paintbrush in the blazing sun. He wasn't a carpenter during his working years. He was an executive of an insurance company. He has since had another birthday and I just read that he's off on another work project to a remote part of the world. He wants to go on helping other people as long as he can and that has already been a long time. He believes, of course, that God is helping him.
Paul again points to the distinction between "law" and "faith" and relates this to God's work in our life. We can't earn God's enabling power (law). It is a gift, freely given to those who accept it (faith). But that doesn't mean we have no responsibility morally, which of course we do. What Paul is urging is that his listeners realize that what Abraham did was made possible by his faith in God, and that a daring approach to life is the proper one when one is armed with faith.
Title: "Just As I Am"
Text: Matthew 9:9-13
Theme: One of the things most of us love about Jesus is his tendency to spend most of his social time with socially unacceptable people (that is, by the self-righteous standards of the community). Matthew lumps them all together as "sinners" (except the tax collectors who must have been cordially hated). We probably feel that way because most of us would, at least at times, fit into that category. We must keep in mind that the audience was mainly Pharisees, or at least people with a similar outlook. They believed that goodness correlated with obedience to a long list of rules. One can only imagine how inhibited and repressed the average Pharisee must have been. They must not have had much fun, whereas my impression of Jesus is that he had a great sense of humor and was totally unself-righteous (if there is such a word). Assuming that Jesus, if it's true that he was made like us, needed some social time with friends, and if my diagnosis of the situation at hand is correct, he just plain enjoyed those sinners.
However, we can assume that Jesus did not drop to their level; he drew them up to his level. Back in my more sinful days, I became a good friend of the pastor of my church. While he was "human" of course, he never said or did things which in any way detracted from his role as a minister. His humor and good spirit were contagious. I was only just starting to appreciate the church. But when this man was with us, we all acted somehow different -- not uncomfortable -- just, well, different Better.
1. Jesus loves us just as we are. I don't have to change in order for Jesus to love me. As an old expression goes which was popular a generation ago, "I'm O.K." I have referred to a work project in which I was a recent participant. By all odds, the hardest working person there, and the most talented person for the job, was a man who frankly admits he was a thoroughgoing redneck for most of his life. He still limps from a motorcycle accident. He started going to church and quickly learned that he was completely accepted and loved by everyone.
2. Jesus' love works a strange and wonderful effect on us. He doesn't demand that we change. It's just that we don't quite like some things about ourselves we used to take for granted. We WANT to be better.
3. Something good begins to happen inside. As I change, the world looks better. Things look cleaner when I get up in the morning. People like me better and, praise the Lord, I like myself better. I still make mistakes, but I begin to discover a new capability in myself: I now am able to say "I'm sorry," I try to do better.
I said I wonder if Matthew may have had a history with Jesus, though we're not told that. Yes, I believe what I have described here may very well be something Matthew experienced. It was wonderful. It was what this ham-handed fisherman had always wanted and had previously not known how to find. His world had taken on a heretofore unknown beauty. Now Matthew knew something most of you have known: it's better than anything else, worth leaving all to follow. That doesn't mean one must literally leave family or friends or even house behind. It means leaving a certain self behind for a better one.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
A black man in the south many years ago tried to join a white church, but he was quickly made to understand that his kind was not wanted there. Distraught, he went for a long walk and the Lord appeared to him. "What's wrong, my friend?" asked the Lord. "I wanted to go to that church over there," the man replied, "but they wouldn't let me in." And the Lord replied to the black man: "Oh, yes, I know what you mean. I haven't been able to get in there for years."
