Looking into the lectionary - What to preach after this election?

November 10, 2024 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost  Mark 12:38-44 On Sunday, November 10, every preacher who steps into an American pulpit will do so under enormous pressure. What does one preach after such a momentous national election? No matter who is elected the next president of the United States, no matter which party now controls Congress, one thing is clear: we have work to do. And if we focus on Jesus, he will tell us how and where to prioritize our work. Mark 12:38-44 is not merely a condemnation of hoity-toity scribes and praise of a generous widow. In this passage of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus condemns a Temple system built to benefit the powerful and prey on the most vulnerable. The scribes of ancient Israel were educated officials, relied on to handle the community’s legal, financial and political issues. Eventually, they gained so much status and power that they became the interpreters of God’s Law. The “best seat” in the synagogue to which Jesus refers in Mark 12:39 is the position of authoritative interpretation. But the power to say, “This is what God’s law means. This is how God’s law is to be practiced,” is also the power to promote personal agendas and build political, economic, and religious systems that most benefit those sitting in the “best seats.” The widow in Mark 12:41-44 is pressed to contribute to the Temple treasury by a religious system that convinces her it is faithful to give “all that she had, all she had to live on” (12:44). The poor were encouraged to support the Temple (and the scribes seated within it) to the point of exhausting their resources, devouring even the meager inheritances they hoped to pass to their children. Jesus condemns this system and those who support it, saying it “devours widows’ houses” (v. 40). On November 10, preachers may be tempted to spiritualize our dear Jesus or exalt the generosity of a faithful widow, avoiding the clear political implications of this text. But, for the prophetic preacher, a link connects the Temple’s treasury box and the ballot machine that accepts our votes. What kind of system do we support for ourselves and others? What kind of government? Who do we elect and empower to the “best seats”? ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship for November 10, 2024, by Teri McDowell Ott How pastors in western North Carolina united after Hurricane Helene by Erin Booke A pastoral confession: My favorite holiday is Halloween by Brendan McLean Louisville Institute dismisses entire staff in restructuring move by Gregg Brekke Want the worship resources for November 3, 2024? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Ordination task force wants to hear from a variety of Presbyterians After in-person meetings in Chicago, task force members are forming focus groups and relying on a survey to aid their work — PNS Barbara G. Wheeler, pioneering leader in theological education and advocate for inclusivity, dies at 79 Wheeler was a former president of Auburn Seminary, a founding board member of Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a dedicated Presbyterian, and a loving wife and mother. A sacramental storm: Seeking life in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene After Hurricane Helene, neighbors came together in unexpected ways — sharing meals, resources, and stories. For pastor and theologian Paul Galbreath, these gatherings took on a deeply sacramental meaning. What we should know about the culture of sports In the heat of competition, we forget the bodies we are watching are risking health and well-being in the game or match we find entertaining, writes Patrice Gaines. Finding the right support in ministry: Coaching vs. spiritual direction Should pastors seek a coach or a spiritual director? Spiritual Director/Clergy Coach Kerra Becker English offers her thoughts. Lessons from a losing season: A chaplain’s perspective Sometimes, the biggest victories come off the field, writes chaplain Maggie Alsup. Gustavo Gutiérrez, founding father of liberation theology, dies at 96 Once criticized by Catholic conservatives and the Vatican, Gutiérrez and his emphasis on caring for the poor were rehabilitated by Pope Francis. — RNS Mending the breach: A conversation about reparations Join key Presbyterian thought leaders in a conversation about reparations and repair. Hosted by Presbyterian Outlook. Pre-order the Outlook's daily Advent devotional today! In a world dominated by binary thinking – light vs. dark, good vs. evil – this Advent devotional challenges us to see beyond familiar binaries and embrace the complex, natural patterns of God in the world.