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.