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This passage is either too hard or too easy! Does anyone see a good way to link it with the Matthew 10 text?
I do not, as yet, see a way to link it to the Gospel, but vs. 22 & 23 go very well with the Genesis 22 lesson -- Slaves to God, etc. I too seek a link with the Gospel. --Joel in BoCoMo
You might be able to tie the gospel and epistle lessons together, but it would probably be an artificial connection. Andy Langford, who served on the committee that designed the rcl, told me that during ordinary time there is no designed connection between the scripture readings. They are meant to each stand alone. I'm preaching on the Romans passage this week as the gospel reading is a bit thin. At the moment I'm looking at the contrast between the "wages" of sin and the "free gift" of God. The contrast between bondage to sin vs. bondage to righteousness looks ripe, too.
-Paul of SC -
I think this text links to the gospel if we see ourselves as the little ones/disciples of the gospel text. Let me explain.
Jesus says, whoever receives a PROPHET in the name of a PROPHET...and a RIGHTEOUS person in the name of a RIGHTEOUS person..."
The logical progression from a "LITTLE ONE" then, would have been a "LITTLE ONE". But Jesus says "in the name of a DISCIPLE".
If that is the case, perhaps then the text's emphasis on how we should act (moralizing) is balanced by the gospel that we are the little ones who are the receivers of God's mercy. And as the little ones are thankful for that cup of cold water, we are likewise as thankful for the cup of living water that has been given to us.
Then the Romans text about taking advantage of God's grace by sinning, but seeing ourselves as unmerited, but thankful and gracious, receivers of God's grace links perfectly. We then, don't squander the gift, but use it properly and therefore, glorify the giver.
Tigger in ND
We are slaves to God - We seek to do the Master's will - We commit ourselves to doing things God's way - We are free to fail because there is grace - We don't want to over use that grace - We are grateful for the gift and aim to please
Bruce in WI
I could use a humorous story that deals with someone having a particular obsession. It could be golf, shopping, etc. This would be to point out that our freedom is really an illusion, we are really all slaves to something. I am planning on using the story of a young boy who asked his father why a man can't have more than one wife. His father contemplated this and then told the boy to go and look up Matthew 6:24 where it reads, "No one can serve two masters". This will lead into how we must choose this day whom we will serve. Rainman in IN
One way to link the epistle and the Gospel is to focus on the issue of identity. In the Gospel the disciples and all Christians by extension are identified clearly with Christ - "whoever welcomes you welcomes me." In baptism (see earlier in Romans 6) we are identified with Christ's death and resurrection. We have passed from the lordship of sin and death to the the lordship of God. we have not only had our ownership changed, but each day we are called to grow into Christ's likeness - To fully assume our identity. Jeff in NY
A am preaching this text on the 4th of July. I will start with an intro on the meaning of freedom in the USA. A look at where our freedom has taken us, and then move into the untaped freedom found only in Christ. Rev Ron