6 Pentecost: First Reading – Deuteronomy 10:17-21
Today marks the 234th Anniversary of the founding of our Republic. Our Scriptures for the day are specially appointed to honor that great even. In our Old Testament Lesson, Moses sets forth a social agenda of resolute justice, as he commands Israel–and us–to imitate the Lord’s egalitarian zeal! . . .
. . . A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy . . .
The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing.
You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your God; him alone you shall worship; to him you shall hold fast, and by his name you shall swear.
He is your praise; he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen.
. . . Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people!
6 Pentecost: Second Reading – Hebrews 11:8-16
Our New Testament Lesson continues the theme of nationhood. The author traces the birth and growth of a new homeland–a better country–prepared by God.
. . . A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews . . .
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.
By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old– and Sarah herself was barren– because he considered him faithful who had promised.
Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
. . . Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people!
6 Pentecost: Gospel – Matthew 5:43-48
This morning’s Gospel passage sets out the duties and obligations of citizenship for Christians in the new Nation under God. The sun rises on the evil and the good, so we – as children of Our Father in Heaven – must try harder. We must seek the perfection that is God’s . . .
. . . The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew . . .
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
. . . The Gospel of Christ . . .