Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, lectionary discussion forum--Desperate Preacher's Site

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Scripture Text (NRSV)

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

9

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

10

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples.

11

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and `sinners'?"

12

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

13

But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

18

While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live."

19

Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

20

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.

21

She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."

22

Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

23

When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd,

24

he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him.

25

After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.

26

News of this spread through all that region.

Comments:

This passage covers a wide spectrum of ministry. Jesus is so intentional in reaching out to the marginalized (by profession or by circumstance) and is bitterly criticized by the "religious" ones. For those who are in street ministry, they should feel affirmed by this week's scripture. For those who are inclusive (in many ways) in their ministry, they too should feel confirmed. On the other side of this are the stories of those who have a hard time entering a church. A few months ago, I was speaking at a college class and spent the last hour answering questions. Many of the students were in their mid-twenties, women with children. Most admitted that they did not have a church affiliation. Our discussion got deeper...and sobering. Many, at least half, felt as though they were not good enough to go to church. This was hard for me to hear. It raised the question (in my mind): what is there about us that people, who make mistakes, who suffer from low self-esteem, who yearn for a church community....what does this say about us, the church? Have we gotten too proper and respectable? Have we "distanced" ourselves from those who truly need to experience God's redeeming love? Is "grace" a part of our visible character? This scripture lesson can be a time for us to ask hard questions about ourselves, about who we are as the Body of Christ. Peace and Joy, Francis

To gather as the "koinonia"; to gather in our woundedness and yet seek a fellowship of healing- miracle of miracles- is sought through open-ness to our hurt, our need, our pain because it is a wounded healer, wounded by our suffering, who seeks us out. This fellowship is inclusive,ecumenical in heart at its core, rather than a "complex organization", a bureaucracy, a social system modeled after the "factories" of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a denominatioinal label. The "human left overs" who were supposed to be an eternal distance from the love of God came to find in this Jousha the Messiah a suffering servant who took their burden upon his own heart. Ultimately we are all connected! "Your neighbor is your better self clothed in another body!" (Kahlil Gibran) To be raised to new life, to "New Being/Becoming", is the gift we find in the Agape Love of God disclosed in this Nazerene servant called Jesus. To be healed of our woundedness in understanding God can make meaning out of our disrelational despair, our pretention-ness to life in the masks of success and the personas we march into the sanctuary with from Sunday to Sunday. The miracle of miracles is when we realize not only what God can do for our woundedness because God is a God wounded by our own hurt but when we realize what we can do for "others" by opening our hurt to them, ushering in the "koinonia", celebrating a fellowship of the suffering, becoming a "wounded healer". Thanks to June 2 "For Allthe Saints" remembrance from the Order of Saint Luke and Henri Nouwen's vision of the "wounded healer". (PaideiaSco reflections in north GA mountains)

Michelle. thanks for reminding me of the "arky arky" song at the bottom of last weeks gospel. I added some other verses I remembered. tom in TN(USA)

Tom in TN,
Thanks for your reminder. The first verse you listed was familiar to me, but I had never heard the altar one before. I like that one.
Michelle

Does anyone know where to obtain the story called, "The Visitor" in which a man receives a vision that the Lord would visit him on a certain date, and he fears he had missed the visit because he had been helping people who were needy? I want to study the illustration, to see if it might somehow translate from Jesus' care of the needy, Matthew, the woman, the father and the girl...
What do you think?
Michelle

Michelle:
I think I can add some to the "Arky" song. It is a favorite in 4H Camp here in WV. They go in this order, The Lord said to Noah, "You'd better build and Arky... Then, The animals the came on, they came on by twosies, twosies, ( but it should be "elephants and kangaroosies, roosies" Then, The animals they came on, they came on by threesies, threesies, something? and chimpanzeesies, zeesies, COtL Then, The animals, they came on by foursies, foursies, Hippotamuses, stuck in the doorsies, doorsies, COtL It rained and rained for 40 daysies, daysies And the last verse is: The sun came out and dried up the landy, landy Sun came out and dried up the landy, landy Everything was fine and dandy, dandy Children of the Lord.
We will probably get criticized for taking up space with this! I will say that having my congregation sing "The wise man built his house upon a rock" livened up the service today. The sad part is that so many of the kids didn't know it, but they were excited to hear the adults sing it and do the motions. So, what are the children singing in Sunday School? I have three churches so I do not get to be in SS. I know VBS songs are all new, none of the old standards. Sigh, I am really not old enough to be talking this way!!
Blessings, Toni

Michelle, Phooey!! I forgot to tell you that the story of "The Visitor" was recorded by someone in country music, but I cannot remember who. But, I thought that might help you. If you are where they have country music stations, I am sure someone will be able to tell you the artist. Bye! Toni

francis: it breaks my heart and I bleed when I hear of those who think that they are not good enough to come to church. I struggle with how best to reach out. I spend too much time in my office, but need to be in the streets. These texts should speak to many.
michelle there is a story poem like that. I will try to find it at the office today. Very good. Nancy-Wi.

