The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11C), July 18, 2004
Gen. 18:1-10a(10b-14); Psalm 15; Col. 1:21-29; Luke 10:38-42
Scripture is supposed to challenge us, to see God’s ways as normal and ours as in need of adjustment. Here in these lessons we find four challenges to our lifestyles:
1. Hospitality. The couple have some unexpected guests (Gen. 18:2,3), so what do they do? They put down what they were doing, invite them in, push aside whatever was on their schedule, and make them feel right at home.
Just like we do, right? That’s if we have been told three weeks in advance of their arrival, could rearrange the events we had planned, and made sure they knew of our plans which are non-negotiable.
Hospitality. If only. Time. Schedules. Commitments. Can they ever go away? Wouldn’t it be nice? But no guests for more than two nights!
2. Generosity. Nothing was to be spared for these guests — bread, a calf, curds, milk, whatever and more (Gen. 18:3-8). These are guests, so don’t hold back.
Unless, of course, we are saving the veal for our special date night. On a larger scale our generosity gets pared back because of considerations which impinge. We have college costs (only five more years), payments on the boat (18 more months), contributions to our Keogh plan (5 percent matched), and enough for our favorite restaurant this weekend.
If we had more, we would be more generous. Or does that redefine generosity?
3. Mission to the unreached world. That isn’t Paul’s term, but that’s exactly what he means in Colossians 1:25-27. God still calls the Church to go to the ends of the earth. Research shows 212 nations with more than 100,000 people who have never heard of Jesus Christ — from the Luri of Iran to the Miao of China.
That’s a right priority, and we will get to that. But first we have committed to three years in Mexico and two in West Virginia. After all, no one from the Luri Muslim community has contacted us for missionaries.
Unless we tune in to the Good Shepherd’s yearning, searching, and calling.
4. Contemplation. Mary’s calling is beautifully endorsed, and our activism so soundly put in its place.
Maybe if we reduced our caffeine, got rid of our “time-saving machines” and could reduce our bosses’ expectation. Maybe then we could find time.
Or maybe the key lies simply in remembering whom we are called to contemplate, to listen to, and to love.
Look It Up
Paul lists virtues to ponder in Philippians 4:8. What characteristics of Christ fit each of these? Where and how can we build in contemplation?
Think About It
What gets in the way of hospitality and generosity? What helps push those things aside?
Next Sunday
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12C), July 25, 2004
Gen. 18:20-33; Psalm 138; Col. 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13
