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21st Sunday after Pentecost • Year B
October 13, 2024 • Proper 23
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Historical Collect
O Lord, sustain your Church with your perpetual mercy. Without you, in our weakness we will surely fail. Therefore, keep us ever by your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Lord God, the Alpha and Omega, you are our beginning and our end. Help us to leave behind any worldly possession or pleasure that would keep us from experiencing the abundant life which you have prepared for all your children; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
Who can be good through innate ability and will? “No one is good except God.” Once we accept that, we may heed the call to follow Jesus. This does not mean that we learn to be good; it means that we live within the life of the only one who is good. “Seek the Lord and live,” the prophet cries. We cannot be as good as the Lord, but we can be satisfied with his love and favor. When we become so frustrated with personal piety that we leave it behind like the burden it is, then we are ready to follow Jesus and enter the kingdom of God.
First Reading • Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Judgment comes one way or another. We die at our own hands or the hands of others. Yet there is a way out: seek the Lord and you will live. Just as the Lord governs the constellations, the diurnal turnings, and the waters of the seas, he also executes judgment on those who are unrighteous and defy his will.
Psalm • Psalm 90:12-17
Life is short so we should consider how many days we have to live. If we knew how long we had yet to live, perhaps we would develop enough wisdom to live well and within the will of God. We might even learn to trust God for his mercy and grace. Luther said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” May we also be so satisfied with the lives we have been given.
Second Reading • Hebrews 3:12-19
Unbelief is the worst disobedience. This is why confident trust in the Lord is crucial, even when it seems like we are wandering in the wilderness. He is taking us somewhere. You may trust that God is working out his purpose in your life. Have you not prayed often, “Thy will be done”? Then take care to believe he is doing his will in your life—even as his will is done in heaven.
Gospel • Mark 10:17-22
One cannot serve two masters. (Matt 6:24) How can great wealth be drug around while following Jesus? While one could have some success at being religious while being focused on making more and more money, it is nearly impossible to serve God and money. Devotion to one will usually overcome commitment to the other. It is better to give it all away and follow Jesus. His care is richer and fuller than money can provide.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
