Archive for the ‘Ephesians 4’ Category
Above: Map of the Chaldean/Neo-Babylonian Empire
Image in the Public Domain
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READING JEREMIAH, PART XXIV
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Jeremiah 43:8-44:30
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Contrary to the prophecy in Jeremiah 43:8-11, the Chaldean/Neo-Babylonian Empire never conquered Egypt. Egypt did fall to the Persian Empire in 525 B.C.E., though.
The archaeological record confirms the presence of Jews in Egypt in antiquity. We know that Jews lived in Egypt prior to the Fall of Jerusalem and continued to do so afterward. For example, the Third Book of the Maccabees is about the persecution of Jews in Egypt centuries after the Fall of Jerusalem (586 B.C.E.).
Despite the political-theological agenda of Babylonian exilic Jews versus Egyptian exilic Jews, another point attracts my attention in this post. I notice idolatry in the Egyptian exilic community. I recall Hebrew prophets condemning idolatry in the homeland. I conclude that some people never learn certain key lessons.
I also notice the the reversal of the Exodus from Egypt. Think, O reader: Did not God free Jews from slavery in Egypt? In parts of the Hebrew Bible, Egypt (a literal place) functions also as a metaphor for slavery. Therefore, in the Book of Jeremiah, to flee to Egypt is to flee to slavery.
The prophecy of the complete destruction of the Egyptian exilic community (42:7-22) was hyperbolic. After all, some survived to return to Judah (44:28). But all should have remained in Judah, under divine protection.
Free will is a gift of God. It is evidence of grace. How we use our free will can please or vex God.
For you vex me by your deeds….
–Jeremiah 44:8, TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures (1985)
In Christian terms, may we abide by the admonition not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). And may we learn the lessons we ought to learn and should have learned by the examples of our forebears.
Sadly, Jeremiah and Baruch died in involuntary exile in Egypt. (See Jeremiah 45:4-5, too.) These men had served God faithfully for decades. Living in Egypt was their final recorded indignity.
William Alexander Percy (1885-1942) wrote:
The peace of God, it is no peace,
But strife closed in the sod.
Yet, brothers, pray for but one thing–
The marvelous peace of God.
Amen.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JUNE 13, 2021 COMMON ERA
PROPER 6: THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR B
THE FEAST OF SAINT SPYRIDON OF CYPRUS, BISHOP OF TREMITHUS, CYPRUS; AND HIS CONVERT, SAINT TRYPHILLIUS OF LEUCOSIA, CYPRUS; OPPONENTS OF ARIANISM
THE FEAST OF DAVID ABEEL, U.S. DUTCH REFORMED MINISTER AND MISSIONARY TO ASIA
THE FEAST OF ELIAS BENJAMIN SANFORD, U.S. METHODIST THEN CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER AND ECUMENIST
THE FEAST OF SIGISMUND VON BIRKEN, GERMAN LUTHERAN HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT, U.S. POET, JOURNALIST, AND HYMN WRITER
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Above: Pentecost Dove
Scan by Kenneth Randolph Taylor
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For the Day of Pentecost, Year 2
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Lectionary from A Book of Worship for Free Churches (The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches in the United States, 1948)
Collect from The Book of Worship (Evangelical and Reformed Church, 1947)
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O God, who didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people,
by sending to them the light of the Holy Spirit;
grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things,
and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;
through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with
thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
—The Book of Worship (1947), 180
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Joel 2:28-32 (Protestant and Anglican)/Joel 3:1-5 (Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox)
Psalm 48
Ephesians 4:7-16
John 14:15-31
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The readings from the Old Testament speak of the Babylonian Exile, what followed it, and what people hoped would follow it. The vision of Joel 2:28-32/3:1-5 (depending on versification) speaks of a new time, not yet fully realized. The text speaks of a new beginning in God. Linking Joel 2:28-32/3:1-5 to the Feast of Pentecost makes sense and asserts the importance of the events that Pentecost so long ago.
