Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (October 30, 11)

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." Jesus goes on to describe how the crowd of the "churched" in his day, just wanted to be seen. They loved their titles and wanted everyone to notice them. This is of course was the exact opposite of the style of Jesus. Jesus was good at not boasting of his position as Lord. Jesus would often turn questions of his position into other questions. The most known example is when Jesus is being judged and Pontius says, "Do you say you are King of the Jews?" Jesus replies, "You say that I am." Our Lord wasn't being rude, or argumentative he was simply showing restraint. If he wanted to he could have taken the life of any of his accusers. The Holy Gospel goes on to say not to call people by titles some of which are: rabbi, father, instructors, etc. So the most poignant question posed then is why do we call our priests father? It is because he is the father of the church (his parish) in teaching and exalting Abba God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus isn't really referring to the titles being used. If you place this story into context it is about what you mean when you use the words. This lesson seems to go along well with having no gods before God (the Blessed Trinity). If this were to be taken with exact literalism then the Holy Gospel would be incorrect in Acts 7:2 where Stephen refers to "our father Abraham." Jesus criticized Jewish leaders in his day that wanted "...a place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues." Thy hyperbole Christ used to get his point across is similar to "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell." Christ himself appointed certain people to be teachers in his Church: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19–20)" That text does a great job at showing you have to read between the lines so to speak to understand the message. The summary of what Christ was saying is to be humble and to not elevate anyone any higher than another person. He was also advising us to be sincere and meek. Remember "the meek shall inherit the earth." Amen.

***Pray especially for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:
ALMIGHTY AND MERCIFUL GOD, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Micah 3:5-12, Psalm 43, 2nd Reading I Thessalonians 2:9-13, Gospel Matthew 23:1-12)