The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers with Commentaries for Sunday, October 1, 2023—Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers

with Commentaires
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Providence, Obedience,

and the Question of Authority

 
Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16;

Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
[Ordinary 26, Proper 21]
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
  (Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

In our readings today, the recurring theme centers on the dynamics of authority, obedience, and transformation. Each passage reveals the tension between divine provision and human response, examining how true authority is authenticated through acts of humility, obedience, and service. Whether it's God providing water from a rock, the psalmist recounting God's wondrous deeds, Christ modeling the ultimate humility, or the dichotomy between mere words and genuine action, these texts collectively call us to align our understanding and acknowledgment of authority with an authentic, transformative faith.

Father of Mercies

Opening Prayer
(Philippians 2)

God of wondrous love and glorious deeds, shower us with your love and quench our thirst for grace. Strengthen us with your Spirit of power and embolden us to live our faith. Humble us with the example of Christ and remind us to regard one another as beloved children of God. Amen.

Call to Confession
(Exodus 17, Philippians 2)

Prince of peace, speak mercy amidst our quarrels and our dissensions. Shower us with your love, that we may remember to love others as fully as you love us. Bind us together with your Spirit, that we might live as one people—a people of one mind, one love, and one all-embracing compassion for all.

Assurance of Pardon
(Philippians 2)

Christ is at work within you, filling you with mercy and grace. Christ enables you to work for God’s good pleasure.

Introduction to the Word
(Psalm 78, Matthew 21)

Give ear to hear the teachings of Christ. Listen to God’s glorious deeds and reflect on the wonders of God’s love.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading

Exodus 17:1-7
Water from the rock

Exodus 17:1-7 is a crucial passage that deals with the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This specific episode focuses on a moment of crisis related to water scarcity. The narrative addresses multiple layers of human and divine interaction, illustrating the Israelites' struggle with trust and obedience as well as God's steadfast provision. Set against the backdrop of the wilderness, a place often associated with trial and purification in the Bible, this story teaches us about the complex relationship between faith, doubt, and divine providence.

17 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”

Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”

3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

5 The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Commentary

Testing and Quarreling: A Recurring Theme
Exodus 17 opens with the Israelites' journey "from place to place as the Lord commanded," yet they find themselves without water. This situation triggers a crisis of faith. Despite previous instances where God provided for them (such as manna and quail), they "quarreled" with Moses and "tested" the Lord. The term 'test' is highly significant; it implies a lack of trust in God, demanding proof for His presence and care.

Moses: The Mediator Under Pressure
Moses finds himself in a difficult position: accountable to God but also responsible for the people. His cry to God is one of desperation: "What am I to do with these people?" Interestingly, Moses too seems to be grappling with faith under duress, although his immediate reaction is to turn to God for guidance.

Divine Providence and Symbols
God instructs Moses to use the same staff with which he struck the Nile. The staff symbolizes God's miraculous power, as it was the instrument through which the plagues in Egypt were performed. God also tells Moses that He will "stand there before you," affirming divine presence and guidance.

God's Grace and Human Response
God instructs Moses to strike a rock to bring forth water, which he does in the sight of the elders. This is a gracious act that meets the Israelites' immediate physical need but also addresses their deeper spiritual thirst. Yet, even this divine provision does not seem to eradicate their doubt entirely, as evidenced by the naming of the place Massah ("Testing") and Meribah ("Quarreling").

"Is the Lord among us or not?"
This poignant question captures the core issue of the passage—the tension between doubt and faith. While it's easy to criticize the Israelites for their lack of faith, their question echoes the existential queries that many believers wrestle with when faced with adversity.

Conclusion
Exodus 17:1-7 serves as a paradigm for the ongoing struggle between human doubt and divine provision. It addresses the fundamental questions of God's presence and care in times of crisis. While the narrative critiques the Israelites' lack of faith, it also affirms God's persistent faithfulness and the role of mediators like Moses, who stand in the gap during times of trial. The story remains relevant for believers today, inviting us to reflect on our own faith journey through life's wilderness moments.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Recounting God’s power

Psalm 78 serves as both a historical recounting and a spiritual reminder for the people of God. It opens with an earnest call to listen to the teachings that recount the glorious deeds of the Lord, aiming to keep the memory of God's works alive from one generation to the next. The psalmist exhorts the importance of oral tradition—of telling stories that describe God's power, miracles, and praiseworthy deeds.

