RCL Readings Sunday 31 October 2010
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10

The book of Habakkuk was probably prompted by one of the Babylonian invasions of Judah (late 7^th or early 6^th century BC). The writer expresses to God the anguish that is felt in the face of “destruction and violence” (1:3). The writer struggles to understand what is happening and the lack of justice (1:1-4) and I suspect that is a feeling many of us can identify with as we look at injustice in our world and society. This needs to be part of our ‘conversation’ with God. The issues are not fully resolved but in the second part of the reading (2:1-4) two important things emerge for us. To be attentive to what God says (2:1) and as a result to live out of faith (2:4). It is easy to become disheartened in the face of the enormity of issues of injustice, poverty and war but this reading prompts us to engage with God, to be attentive to God and to do the one things we can do – live out our faith in our daily lives the results of that engagement and attentiveness to God.

The reading from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thes. 1:1-4,11-12) provide a wonderful framework for our prayers for one another this week. Firstly it “is right” (v.3a) to “give thanks to God” for one another within the Church. This week identify different things each day within the life of the Church to give thanks to God for. Paul also gives thanks that their faith is growing and their love for one another is increasing. Where are the signs of growing faith and love? Give thanks for these signs and be personally committed to fostering growth in faith and love – think of something specific you can do and pray for.

Paul talks of “boasting” about the Church in Thessalonica – this may seem strange to our ears. But it is about ‘testimony’ – telling the story of what God is doing among them. What is God doing among us? What are the stories of faith we have to tell? If we are honest we tend to be much freer with telling the bad stories and moaning about our personal dislikes than we are about telling the stories of what God is doing among us. Let us seek forgiveness for the ease with which we speak of the negative and let us commit ourselves not to share in such practices. Let us begin to tell the stories of what God is doing among us.

Note how Paul prays in verses 11 & 12 for the Thessalonians. Make this your prayer for the Church “so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him” (v.12). I am absolutely convinced that if we follow Paul’s example in today’s reading we will grow as a Church in faith, in love and numerically and Jesus will be glorified.

The Gospel story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) is so well known that if we are not careful it simply washes over us. Think of Zacchaeus as ‘the outsider’ – lonely, shunned by others, desperately ‘looking in’ and wanting to be part of things. Perhaps you have felt, or do feel, like that. Hear the words of Jesus “hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today” (v.5) – how does that make you feel? Who are the ‘outsiders’ in our midst? How can you give echo to Jesus’ words of welcome and invitation? Pray and act!