I'm not doing lectionary for about 6 weeks - and wanted to ask for help. I'm beginning the sermon series called "Back to Basics" this week and the first installment is called "Our Textbook." (real original, huh).
Anyways, I'm not too experienced with "topical" sermons, where I choose the topic and then look in the Bible. Any advice? Sorry to tie up this page with something unrelated, and I'll get out of your hair.
Sally in GA

Sally in GA -- send me your e-mail address (mine is rector@stfrancis-ks.org) and I'll send you privately some suggestions....
Blessings, Eric in KS

Michelle --
Reba McEntire recorded "The Christmas Guest" on her 1987 Christmas CD entitled 'Merry Christmas to you'
hope this helps
PJ in Ontarion

"News of this spread through all that region."
I've been contemplating this last verse ... and how difficult it is to get folks to "spread the news" throughout the regions we inhabit! Over and over again church growth studies have shown that the single most effective way to grow a congregation is one-on-one personal invitation ... and yet convincing the average pew-sitter to open his/her mouth about religion seems to be a losing battle. People simply won't share a word about their faith with friends, co-workers, neighbors, or whomever. Fear of rejection? Fear of seeming "odd"? What? I have never had this problem personally -- I've been telling people about my church, my denomination, my youth group, whatever, since I was in high school (that's when I was baptized and joined the Episcopal Church). So I really don't understand the reticence to share something about one's faith.
Anyway, I'm feeling that "news of this [is not] spread[ing] through all [this] region" and I don't know why not.
Blessings, Eric in KS

This Sunday will be the day that our Annual Conference begins (yep, I'm United Methodist). I'm coming back with a unanimous vote of my SPR Committee... but it seems not quite so with some others in the congregation. I guess that shouldn't be a surprise. But we have had some really good times and some very very difficult times here. I'm come close to losing my faith, my passion in my calling and even, to some degree, my marriage. There is a lot of pain, conflict, gossip and pettiness in the congregation. I'd like to look at doing some sort of healing in the service Sunday. I've done anointings before. So that's not the problem. Just trying to look at the fullness of the text and see what it might be saying to us (in my congregation) as we prepare to acknowledge that we're all just imperfect humans, in need of God's grace... and start again together after Conference. Any direction would be appreciated. Thanks RevAmy

Sally in GA
I'm pretty fair with finding stuff in the Bible. My e-mail address is The-Graffs@wi.rr.com. Also, if you have Nave's Topical Bible it might be a help.
JGinWI

There is a running theme here. In three cases, Jesus accepts that which is unacceptable to those around Him.
Matthew, of course, is a tax collector. I don't think I'll belabor how the locals felt about such a fellow here since I'm sure this astute group already knows. Suffice it to say, this man was rejected and became accepted.
The woman with the bleeding problem was also ceremonially unclean perpetually. Jesus let her touch his robe (thereby making the robe ceremonially unclean) and Jesus praised her faith.
Jesus went into the room of a dead person and touched the dead girl's hand. Again, there is the issue of ceremonial uncleanness.
I am always challenged by the fact that, for Jesus, the "unclean" did not exist. Jesus is the cleanser who restores all to "clean" status. He also shakes up the traditions and mores of society, not for the purpose of stirring them up nor for the sake of being a rebel, but simply because those traditions and mores were wrong. Ceremonial uncleanness was a problem, but it was not a reason for avoidance; it was a call to heal.
Just some of my eariler thoughts.
JGinWI

Michealle, My copy of Best of poems has an introduction to the poem printed on the website. The Name of the poem ins How the Great GUest Came. by Edwin Markham.
Before the ctherdral in grandeur rose At Ingelburg where the Danube goes; Before its forsest of silver spires Went airily up to the clouds and fires; Before the oadk had ready a beam, While yet the arch was stone and dream- Ther where the altar was later laid, Conrad, the cobbler, plied his trade.
Then the poem on the website continues from there. A place of humble employment, a visit so powerful that a cathedral marks the visitors spot. Nancy-Wi

Rev. Amy,
How about a reverse anointing type of ceremony? I've seen this done once or twice. Instead of you annointing, remind them that they are sending you and the lay delegate forth to Conference in their place. At the end of the service, ask them to collectively lay hands on each of you while the lay leader or admin board chair or some other lay person leads a time of prayer for you and for the conference. We all definitely need the prayer support and this gives them a personal tie in with you. Good luck. Maybe I'll see you at Junaluska. Mike from Soddy Daisy, TN

JG in WI and Francis,
I like your thoughts and insights.
Purity and acceptance went hand in hand with religious thought in early Palestine, around the era of Christ. The whole law in Jewish religious practice revolved around cleanliness being next to godliness. Handling "dirty" money was what made Matthew unacceptable. "Blood" and "death" were also unclean. We are gradually coming back to a kind of sanitised Christian faith. A kind of suggestion that "You have to be pure to get in, and stay pure to remain." No wonder we appear so sanctimonious.
Philip Yancey "What's So Amazing about Grace" starts that book with a very pointed story about a woman who also didn't think the church had anything to offer her. It simply saddens me, to think that we (Christian church) give out a persona that we are any better than sinners ourselves.
Jesus recognises that it is not the outside of the cup that counts, but what is on the inside. Identifying the inner person is the hardest element of my ministry. So many people appear good and pure, only for me to discover that they are wolves in sheep's clothing.
Jesus was attacking deeply held beliefs and convictions in these events, and we cannot convey fully what that might have entailed for him personally, except my experience tells me, he would have received terrifying threats and taunts. Just try to excise any deeply held conviction of a person. Try to change a belief they have and see what reaction you get.
I don't believe we should underestimate Jesus's courage in performing these acts. And that I think is our modern dilemma. We have lost the courage to upset convention. Remember they stoned the prophets.
Thank-you for inspiring me to say something this week against convention.
Regards,
KGB.

