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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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The uninvited wedding guest (1631), oil painting on panel by Vincent Malo (c.1602-1644). Muzeul Naţional Brukenthal, Sibiu, Romania.
Read the Illuminations
Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for Pentecost 20A/Proper 23, Sunday, October 11, 2026
First Reading: Exodus 32:1-14
Even when we do terrible things, even when we wallow in sin, God finds a way to forgive us in a banquet of loving grace. This beautiful promise echoes through this week’s readings, beginning with the startling story we hear in this first reading: Moses is up on the mountain, talking with the Holy One, but things are going badly wrong below. The people, scared by Sinai’s smoke and thunder, are afraid that Moses won’t come back. It doesn’t take them long to break their brand-new covenant by worshipping a golden calf! God, righteously outraged, threatens to destroy the people and send Moses to start a new nation. But Moses pleads on the people’s behalf, and God relents. God’s abundant love flows to a people who may not deserve it, but they will be forgiven over and over again.
Psalm: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
The Psalmist asks forgiveness for a people who have sinned, remembering God’s mercy even when they built and worshipped the golden calf. They forgot God, their Savior, who had watched over them in Egypt and brought them safely across the Red Sea and through the desert. They deserved destruction, the Psalmist sings, but Moses pleaded for them and turned God’s wrath aside, revealing the Holy One who is good and forever merciful.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
In this passage Paul speaks to a specific pastoral issue that is troubling the church at Philippi. Two women, Euodia and Syntyche, have been quarreling in public. Without taking sides, Paul simply urges them to “be of the same mind” in Christ. In beautiful language, he shows what that might look like: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Be gentle and kind, he exhorts all the church. Be true, honorable and just, pure, pleasing, commendable and praiseworthy, and the God of peace will be with us.
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
This parable might remind us of the wicked tenants in last week’s Gospel, who defied the person in charge and casually killed his messengers. As Jesus continues debating an angry group of Pharisees, he tells another strange and challenging parable: A king, angry at those who didn’t show up for his son’s wedding banquet – some of whom even killed the slaves sent to invite them – brings people off the street to take their places. Then, when one of these replacement guests ungratefully refuses to put on a wedding garment, he’s tossed out into the darkness, too. Even those invited as welcome guests, Jesus seems to say, are expected to don the wedding garment by following in his way.
First Reading: Exodus 32:1-14
Even when we do terrible things, even when we wallow in sin, God finds a way to forgive us in a banquet of loving grace. This beautiful promise echoes through this week’s readings, beginning with the startling story we hear in this first reading: Moses is up on the mountain, talking with the Holy One, but things are going badly wrong below. The people, scared by Sinai’s smoke and thunder, are afraid that Moses won’t come back. It doesn’t take them long to break their brand-new covenant by worshipping a golden calf! God, righteously outraged, threatens to destroy the people and send Moses to start a new nation. But Moses pleads on the people’s behalf, and God relents. God’s abundant love flows to a people who may not deserve it, but they will be forgiven over and over again.
Psalm: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
The Psalmist asks forgiveness for a people who have sinned, remembering God’s mercy even when they built and worshipped the golden calf. They forgot God, their Savior, who had watched over them in Egypt and brought them safely across the Red Sea and through the desert. They deserved destruction, the Psalmist sings, but Moses pleaded for them and turned God’s wrath aside, revealing the Holy One who is good and forever merciful.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
In this passage Paul speaks to a specific pastoral issue that is troubling the church at Philippi. Two women, Euodia and Syntyche, have been quarreling in public. Without taking sides, Paul simply urges them to “be of the same mind” in Christ. In beautiful language, he shows what that might look like: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Be gentle and kind, he exhorts all the church. Be true, honorable and just, pure, pleasing, commendable and praiseworthy, and the God of peace will be with us.
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
This parable might remind us of the wicked tenants in last week’s Gospel, who defied the person in charge and casually killed his messengers. As Jesus continues debating an angry group of Pharisees, he tells another strange and challenging parable: A king, angry at those who didn’t show up for his son’s wedding banquet – some of whom even killed the slaves sent to invite them – brings people off the street to take their places. Then, when one of these replacement guests ungratefully refuses to put on a wedding garment, he’s tossed out into the darkness, too. Even those invited as welcome guests, Jesus seems to say, are expected to don the wedding garment by following in his way.
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 Speakers: Jeff Chu, October 11, 2026
Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Diana Butler Bass / 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 / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Bob Hower and Ted Wathen
Upcoming Speakers: Jeff Chu, October 11, 2026
Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Diana Butler Bass / 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 / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Bob Hower and Ted Wathen
