The 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20C), Sept. 19, 2004
Amos 8:4-7(8-12); Psalm 138; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13
What is that noise we hear? Is it the world outside clamoring to see who we are and to listen to what we have to say? Or is it those already inside the church clamoring to look pretty in our garb and to extend ourselves messages of self-congratulations?
While we may want to look decent and should send encouraging words, we miss the mark if we fail to entice the attention of the world to who we are and what we do. The danger of self-absorption is our failure to notice the world’s disinterest toward us.
The lessons today give us three cases in which we ought to let the world inside — the poor, world rulers, and shrewd business practices. If we do well, the world has come inside the church and we have gained credibility.
Amos exposes the response of many to the poor. We trample on them, push them further down, cheat them of what they have, and exchange them for our investments (8:4,5,6). He adds, "God will not forget any of their deeds and will shake the land because of this" (8:7, 8).
God wants the poor to be on the agenda and in the budgets of his churches. Yes, that may cause some adjusting of priorities and vision, but so be it.
Paul tells the church to lift up holy hands in prayer — not as approval for a prayer posture but so that the names of rulers will be presented to the King of kings (1 Tim. 2:1, 2). We are not to live in a cocoon, giving thanks only when our choir excels and our canvass meets its goals. For the Church to lead a "quiet and peaceable life" (collect), we rely on governments. So our prayers should be regularly sprinkled with references coming out of the week’s news.
One of the Lord’s most controversial parables is this one where Jesus seems to commend shady behavior (Luke 16:8,9). Another angle on this simply encourages us to know how to leverage influence, interest rates, contacts, leadership styles, business procedures, and more for the good favor of Christ and his people.
The poor, world rulers, and business practices — Christ wants them inside the Church. This will make the world look and listen.
Look It Up
Is there a preference for the poor in the Bible? Check out references to prayer, favor, and protection from God for them, and warnings, punishment, and wrath for those who abuse the poor.
Think About It
What business practices do we shun in church or Christian circles because they are too worldly? Should we reconsider?
Next Sunday
The 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21C), Sept. 26, 2004
Amos 6:1-7; Psalm 146 or 146:4-9; 1 Tim. 6:11-19; Luke 16:19-31