I wonder how many people within the scope of our collective lives are "living dead" without the Gospel of Christ, but who could come alive if would "call" them or "touch" them on some way?
Pr.del in Ia

KGB
I can't say too many good things about that book by Yancey. It has my heartiest recommendation. I wept through much of the book realizing how little I knew of grace. What's So Amazing About Grace is a must-read for any who want to see this concept in a bright, shining light.
JGinWI

Even though the hymn ?There Is a Balm ni Gilead? is connected to Jer. 8:22, I believe the words of this great hymn can relate to any text where ?discouragement? is present. Many of us are young preachers, who could be our churches sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, etc., but like God said to Jeremiah, ?Do not say you are too young. I will give you the words to say.? In a world where bombs are feared, and in churches where bombshells are dropped without warning, there is another ?balm? in Gilead. It?s for the discouraged preacher?s hearts and for the sin-sick soul. Keep up the good work sisters and brothers. Those who labor for the Lord do not labor in vain. And like my OT professor use to say, ?It that isn?t in the Bible, it should be!? J
RMM in Rossville, GA

Sally in GA,
Think about message and context. Then find a place that says the same thing in a similar context in scripture. When I preach a topical series, which is quite often, I do my exegetical work in just about the same way as when I follow the lectionary.
If I were preaching on scripture (my guess is that's where you are going with "The Textbook") I would look in our doctrinal statements and catechisms, all of which are cross referenced with scripture. That's how I sometimes find the text.
IMHO it's dangerous to preach without exegetical work and support for my objective throughout the breadth of scripture. So when I preach topically, I usually have a text, and supporting scriptures from several of the biblical books. I put the rationale of the sermon in the bulletin in outline form, and the supporting texts.
Someone talked about going against convention. I guarantee that if you preach this way, you will.
Best wishes, Larry in Indy

Hello, JGinWI
Your thoughts about uncleanliness and it's apparent meaninglessness to Jesus, started a train of thought I'd like to share. It's true, I think, that Jesus was unmoved by considerations that might have been very significant to others in that culture, but I think that these events might also be interpreted as examples of Jesus' ability to make clean what once was soiled. No, I'm not suggesting that we need to agree with the understandings that culture held regarding some taboos. It seems to me though that there's a danger in suggesting to our congregations that there's no such thing as being unclean (or sinful, as we would put it). Jesus doesn't come to us and say "You're not as bad as all that." He coomes to us and says, "I can cleanse you."
RevAmy, I'm an Episcopal priest now, but I was a UM minister for 13 years before I switched, so I understand the desire you have for a new start at Annual Conference time. There's not really anything analagous to the Annual Conference in the Episcopal Church in the sense of it's being a time to begin anew, and I miss that. I'm glad you have the support of your SPRC and I understand the desire you have to somehow use the occasion of the Conference to mend fences. Still, if you do have such a service I might suggest that you orient it not so much toward making up with people who are upset with you as toward orienting the whole congregation anew to the leading of the spirit.
I'm afraid I sound dreadfully cynical in saying this, but my experience has been that persons who have set themselves to oppose my ministry have been uniquely resistant to public fence mending. Those occasions when I've actually been able to reconcile have almost always come from private interaction. A public worship service perceived to be the pastor's attempt to bring the opposition to heel could make whatever splits there are more profound rather than eliminating them.
I pray that the difficulties you have experienced in your ministry and in your family will lead to an even greater sense of the presence of our Lord in your service. A very wise pastor once reminded me that doing ministry in the face of opposition carries with it the priveledge of entering into the same kind of pain that Jesus must have felt as he looked over Jerusalem and wept.
Blessings, FrC in CA

Here's a question to ponder: Is the girl really dead, as her father states? Or is she merely sleeping, as Jesus observes?
The Greek verb used when Jesus gets her up is usually associated with being awakened from sleep or roused from a sickbed, not resurrected from dead.
And if she really is only asleep, then what's the big deal about it? Why would the news spread throughout the region? But if she's really dead, then why does Jesus say she's asleep?
VB in PA

RevAmy:
Here's a liturgy I used for New Years Day... sort of a blessing for a new beginning with a dose of forgiveness thrown in... Much was borrowed from a service written by a pastor from texas and she has given the world permission to use and reuse it. I adapted parts to fit my church situation and used it as a responsive reading...
Eternal God, In whom we live and move and have our being: Your face is hidden from us by our sin, and we forgot your mercy in the darkness of our hearts. Cleanse us of our offenses and deliver us from all that holds us in bondage.
In reverence and in humility we draw near to you, Confiding in your grace, Discovering you anew as our refuge and strength.
Blessed are you, O Tender God, You fashion the vast beauty of the universe, and count every tiny heartbeat. You taste our every tear, And ache with our every sorrow.
You dear God, are the love that we long for: More passionate than any raging storm, more gentle than a Spring-time breeze, Your love is as persistent as the dawn.
God of my life, be the God of my heart.
No suffering of ours is without your sorrow, No joy of ours is without the echo of your laughter, Your patience awaits our every question and doubt, Your guidance is the light which draws us out of the darkness.
You, loving God, gently kiss our every moment As you touch our weary bodies and give them strength. You bless our struggles with eternal hope; Your sweet hymns soothe the confusion of our lives.
God of my life, be the God of my heart.
We praise you and thank you for Jesus, our compassionate companion on the way, For he has known our grief and shared our sorrows, He cleansed and healed us by the touch of his hand. He is the compassionate one, sent to take away the sins of the world. He breaths into our spirit the comfort of the Holy Spirit. His gift to us is peace. We lay the burdens, fears, sins and hurt of this past year at his feet.
Creator God, We remember how Jesus suffered for our sins. By his wounds, we are healed. Console us then with the power of your Holy Spirit. Teach us to bear with one another in love. Give us joy in serving you And in comforting all who are hurting and wounded. Make us worthy of your gifts to us today- Forgiveness and the power to forgive, Healing for the brokenness of our lives, Hope for the living of all our days. We accept your call to new life for this new and hope-filled year.
God of my life, be the God of my heart.
Christ is our peace Present with us now, Healing all that may harm us, Celebrating all that gives us joy, Breaking every wall that might divide us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you. Amen.

