t aspects of how the Word of God shapes our lives according to his will and purpose for us. Next week, the Second Sunday of Advent, we will consider how we use words in worship. The Third Sunday of Advent will reflect on enacting, living the Word and the Fourth Sunday will focus on prayer.
This Sunday we start with a focus on God’s Word spoken, written and living. I picked up this prayer in England a couple of years ago from Fr. David Trustram. We should pray it now:
May my spoken word be true to God’s written word and bring us all closer to the living word, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
That prayer draws us into a right order or operation for the preacher. I cannot say everything about everything, and surely you could not bear to hear it. But what I do say must be consistent with the Gospel. If my words do not faithfully comport with God’s written word and, more importantly the “living Word”’ of Jesus himself, then I demand correction.
Read MoreToday’s Gospel lays out a stark contrast in two observations Jesus makes, and both are about façades and his knowing what lies beneath a person’s exterior – the face they show to the world.
On the one hand, we see the scribes, the keepers of the law, who have a high position in society. Then, as now, with high position comes great temptation for a hardening of the spirit, learning to love the trappings of position, and inwardly scheming for personal gain regardless of the cost to others. That’s the truth.
Surely that issue of power and position doesn’t apply directly to us! Let’s see…long robes. Check. Like to be greeted with respect. Check. Best seats in church. Check. Kind of like the choir? Or me? Deacon John?
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