Pentecost 12 (year C proper 17)- Luke 14:1-14

The readings for this Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost are filled with valuable practical advice. The selections from  Proverbs 25:2-10, Psalm 131, Hebrews 13:1-17, and  Luke 14:1, 7-14 all emphasize the importance of good conduct, especially of behaving humbly.  Despite such general connections, however, the Gospel from Luke 14 is distinctive because its intent is more spiritual than moral. 

While the other passages can easily be applied to sensible social behavior, the Gospel from Luke 14 contains a parable about the kingdom of God. This parable emphasizes reverence and humility before God. We must never presume too much for ourselves. We are lowly guests who depend upon the graciousness of our divine host, and there may be many other guests who deserve as much or more honor than we do. We should always come into the divine presence accepting our lowliness. And if God chooses to invite us higher, then we should be grateful. Such an attitude should be at the heart of Christian worship and Christian living!

Pentecost 11 (year C proper 16)- Luke 13:22-30

The Gospel for this Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost is from Luke 13:22-30. As Jesus begins His final trip toward Jerusalem, where He will face rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection, someone asks Him whether many or few will be saved. Instead of commenting on human speculations about the number of those who will be saved, our Lord tells a parable about being invited to a feast or banquet. 

In the parable, a gracious homeowner has invited people to a feast. Each person invited must respond appropriately. An appropriate response includes getting ready, arriving on time, and entering through the designated door to be greeted personally by the host. The host is generous, but he expects the guests to respond appreciatively and make some effort. So it is with the kingdom of God. Many receive a gracious divine invitation. but God expects a suitable response. Those invited must accept the invitation and enter when and how He indicates. Procrastination can be dangerous. Failing to prepare and follow instructions may lead to a sorrowful exclusion from the heavenly feast.

With this parable, Christ warns people to take the invitation to feast in God's presence seriously. The divine host sets the conditions for entering the heavenly kingdom, and the human guests need to respond in appropriate ways. The invitation of the Holy One must not be taken for granted; it must be respected and the host's expectations must be accepted in humble gratitude.

Pentecost 10 (year C proper 15)- Luke 12: 49-56

The Gospel for this Tenth Sunday after Pentecost can be considered in two brief but distinct sections. Both sections refer to the worldly difficulties facing would-be disciples. The first teaching, Luke 12:49-53, is a warning for the inner group of disciples. They prefer to view Christ as the Prince of Peace. In a sense, He is, but His peace is not always obvious in this world. In Luke 12:51, Jesus says, "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division" (ESV). Christ's followers must not expect everyone to agree about following Him; even members of their own families may be opponents.

The second section, found in Luke 12:54-56, is a warning to the whole crowd of listeners. Sometimes, people may have some ideas about what to expect from the weather, but they tend to be poor interpreters of the signs of the times. Human beings tend to ignore what God is doing in the world. They are not sensitive to spiritual matters of judgment and redemption. They do not recognize what God is doing through Jesus Christ.

These two warnings of our Lord are especially applicable in our day and time. Human beings often talk about peace, but they do not always truly understand it. A commitment to Jesus does not necessarily bring peace to natural or ecclesial households. Likewise, many people might accurately see some problems in society or nature. However, most people, including many church-goers, avoid giving much serious attention to the spiritual matters of divine judgment and redemption.

We should all heed Christ's warnings because, in them, He seeks to make us more morally and spiritually aware. He calls all people to repentance, He encourages us to have faith, and He exhorts us to persevere during trying times. By His grace, may we hear and respond!

Pentecost 9 (year C proper 14) Luke 12: 32-40

The Gospel for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost is a selection from a chapter that begins with the issue of material concerns. There is the parable of the foolish rich man and advice about not worrying over material or physical issues. The first section of today's reading (Luke 12:32-34) reminds us to focus on the kingdom of God and heavenly or spiritual treasure. In the second section of this reading (Luke 12:35-40), Christ gives the example of blessed servants who are ready for their master's arrival. Jesus exhorts believers to be prepared for His arrival always. 

At first glance, there might seem to be a conflict between the teaching not to worry and the teaching to make sure that one is always ready. However, upon reflection, one can see that these two principles go together. If we truly trust in God and His love, then we place Him and His kingdom first. Our treasure is heavenly. Despite our changing earthly conditions, we look to the triune God in confidence above and beyond all earthly matters. Then, we respond in gratitude and faith by living in constant readiness for His presence. We expect the Lord to come among us, now, throughout our lives, and at the last hour of earthly history.

Pentecost 8 (year C proper 13)- Luke 12: 13-21

The Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost is Luke 12:13-21. A man wants Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute, but our Lord refuses and tells a parable to point to higher values. This parable speaks of a rich man who is never content with his possessions and always wants more. While making plans to replace his old barns, the soul of the rich man is suddenly required of him. 

A main point of this parable is in Luke 12:15. Jesus says, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (ESV) Human beings are physical as well as spiritual creations. That means that we do have legitimate physical and material concerns. We can pray for daily bread, clothing, and shelter. We can and should do some prudent planning for ourselves and our families, and we should care for the physical needs of other people. 

Nevertheless, there are inherent spiritual and moral temptations and dangers in dealing with the material aspect of life. We have to seek the right priorities in order for life to be meaningful and well-ordered. We must not allow our physical and material needs to dominate our lives. Instead, we need to place spiritual matters first.  As Luke 12:21 indicates, we must not lay up treasures for ourselves without being rich toward God.  Choosing the right priorities does not come easily or naturally. It only comes with the help of divine grace. So we need grace to keep learning to place spiritual issues ahead of our physical comforts and possessions. We must turn to God's Word prayerfully and seek divine help to develop and maintain a proper perspective on the material aspects of life.