Called to Action

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 17 (Year A)

Exodus 3.1-15; Matthew 16.21-28

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 15:15)

 

Today’s Gospel reading is a pivot point in the life and ministry of Jesus. And in the life and ministry of those who follow him. Jesus reveals to his disciples for the first time what will ultimately happen to him. “That he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Mt 16.21). Upon hearing this, Peter freaks out and rebukes Jesus, because surely these things could not possibly happen to the Messiah. To which Jesus responds “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Mt 16.23).

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Engaging Otherness

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 15 (Year A)

Matthew 15.21-28

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 13:00)

 

Struggles with how we think about and interact with those who are perceived as “other” is nothing new. It is not just something that has been brought to light in the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd or Breonna Taylor. It is not something that was brought to light with the Emancipation Proclamation or the abolition of slavery. It is something we have been struggling with as human beings for as long as we can remember. As part of the human story, it is something that no human is immune to. It’s just that the categories of classification, the nuances of engaging “otherness,” have changed over time.

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Getting Out of the Boat

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 14 (Year A)

Matthew 14.22-33

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 15:25)

 

It’s times like this that I really feel sorry for Jesus. He’s had a very long and emotional day. He just found out that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded in prison. In his grief, he withdraws to a deserted place, hoping to have a little alone time to process what has happened. But a crowd of people followed him, wanting to hear what words of wisdom he has for them. Being ever gracious, Jesus teaches them and even heals some of the sick. As the hour grows late, he demonstrates further compassion for the crowd by providing them with a meal—feeding 5,000 men, plus women and children. Now he is exhausted. He also recognizes that his disciples are exhausted. He puts them in a boat and sends them on their way while he dismisses the crowd. Finally, he can get a little alone time to recharge, both physically and spiritually.

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Struggling with God

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 13 (Year A)

Genesis 32.22-31

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 13:30)

For many years, Jacob has been hiding away from his brother Esau. As you recall, Jacob swindled his older brother out of his birthright. And then, to add insult to injury, Jacob conned their father Isaac into giving him the blessing that is reserved for the eldest son. As a result, Esau was furious and vowed to kill his brother. To protect her son, Rebekah sent Jacob to live with her brother Laban in Haran. Over twenty years later, Jacob now has two wives, eleven children by four different women, and vast wealth consisting of cattle, oxen, donkeys, goats, sheep, camels, and slaves. Now, Jacob wants to return to his homeland with his family. He sends messengers to Esau seeking reconciliation. As we pick up the story, Jacob has just sent his servants with gifts to appease Esau. Jacob sends his family on, hoping they will be safe, while he waits for the arrival of his brother, and for what may be a final reckoning. Now alone, Jacob has an encounter which will forever change the trajectory of his life and the lives of his progeny.

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