TB in MN
PS As for this reading... I vote that the child was sleeping. Jesus, being the calm in the center of the storm, is the only one to notice. Everyone else is paniced, upset, worried, scared or just not paying attention.

FrC in CA
I appreciate and agree with your caveat toward me. I didn't mean for it to sound as though Jesus were saying, "You're not as bad as all that." I guess when I'm here I speak sort of "off the cuff" and things don't come out right. Your point is well taken. Yes, there is sin. Yes, there is uncleanness. Jesus is the source of forgiveness and cleansing. Amen to that, friend.
JGinWI

Ah, thanks for bringing up Yancey's book. Yancey is a wonderful writer about the faith. Isn't it true that this passage defines so beautifully what Divine Grace is. There are some who would call what Jesus gave as "Cheap Grace," because (in their eyes) of how unworthy these persons are. In my thinking, there is no such thing as "cheap grace." Just a "toss in" for this week's discussion. In fact, this week is a very good one for this board.
Peace and Joy, Francis (in Michigan)

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus also uses says that Lazarus has fallen asleep, even though he is clearly dead. I realize that is in another gospel, but sleep is a common euphemism for death.
Michelle

There is a subtle play on words here by Matthew in regards to the girl's death. English translation of "katheudo" and "koimaomai" have long been disputed for their association with the expiration of life.
Sleep could often mean "spiritual inertia", a period of spiritual inactivity. Death on the other hand was a state of physical inertia, a state of inactivity. Which Jesus referrring to in this particular passage is difficult to identify.
It is interesting that two different words are used in this account for the word "dead" as well.
When the official comes to Jesus he uses the word "teleutao" meaning finished, whereas Jesus uses the word "apothnesko" meaning to die off or wither.
Was this a resurrection event or an attempt to expose the spiritual death of people in regard to God's activity in their life? Was the girl simply comatose and Jesus touching of her, aroused her from such a state? I don't know the answer to this.
I guess whatever way we go, the end result was restoration. Restoration to "life". As it was for all in the passage.
Hope this is helpful in some way,
KGB

Eric- I appreciate your comments regarding how difficult it is to get anyone to spread the news anywhere (unless it is gossip, of course). I wonder about the media blitz that we live in-- are we so inured to all the news (good and bad) that the real good news seems banal? There are a number of things in our society that we place value upon, yet our spirituality is embarrassing to us. I remember in seminary, a psychologist/episcopalian seminarian (say that five times...)told me that his clients would tell him the most intimate details of their sex lives and their relationships, yet when he would ask them about their belief in God, they would respond "That is too personal..." Oh how things get turned around. Last, first, ...? Socal Kate

Socal Kate recalled, "I remember in seminary, a psychologist/episcopalian seminarian (say that five times...)told me that his clients would tell him the most intimate details of their sex lives and their relationships, yet when he would ask them about their belief in God, they would respond 'That is too personal...'"
I recall a similar conversation (did we attend the same seminary?) -- and I recently said as much in the pulpit. Didn't seem to ruffle a feather ... people just agreed.
Blessings, Eric in KS

Rev Amy, I'm not UM, and never have been, but I really liked Mike in Soddy Daisy's advice. It is always so powerful to hear others pray for you. It will be good to hear from those who do affirm you and your ministry. How does the Methodist church help pastors in dealing with churches in conflict? Is there some place to go and laugh and be restored and renewed for you? It sounds like something Jesus would want to heal. Maybe our good church folk need to recognize the tax collector and sinner in themselves. If they are not spreading the good news, are they doing what Jesus commanded them to do? If they are creating power plays and conflict are they practicing forgiveness?
This definitely sounds like the afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.
overwhelmed with things to handle in TN and MS, rachel

RevAmy:
I, too, am UM and will be at "The Lake" this weekend.
As a part-time Local Pastor, I briefly served one struggling church at the end of its ministry, and have now been placed in a second stuggling (but quite hopeful) church. As a Lay Person, I prayed, mourned, and wept during a period of back-biting and division concerning a pastor in my home church. It seemed the church was crumbling under its own oppressive weight of division.
Throughout all of those circumstances I discovered a truth: Great things can happen on the other side of brokenness, but only for those who admit their brokenness. As you are probably more aware than I am (given the rookie that I am), people aren't quick to publicly reveal sin or brokenness. (Pride can be quite the stronghold.) So, I would join others who are reluctant to say a visible healing service would be that beneficial.
All that having been said, I would note that the Holy Spirit is full of surprises ... and as Joaquin Andujar once said, "I can sum up baseball in one word: Yuhnevuhknow."
One more thing: Given your comments on how heavily this has weighed on you, your call, and your family, I would be less concerned about the congregation's healing and more concerned about a Sabbath rest. Use the time at the Lake to glean a little bit of that rest. Sure, there's business to be done (the bishop may even call the role once or twice), but feed your soul, replenish your spirit, and get quiet before God. Right now, you may be the 1 and the congregation the 99 ...
Just sharing some thoughts.
Blessings, PastorBuzz in TN