The readings from the New Testament fit the Feast of Pentecost well. The references to the Paraclete in John 14:15-32 suit that passage for this occasion. Both New Testament readings deal with how we–individually and collectively–think and behave. (We are as we think, after all.)
Si vous m’aimez, gardez mes commandements.
–Jean 14:15, Louis Segond (1910)
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Si vous m’aimez, vous garderez mes commandements.
–Jean 14:15, Nouvelle Version Segond Révisée (1978)
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Si vous m’aimez, vous obéirez à mes commandements.
–Jean 14:15, La Bible en Français Courant (1996)
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Si vous m’aimez, vous suivrez mes commandements.
–Jean 14:15, La Bible du Semeur (2015)
“You” is plural in John 14:15.
Deeds reveal creeds.
God calls us–individually and collectively–to great missions. God also equips us for them. We are inadequate on our own power, but we do not need to rely on our own power. We do need to reply in the affirmative and act accordingly when God calls. If we do so, we will keep Christ’s commandments.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JANUARY 12, 2021 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT BENEDICT BISCOP, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT OF WEARMOUTH
THE FEAST OF SAINT AELRED OF HEXHAM, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT OF RIEVAULX
THE FEAST OF SAINT ANTHONY MARY PUCCI, ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST
THE FEAST OF HENRY ALFORD, ANGLICAN PRIEST, BIBLICAL SCHOLAR, LITERARY TRANSLATOR, HYMN WRITER, HYMN TRANSLATOR, AND BIBLE TRANSLATOR
THE FEAST OF SAINT MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS, FOUNDRESS OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME
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Above: Zacchaeus
Image in the Public Domain
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For the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity, Year 1
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Lectionary from A Book of Worship for Free Churches (The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches in the United States, 1948)
Collect from The Book of Worship (Evangelical and Reformed Church, 1947)
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O Almighty and most Merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us,
we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us;
that we, being ready, both in body and soul,
may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldst have done;
through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
—The Book of Worship (1947), 220
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Isaiah 44:21-28
Psalm 122
Ephesians 4:17-32
Luke 18:35-19:10
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The textual context of the reading from Luke is the verge of Holy Week. Luke 19:28-38 recounts the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus was approaching Jericho in 18:35-43 and in Jericho in 19:1-10. Reading these two stories together makes sense both thematically and narratively.
These are stories of healing and wholeness. The beggar was blind and desperate for healing. Zacchaeus, aware of his spiritual failings, sought to see Jesus, if only from a distance. Perhaps Zacchaeus, a literal tax thief and a Roman collaborator, needed the push that Jesus provided to take the next step. Zacchaeus moved from remorse to repentance. He made plans to pay restitution at the rate of 400%, higher than the 120% rate Leviticus 6:5 required. Zacchaeus chose to pay the rate of restitution for a slaughtered or sold sheep (Exodus 22:1 and 2 Samuel 12:6).
One may assume safely that Zacchaeus kept his word.
Healing and wholeness may be individual (as in Luke 18:35-19:10) or collective (as in Isaiah 44:21-28 and Ephesians 4:17-32). Forgiveness of sins may also be individual (as in Luke 19:1-10) or collective (as in Isaiah 44:21-28). Either way, renewal in mind and spirit is essential; healing and wholeness are impossible without this renewal.
Another feature common to Luke 18:35-43 and 19:1-10 is the intervention of Jesus. The blind beggar was crying out for Jesus, but members of the crowd scolded him and told him to be quiet. Jesus responded to the blind beggar, though. And Jesus noticed Zacchaeus, spoke to him, and visited his house. Oh, the scandal! These acts were typical of Jesus, of course.
