I Believe in the Sun, Even When it is Not Shining

I Believe in the Sun, Even When it is Not Shining

Romans 8:26-39

Our passage from Romans, today, is possibly my favorite passage in the Bible. At least it contains verses that have been quite meaningful for me. It starts off with the image of a person who is so burdened with life that he or she is unable even to form words to pray, and it concludes with a strong affirmation that, no matter what, God’s love will never, ever, let you go.

Let us hear the word of God as it comes to us through Romans 8:26-39

Thinking about the opening verses I am reminded of a phrase that I have often heard: “As the Bible says, God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” My favorite response to that was from a gentleman who added, “I just wish God didn’t have such a high opinion of me.”  Well, frankly, I’ve searched. Those words are not biblical, and there are times they ring rather hollow for me.

I Know Something About Heavy Burdens

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

I Know Something About Heavy Burdens

Psalm 145:8-14; Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

Our reading from Psalm 145 begins with words that may be familiar. They speak of God’s grace and are often used as part of the assurance of forgiveness after a prayer of confession. This grace of God is then extended to all of creation and creation responds by giving praise to God. And then the closing words focus on God’s grace being a helping hand to those in need. Let us hear the word that God has for us in

Psalm 145:8-14

Last week we heard from Matthew about how Jesus was doing tremendous ministry throughout the countryside, in many villages and cities. Yet, the need continued to be great and Jesus commissioned the Twelve to go in his name, and he empowered them for their work. So good deeds are being done everywhere. You would think that when people saw good being done and how it impacted lives of people around them, and perhaps even their own lives, as well, that it would have made a difference in the choices they made. Doing good, showing love, being compassionate leads to others doing good, showing love and being compassionate. It’s like in the movie “Paying it Forward.” Except, too often in real life it doesn’t work out that nicely. It’s as if people are questioning, “Hey, if we allow all of this do-gooder stuff to continue, how will it really impact me? What will be the cost I have to pay? How will it impact my comfort and my quality of life?” So, too, Jesus’ ministry of compassion is met with opposition. It doesn’t matter what you do. If people feel the least bit threatened they’re going to question your motives, your actions, your intentions. That way the focus is taken off of them.

In our passage from Matthew, Jesus calls them out. He exposes their fear and hypocrisy. He then turns his attention to talking with God, which he follows with turning his attention back to those who are struggling, who feel the burdens of life. Let us listen for the word that God has for us in

Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

Over the past several years I have found that an important part of my preparation for preaching is to go to the Internet. There are a wide variety of web sites that offer reflections on the scripture selections from the lectionary. Some are written by scholars and theologians. Others are reflections by everyday preachers who are wrestling with the realities of their lives in their situations. With the reference in today’s passage about “those who are weary and are carrying heaven burdens,” I was struck by some of the situations I found in my readings yesterday.