August 12, 2007

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Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

Read Luke 12:32-40

Read also Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Psalm 50

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” (said Jesus).

“Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.

Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them.  If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

“But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

                                                                                                                                                                       Luke 12:32-40

Images of the Kingdom

Mixing his metaphors in a torrent of imagery,

Jesus gives us a glimpse of the Kingdom,

and its urgency and expectation.

Whether it’s crafting wearproof wallets

to carry this kingdom-treasure,

or lighting lamps and dressing for action,

or wedding banquets and bridegrooms,

or slaves and masters,

or homeowners and thieves in the night,

each gives a glimpse of the urgency

with which Christ sends us forth into the world.

Even the “kingdom” itself is metaphor,

reminding us that the rule of God

is worth whatever effort;

and every moment is a summons to readiness

and every setting,   

a preparation for the coming of the King. 

And through it all, this summons:

“Be Alert1”

“Be ready!”

                                                                                     --- rvc 

*** D I S C L A I M E R ***

The Weekly Lessons are based on the lectionary texts for the week – usually the Gospel lesson. They are not designed as a formal commentary.  Rather, they are the personal reflections and original compositions of The Relay Online editor, Rev. Robin Van Cleef, and offer a jumping off point, using the scriptures as triggers to thought, imagination, and (we hope) empowerment.  As you read them, let your own imagination play, and let the Spirit speak to you, leading you where it will.  The Gospel Lessons reflected on this site may not be copied, reproduced or otherwise manipulated elsewhere on the internet without the expressed consent of the author.

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