Lection: Psalm 37

February 23, 2025

Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40
Luke 6:27-38

“Don’t Fret!”

On Sundays like today, I do appreciate the way that the Revised Common Lectionary has put Scripture passages together that relate to each other in interesting ways. It’s obvious, right of the bat, that today is all about loving our enemies. It’s not the easiest topic, by any means, but the theme of the day is certainly clear.

So let’s start with the Gospel reading. Picking up where we left off last Sunday, today’s Gospel text is another section of Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Plain.” And rather than telling stories or teaching through parables as he does in other places, Jesus is simply giving instructions.

“If you want to follow my way,” he tells the people, “If you’re still listening to me and you want my advice,” Jesus says: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it … Read more »

February 20, 2022

Luke 6:27-38
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

“For Those Who Are Still Listening”

This morning’s Gospel passage continues where we left of last week in Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain.” Last Sunday we heard what Jesus had to say to the poor: that they were especially loved and blessed by God. And we heard what he had to say to the rich: that they should watch out because they may well be on the wrong path. We also noted that his preaching was particularly aimed at his own disciples, calling them to take up his particular concern and care for the poor, the oppressed, and the outcast people who were treated poorly by the world.

As the sermon continues today, Jesus addresses his comments “to you that listen.” His next instructions aren’t just for the poor, or just for the rich, or just for his committed disciples. He speaks to all who are listening, and one commentator suggests that the translation could just as easily be rendered “to all who are still listening.”

I don’t expect the problem is that some of the sermon-listeners have drifted off to sleep in the middle of a long and boring sermon, as some contemporary church-goers have been known to do. … Read more »