Thanks to all for your support. I am in a somewhat better frame of mind than when I last wrote, but still looking at opportunties to allow the Holy Spirit to call us together into a period of reconcilation. Many of the struggles are against and with each other, btw, not just the pastor. (And, yes, I heartily agree about Sabbath -- I'm taking the rest of the week of Conference to retreat and then going to the beach for a week from there!) Whoo Hooo!
Back to the mix -- as I was studying the scripture, I tried to figure out why these two sections -- the call of Matthew and the healings -- are tied together. In looking back and forward, I hadn't noticed before that the call of Matthew (and in fact the rest of the disciples, in this gospel, at least) is couched in public healings -- blind see, lame walk, dead will live again.... Interesting to me today to play around with the connection between being disciples and being healed and/or vessels of healing.
btw -- What DOES it mean, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice?" Don't give me your bloody animals, just treat each other better?
Thanks for being an important part on my community of faith -- RevAmy

My college theasaurus says mercy is compassion, and sacrifice is severity. What I hear Jesus saying to the church is this: I want you to walk with persons and not judge them! My angle this Sunday to my congregation will be this: the community outside the church gets interested in the church when they have a relationship with church members. Like most congregations, many of my members have a small circle of friends to whom they relate...they sit in the same pew every Sunday, talk to the same persons at coffee fellowship, eat lunch with the same people after worship, might introduce themsleves to visitors during the greeting at the beginning of worship but leave the visitation of "strangers" up to the pastor. How we love comfort! How do we find the courage to break out of our comfort zones and embrace those persons who are not interested in the church simply because the church is interested in them...with no agenda but to love and to understand in the name of Christ? revdlk in Nebraska(revdlk@hotmail.com)

PastorBuzz and Rev Amy: Hi to you and to all. I also am a UM pastor and we just finished our annual conference. A blessing and opportunity for joyful fellowship and holy conferencing.
One of the things we did as a conference was to bring water from each church and combine them into one large fountain. At the close of our Sunday worship - just before the ordination service - we had a renewal of our baptism. Perhaps, Rev. Amy, that might be something you could do using the Wesley Covenant Renewal Service in the Book of Worship, pg 288. I have found that to be an opportunity for folks to not just remember their baptism, but renew their covenant one with the other - pastor included!
As to our lections: I am looking at the call of Abraham and Matthew, thinking along the lines of how we value what we cannot see. Abraham did not know where his obedience would take him; Matthew did not either, but they were both willing and open to following God/Jesus. The woman healed of her hemorrhage didn't know exactly what would happen when she reached out to touch Jesus' robe, but she did anyway - "valuing what she could not see."
God's blessings to us all as we seek God's wisdom this week. Betty in NCNY

I told our associate pastor that I was going to preach on "boundaries" this week, but that I hadn't figured out whether I was going to speak in favor or against them. And I was only half-kidding. Boundaries, it seems to me, have been used to arbitrarily exclude the very people whom Jesus called, but they have also defined us since the earliest Christian councils met. The secret is to call ALL people to the table of grace as we WALK the Via Dolorosa together. I'm not sure that the church does a good job of calling or walking- either one. There are millions of lost and lonely people who would turn to almost anything before they would turn to the church because they feel unwelcome in church. We may be feeding them and clothing them, but we certainly are not inviting them to the banquet. We need make radical invitation a part of our vocation without compromising the beliefs that define us. Good site.
KS in Peoria

Eric in KS,
It seems to me that the key event in the lives of each of these individuals was that they were dramatically changed by Jesus. I find that people who have had their hearts changed by Christ can not be silenced. Those who just mentally assent to the words of Jesus and the "concept" of salvation are usually quiet. I have often found myself wondering if the problem with getting the word spread throughout the region, is that we are often dealing with congregations where it has be a long time between "personal" touches by our Lord.
Just a couple of thoughts after (West Michigan)Annual Conference (Go Wings!!!).
PaxChristi

I love the provocative question "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" This is not a question that I can just read as a theoretical exercise. It is a question that draws me into the story, becasue there is no straight answer to the question - not even Jesus gives one. Instead the only answer is the one I create or live out myself, when I decide if I am going to identify with the sick or the well, the sinners or the righteous.
So who do I eat with? Honestly, all sorts: sometimes I specifically invite people because of a common need for community, sometimes just those who are easiest or most comfortable to be around, and other times I can eat with my head in a book or newspaper to the detriment of developing community with those around me. But the times I am most hospitable, most open to my neighbour in need, are the times when I am most aware of God's presence. ...Nigel Melbourne, Australia

We're recognizing and celebrating our graduates this Sunday. Anyone have any blessings, prayers, rites that you've used in the past with success? Thanks, GB in MI

Speaking of the calling part of this passage? Anyone else notice that Matthew is called when he's right in the middle of his noxious tax-collecting. He doesn't have his cleaned up, "church" version of himself here -- he's in the midst of his "sinful" lifestyle. Is it fair, I wonder, to call Matthew's lifestyle sinful or him sinful just because the people at the time viewed him as such. Before I go too much further with this... is there any way that Matthew could have been a thoroughly righteous tax-collector? I don't think so... but I'm interested in hearing what you guys think. RevAmy

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
Help! I'm being nibbled to death by the sick ducks in my parish. Is this really what I was called to experience and deal with?
Blessings, Eric (still) in KS