____________
A man who described himself as a cynic returned for a visit to his small hometown, after many years as a professional man in a large eastern city. He hadn't been in church for years, but to please his aging parents, he went with them the next Sunday. He said little in the following week. But the next Sunday, he quietly got dressed and told his family he'd like to go to church again. When he returned to his home in the large city, he went to church the next Sunday. A friend who knew this fellow pretty well said, "That preacher must have preached a pretty powerful sermon to get you back to church." "No," the man replied, "it wasn't that, though the sermon was all right. But I grew up in that little town. When I walked into that church I saw a man who had been in constant trouble, often arrested by the marshall, frequently in drunken fights while I was growing up. But last Sunday, I saw that man, his whole family taking up a complete pew. His attention never wavered from that preacher. I decided that anything which could change a man like that must have great power. I must learn more about such a religion."
____________
In April 1996, Mr. Frank Latanawich declared bankruptcy, getting nearly $13,000 indebtedness discharged. Part of that was a $1,661 sum owed to Sears, Roebuck, and Co. That firm then contacted Mr. Latanawich and requested that he return the television set he had purchased, along with a car battery. Or, they said, he could begin monthly payments of $28 to discharge his debt. However, after seven months of this, Latanawich contacted bankruptcy judge Carol Kenner, saying that to make these payments was keeping food off the table of his children. The effect of this was a judgment against Sears of $265 million, requiring that everyone who was asked to repay their debts receive reimbursement plus damages.
Editorial columnist Jeff Jacoby of The Boston Globe wrote this: "There is no mistaking the real villain in this tale: it is Latanawich, a parasite who cared more about his television than about food for his family -- and who cared least of all about keeping his word. For his dishonesty and his greed, he will now be richly rewarded."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 33:1-12 (C) -- "A praise song is fitting for the upright."
Psalm 50:1, 8, 12-15 (RC); Psalm 50 (E) -- What does God require?
Prayer Of The Day
We would walk with thee, O Lord, but we falter in the way. Give us strength for the work ahead, help us keep alight the fires of faith within, give us courage when the night falls and difficult work is yet to be done. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1-9 (C)
This Abraham, whom we meet here as Abram, must have been some kind of guy. Seventy-five years old, settled, probably having worked hard all his life and deserving of rest and some fun time. Now he learns he must uproot his family and, along with Sarai (destined to become Sarah) and son Lot and apparently something of an entourage, he must head out into the desert to (imagine what this would sound like if it were you) "found a new nation." Abram didn't argue. "So Abram went as the Lord had told him," wrote the author of this section of Genesis. We must suppose that Abram was indeed a man of great faith (not to mention his wife, who might very well have questioned her husband's sanity). God has promised assistance in this ambitious and dangerous venture, and that was good enough for Abram. There's certainly a sermon right there for anyone who feels called to a mission but fears it may be risky.
Lesson 1: Hosea 6:3-6 (RC); Hosea 5:15--6:6 (E)
This entire book is a powerful statement, once we get past the antiquity of language and the quaint names from the past. Hosea has been betrayed by his wife, yet his love for her is unbroken. He wants her back, is willing to forgive her for her betrayal. That must have been an extremely rare reaction in that time of non-permissive love between man and woman. And then Hosea sees in this an analogy to his and his people's relationship with God. Perhaps looking deep within, Hosea realizes that his capacity for love cannot be nearly so great as that of God, yet he is capable, more than that, anxious to forgive Gomer.
Now we find him bespeaking God's disappointment with Judah and Israel. They have, like Gomer, betrayed the sacred trust which lay between them and God. It has hurt God. Although they belatedly try to placate God with sacrificial offerings, that isn't what God wants. He wants their love. Anyone who has ever been spurned by someone one loves must know how hopeless it must feel to demand love. Even God can't force love. And anyone who has been loved by another whom one doesn't love must also know how tragically unable we all are to pretend romantic love for long if it is not there. All God can do is declare his love, forgive the wrongs that the people have done, and let them know that they are loved by him.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:13-25 (C); Romans 4:18-25 (RC); Romans 4:13-18 (E)
Paul is still determined to convince the Jews that they are the rightful inheritors of the prophetic promise, the fulfillment of which was predicted by their own prophets. First, he scolds them for the attitudes and (in some cases) the actions which caused Jesus' death. However, he somewhat mitigates responsibility by stating that they did this partly because it was God's will that Jesus suffer. Paul is willing to let bygones be bygones, provided the people repent for what they did, and that they acknowledge that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prediction of Moses that God would raise up a "prophet" like him. For those who accept this, their descendants will be blessed.
