Scriptures & Questions for October 28

22 Pentecost; Proper 25, Year C
October 28th, 2007


The Scriptures

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
Psalm 84:1-6
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Luke 18:9-14

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Jeremiah (14:7-10,19-22)

Although our iniquities testify against us,
act, O LORD, for your name's sake;
our apostasies indeed are many,
and we have sinned against you.
O hope of Israel,
its savior in time of trouble,
why should you be like a stranger in the land,
like a traveler turning aside for the night?
Why should you be like someone confused,
like a mighty warrior who cannot give help?
Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us,
and we are called by your name;
do not forsake us!

Thus says the LORD concerning this people:
Truly they have loved to wander,
they have not restrained their feet;
therefore the LORD does not accept them,
now he will remember their iniquity
and punish their sins.

Have you completely rejected Judah?
Does your heart loathe Zion?
Why have you struck us down
so that there is no healing for us?
We look for peace, but find no good;
for a time of healing, but there is terror instead.
We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD,
the iniquity of our ancestors,
for we have sinned against you.
Do not spurn us, for your name's sake;
do not dishonor your glorious throne;
remember and do not break your covenant with us.
Can any idols of the nations bring rain?
Or can the heavens give showers?
Is it not you, O LORD our God?
We set our hope on you,
for it is you who do all this.
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The people call upon God in a time of travail, but God does not act on their behalf. They will have to suffer the consequences of their actions.
What do you think about this passage? It comes from the days of Israel's defeat and exile.
Are there things that our nation is doing which we may have to suffer for?
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Psalm (84:1-6) Page 707, BCP Quam dilecta!

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh
rejoice in the living God.

2 The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
they will always be praising you.

4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.

5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.

6 They will climb from height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.

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This is a wonderful psalm to use before worship or prayer.
Try using this psalm as you begin a period of prayer.
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2 Timothy (4:6-8,16-18)
I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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When have you felt yourself defended and upheld by God when nothing else seemed to support you?
How might these be welcome words as you approach the last years of your life?
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Luke (18:9-14)
Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

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Who do you look up to as a model or hero?
Is there someone whose goodness or courage or dedication intimidates you?
Why? What is there about their character that seems beyond your measure?

Is there anyone, or any group, that you find you have an instinctive aversion toward?
Why?
Is there anything about them that is part of your own character or "shadow"?
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Lowell


The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

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