Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (proper 20): September 24, 2006.

Jeremiah 11:18-20

Psalm 54

James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

Mark 9:30-37

First Reading

The Old Testament reading is a portion of one of Jeremiah's prayers, commonly known as laments or "confessions," in which the burden of proclaiming Yahweh's word is almost too much for Jeremiah to bear. Jeremiah needs a time of respite. The continual threats (11:19) of his enemies and their plotting against him were unrelenting. Yahweh answered, "I am going to punish them" (11:22b). Yahweh would come to the defense of his prophet, but, at present, Jeremiah could not yet see that outcome. He had to live "by faith."

Jesus tells his disciples for the second time that "the Son of Man" will be handed over and killed and then rise again." The disciples show no comprehension. Jesus then puts a child before them and declares that anyone who welcomes such a child "in my name" welcomes "the one who sent me." Children were not prized in the ancient world. They had no status in the society, no clout. Nothing was to be gained by showing hospitality to a child. The word generally translated "welcome" or "receive" is the Greek verb dechomai, which is the verb for "show hospitality to" and "receive as a guest." Literally, Jesus' saying refers to one who will stoop down and attend to the needs of a child. Jesus teaches this lesson privately, "in the house" (9:33). He is sitting as a teacher would (9:35). This teaching must be important!

James calls his readers "sinners" and "two lives." I suppose the best one can translate would be "duplicitous." The NRSV has "double-minded." This is not the way to win friends and influence people, but then, James doesn't mince words. The world sees those who get ahead, no matter how, as wise. James has a different definition of "wise." The wise are those who fear God, the humble, the gentle, the ones who the world too often "uses."

Pastoral Reflection

We are working our way through the Pentecost season on the liturgical calendar; summer has wound down on the secular calendar. Sunday school has begun; the choir is back (if it took a summer hiatus), and confirmation classes have started. People may be looking ahead to Octoberfest or some other autumn rite. Jeremiah is complaining about persecution; Jesus is walking in a determined fashion, straight to death; and James is calling for wisdom.

We are supposed to be energized after our summer "lull," but these texts are tough, even tiresome. Jeremiah is certainly tired of his enemies' threats! Jesus probably put that child in front of the twelve because of the child's energy as much as his or her lack of status. Both traits serve as an example.

As Jesus keeps calling his twelve followers, Jesus reminds them that the way they walk is long, difficult, and exhausting. Moreover, the end of the road is betrayal and death. We can expect no less as we strive to follow Jesus and serve him. Still, the end is resurrection!

Pay attention to the children. Do not turn them away. When we welcome them, talk with them, teach them, and play with them, we see God. We may even learn a few things! TCG