Personally, I have never fully understood how God could have willed that Jesus suffer, have arranged that the Jews impose such suffering, then hold the Jews responsible for what God arranged they should do. Paul, however, seems undisturbed by this dilemma although the ease with which he promises them forgiveness implies that Paul may have worked this out in his own mind. The heart of this passage seems to be the faithfulness of Abraham and the other early founders of Judaism, their willingness to endure hardship because they had complete trust in God's promise to accomplish a divine purpose through them.
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (C); Matthew 9:9-13 (RC, E)
I suppose if the Bible were long enough to allow more complete reports of some of these strange and wonderful events, it would be so long few would read it. Truly, part of the genius of the Bible is its utter brevity about so many events. Still, do you suppose Jesus just walked by Matthew and said, "Come on, Matthew, follow me," and he actually did this? Or do you think it possible Matthew had had some earlier dealing with Jesus, had reflected for some time, then finally, seeing Jesus yet again, decided this was his life's calling? While I would never compare myself to an apostle, I must say I struggled for more than a year before deciding my sense of call from God was the real thing, and it took a while longer yet to get ready and go.
Maybe it doesn't matter. What is important here is that Matthew, like Abraham before him, went when called, and in both cases, God did exactly what was promised. Neither had an especially easy life physically. However, the truly good life is impossible anyway without a sense of purpose which is greater than oneself. This fact could be the focus of the sermon.
The passage goes on, though, with several healing stories close together, the most noteworthy being the resuscitation of a little girl whom others at least thought was dead. The preacher could focus on the healing issue itself, or see this as an example of the power of God which is also brought to bear for those who, having found their calling, go.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Doing What We're Here To Do"
Text: Genesis 12:1-9
Theme: The preacher may wish to set aside the issue of whether there was ever literally a man named Abraham, and whether this story is part of the myth or a literal report. Behind the scenes, as it were, that is an unavoidable question. However, most congregations are content, I think, to let the clergy worry over such matters, and to make the Bible passage relevant to their lives today. Speaking as a listener, I don't much care whether Abraham was a person or a mythical symbol, sort of like Uncle Sam is to us Americans. What is important is the assurance given by the writer that when a man or woman is called to an important work, even though the work may seem difficult or even frightening, God will empower that person in the work.
1. Each of us is called by God. I believe this. One may be called to serve the church as clergy, but that is only for a few. One may be called to medicine, to law, to carpentry, to art, to teaching, to law enforcement, to counseling, to be a paint contractor -- any respectable, worthy life's work is honored by God, and given the complex nature of our world we need a wide variety of vocations. One of my clergy friends had three children. The two eldest went on to graduate school, then to professional careers. The third, a boy, dropped out of high school to become a carpenter. He loved the work, was darn good at it, and that was where he felt he belonged. Bless their hearts, his parents affirmed him in this and are equally proud of each of their three children.
2. Our "calling" is determined by the way in which we are equipped for life. I do not think each person has only one vocation assigned, or anything like that. But as we grow, we discover in ourselves certain gifts and also likes and dislikes which equip us for certain kinds of work. For example, that boy I mentioned has marvelous manual skills. I, on the other hand, am guaranteed to injure myself and remain in bad humor for some time if I even try to perform a simple repair. But I love to be with people and that young man prefers to work in solitude.
