It's a Trap!

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 25 (Year C)

Luke 18.9-14

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 15:40)

 

As we delve into today’s Gospel reading—the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector—it becomes increasingly apparent that, like so many of Jesus’ parables, this story has multiple layers. As is often the case in parables, two things are going on. First, there is a certain degree of hyperbole expressed. Sometimes to the point of being ludicrous. And second, things are turned inside out, expectations are upended, as a way of ultimately getting to the point Jesus wants to make. Jesus does this because it is the hyperbolic and the unexpected outcomes that would have stuck in the minds of his hearers, thereby helping them to more fully process and remember his lessons. Today’s parable is no exception. We have loads of hyperbole and an unexpected outcome. But there is also a cherry on top, which is meant to further emphasize the main point. And that can best be characterized in words not from Jesus’ times, but rather from “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” In the words of Admiral Ackbar in Return of the Jedi, “It’s a trap!” But we have to really delve into the parable to see just how it is a trap. A trap that leads to the real point of the parable.

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Struggles

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 24 (Year C)

Genesis 32.22-31; Luke 18.1-8

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 17:15)

 

You have to admit, life is full of struggles. Sometimes these can be pretty major. Struggles with challenging situations, finances, relationships, health issues. Struggles that may be ongoing and often have a significant impact on the shape or trajectory of our lives. Sometimes even struggles that come to define who we are in a significant way. And then there are struggles that are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. Sure, in the moment, they may seem pretty overwhelming, but in actuality, not so much. Struggles that quickly fade into the background once resolved. Becoming little more than a distant memory, if remembered at all. Unless one lives an absolutely charmed life, or is completely delusional, we readily accept that challenges and struggles are an inherent part of our existence. And some would argue that without challenges and struggles, life is meaningless. Without challenges and struggles, there is no opportunity for growth, for change, for improvement.

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Getting Out of Our Own Way

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 22 (Year C)

Luke 17.5-10

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook Page (beginning at 20:40)

 

I just love the unique and varied ways God chooses to slap us upside the head right when we need it. Earlier this week, I sat down to look at the Scripture readings for today, to start to get a sense of where I wanted to go with this sermon. Or where God wanted me to go with it. As I was just getting ready to look at the Gospel reading for the first time this week, I was interrupted by a text message. A parishioner sent me some information I had requested. Then came another message from the same parishioner: “Sorry it took so long to respond.” I replied with “No worries. I’ve been a little tied up with other issues, so you have not been in my way. I’ve been in my way.” The response came back: “Better you than me.” At first, I did not think much of the banter via text. As I returned to the Gospel reading, I was hit in rapid succession with the image of the apostles saying to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” and the reminder of my own text: “I’ve been in my way.” And the realization that a flippant text message in the 21^st century actually provided some insight into a possible response to the apostles’ desire for increased faith.

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