Who are you most like in Luke 18:35-19:10, O reader? Are you most like the people scolding and shushing the blind beggar? Are you most like Zacchaeus, trying to see Jesus without attracting attention to yourself? Are you most the people scandalized that Christ visited the home of a notorious sinner? Or are you most like Jesus, going where needed and acted as an agent of grace, healing, and wholeness?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
APRIL 30, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JAMES MONTGOMERY, ANGLICAN AND MORAVIAN HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF DIET EMAN; HER FIANCÉ, HEIN SIETSMA, MARTYR, 1945; AND HIS BROTHER, HENDRIK “HENK” SIETSMA; RIGHTEOUS AMONG THE NATIONS
THE FEAST OF JAMES RUSSELL MACDUFF AND GEORGE MATHESON, SCOTTISH PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS AND AUTHORS
THE FEAST OF SARAH JOSEPHA BUELL HALE, POET, AUTHOR, EDITOR, AND PROPHETIC WITNESS
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Above: The Poor, the Lame, and the Blind Called Into the Supper
Image in the Public Domain
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For the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity, Year 1
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Lectionary from A Book of Worship for Free Churches (The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches in the United States, 1948)
Collect from The Book of Worship (Evangelical and Reformed Church, 1947)
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Lord, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand
the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil;
and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee, the only true God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—The Book of Worship (1947), 216
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Ezekiel 37:15-28
Psalm 101
Hebrews 4:9-13 and Ephesians 4:1-6
Luke 14:15-33
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Divine justice may seem unrecognizable to many of us much of the time. Divine justice/righteousness comes bound up with judgment and mercy. We can hide nothing from God, and divine judgment is frequently permitting our proverbial chickens to roost. We may, like the author of Psalm 101, favor
destroying the wicked in the land
or something like that, but such a decision belongs with God, not any mere mortal. God may choose to forgive and restore, for all we know. Our proper human response is to care for each other to be humble before God and each other.
The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-33) requires attention. The host represents God. The host properly takes offense at disrespectful excuses from people who had accepted invitations. The host, true to the Lukan theme of reversal of fortune, invites the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame–powerless, marginalized people. Then the host, still having room, invites Gentiles.
R. Alan Culpepper, writing about this parable in The New Interpreter’s Bible, Volume IX (1995), quoted T. W. Manson, The Sayings of Jesus (1957), 130:
The two essential points in His teaching are that no man can enter the Kingdom without the invitation of God, and that no man can remain outside it but by his own deliberate choice.
We make our decisions, after all. Grace is extravagant and free yet not cheap. Awe, respect, and gratitude for grace should compel one to accept it and to permit it to transform one’s life. One ought to accept the invitation to the great banquet of God and never offer excuses. Yet one is free to reject the invitation and to offer excuses. God sends no person to Hell. All who are present in Hell condemned themselves.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
APRIL 28, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JAROSLAV VAJDA, U.S. LUTHERAN MINISTER, HYMN TRANSLATOR, AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOZEF CEBULA, ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST AND MARTYR, 1941
THE FEAST OF SAINT PAMPHILIUS OF SULMONA, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP AND ALMSGIVER
THE FEAST OF SAINT PETER CHANEL, PROTOMARTYR OF OCEANIA, 1841
THE FEAST OF WILLIAM STRINGFELLOW, EPISCOPAL ATTORNEY, THEOLOGIAN, AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST
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Above: Icon of Habakkuk
Image in the Public Domain
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For the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, Year 1
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Lectionary from A Book of Worship for Free Churches (The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches in the United States, 1948)
Collect from The Book of Worship (Evangelical and Reformed Church, 1947)
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O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church;
and because it cannot continue in safety without thy succor,
preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—The Book of Worship (1947), 212
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Habakkuk 2:1-14
Psalm 84
Ephesians 4:8-16
Luke 12:16-40
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The Chaldean/Neo-Babylonian Empire was cruel. It was evil. The empire, in the words of God, delivered to Habakkuk,
destroyed many peoples
and
plundered many nations.
The prophet’s theological problem was how to relate to God when the Chaldean/Neo-Babylonian Empire seemed invincible. God’s answer, recorded in Habakkuk, was that the empire would fall. The empire that lived by the sword doomed itself to die by the sword.
The existence of evil does not negate the existence and justice of God. Few questions impress me less than,
If God exists and is just, why did x happen?
I tread carefully in the realm of theodicy, an undertaking that turns into idiocy easily and frequently. Social injustice will always exist as long as people are in charge of institutions and governments. We can, however, reduce social injustice. We have a moral mandate to do so. God equips us to do so.