What I do believe is that God desires us to choose a life's work that makes a contribution to the good of society, to the good of other individuals, and one that fulfills us as individuals. Certain people seem to be called for special tasks. A friend of mine currently holds a very high office in America. His mother tells me he gets up at five every morning, runs several miles, showers, is picked up by his driver about six and off to the office or the airport. He can make speeches in three different cities in the course of a day, fall in bed at midnight, then be up at five again Somewhere in there, he absorbs the events of the day, bills to be voted on, deals to be made, and has managed to help raise a wonderful family. I'd last about a week with his schedule. He has no leisure time, can never walk the malls, or take an afternoon off to see a movie. Yet as far as I can see, he loves every minute of his life. He's a devout Christian and draws his energy from his faith (and some good genetics, but that's part of my point). He believes he was called to do what he does, and our country is all the better for it.
3. God will empower us in our work. We have used several Bible passages this year which emphasize that this is a two-way agreement, a covenant. We, for our part, are to do our work according to God's commandments. The person who seeks only to make money and achieve recognition, whatever the cost, will be sadly disappointed. "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ..." That means I am to focus my efforts on the work I am doing for the good of others, not just myself. I am to be known as an honest man who cares about others, and I am to let God decide what rewards are fair. I know of a clergyman who was very talented and beginning to receive wide recognition. He took his own life. Why? The recognition wasn't coming fast enough and when someone whom he felt to be less talented than he was received an honorary degree, it was too much.
In sum, each of us has been equipped from birth for certain types of work. Our particular talents and life experiences shape us in this way. Our work is to be done with honor and with fidelity to the divine will. God will enable us to do our work well, and the rewards will be great. To those in the congregation preparing for their world, prayer will make a large
difference in the choice they make. Those who are vocationally unhappy will find the same to be true, and guidance in making necessary changes.
Title: "As Old As You Think"
Text: Romans 4:13-25
Theme: This passage could be used for a sermon to a group of elderly people. I have decided that age is as much a matter of outlook as of years passed. True, the physical body does slowly fall apart. Paul here remembers Abraham as being nearly a hundred years old (the original report had him at 75). He was "as good as dead," said Paul. But look what Abraham was able to do because he had faith. One of life's tragedies is the mistaken idea that once a person reaches a certain age, he or she is no longer able to do anything worthwhile. As a result, much wisdom and talent goes to waste. If this old guy (Abraham) could do all he did, most of the rest of us can do much of value to others if we are willing to run the risk and trust God to help. I recently returned from a work project in a remote part of Jamaica. One of the hardest working people in the group was a 75-year-old man who was always to be seen wielding a hammer or paintbrush in the blazing sun. He wasn't a carpenter during his working years. He was an executive of an insurance company. He has since had another birthday and I just read that he's off on another work project to a remote part of the world. He wants to go on helping other people as long as he can and that has already been a long time. He believes, of course, that God is helping him.
Paul again points to the distinction between "law" and "faith" and relates this to God's work in our life. We can't earn God's enabling power (law). It is a gift, freely given to those who accept it (faith). But that doesn't mean we have no responsibility morally, which of course we do. What Paul is urging is that his listeners realize that what Abraham did was made possible by his faith in God, and that a daring approach to life is the proper one when one is armed with faith.
Title: "Just As I Am"
Text: Matthew 9:9-13
Theme: One of the things most of us love about Jesus is his tendency to spend most of his social time with socially unacceptable people (that is, by the self-righteous standards of the community). Matthew lumps them all together as "sinners" (except the tax collectors who must have been cordially hated). We probably feel that way because most of us would, at least at times, fit into that category. We must keep in mind that the audience was mainly Pharisees, or at least people with a similar outlook. They believed that goodness correlated with obedience to a long list of rules. One can only imagine how inhibited and repressed the average Pharisee must have been. They must not have had much fun, whereas my impression of Jesus is that he had a great sense of humor and was totally unself-righteous (if there is such a word). Assuming that Jesus, if it's true that he was made like us, needed some social time with friends, and if my diagnosis of the situation at hand is correct, he just plain enjoyed those sinners.
However, we can assume that Jesus did not drop to their level; he drew them up to his level. Back in my more sinful days, I became a good friend of the pastor of my church. While he was "human" of course, he never said or did things which in any way detracted from his role as a minister. His humor and good spirit were contagious. I was only just starting to appreciate the church. But when this man was with us, we all acted somehow different -- not uncomfortable -- just, well, different Better.
