2nd Sunday after Trinity

Trinity II

Readings: I1 Kings 19v15-16&19-end; Psalm 16; Galatians 5v1&13-25; Luke 9v51-end.

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

A Word: Today is an auspicious one because in our readings there are signs that God has plans for us and for the future.

For we have a God who in Kings has plans. For he sends the prophet Elijah to anoint people for roles he intends them to undertake. This reading reminds me that God always has plans for us and the whole world; and that God makes his plans known to us through those who can hear him. For some people who are called do not hear from God directly, instead they hear through the messages that God gives to others for them. Others who are sent by God to tell them. Then all we have to do is choose: either to fall in with God and God’s plans; or to reject God and his plans.

Now, whatever anyone says, falling in line with God’s plans is not an easy ask for any of us. However, if we dare to believe and trust in God, and fall in with God’s plans, then we are putting our trust in the God described in the psalm. The one true God who takes care of those who put their trust in him. The Lord who watches over us and inspires our hearts. The Lord who shows us the pathway to life.

And, as Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians, if we fall in line with God’s plans we are called to follow Jesus. For, through Jesus we have been set free from keeping rules and sent out to live guided by the spirit and no longer controlled by the sins of the flesh. For we are called to be a people who produce the fruits of the spirit. Fruits that include: love and joy and peace; patience and kindness and gratitude; and gentleness and self-control.

And, God requires even more than just following Jesus’ example. For as we hear in the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells those who want to follow him that they are to proclaim the Kingdom of God and stay steadfast to this mission. For in this mission there is no turning back. And, in this mission it is our calling to share the good news and leave the rest to God. Just as Jesus did as he made his way to Jerusalem and told off his disciples for wanting to harm the people who did not want to receive him. For the mission we are called to serve, is the Father’s mission. The mission to call back all people to be the Father’s people. The mission in which the Father allows us the choice to either accept or reject him.

Today I hope and pray we will hear God’s call, however God sends his call to us. Today I hope and pray we will accept God’s call and trust that God knows best. Today I hope and pray that we will be a people of the spirit producing the fruits of the spirit. Today I hope and pray that we will proclaim the Kingdom of God without turning back. Today I hope and pray that we will leave in God’s hands those who do not accept what God is calling them to be. For, even when people reject God, God continues to wait in love and patience for his people to turn back and run into his ever loving arms.

Let us Pray: O Lord God our loving father, we thank you for teaching us that without love all that we do is worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit to sustain us. Pour your gift of love into our hearts. Grant the true bond of peace to us. Help us to serve you faithfully here on earth. Then when all this life is over, we hope and pray that you will invite us to share in your eternal banquet in heaven. Amen

Thanks for joining us today.