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The Rev. Kelly Kirby
Rector
The Rev. Suzanne Barrow
Dir. Congregational Life
The Rev. Jan Scholtz
Deacon
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Pharisäer und Zöllner (The Pharisee and the Publican), baroque fresco in the Basilika Ottobeuren, a Benedictine abbey in Ottobeuren, Germany, near the Bavarian Alps.
Read the Illuminations
Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for Sunday, October 26, 2025, Pentecost 20C
First Reading: Joel 2:23-32
A persistent message of hope is heard throughout Sunday’s readings. We hear it in the words of the Prophet Joel, whose short but poetic prophecy offers comfort and hope amid the threat of a locust plague that threatens famine: God is with us. Feast will follow famine. God loves us, and the spirit will pour out on us as rich and bountiful harvests. Even Joel’s alarming visions of blood and fire and columns of smoke, darkened sun and bloody moon hold no fear for those who call on the name of the Lord, Joel declares: They will all be saved.
Psalm: Psalm 65
Psalm 65 offers thanksgiving for Earth’s bounty. It serves us doubly in this autumn season: First, it echoes Joel’s assurances that God will provide us nature’s rich harvests even after times of trouble and sin. Then it also paints a lovely word picture of God’s great outpouring, valleys and hills cloaked with crops and grain and shouting and singing for joy. Hold these images in our thoughts as Thanksgiving and Christmastide draw near.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The Letter to Timothy concludes by imagining Paul’s last testament in beautiful, poetic words that ring through the ages. The assurance that Paul had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith while undergoing trials and imprisonment would have been a source of strength to the people of a young church facing Roman persecution. Although some believers were deserting the cause in fear, this letter called on Christians to stand strong, proclaim the good news to all the nations, and count on God’s strength and God’s protection.
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
This parable follows immediately after last week’s story about the corrupt judge and the persistent widow. It is helpful to think about these parables together to understand what Jesus wants us to know about prayer. Like the powerful but corrupt judge who fails to prevail against the fierce widow, the Pharisee tripped over his pride. Take note that he was not exaggerating his virtues. He truly did follow the law, pray, fast, and tithe. But the despised tax collector who stood aside, looked down, beat his breast and begged for mercy as a sinner was the one who went home justified, Jesus said, because he brought humility to his prayer.
First Reading: Joel 2:23-32
A persistent message of hope is heard throughout Sunday’s readings. We hear it in the words of the Prophet Joel, whose short but poetic prophecy offers comfort and hope amid the threat of a locust plague that threatens famine: God is with us. Feast will follow famine. God loves us, and the spirit will pour out on us as rich and bountiful harvests. Even Joel’s alarming visions of blood and fire and columns of smoke, darkened sun and bloody moon hold no fear for those who call on the name of the Lord, Joel declares: They will all be saved.
Psalm: Psalm 65
Psalm 65 offers thanksgiving for Earth’s bounty. It serves us doubly in this autumn season: First, it echoes Joel’s assurances that God will provide us nature’s rich harvests even after times of trouble and sin. Then it also paints a lovely word picture of God’s great outpouring, valleys and hills cloaked with crops and grain and shouting and singing for joy. Hold these images in our thoughts as Thanksgiving and Christmastide draw near.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The Letter to Timothy concludes by imagining Paul’s last testament in beautiful, poetic words that ring through the ages. The assurance that Paul had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith while undergoing trials and imprisonment would have been a source of strength to the people of a young church facing Roman persecution. Although some believers were deserting the cause in fear, this letter called on Christians to stand strong, proclaim the good news to all the nations, and count on God’s strength and God’s protection.
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
This parable follows immediately after last week’s story about the corrupt judge and the persistent widow. It is helpful to think about these parables together to understand what Jesus wants us to know about prayer. Like the powerful but corrupt judge who fails to prevail against the fierce widow, the Pharisee tripped over his pride. Take note that he was not exaggerating his virtues. He truly did follow the law, pray, fast, and tithe. But the despised tax collector who stood aside, looked down, beat his breast and begged for mercy as a sinner was the one who went home justified, Jesus said, because he brought humility to his prayer.
Dimensions of Faith Lectures
Dimensions of Faith invites thinkers and writers to explore the interface of religion and culture, as we continue as a parish to challenge our minds and renew our spirits.
Upcoming Speaker: Diana Butler Bass, November 16, 2025
Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Sarah Bessey / Steve Crump Ruby Sales / Dr. Amy-Jill Levine / Marcus Borg / Sara Miles
Robert Putnam / John Dominic Crossan / Brian McLaren / Scott Gunn
John Philip Newell / Silas House/Bishop Marianne Budde / Elizabeth Schrader-Polzcer, John Dear
Upcoming Speaker: Diana Butler Bass, November 16, 2025
Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Sarah Bessey / Steve Crump Ruby Sales / Dr. Amy-Jill Levine / Marcus Borg / Sara Miles
Robert Putnam / John Dominic Crossan / Brian McLaren / Scott Gunn
John Philip Newell / Silas House/Bishop Marianne Budde / Elizabeth Schrader-Polzcer, John Dear
