Monday prior to Proper 9

 

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 Psalm 132:13-16; Antiphon, Psalm 34:8— David reminds us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” The circumstances surrounding each of our lessons for next week might suggest that all is not well. Yet the Psalmist reminds us that our Lord’s care for His people goes beyond circumstance. He is our Lord in good times and in stressful times. He is with us when we are successful in life and when there are objects “in our road”. Despite obstacles to ministry, the Lord’s church moves forward. As we see the Lord active in His church and in the individual lives of His people, we can join with the Psalmist and say, “taste and see that the Lord is good!”

The theme for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9) will focus upon the word of the minister (prophet). His work of proclamation is very difficult due to the unreceptive attitude of the people to whom he is sent to preach. Even Jesus in the Gospel lesson (Mark 6:1–13) didn’t do a good work in His hometown because the people do not believe in Him.

Ezekiel is called in the Old Testament lesson (Ezekiel 2:1-5) to preach to a people whom God describes as “impudent and stubborn.” Paul, in the Epistle lesson (2 Corinthians 12:1-10) prays to have a thorn removed that he might be more effective in his ministry, but the request is denied. We are blessed when pastor and people work in harmony and peace. Yet we live in a broken world outside of Eden. May we pray the Spirit’s help to always be open and receptive to the preaching of God’s Holy Word. 

Collect for Psalm 132: Lord God, our King, you have chosen the new ion as your dwelling-place, the church as your place of rest; you have kindled in it a lamp that will burn brightly forever before Christ your anointed one. May our hearts your tabernacle, clothe your people with holiness, and give bread to the poor, that we may rejoice and sing to you now and forever.  

Collect for Psalm 34: Lord, graciously hear us, for we seek you alone. Calm our bodies and minds with that peace which passes understanding and make us radiant with joy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]  -28 June 2021—

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[1] Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 34 and 134, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY