June 26, 2022

Third Sunday after Pentecost

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEE K

• First reading and Psalm
  • 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
  • Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
• Alternate First reading and Psalm
  • 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
  • Psalm 16
• Second reading
  • Galatians 5:1, 13-25
• Gospel
  • Luke 9:51-62

The gospel from Luke:
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.

When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them.

Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Sermon
Pastor Stevensen told us that after being puzzled about our lectionary this week he now sees it in a new light. In the gospel reading Jesus comes on his final journey. The timing is the key to understanding. The Bible tells of many journeys. Here Jesus treads on a path of vulnerability. He calls on his disciples to follow his values and set aside those of society. Jesus sends a messenger ahead for lodging, but the people do not accept him. Jesus is a Jew and Jews are not welcomed by Samaritans. The disciples ask if fire should be called down upon them from heaven, just as in the Old Testament Elisha who preceded Elijah had called down fire to destroy Baal, but Jesus rebuked them. The Samaritans reject Jesus. The Jews will reject Jesus. Jesus asks the disciples to set it aside. It is a glimpse ahead. One person they meet says “I will go wherever you go” Jesus says “A fox has holes …. but he himself has no where to lay his head.” The story looks ahead. Will people like what they say? They are to forgive and tell God’s News……….