The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, July 30, 2023—Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
[Ordinary 17, Proper 12]
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Kingdom Wisdom
Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b;
Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

The Best Summer Ever

Opening Statement

Today’s scriptures embody the lesson: “Good things come to those who wait.” God’s realm is worth waiting for. It is certainly worth the hard work to bring it to fruition. Whether we are working on behalf of a beloved friend, or we are trusting Christ to get us through times of hardship; whether we are awaiting spring to bloom from small seeds, or we are toiling for the sake of love, such work is always worthwhile. When love bursts forth in tangible and life-giving ways, it is always worth the wait.

Opening Prayer
(Romans 8, Matthew 13)

Spirit of God, you intercede for us with sighs too deep for words. When all seems lost, you heal our hearts and give us strength to carry on. Set our hearts and minds on you, Great Spirit, that we may know your abiding presence and your never-failing love. Amen.

Call to Confession
(Psalm 105, Romans 8, Matthew 13)

Loving God, as we seek you, search our hearts and ease our troubled spirits. Where we are frightened and unsure of your love, restore us with the assurance of your grace. Even when we give up too easily, we long for the courage to reach for new beginnings. We yearn to know deep in our bones that nothing in heaven or on earth can separate us from your great love. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Romans 8)

Remember, beloved children of God, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God. Give thanks to God for this marvelous gift.

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

Matthew 5:14

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

We were never meant to shut ourselves off completely from unbelievers; we are to be a light to them (Matt. 5:14–16). We must always lead others to Him, and by our conduct and testimony glorify Him.

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
First Reading

Genesis 29:15-28
Leah and Rachel Jacob’s wives

Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”

So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Give thanks to God
Part I Confitemini Domino

Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; *
  make known his deeds among the peoples.

Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
  and speak of all his marvelous works.

Glory in his holy Name; *
  let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Search for the LORD and his strength; *
  continually seek his face.

Remember the marvels he has done, *
  his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,

O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
  O children of Jacob his chosen.

He is the LORD our God; *
  his judgments prevail in all the world.

He has always been mindful of his covenant, *
  the promise he made for a thousand generations:

The covenant he made with Abraham, *
  the oath that he swore to Isaac,

Which he established as a statute for Jacob, *
  an everlasting covenant for Israel,

Saying, “To you will I give the land of Canaan *
  to be your allotted inheritance.”
   Hallelujah!

Father God, You created all things. You created a beautiful world for us to enjoy; a world designed to meet our physical needs. Then, when we sinned and dishonored You, You sent Your only Son to meet our spiritual needs. All that we truly enjoy comes from Your hand. Therefore, with thankful hearts, we pray, Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles

Romans 8:26-39
Nothing can separate us from God’s love

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today’s Gospel Reading

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Parables of the reign of heaven

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

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.

Benediction
(Romans 8, Matthew 13)

If God is for us, what more do we need? *
  Nothing can separate us from Christ’s gracious love.

If Christ is with us, what can stop us? *
  Nothing can keep us from sharing Christ’s gifts of love and strength.

Go with love as our guide. *

  God is our constant companion. Amen!

A Seed of Faith

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).

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, July 30, 2023
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b;
Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Today’s scriptures embody the lesson: “Good things come to those who wait.” God’s realm is worth waiting for. It is certainly worth the hard work to bring it to fruition. Whether we are working on behalf of a beloved friend, or we are trusting Christ to get us through times of hardship; whether we are awaiting spring to bloom from small seeds, or we are toiling for the sake of love, such work is always worthwhile. When love bursts forth in tangible and life-giving ways, it is always worth the wait.

“One-Line Parables of Jesus” The Gospel Message for Sunday, July 30, 2023

Today, our gospel message comes to us from the 13th chapter of Matthew, beginning with the 31st verse, “Parables of the reign of heaven.”

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52).

Father, You sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them, we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us worship you, one God in three persons, And reveal yourself in the depths of our being by proclaiming and living our faith in you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

“One-Line Parables of Jesus”

Today we read some “One-Line Parables” that Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God to illustrate how God’s power and authority are visible and expressed in our world.