1. Jesus loves us just as we are. I don't have to change in order for Jesus to love me. As an old expression goes which was popular a generation ago, "I'm O.K." I have referred to a work project in which I was a recent participant. By all odds, the hardest working person there, and the most talented person for the job, was a man who frankly admits he was a thoroughgoing redneck for most of his life. He still limps from a motorcycle accident. He started going to church and quickly learned that he was completely accepted and loved by everyone.
2. Jesus' love works a strange and wonderful effect on us. He doesn't demand that we change. It's just that we don't quite like some things about ourselves we used to take for granted. We WANT to be better.
3. Something good begins to happen inside. As I change, the world looks better. Things look cleaner when I get up in the morning. People like me better and, praise the Lord, I like myself better. I still make mistakes, but I begin to discover a new capability in myself: I now am able to say "I'm sorry," I try to do better.
I said I wonder if Matthew may have had a history with Jesus, though we're not told that. Yes, I believe what I have described here may very well be something Matthew experienced. It was wonderful. It was what this ham-handed fisherman had always wanted and had previously not known how to find. His world had taken on a heretofore unknown beauty. Now Matthew knew something most of you have known: it's better than anything else, worth leaving all to follow. That doesn't mean one must literally leave family or friends or even house behind. It means leaving a certain self behind for a better one.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
A black man in the south many years ago tried to join a white church, but he was quickly made to understand that his kind was not wanted there. Distraught, he went for a long walk and the Lord appeared to him. "What's wrong, my friend?" asked the Lord. "I wanted to go to that church over there," the man replied, "but they wouldn't let me in." And the Lord replied to the black man: "Oh, yes, I know what you mean. I haven't been able to get in there for years."
____________
A man who described himself as a cynic returned for a visit to his small hometown, after many years as a professional man in a large eastern city. He hadn't been in church for years, but to please his aging parents, he went with them the next Sunday. He said little in the following week. But the next Sunday, he quietly got dressed and told his family he'd like to go to church again. When he returned to his home in the large city, he went to church the next Sunday. A friend who knew this fellow pretty well said, "That preacher must have preached a pretty powerful sermon to get you back to church." "No," the man replied, "it wasn't that, though the sermon was all right. But I grew up in that little town. When I walked into that church I saw a man who had been in constant trouble, often arrested by the marshall, frequently in drunken fights while I was growing up. But last Sunday, I saw that man, his whole family taking up a complete pew. His attention never wavered from that preacher. I decided that anything which could change a man like that must have great power. I must learn more about such a religion."
____________
In April 1996, Mr. Frank Latanawich declared bankruptcy, getting nearly $13,000 indebtedness discharged. Part of that was a $1,661 sum owed to Sears, Roebuck, and Co. That firm then contacted Mr. Latanawich and requested that he return the television set he had purchased, along with a car battery. Or, they said, he could begin monthly payments of $28 to discharge his debt. However, after seven months of this, Latanawich contacted bankruptcy judge Carol Kenner, saying that to make these payments was keeping food off the table of his children. The effect of this was a judgment against Sears of $265 million, requiring that everyone who was asked to repay their debts receive reimbursement plus damages.
Editorial columnist Jeff Jacoby of The Boston Globe wrote this: "There is no mistaking the real villain in this tale: it is Latanawich, a parasite who cared more about his television than about food for his family -- and who cared least of all about keeping his word. For his dishonesty and his greed, he will now be richly rewarded."
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Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 33:1-12 (C) -- "A praise song is fitting for the upright."
Psalm 50:1, 8, 12-15 (RC); Psalm 50 (E) -- What does God require?
Prayer Of The Day
We would walk with thee, O Lord, but we falter in the way. Give us strength for the work ahead, help us keep alight the fires of faith within, give us courage when the night falls and difficult work is yet to be done. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
