RCL Readings Sunday 27 June 2010
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62

Reading the account of Elisha picking up Elijah’s mantle of leadership (2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14) after Elijah had completed a farewell tour of prophetic centres has a few contemporary rings to it this week! The reading is packed with symbolism: the places; the actions; Moses like parting the waters; being carried up into heaven; picking up the mantle. Elisha picks up the symbol of Elijah’s prophetic call, the mantle, in so doing he indicates his willingness and commitment to the prophetic task of confronting kings and officials with God’s judgement. Elisha also receives the promise of God’s leading as he too parts the waters of the Jordan. An obvious focus for our prayers this week is that of leadership succession: within our nation; within the Methodist Church as the President & Vice President designate are inducted at the British Methodist Conference; within the life of local churches. Prayers too for those who have a prophetic vocation of challenging the powers and authorities with the claims of the Kingdom of God.

The reading from Galatians (5:1,13-25) also has a very contemporary ring to it. It begins with a reminder that as Christians we have been released from “a yoke of slavery” but warns us not to use such freedom as an “opportunity for self-indulgence” (v.13). There are still forces that enslave people today and our prophetic task is to confront and challenge them in the name of the Gospel. As often happens in scripture the word is also turned back on us to confront and challenge our attitudes and behaviour. Paul initially puts the spotlight on how we treat one another summing up the law “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (v.14) and rounds on their tendency to “bite and devour one another” (v.15) – such behaviour (whether words, actions or attitudes) is highly destructive of people and community, so let us prayerfully examine how we respond to each other. To pick up the mantle of discipleship is to be “led by the Spirit” and to experience “the fruit of the Spirit” (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) ripening within us – spend time this week focusing upon this nine-fold manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit and how that fruit is manifest within us as individuals and as a Church.

There are two related parts to the set Gospel (Luke 9:51-56 & 57-62). There was a clear focus to Jesus’ ministry – his “face was set towards Jerusalem” and that sense of vocation and task to be accomplished meant he wasn’t welcomed in this Samaritan village. The disciples wanted to obliterate the village, but no need, their judgement is that Jesus “went on to another village” (v.56). A challenge for us all is: do we want to keep Jesus simply where we are or are we prepared to be caught up in his mission and move on with him? The second part of the reading picks up further excuses for not moving on now, for delaying, for putting off the call. Can we pick up the mantle of Christian discipleship and follow wherever Christ is leading and whatever he is calling us to do and to be? Reflect upon Songs of Fellowship 1120 “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?” in your prayers this week.

RCL Reading Sunday 20 June 2010
1 Kings 19:1-15
Psalm 42 & 43
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39

Today’s Old Testament readings have a sober feel to them. In 1 Kings 19:1-15 Elijah certainly has a case of the ‘downs’ and not without good reason. Jezebel is on his case and as she later demonstrates in her dealings with Naboth (last week’s reading) that is not good news for Elijah. Elijah feels depressed and alone, so much so that he wants to die (v.4). He also feels sorry for himself (v.10, 14). “I alone am left” and he’s had enough! For Elijah this is far more than ‘the Monday morning blues’ – he is not in a good place mentally or emotionally. To a degree these are feelings that many people can identify with and we ourselves may have or have had them to some degree. They are human feelings. But for some people these can be overwhelming feelings and they especially need our prayers and support even though we may not be able to fully understand why they feel as they do.

How does God help Elijah and how might that help us both personally and in our response to others?

• God doesn’t say to Elijah ‘pull yourself together’ or berate him.
• God cares in very practical ways with food, drink and rest (v.5-8).
• Strengthened by this Elijah journeys to Horeb (elsewhere referred to as Mount Sinai).
• There is an encounter with God at Horeb, not in the wind, earthquake or fire (the usual manifestations of God at Sinai) but in the “sheer silence”.

So for our prayers and action there needs to be empathy and listening, practical actions of patient caring to restore strength, the importance of places where experience reminds us that God is often encountered there, and the realisation that God is also present in the “sheer silence”.

This week there are two set Psalms (42 & 43) both of which are rooted in times of distress and trouble. They demonstrate for us how prayer is an inner conversation with ourselves and God. As you read them notice how the Psalmist wrestles with his/her feelings and their faith. This conversation is summed up in the repeated verse:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

What marks the Psalmist’s prayer is honesty, realism and a deep and profound faith in God. Let us learn from the Psalmist and find in these Psalms a vehicle for our prayers in times of distress and trouble.

RCL Reading Sunday 13 June 2010

1 Kings 21:1-21a

Psalm 5:1-8

Galatians 2:15-21

Luke 7:36 - 8:3

Psalm 5:1-8 is one of that stems out of a tough place for the Psalmist who is under attack, probably verbal (v. 5, 6 & 9) and also with physical threats. This causing great distress. Like many such psalms it stems out of a deep faith and relationship with God that enables the Psalmist to be open and honest with God in prayer. This Psalm encourages us to be open, honest and frank with God about how we feel, to share the deep feelings of the heart which we may be reluctant or unable to share with others. We can tell God ‘how it is’. In your prayers don’t be afraid to share with God your “sighing” (v.1) and “cry” (v.2). Through it all the Psalmist’s orientation is toward God - it is to God he prays (v.2) and watches (v.3) and ultimately worships (v.7). Let our orientation be God-ward.

The appalling story of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21) is a vivid reminder of the corrupt use of power to get one’s own way. Pray for those organisations who challenge and campaign against such atrocities in our world – pray for and take part in Amnesty’s campaigns. Christian Aid’s campaign Trace the Tax and it's longstanding campaign for Trade Justice is another area for our prayer and action – can we as individuals carry on buying non Fairtrade products when there are good Fairtraded ones available? At an interpersonal level do we engage in manipulating others to get our own way? Prayers of confession and intercession stem out of reflecting on the incident of Naboth’s vineyard and such prayers should be followed by actions that demonstrate true repentance.

Luke 7:36-8:3 is an outrageous incident. Read it carefully, try to imagine the scene, how would you feel if this happened in your house at your dinner party?! This party would have been in the courtyard at Simon’s house, guests would have removed their shoes as the entered and would be reclining at tables. Simon doesn’t offer to Jesus the normal hospitality. The unnamed woman who has lived a sinful life (who is not Mary Magdalene) enters the scene and offers a totally extravagant act of hospitality which Jesus not only accepts but praises and this is in contrast to Jesus’ rather negligent, but religiously observant, host. Jesus proves an uncomfortable guest! How uncomfortable to you find Jesus? Are you so aware of the greatness of God’s love and forgiveness that you are compulsively extravagant in your response? Or do you have a critical eye and heart observing the religious niceties but condemning the generous outpouring of the heart of love? Pray for a greater awareness of the love and forgiveness that God offers to you and then respond with a generous outpouring of hospitable love.

The set Luke reading spills over into chapter 8 and this is interesting. Here reference is made to three named women who have experienced the saving and healing act of God in their lives. Their response is both to accompany Jesus and “out of their resources” (8:3) support Jesus’ ministry. Again the experience of grace leading to a generosity of giving and hospitality – let this be our experience and response too.