In verses 12-16, the Psalm delves into the wonders God performed during the time of the Exodus. From dividing the Red Sea to providing water in the wilderness, the Psalm emphasizes God's divine interventions that were not only miraculous but also life-sustaining. These past acts serve as perpetual reminders of God's power and care for His people.

In today's context, this Psalm calls us not just to remember but also to proclaim the goodness of God to the next generation. In an age where stories can be instantly shared across the globe, the mandate to tell of God's goodness is as relevant as ever.

Hear my teaching, O my people; *
  incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable; *
  I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.

That which we have heard and known,
    and what our forefathers have told us, *
  we will not hide from their children.

We will recount to generations to come
    the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD, *
  and the wonderful works he has done.

He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, *
  in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

He split open the sea and let them pass through; *
  he made the waters stand up like walls.

He led them with a cloud by day, *
  and all the night through with a glow of fire.

He split the hard rocks in the wilderness *
  and gave them drink as from the great deep.

He brought streams out of the cliff, *
  and the waters gushed out like rivers.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and wonder, remembering Your faithfulness as told through generations past. As recounted in Psalm 78, Your miraculous works and divine interventions are a testament to Your unending love and providence.

Lord, open our ears that we may hear, and open our hearts that we may understand the "things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us." Help us not to keep Your wonders to ourselves but to share these incredible truths with the next generation, that they too may know of Your deeds and Your strength.

In a world that often forgets and neglects Your divine hand, we ask that You would stir within us a spirit of remembrance. Help us to recall how You divided the seas, led Your people through the depths, and turned the rock into a pool of water. You have been our provider, our protector, and our guide.

May our lives reflect the glory of Your past works, so that our children and our children's children may grow in the wisdom and knowledge of You. Grant us the words and opportunities to teach them about Your commands, Your justice, and Your unfailing love. May they, in turn, put their trust in You, walk in Your ways, and continue the chain of faithfulness.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who epitomizes perfect obedience and love, we pray. Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles

Philippians 2:1-13
Christ humbled to the point of death

The letter to the Philippians is one of the Apostle Paul's most heartfelt writings, addressing a community of Christians in Philippi who had a special relationship with him. In the second chapter of this letter, Paul delves into the foundational Christian virtues of unity, humility, and Christlikeness. Philippians 2:1-13 contains one of the most profound Christological passages in the New Testament, describing the humility of Jesus Christ as a model for Christian life and ethics. This passage is often considered as setting the tone for the entire letter, focusing on the imitation of Christ as the ultimate example of Christian conduct.

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6     Who, being in very nature God,
        did not consider equality with God

        something to be used to his own advantage;
7     rather, he made himself nothing
        by taking the very nature of a servant,
        being made in human likeness.
8    And being found in appearance as a man,
        he humbled himself
        by becoming obedient to death—
            even death on a cross!

9    Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
        and gave him the name that is above every name,
10    that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
        in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11    and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
        to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Commentary

Unity and Humility (Verses 1-4)
Paul begins with an "if-then" construction, listing four conditions based on shared Christian experiences like unity in Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit. His aim is not to question whether these conditions exist; rather, he assumes their reality and bases his following exhortations on them. He implores the Philippians to be "like-minded" and to "value others above yourselves," emphasizing that Christian unity is grounded in humility.

Christological Hymn (Verses 5-11)
Verses 5-11 are often considered to be an early Christian hymn focusing on Christ's humility and exaltation. Paul uses the life and work of Jesus as the highest model of humility and selflessness. The passage lays out a powerful theological statement: Jesus, though divine, willingly emptied Himself ("made himself nothing") to take on human form and suffered death for humanity's sake. As a result of His humble obedience, God has "exalted him to the highest place," confirming that humility leads to glory.

