The 24th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 26A), Oct. 30, 2005

BCP: Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 43; 1 Thess. 2:9-13,17-20; Matt. 23:1-12

RCL: Josh. 3:7-17 or Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 or 43; 1 Thess. 2:9-13; Matt. 23:1-12

Are you a leader of any stripe and any sort in our Church today? Then you know what it is to have your leadership scrutinized for any aberration and from every angle. But cheer up, things could be worse. You could be a coach in the National Football league with more losses than wins, or a manager of a baseball team just bounced from the playoffs. Talk about scrutiny!

The epistle and the gospel give us guidelines for scrutiny. Paul lays out his leadership priorities and Jesus excoriates (yes — a perfect place for this five-star word) the Jewish leadership of his day.

Not much behavior escapes the criticism of Jesus, and not many leaders measure up to Paul’s standards. The Lord’s barbs come close to us, and Paul’s personal approaches seem distant from us. We want to wiggle away from this scrutiny.

In a situation like this, satire may come to the rescue. Here’s a caricature of the person the Lord has in mind:

“Don’t expect anything from me until my negotiator and I have wrapped up my package with the wardens. You may know a few things about me. 1. If any vestments are worn at my installation that exceed mine in any way, the Altar Guild will set about finding me a replacement set. 2. My full title shall be painted on my reserved parking place. 3. My hand will be on a mouse, not ever on a shovel. 4. I am fully available to my secretary who will screen calls that need to go to my private cell phone. 5. Forget my first name but don’t forget my preferred title. 6. My teaching will consist of your money for my programs.”

And what will be the legacy of this person? Imagine — after the anger, the disappointment, and the hope of forgetting and forgiving.

We get a different drift when we turn to Paul.

“Don’t let me be a burden to you. 1. My ministry will be to uncover the word of God and show its power. 2. Personally I will aim to be pure and blameless. 3. Think of me as a father in intimacy and encouragement. 4. I will always be there for you in my labor and toil. 5. I will consider myself an orphan when away from you. 6. You will be my recompense, my joy, and my crown.”

And the legacy of this humble servant? Imagine — the joy of Christ, and the pastor as model and friend.

Look It Up

Read the closing verses of several of Paul’s letters. Note the tenderness, the affection, and his care for his people.

Think About It

Of course some of these criticisms of the Lord’s fit others. Could it possibly be that some might slightly fit me as well? Which ones? How can I move away from that place?

Next Sunday

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27A), Nov. 6, 2005

BCP: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13

RCL: Josh. 24:1-3a, 14-25 or Wisdom 6:12-16 or Amos 5:18-24 or Wisdom 6:17-20; Psalm 78:1-7 or 70; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13