Monday, 15 July 2013

Reflecting on the 15th sunday in ordinary time part 1

Where we have come from (readings for Sunday 14th July)


Deuteronomy 30.9-14
Psalm 25.1-10
Colossians 1.1-14
Luke 10.25-37

readings for today

Psalm 25.11-20
Job 24.1-8
james 2.1-7

thought for today

The psalmist, Job and James all continue to wrestle with the question , was Moses right? that is - is there a straightforward relationship between obedience and prosperity? Or we could fine tune this and say, notwithstanding Moses' appeal the ancient israelites on the verge of entering the promised land, is the promise of prosperity based on obedience for this community alone, or a general rule for all time? Job, one of those who has been obedient and prospered finds himself in solidarity with the poor, who have suffered at the hands of others and asks whether there will be a judgment that makes things right again. James notes that some believers give preferential treatment to the rich, and chastises them for it - the poor may be God's gift to the community. Perhaps obedience may or may not go along with material wealth, but we might say that obedience does lead to an inner prosperity, a relationship with God, a spiritual wealth that ultimately is more important and more lasting.


Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission

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