Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (proper 8): June 26, 2005.

Jeremiah 28:5-9

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

Romans 6:12-23

Matthew 10:40-42

First Reading

Again the Prayer of the Day sets the tone with the words, "You have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding." That is a statement of trust in the promises of the Lord.

Jeremiah had heard the prophet Hananiah's promising words. True to his name, Hananiah promised God's favor for the nation. The people and sacred vessels of Israel, Hananiah said, would return to Jerusalem. The exile was to end soon.

Jeremiah hoped that Hananiah's words were true, but the track record of Israel's prophets of prosperity was not in Hananiah's favor. Only when hopeful prophetic words came true could God's people know a true prophet of hope.

The Romans text continues Paul's argument concerning the change in those who have been claimed by God's Spirit. Because Jesus died for sinners, sin cannot "dominate," lord it over, God's people. Freedom has come to the believer in Christ. Sin brought "wages," and wages are earned. But because of the death of Jesus believers have received a "gift" from God--eternal life.

The theme of the conclusion of Jesus' commissioning speech to his disciples is "welcome." The "little ones" are believers, neophytes in the faith. Whoever welcomes one of these believers welcomes Jesus, and a "reward" awaits that person. The reward is the opportunity to be present with the Lord himself. The cup of cold water will grow into much more than a drink. The one who gives such will find him/herself at the heavenly banquet.

Pastoral Reflections

These texts emphasize the "gift" of God's grace. Words that proclaim salvation, "good times," are to be weighed carefully against historical events, but, more importantly, against Yahweh's demands in the law and "track record" in the gospel. "Cheap grace" is not what God is about. Indeed, Paul makes clear, God's gift cost God dearly. The gift of God is "in Christ Jesus, our Lord."

Paul describes our condition as "slavery." We don't allow slavery in our culture any longer. We have abolished that ancient practice. However, freedom did not come cheap! Some historians would argue that it took the bloodiest war in American history to put an end to the practice. Not cheap for God, either: Jesus had to die to end our slavery.

Now, however, we are free to serve in thanksgiving for God's great love and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. When we do so, there may be times when the Good News we know to be true, that Christ died for our sins and was raised for our justification, is just too good for some to believe. "How can this be? God, almighty God, cares about me?" Yes, God does, and his love and mercy are wonderful!

We had better be open and liberal in welcoming others to our fellowship. You never really know who is knocking at the door, who has come this Sunday, trying to "fit in," trying to overcome guilt or pain or hurt while at the same time trying to grasp the liturgy, pray with the fellowship, eat and drink at the table. Could she/he be Jesus? TCG