Empires and nation-states rise and fall. So be it. We cannot change that reality, certainly. We can, regardless of whatever else is happening and who ever is in political power, trust and take refuge in God. We can trust in our real king. We can pray, with the author of Psalm 84,
How lovely is your dwelling,
O Yahweh of Hosts!
My soul longs and pines aloud
for your court, O Yahweh!
My heart and my flesh cry out.
Amen.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
APRIL 26, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A
THE FEAST OF WILLIAM COWPER, ANGLICAN HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT ADELARD OF CORBIE, FRANKISH ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK AND ABBOT; AND HIS PROTÉGÉ, SAINT PASCHASIUS RADBERTUS, FRANKISH ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK, ABBOT, AND THEOLOGIAN
THE FEAST OF ROBERT HUNT, FIRST ANGLICAN CHAPLAIN IN JAMESTOWN, VIRGINIA
THE FEAST OF RUTH BYLLESBY, EPISCOPAL DEACONESS IN GEORGIA
THE FEAST OF SAINT STANISLAW KUBISTA, ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST AND MARTYR, 1940; AND SAINT WLADYSLAW GORAL, POLISH ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP AND MARTYR, 1945
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Above: King Josiah
Image in the Public Domain
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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2 Chronicles 34 or Joshua 23 (portions)
Psalm 82
Ephesians 5:21-33
Luke 6:27-42
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The faithfulness of God calls for faithfulness to God. We humans, living in communities, have a moral obligation to obey the lofty principles in the Law of Moses, as in Leviticus 18:
- We are responsible to each other.
- We are responsible for each other.
- We depend entirely on God.
- We depend on each other.
- We have no right to exploit each other.
To act on these principles is to behave in a way consistent with righteousness/justice (the same word in the Bible).
We have some difficult readings this week. “Do I have to love my enemies?” “But I enjoy judging people without (much, if any) evidence!” These are responses with which all of us can identify. Hopefully, we have progressed in our spiritual pilgrimages in Christ. Ephesians 5 and 6 contain some really chair-squirming material regarding husbands, wives, masters, and slaves. I do not excuse that which I consider inexcusable. I reject all forms of slavery at all times and in all places. I also affirm gender equality. Furthermore, I contextualize those passages within the epistle.
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
–Ephesians 5:21, The Revised English Bible (1989)
That verse exists within the context of Ephesians 4:25:
Then have done with falsehood and speak the truth to each other, for we belong to one another as parts of one body.
Regardless of one’s cultural context, if one treats others according to that context, one will do well. Likewise, a society with norms that encourage that principle has much to commend it.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 21, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, CARL PHILIPP EMANUEL BACH, AND JOHANN CHRISTIAN BACH, COMPOSERS
THE FEAST OF JOHN S. STAMM, BISHOP OF THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH THEN THE EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH
THE FEAST OF SAINT NICHOLAS OF FLÜE AND HIS GRANDSON, SAINT CONRAD SCHEUBER, SWISS HERMITS
THE FEAST OF SAINT SERAPION OF THMUIS, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP
THE FEAST OF UMPHREY LEE, U.S. METHODIST MINISTER AND MINISTER OF SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
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Adapted from this post:
https://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/devotion-for-the-eighth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-humes/
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https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/devotion-for-proper-6-year-c-humes/
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Above: King Manasseh
Image in the Public Domain
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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2 Chronicles 33:1-13 or Joshua 20
Psalm 81
Ephesians 5:1-20
Luke 6:17-26
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Ephesians 4:25 (from the previous post in this series) provides essential context for all these readings, not just Ephesians 5:1-20.
Then have done with falsehood and speak the truth to each other, for we belong to one another as parts of one body.
–Ephesians 4:25, The Revised English Bible (1989)
All of us can change and need grace. Even the most wicked person can revere course. Those who commit crimes unwittingly (see Joshua 20) differ from those who do so purposefully. Mercy does not negate all consequences for actions, but mercy is present, fortunately. All of us ought to be at home in the light of God and to act accordingly, as Ephesians 5:1-20 details. Alas, not all of us are at home in that light, hence the woes following the Beatitudes in Luke 6.