I am a lay preacher in my church, and I am looking for some guidance with regards to the theme of sacrifice found in this weeks readings (Hosea, Psalm 50 and Matthew) In each, God seeks not sacrifice, but, love, thanksgiving, mercy respectfully. This keeps coming back to me, but I'm not sure where it's leading me.
Rob in Michigan

Michelle,
In Australia we have a ministry called JOHN MARK MINISTRIES.
They have a number of discussion sites including one for spouses. I am unsure whether it applies to male spouses.
You can access the page at www.pastornet.net.au/jmm/index.htm
I have found this website quite helpful during difficult times in ministry.
I trust this might be of some assistance.
Regards,
KGB in Aussie

Rob in Michigan, as a local pastor, I'm about in the same position as you in terms of seminary background but I just wanted to propose some thoughts that might stir some discussion. In each of the 3 scripture readings (Matthew, Hosea, and Psalm 50), the problem with sacrifice was not application but attitude. I especially like Psalm 50 where God says that if He were hungry, He wouldn't be asking them for food because everything belongs to God anyway. Does the owner of the house ask the servants if he could have a sandwich? Of course not! The bread and the fixings are his so he can either get it himself or order the servants to make it. The idea that the servant who fixed the sandwich would think that he was doing his master a favor by condescending to fix the sandwich is ridiculous! Yet, this was the attitude regarding sacrifice. God felt the sacrifices were being done out of duty or as an attempt to buy Him off.
Compare that to the sacrifice of Noah right after he got off of the ark. Noah was only too aware of how close he had come to being one of the missing. He was incredibly aware of God's grace toward him. God owed him nothing; he owed God everything. Now compare that to the average church when they take up the offering. How many people are excited to give to the church? How many people rush down the aisle to meet the ushers and give them the best of their paycheck? We're not much different. We give because we have to support the church. We have to make sure the bills are taken care of and the pastor is paid. We're supposed to. We have to. Where is we want to? Where is WE need to or we feel incomplete, not God needs us to?
Because God loved us, He accepted the gratitude of our sacrifices and we were only too willing to give them out of our very best because we wanted to please Him, not appease Him. As time went by, we kept the forms and lost the spirit. God knew that through our gratitude to Him, we would show our love not only to him but to others in the form of caring and mercy. That is the spirit of sacrifice. If all we have is form, the love and the mercy is lost and that must grieve God greatly.
Didn't mean to write a sermon but the question got me on a train of thought that didn't want to slow down. Mike from Soddy Daisy, TN

I am doing a healing service this week. I was hoping to use a guided meditation from a book by Dr. Tom Droege entitled, The Healing Presence, available at 877-239-2492, but it hasn't come in the mail yet and my first service is Thursday. So, I'm on my own, I guess. Here are a few things on healing that I'm using for inspiration as I begin.
Tigger in MN
I hope that healing occurs for all of us, with God's grace. But in the aftermath of Sept. 11, I also wonder, "Is God calling us to something more?" In communion the bread, Christ's body broken for us, is not re-formed and made whole. It's broken, given away, consumed and changed within us. Christ's physical body was not healed but transformed. Through the brokenness of our hearts might we become not only saved, not only healed, but truly transformed? - Ann Dixon, The Lutheran Magazine, My View: Beyond Healing http://www.thelutheran.org/terrorism/myview2.html
Hurting, they came to him. Healed they followed him. Grateful, they gave to him what they had and what they were. Blessed, they became a blessing And went out to all the world in his name.
Those who are hurt And healed Grateful And blessed Still move among us In his name. Ann Weems From Soul Weavings, a gathering of Women’s Prayers, ed. By Lyn Klug, p. 109.
We all bleed. We bleed for ourselves – We each have our private pain; We bleed for others; And we bleed for a wounded world. If we did not bleed for others In some measure, Would we not be spiritually barren? Unfit for our calling, Incapable of conceiving and nurturing new life, Forming relationships and caring communities? But if the pain takes over And the bleeding becomes constant Do we not then find that we have lost touch with our Lord? He is obscured by the crowd of our concerns, The crowd of our activities, The crowd of our own words. Jesus, help us to touch you now, To lay before you Our own and the world’s pain. Help us, as we wait in silence To feel your healing hands upon us. Consultation of Methodist women ministers, Oxford, 1984 From Soul Weavings, a gathering of Women’s Prayers, ed. By Lyn Klug, p. 141.

Just Browsing for lessons here, REV AMY I am Pastor Mary UMC too...I have to miss two days of West Ohio Annual conference---funeral duty...but leaving as soon as over LAKE ERIE HERE I COME! I NEED A BREAK AND NURISHMENT! I get to stay here too...But we know before June, Charge Conference and and interview stuff a long time ago. It's been a good year-- but a pruning one...My four point Charge will have some decisions to make this year...serving small rural congregations with an AEP plant buying out the villiage of where one of the Churches sit, New Church Start? Risk taking Churches? Where will ministry lead the Cheshire Charge in Cheshire, OH Sleepy little river towns near Gallipolis. I look at the calling of a tax collector, the IRS man be a disciple? What can 1 small Church of 11 Loyal, Faithful people accomplish for GOD? (Well, there was 11 faithful disciples that Jesus called) and look what they did... I don't have to preach this Sunday Gideon Speaker While I am in Annual Conference---ANnual Conference vacation..haha...Bishop Ough will have good messages... LadyPreacher from OHIO (Pastor Mary)