Work Out Your Salvation (Verses 12-13)
Paul moves from the theological to the practical, instructing the Philippians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This is not an encouragement toward self-salvation but an urging to live out the implications of their salvation. Paul clarifies this by stating that it is "God who works in you," emphasizing that human efforts are not independent of divine action but are inspired and empowered by God.

Conclusion
Philippians 2:1-13 stands as one of the most theologically rich and ethically instructive passages in the New Testament. It links the profound divine act of Christ's incarnation and sacrifice to the everyday responsibilities of Christian living. The text invites readers to a life characterized by unity, humility, and the ongoing process of becoming more Christlike. It also highlights the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, suggesting that the Christian life is a synergistic endeavor between the believer and God. Overall, this passage provides deep theological insights alongside ethical guidance, making it a central text for understanding Christian doctrine and practice.

Today’s Gospel Reading

Matthew 21:23-32
A parable of doing God’s will

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, verses 23-32, captures a critical moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ when the tension between Him and the religious authorities reaches a new height. Located in the context of Holy Week, this passage presents a nuanced exchange between Jesus and the chief priests and elders who question His authority. Jesus responds to their inquiry with a question of His own and then proceeds to tell a parable that exposes the incongruity between their words and their actions. This particular text serves as a mirror not just to the religious leaders of Jesus' time but also to all who engage with the faith.

23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Commentary

Questioning Authority (Verses 23-27)
As Jesus teaches in the temple courts, He is confronted by the chief priests and elders—figures of religious authority in Judaism. They question Jesus' right to perform His miraculous acts and teachings, implicitly challenging His divinity and messianic role. Jesus' response is to pose a question about John the Baptist, whose ministry had prepared the way for Him. The authorities find themselves in a dilemma: acknowledging John's divine authority would obligate them to recognize Jesus', while denying it would cause a public uproar. They choose agnosticism as a safe but disingenuous answer, to which Jesus replies by withholding the information they sought.

The Parable of the Two Sons (Verses 28-32)
Jesus proceeds to tell a straightforward parable about two sons asked by their father to work in a vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later complies, while the second son verbally agrees but fails to act. When questioned, the religious leaders rightly identify the first son as the obedient one, unwittingly indicting themselves.

Jesus draws a parallel between the two sons and two groups: the religious leaders and the sinners (tax collectors and prostitutes). The religious leaders are like the second son—professing obedience but failing in practice. In contrast, the so-called 'sinners' are like the first son—initially rebellious but ultimately repentant and obedient.

Jesus highlights that repentance and belief in John's message (and by extension, in Jesus Himself) are what matter in the kingdom of God. While the religious leaders outwardly appear righteous, their lack of belief and failure to repent disqualifies them.

Conclusion
Matthew 21:23-32 offers a profound lesson on the disconnect that can exist between one's declared faith and one's actions. The text serves as a warning against religious hypocrisy and points toward genuine repentance and belief as the true markers of spiritual authority and Kingdom participation. Through His wisdom-filled response and poignant parable, Jesus exposes the religious leaders' failings and offers a timeless message: God values authentic transformation over empty words, and it is never too late to change one's ways and follow the path of righteousness.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Communion Prayer

(Philippians 2)

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the life and love of Christ, that we may be the body of Christ for the world, redeemed and unified by Christ’s love and grace. By your Spirit, make us one with Christ, one with one another, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at your heavenly banquet. Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forevermore. Amen.

Benediction
(Philippians 2)

Share the Spirit. Encourage others in Christ. Go forth to give God’s love and encouragement to the world.

Made New

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789). Commentaries by Rev. Kenny Sallee, ThM.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, October 1, 2023
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Providence, Obedience, and the Question of Authority
Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
In our readings today, the recurring theme centers on the dynamics of authority, obedience, and transformation. Each passage reveals the tension between divine provision and human response, examining how true authority is authenticated through acts of humility, obedience, and service. Whether it's God providing water from a rock, the psalmist recounting God's wondrous deeds, Christ modeling the ultimate humility, or the dichotomy between mere words and genuine action, these texts collectively call us to align our understanding and acknowledgment of authority with an authentic, transformative faith.