I live in a topsy-turvy society glorifies the targets of Lukan woes and further afflicts–sometimes even criminalizes–the targets of Lukan Beatitudes. I live in a society in which the advice from Ephesians 5:1-20 is sorely needed. I read these verses and think,
So much for the most of the Internet and much of television, radio, and social media!
I do not pretend, however, that a golden age ever existed. No, I know better than that. We have degenerated in many ways, though, compared to previous times. We have also improved in other ways. All in all, we remain well below the high standard God has established.
How does one properly live into his or divine calling in a politically divided and dangerous time, when even objective reality is a topic for political dispute? Racist, nativisitic, and xenophobic and politically expedient conspiracy theories about Coronavirus/COVID-19 continue to thrive. Some members of the United States Congress continue to dismiss the threat this pandemic poses. How does one properly live into one’s divine calling in such a context? I do not know. Each person has a limit of how much poison one can consume before spiritual toxicity takes its toll? Is dropping out the best strategy? Perhaps not, but it does entail less unpleasantness and strife.
May we listen to and follow God’s call to us, both individually and collectively. May we function as agents of individual and collective healing, justice, and reconciliation. We do, after all, belong to one another as parts of one body.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 20, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SEBASTIAN CASTELLIO, PROPHET OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
THE FEAST OF CHRISTOPHER WORDSWORTH, HYMN WRITER AND ANGLICAN BISHOP OF LINCOLN
THE FEAST OF ELLEN GATES STARR, U.S. EPISCOPALIAN THEN ROMAN CATHOLIC SOCIAL ACTIVIST AND REFORMER
THE FEAST OF SAINT MARIA JOSEFA SANCHO DE GUERRA, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE SERVANTS OF JESUS
THE FEAST OF SAMUEL RODIGAST, GERMAN LUTHERAN ACADEMIC AND HYMN WRITER
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Adapted from this post:
https://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/devotion-for-the-seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-humes/
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https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/devotion-for-proper-5-year-c-humes/
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Above: King Hezekiah
Image in the Public Domain
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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2 Chronicles 29:1-10 or Joshua 7 (portions)
Psalm 79
Ephesians 4:17-32
Luke 6:1-11
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The Law of Moses teaches, among other lessons, that we are responsible to and for each other. Experiences and the past teach us that one person can improve the situation of many people or cause unfortunate events to befall them. As we read in Ephesians 4:25,
we belong to one another as parts of one body.
—The Revised English Bible (1989)
May we, belonging to one another as parts of one body, put on the new nature created in God’s likeness. May we, therefore, build each other up every day–even commit good works on the Sabbath. May we rejoice in each other’s blessings and support each other during times of adversity and suffering. May those in positions of authority and power build up their countries and the world for the long-term common good, not selfishly build up themselves and boost their egos at high costs to many others. May those who violate this principle fall from power, and may people who will honor this principle replace them. May all of us love ourselves as people who bear the image of God then extend that love to all other human beings. Such radical, certainly politically and socially subversive love and respect is consistent with Jewish and Christian moral teaching.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 20, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SEBASTIAN CASTELLIO, PROPHET OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
THE FEAST OF CHRISTOPHER WORDSWORTH, HYMN WRITER AND ANGLICAN BISHOP OF LINCOLN
THE FEAST OF ELLEN GATES STARR, U.S. EPISCOPALIAN THEN ROMAN CATHOLIC SOCIAL ACTIVIST AND REFORMER
THE FEAST OF SAINT MARIA JOSEFA SANCHO DE GUERRA, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE SERVANTS OF JESUS
THE FEAST OF SAMUEL RODIGAST, GERMAN LUTHERAN ACADEMIC AND HYMN WRITER
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Adapted from this post:
https://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/devotion-for-the-sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-humes/
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https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/devotion-for-proper-4-year-c-humes/
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Above: The King Uzziah Stricken with Leprosy, by Rembrandt van Rijn
Image in the Public Domain
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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2 Chronicles 26:3-5, 16-21 or Joshua 6:16-21
Psalm 78:1-4, 9-18, 30
Ephesians 4:1-16
Luke 5:12-26
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I…beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called….