Rev. Amy I also will be going to conference this Sunday in N.C. My sermon title will be "He Touched Me" It will be around needs that are larger than us.Needs that only the risen Savior can fill. Like Matthew who humbled himself to follow Jesus and had a changed heart. The woman with bleeding who spent all she had to find healing, humbled herself to reach out to Jesus and be healed. The ruler who humbled himself and sought Jesus for restoration of life. Different people with very diferent needs but they reached out to Jesus for healing, wether it be of soul or body. There is only one who is larger than our needs. I think your idea of a healing service is great. I would suggest the idea of an alter call for all to come, seek Jesus and let Jesus touch us this day that true healing can begin. Rev. Randall

Mike from TN: Thanks for your thoughts. I have been thinking about the "sacrifice" Matthew made in leaving his life of financial "wealth" and power to follow the Lord. I wonder if Matthew liked his life as a tax collector? Maybe he didn't and welcomed the chance to escape that life. I think that often things that start out to be sacrifice become events of grace, new beginnings, and become rewarding to us...Rob in MI.

KGB in Aussie and RevAmy,
Thanks for responding to my inquiry. We will try the JMM for now, and see how it goes. Who knows, might be something that can be developed.
Michelle

GB in MI,
I've used this a couple of times. Also, if you have access to a magazine called "Church Worship," they often have similar things in there.
Blessing for the Graduates
God of truth and knowledge, by your wisdom we are taught the way and the truth. Bless these students as they now finish this portion of study. We thank you for those who taught and worked beside them, and all who supported them along the way. Walk with these graduates as they move forward in life. Take away their anxiety and confusion of purpose. Strengthen their numerous talents and skills. Instill in them a confidence in the future you plan, where their energies may be gathered up to make something wonderful of the lives you have entrusted to them, where their energies may be used for the good of all people, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen
Adapted from the United Methodist Book of Worship
God's blessings, RevRoger in OH

GB in MI,
I've used this a couple of times. Also, if you have access to a magazine called "Church Worship," they often have similar things in there.
Blessing for the Graduates
God of truth and knowledge, by your wisdom we are taught the way and the truth. Bless these students as they now finish this portion of study. We thank you for those who taught and worked beside them, and all who supported them along the way. Walk with these graduates as they move forward in life. Take away their anxiety and confusion of purpose. Strengthen their numerous talents and skills. Instill in them a confidence in the future you plan, where their energies may be gathered up to make something wonderful of the lives you have entrusted to them, where their energies may be used for the good of all people, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen
Adapted from the United Methodist Book of Worship
God's blessings, RevRoger in OH

Although Jesus quotes (is it?) Micah about God not desiring "sacrifice", I'm pretty certain that refers only to the temple sacrifices of animals and such ... for God does demand "the sacrifice of a contrite heart" and in both this pericope and the lesson from Genesis the follower (Matthew and Abram) is required to sacrifice a lifestyle, a home, friends, etc. to follow a new path in life.
Not being UM, I don't get shifted about by the DS and the Bishop, but there does come a time when one realizes that God may be calling one to a similar sacrifice, even in "life-time" appointments like Anglican rectorates.
Blessings, Eric in KS

What struck me about the Matthew passage is that it is about 3 RESURRECTIONS! Matthew was dead socially, the bleeding woman was dead socially and physically, the girl was dead literally. And Jesus transformed them into living creatures, through the gift of FAITH (discussed in the Genesis reading and the Romans readings too, this week.) R in Ontario

OK .. it's Hosea... if I'd read the alternative lessons, I'd know that.
Blessings, Eric in KS

Hello! I'm Betty in Ohio. However, I grew up in WV - in 4-H. Hello, Toni! I was wondering if I knew you. I am a Lay Pastor and feel SO blessed when I am asked to share God's Word and life with my church. As I read the scriptures this week, the one in Matthew really jumped out at me. My translation write a few verses in a different wording, but interesting: "The Pharisees were indignant, Why does your teacher eat with such scum? they asked his disciples. When Jesus heard this, he replied, Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do." I have loved this scripture. Five years ago I went through a very bad depression and was then diagnosed with manic-depression. Thank God, with medication and support, I am healthy again. In the midst of my depression, my church and family did not understand and just thought I was lazy. I remember one Sunday going to church in my sweat pants and tee shirt - no hair fixed or make-up on - standing up in church asking for prayer. I did this off-and-on for many months. After awhile, the people in my church began to understand that I was ill and needed healed. Several women would come up to me and whisper they, too, hurt from depression. We would pray together. God does heal! And, He does want the sick and those who can dress-up to come into His house to be touched and healed. This Sunday, this is what I am going to talk about. I beleive it is hard to share our faith and belief in God, when our hearts are hurting and bleeding. We need touched first, and then, there will be no way anyone can keep us quiet. Thank you for letting me share! I have found this site wonderful and will return. In His love, Betty

No, no, Eric in KS! We United Methodist are truly obedient to the unspoken command to "take the summer off." lp in CO

Francis, I hear you!! This past week a young woman, about twenty, called me with a yearning to be baptized. She doesn't even know the vocabulary of the church. Something (SomeOne) is stirring inside her. Pray for me as I meet with her on Sunday. She has so many questions and is experiencing some holy restlessness. On the other point...Yes, in the tiny town where I pastor, there is a perception that the "proper" attend church and if there are regular attendees who have really messed up, and in a small town everyone knows it, then the church is called hypocritical. How did we get here? How do we say, "Sinners welcome here!" Thanks. lp in CO

