sermons & Illuminations

In our Track One first readings through the Pentecost season, we will hear the Hebrew Bible’s narrative of God’s chosen people, from the patriarch Abraham through Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Joshua. Sunday’s first reading begins that story in the Book of Genesis: Abraham welcomes and offers hospitality to three mysterious strangers, who foretell that he and Sarah will have a son and that their offspring will inherit the Promised Land. Sarah finds this hilarious because of their great age, but God’s promise is fulfilled in their son, Isaac.

Psalm: Psalm 116:1, 10-17
This Psalm portion comes again after only a short break, as we heard it on the Third Sunday of Easter just about two months ago. In the verses designated for this reading, we sing of the transforming joy that comes with recovery and resurrection after a frightening illness. Feeling the joy of restored life, the Psalmist offers thanks to God who frees us from the snares of death.

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8
In his letter to the Romans, Paul continues working out his evolving theology of Christ, the Spirit, and salvation. In a theme that recurs throughout this letter, Paul encourages the members of this Christian community, whether they come from a Jewish or Roman heritage, to love one another and heal their differences in spite of their own suffering. Reminding them that Jesus was tortured and died on the cross, he urges them to learn endurance in their own pain, remembering that even though they are sinners, they are justified through faith and saved through the cross.

Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23)
As Jesus continued his travels across Galilee, teaching and healing, Matthew writes, he felt compassion for the crowds around him “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Now Jesus selects 12 apostles to help. He gives them power to heal and exorcise and even raise the dead, then charges them to go out to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” to proclaim the good news that the kingdom of heaven has come near. His rules for them are strict: Accept no pay. Take only the most basic possessions along. Don’t stay with those who don’t welcome you. Be prepared for persecution and hate, but know that the Son of Man is coming soon.