Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Oct. 11, 2015

Jesus and the rich young ruler, Armenian icon.

Perhaps it is only a coincidence that today’s readings come at the start of Stewardship time, but it is hard to ignore the theme of subjecting ourselves to God, caring for those less favored, and, in the Gospel, giving everything that we have to the poor. The Prophet Amos warns Israel’s Northern Kingdom that its habit of living well while “trampling” on the poor will lead to disaster. “Seek good and not evil,” urges the prophet who, a few verses later, will exhort the people of God to “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Psalm: Psalm 90:12-17

In the first part of this Psalm, the author – held by tradition to be Moses himself – has warned of God’s anger with a sinful people. He now calls on God to return, to show loving-kindness, to teach the people to be wise, and to replace adversity with gladness. Through God’s works, grace and splendor, the Psalmist prays, may the people enjoy prosperity.

Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

The writer of Hebrews musters surprisingly warlike images of Jesus as a frighteningly sharp two-edged sword that pierces, divides, cuts soul apart from spirit and our body’s joints from our bones’ marrow. We are laid bare, called to account before God! But he also says that Jesus, fully human, knows and understands us: As God’s response to the Psalmist’s prayer for protection from God’s anger, Jesus is the word of God and our great high priest, and through him we receive God’s mercy and grace.

Gospel: Mark 10:17-31

Jesus’ words in this Gospel might seem harsh: If the rich man can’t give all his money to the poor, he isn’t welcome in God’s kingdom. But why? This man is good. He keeps the commandments. Mark even tells us that Jesus loved him. Perhaps Jesus is still reflecting on the verses that came just before, contrasting this wealthy man with the innocent children who will inherit God’s kingdom. Or Jesus may be exaggerating for effect, as he did with his response to the Pharisees about divorce. But even if we don’t take these verses literally, we can hardly ignore Jesus’ compelling call to serve others, to care for the least of these, and to place ourselves last in order to be first in God’s Kingdom.