Thank you to Eric, Larry and JG in WI for the advice.
Thanks, also to Mike in Soddy Daisy; I think I'm going to do a prayer during the service the Sunday after Conference (the 11th-14th). I did that for the installation of officers last Fall; why not ask them to pray for me? My husband's preaching that day.
Sally in GA

I'm sure most have heard of the young person who told the pastor that he didn't come to church because there were so many hypocrites.
The pastor agree with him but then assured him that, "There's always room for one more."
lp in Co writes, "How do we say, "Sinners welcome here!"
This week we put on our outside sign:
WANTED: Sinners
apply within
Pr.del in Ia

Betty in Ohio. . .thanks for sharing. A few months ago I was 'stressed out' and knew that if I didn't get help I would end up having a nervous breakdown. The hardest part for me was to go to the doctor and say, "I need help." Through the counselling process, I discovered that Jesus loved me and that I was an OK person - yes I knew these things in my head - but in my heart of hearts I wasn't convinced. It was when I became vulnerable that numerous folk in my congregation reached out to me and said, "We've been where you are. We understand. We're praying for you." I have discovered through weakness, the grace of God that is greater than my sin - not just as a 'head concept' but a heart reality. A few months ago I felt dead inside. I reached out and touched Jesus and he made me whole. "In weakness my power is made perfect." A Canadian in Scotland.

Thank you Betty and Canadian in Scotland for your openness. You speak truly. I had just come into an appointment when it was discovered that our unwed teen daughter was pregnant. I was awash in emotions, not the least of which was anxiety about how this would affect my ministry with the church I was still trying to learn. One dear old lady took me aside, recognising my distress, and said," You know, Preacher, you're not the first person this ever happened to. You're not the first preacher this ever happened to. You're not the first preacher HERE this ever happened to. It'll be alright.We'll get through it." What a great thing the Church is, when it remembers who it is! Not for my sake but for others', this one unsigned

Dear GB in MI,
We also are recognizing graduates at our church this Sunday. This is a prayer we have used since before I got here, although I do not know where it originated:
Lord Jesus Christ, you increased in wisdom and stature as you grew to adulthood: Be a strong companion and guide to all those seeking their true freedom as children of God, and particularly to these who now graduate this year. Establish them in honor and courage. Direct them in the paths of love. Bless those who enter the world of work, and those who are going on to further study. Andy grant that as they grow in age, they may grow in faith and in knowledge of that abundant life which you have promised to all your servents. Amen.
Blessings, Rev. Steph in MD

I know it's late in the week to post a question like this... but I'm still trying to sort out how to articulate the line of "brokenness/sinners/sick" I don't believe that folks are sick because they sin. I think that some of my folks who are struggling very openly with some significant diseases -- including cancer and depression and bi-polar disorder -- have been shamed in the past and maybe even in their own minds with the idea that disease is an outgrowth of sinfulness. Expecially with those suffering from mental illness, this burden is unfair and heavy. I'm not stating my problem very well I'm afraid -- The Pharisees talk about Jesus eating with sinners. Jesus talks about coming to the sick, not the well. Is that sin-sick? Or, surrounded as this passage is by physical acts of healing, is that bodily sick. How do I preach "Calling All Sinners!", and offer a healing service without stirring up the old disease is a punishment outgrowth of sin theology? Does any of that make any sense? Thanks for being here! Shalom-RevAmy

The story quoted earlier, The Visitor, is a variation on the classic "Martin the Cobbler," the lead character in a short story by Leo Tolstoy entitled "Where Love Is". It is a wonderful story, and delightful when used in an appropriate sermon... Happy sermoning!!
VicarJane in AshfieldMA

My pastor is on vacation this week so I am filling in. My theme: Choose to follow Jesus. I plan to preach it the way I teach small children how to comprehend stories. Setting, Main characters, Problems, solution(The main characters all follow Jesus, all are healed, all are transformed) That allows for individual response: Are you like Matthew, hated, sinful(we all sin by the way which is why we all need Jesus)--he's stealing from the people, etc. Because he chooses to follow Jesus and give up everything as he knew it, a job, wealth, his home, Jesus transforms him into not only a disciple, but a great Gospel writer. The others who follow are healed, of disease , of death. Careful here....Jesus the Great Physician heals in many ways, spiritually, emotionally, physically and sometimes that means getting our brand new body to enter the Kingdom. Who are you in the story? Anyone here need healing? Anyone here need new life? The Pharisee's did not choose to follow Jesus.God who created us in His image, breathed life into us, and died for us, gave us freedom of choice. Christ said to Matthew and everyone here, "follow me". Choose to follow Jesus.(I plan to follow the message by the singing of He Touched Me, or Where He Leads Me I will Follow-still working on it) LHS in Pa

The story quoted earlier, The Visitor, is a variation on the classic "Martin the Cobbler," the popular name for a short story by Leo Tolstoy entitled "Where Love Is". It is a wonderful story, and delightful when used with an appropriate text.. Happy sermoning!!
VicarJane in AshfieldMA

LHS in Pa wrote, "Because [Matthew] chooses to follow Jesus and give up everything as he knew it, a job, wealth, his home, Jesus transforms him into not only a disciple, but a great Gospel writer."
How do we know that it is not, "Because Jesus chose Matthew, he was able to give up everything as he knew it, his job, his wealth, his home. Jesus had not only transformed him into a disciple, but one who would put the Gospel into written form."
Or is it a little of both?
Michelle