Unlike the longer “Story Parables” like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son, “One-Line Parables” begin with a phrase like “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” and conclude with a common everyday activity or thing. For example: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Using language, objects, plants, and what we humans experience in our everyday lives, Jesus told “One-Line Parables” to describe for us the wonder and the excitement and the blessing available to us in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Each of these “One-Line Parables” paints a picture of the Kingdom of God and offers us another glimpse into the reign of God because each picture could not provide us with the height or depth of God’s Kingdom. Therefore each One-Line Parable gives us another opportunity to think about and wonder and enjoy the riches of God’s Kingdom.

Now, you may have noticed that after Jesus had finished His teaching about the kingdom of God, He concluded His instruction by asking: “Have you understood all these things?” to which the disciples responded, “Yes!”

Now I have to admit that I usually smile when I hear the disciple’s reaction to this question because I wonder if the disciples really understood what Jesus was trying to teach them.

In fact, occasionally, I wonder if the disciples even had a clue as to what Jesus was talking about when He used “One-Line Parables.” Even though the disciples said they understood, I sometimes sense that they were too embarrassed to admit that they did not understand.

And so their reaction to the question that Jesus asked is similar, I think, to all the occasions when we laughed at a joke that we did not get and the times when we nodded our heads in agreement to an explanation that we did not understand. For you see, Jesus used these teachings to challenge His disciples and us to see beyond how we usually perceive things and understand the world.

For example, today, we read that Jesus told His disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed or a handful of yeast. Now I think that you would agree with me that these items are not much to look at first, but when we put the seed in the ground or mix the yeast with the dough, the results can be astounding.

One mustard seed planted in the ground can produce a tree big enough for birds to nest in, and a handful of yeast, when mixed with flour, can produce a loaf of bread that we can use to feed our family.

And so even though the rich blessings God intends for us in this world and the next may appear to be of no more value than a seed or a handful of yeast, we should not deceive ourselves.

For just as a seed can ultimately produce a large tree, and yeast, when added to flour, can create bread, God’s blessings can enrich our lives and allow us to be a blessing to others.

And yet, due to our sinful condition, we do not always see the possibilities available to us in God’s Kingdom. And even though these tales of yeast and seed, treasure and pearls are all exciting, we may wonder what they have to do with us.

But the “Good News” is that these “One-Line Parables” were meant to open our hearts and our souls to the vastness of God’s mercy and love and help us to understand that even the smallest seed of the Word of God, or the tiniest bit of the yeast of God’s righteousness, can transform us.

And so our response today should be a prayer to God to instill in us the faith the size of a mustard seed, knowing that God can bring growth and treasure beyond what we know or understand so that our lives can be a picture to others of the love and mercy of our Father in Heaven.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the seed of your Word that you have planted in our hearts and the yeast of righteousness that you have mixed into our lives. Help us, we pray, to value that which you have given us and to make following Christ the essential thing in our lives so we can do your will and share your love and Word that you have proclaimed through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Sermon contributed by Paul Zwarich.
Even though the rich blessings God intends for us may appear to be of no more value than a seed or a handful of yeast, we should not deceive ourselves.

The Morning Prayer for Sunday, July 30, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, July 30, 2023

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Lord our God, we are your children. Hear all our concerns, we pray, for we want help from you, not from men, not from anything we can think or say. May your power be revealed in our time. We long for a new age, an age of peace in which people are changed. We long for your day, the day when your power will be revealed to poor, broken humankind. Be with us, and give our hearts what will remain with us, the strength and mercy of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Sunday, July 30, 2023

 

Verse of the Day

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Matthew 5:14

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

We were never meant to shut ourselves off completely from unbelievers; we are to be a light to them (Matt. 5:14–16). We must always lead others to Him, and by our conduct and testimony glorify Him.

Read all of Matthew Chapter 5

Listen to Matthew Chapter 5

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.