Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Worship resources for September 25, 2022

September 25, 2022
Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost

Luke 16:19-31

COMMENTARY

Moving from Luke 15 to Luke 16 is liable to give us theological whiplash. After grace-filled parables like the finding of the lost sheep and the return of the prodigal son, the reader slams headlong into the stony slab of Luke 16, which is full of admonitions about the love of money (it sounds dirtier in the original Greek: Phylargoria).

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus needs its context to make sense. Jesus tells it to some Pharisees “who were lovers of money,” using Scripture to justify their greed (Luke 16:14). It is not a bad thing to have some money. Money in the gospel is actually pretty value-neutral. Jesus is more concerned with what we do with our money than whether or not we have it.

Aside from the kingdom of God, Jesus talks more about money than just about anything else.

The language of this parable is strong, which may make some of us uncomfortable. But this tale is sandwiched between stories of inclusion, mercy, kindness and forgiveness. In the stories of grace in chapter 15, no one – not even the rich – is left out. But grace, even God’s free grace, does not mean we can turn a blind eye to our faults. Let’s be honest: much of America enjoys comparative economic comfort, and our culture gives us plenty of ways to indulge ourselves. So whatever judgment this parable offers to the rich, to the lovers of money, it potentially offers us as well.

You can find the rest of the commentary on our website.

Thank you to guest writer Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis.

An order of worship for Sept. 25, 2022. This liturgy is free to use.
The character of Judah — a Uniform Standard Lesson for Sept. 25, 2022, by Richard Boyce.
Welcoming the outsider in — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale
The Church of Scotland pays tribute to Her Majesty the Queen

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...


What is the World Council of Churches and why does it matter?
Neal D. Presa, a teaching elder of the Presbytery of San Diego and a delegate of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, shares his thoughts.

A new season for church ministry
"What is the future of our congregation? Where is the Holy Spirit leading us?" — Glen Bell

Jackson water crisis brings frustration
Presbyterians, including Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, reach out to help. — PNS

Seeing those who are rendered invisible
"Faces change but exploitative systems remain the same." — Lukata Mjumbe

Fewer than half of Americans may be Christian by 2070, according to new projections
A new report projects Americans' future — a future where Christianity, though diminished, persists, while non-Christian faiths grow amid rising secularization. — RNS

Opinion: The spiritual implications of imperial succession
What is the hope in this moment of transition?
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Copyright © 2021 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
1 N. 5th St., Suite 500 Richmond, VA 23219

No comments:

Post a Comment

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, November 11 and Sunday, November 17, we'll lay ...