–Ephesians 4:1, The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
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That is the theme uniting the assigned readings. The call is both individual and collective, and always in the context of community.
The righteous and the unjust suffer. Does God afflict faithless people with physical ailments. My theology answers, “no.” Much of the Hebrew Bible disagrees with me, of course. My disgust with bigoted televangelists who have have attributed diseases and natural disasters (such as Hurricane Katrina, 2005) to the wrath of God informs my opinion. Sometimes people are merely unfortunate. On other occasions. some people suffer the consequences of their actions. I do not that interpret that as God smiting people. No, I understand that as people smiting themselves.
We will suffer as surely as we breathe. May we, by grace, not suffer because of our sins, individually. Given that we live in community, each of us will suffer because of the actions and inaction of others. Not one of us can change that reality. Each one of us can, however, trust God and follow Jesus. Each of us can use our spiritual gifts properly, for the glory of God and for the common good. Each of us can be a conduit of divine love. If we do not think doing so will prompt certain others to target us, we deceive ourselves, unfortunately.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 18, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT LEONIDES OF ALEXANDRIA, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYR, 202; ORIGEN, ROMAN CATHOLIC THEOLOGIAN; SAINT DEMETRIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP; AND SAINT ALEXANDER OF JERUSALEM, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP
THE FEAST OF SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN, AND LITURGIST
THE FEAST OF ELIZA SIBBALD ALDERSON, POET AND HYMN WRITER; AND JOHN BACCHUS DYKES, ANGLICAN PRIEST AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT PAUL OF CYPRUS, EASTERN ORTHODOX MARTYR, 760
THE FEAST OF ROBERT WALMSLEY, ENGLISH CONGREGATIONALIST HYMN WRITER
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Adapted from this post:
https://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2020/03/18/devotion-for-the-fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-humes/
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https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2020/03/18/devotion-for-proper-3-year-c-humes/
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Above: An Israeli Stamp of Jonah
Image in the Public Domain
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For the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year 2, according to the U.S. Presbyterian lectionary of 1966-1970
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O Lord, Heavenly Father, in whom is the fullness of light and wisdom:
enlighten our minds by thy Holy Spirit, and give us grace to receive thy Word
with reverence and humility, without which no man can understand thy truth.
Grant this for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—The Book of Common Worship–Provisional Services (1966), 126
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Jonah 3:1-4:11
Ephesians 4:25-32
Matthew 9:1-13
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…let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners….
–Ephesians 4:29b, The New Jerusalem Bible (1985)
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Jonah (a fool and a fictitious prophet, the story of whom continues to indict individuals and groups) and the critics of Jesus in Matthew 9:1-13 were unlike the ideal person in Ephesians 4:25-32. Jonah, a reluctant prophet who learned the hard way that he could not flee from God, became bitterly disappointed when he successfully helped to effect the repentance of enemies. Divine mercy has long been scandalous and objectionable to many people.
If God loved only people similar to ourselves, would we feel better? Would our egos be more secure? Perhaps. We do well, that not withstanding, to know that, if we do not desire the destruction of, not the repentance of a population, some people, somewhere, wish the destruction of the population to which we belong. The story of Jonah always indicts some individuals and populations. Mutual animosity cannot work toward the common good. Besides, we should, logically, be glad when an enemy ceases to be a foe. It is better for us, is it not? But do we know that?
May the love of God define our egos and our attitudes toward other people, especially those different from us.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 24, 2019 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF THOMAS À KEMPIS, ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK, PRIEST, AND SPIRITUAL WRITER
THE FEAST OF JOHN NEWTON, ANGLICAN PRIEST AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF WALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH, U.S. BAPTIST MINISTER AND THEOLOGIAN OF THE SOCIAL GOSPEL
THE FEAST OF SAINTS VINCENTIA GEROSA AND BARTHOLOMEA CAPITANIO, COFOUNDERS OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF LOVERE
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 
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