The 19th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 23B), Oct. 15, 2006
BCP: Amos 5:6-7,10-15; Psalm 90 or 90:1-8,12; Heb. 3:1-6; Mark 10:17-27(28-31)
RCL: Job 23:1-9,16-17 and Psalm 22:1-15 or Amos 5:6-7,10-15 and Psalm 90:12-17; Heb. 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
The annals of the saints provide innumerable stories of men and women who have achieved great things for God. Many times they have performed acts of inspiring heroism. There was 86-year-old Polycarp who, in 156, was exhorted by the Roman governor as he stood in the arena to renounce Christ and save his life. Polycarp simply responded, “Eighty-six years have I served him and he never let me down. How can I deny my king who saved me?” There was Frank Weston, Bishop of Zanzibar from 1907 to 1924, who worked miracles. He brought rain by prayer when a heathen chief implored him for rain, and prayed for a woman far gone in death and recalled her soul, after which she confessed her sins and was absolved, then died. There was Gladys Aylward who, at about the age of 28, spent her life savings on a one-way ticket to China after being turned down by a missionary organization as being unsuited to missionary endeavor. She became one of the most valiant and effective missionaries of the 20th century.
Few Christians have opportunities for such epic witness, but all believers are called to manifest the greatness of Christ in the many ordinary things of each day. Though comparatively unexciting, it is in daily life we are constantly challenged to show Christian virtue in such plain behaviors as avoiding a complaining attitude, showing generosity in giving, or treating those who bore or offend us with charity.
In the first lesson, Amos condemns those who “afflict the righteous,” “take a bribe,” and “turn aside the needy in the gate.” These are sins that quietly present themselves to the faithful every day, either to be rejected or acceded to almost unquestioned. Everyday life is where each believer will forge a pattern either of rebellion against God or conformation to virtue. “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live,” exhorts Amos.
Similarly, in the gospel the one who seeks eternal life is directed by Jesus to follow the commandments — given by God through Moses to express to the people of God what his will is for daily life. They are basic building blocks of virtue. From conformity to them come the opportunities for greatness in God’s service. Only after the man said to Jesus, “all of these have I observed from my youth,” did Jesus take him further: “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have...” His sorrowful turning away from Jesus showed that he had not yet fully internalized the meaning of the basics, for only after that has happened can the believer perform acts of heroism.
Look It Up
How does the psalm for today expand on the theme presented in Amos and Mark?
Think About It
In the context of today’s lessons, what does it mean that, “with human beings it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God”?
Next Sunday
The 20th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 24B), Oct. 22, 2006
BCP: Isaiah 53:4-12; Psalm 91 or 91:9-16; Heb. 4:12-16; Mark 10:35-45
RCL: Job 38:1-7 (34-41) and Psalm 104:1-9,25,37c or Isaiah 53:4-12 and Psalm 91:9-16; Heb. 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
