Putting Human Dignity at the Center

Devotional Reflection, Monday, September 25, 2023

Proper 20, the week of the seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th,D.

Key phrase for reflection from today’s reading:

23So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

You will find the full text of today’s Gospel reading at the end of this reflection.

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 984)

AM Psalm 80; PM Psalm 77, [79]

2 Kings 5:1-19; 1 Cor. 4:8-21; Matt. 5:21-26

Today we celebrate the Feast of Sergius. (See below.)

David's Reflections

Which of us does not feel a bit anxious at the reading of these words of Jesus? In the culture of the deep South we are conditioned to substitute words of lesser ilk for our feelings of anger--I'm just frustrated/aggravated/indignant--rather than admit that we simply are angry about something or someone.

Jesus (in the Daily Office readings for last weekend) had said that he came not to destroy the Law and Prophets (the OT Scriptures) but to fulfill. Then, six examples follow that seem to illustrate what that might have meant, at least in Matthew's understanding. (The First Evangelist, or his sources, actually collected a number of Jesus' sayings that occur elsewhere in Luke to present us with a more unified sermon.)

In today's Gospel, Jesus takes the Old Testament commandment against murder into a larger and deeper space by exposing two of the roots of murder in the human spirit--unresolved anger and a devaluing or dehumanizing of the other person. He tells us to avoid language that insults the other or that trivializes their worth and value. And, he tells us to value relationships so highly that we would leave a worship service in midstream to seek reconciliation with someone whom we just remembered having wronged.

Perhaps we have not murdered, but we may well be guilty of harboring and nurturing emotions and attitudes that lie at the wellspring flowing into the stream from which the murderer drinks. If we become aware of relationships in which anger separates because of woundedness, this passage leaves little doubt that we are to resolve that anger and bring that separation to an end. There would be exceptions to ending separation; for example, an abusive person who would be a threat to safety if they knew our whereabouts. Resolving anger does not always mean relational healing.

If we speak in deprecating ways about others behind the wheel of the car, in the restroom during a business conference, on the schoolyard at recess, or in front of the television set during the news, that pattern of behavior needs to end. Racial slurs, insults, stereotypical insults of groups, races, those of a different sexual orientation, or the opposite sex--all have the effect of dehumanizing the other and of wounding our own inner sensitivity.

This does not mean that anger is a sin. Mark's Gospel records several instances of Jesus' own anger (Mark 3:1-6, for example, and Mark 10:13-16). Rather, it means that unresolved anger that festers is sinful and destructive. We have little or no control over whether an emotion arises; but we do have control over what we do with it once we sense its existence.

Perhaps two brief statements from David Augsberger will help to clarify the issue.

"Anger is not a matter of insanity. Anger tensions are natural human processes, not illnesses. Differences and disputes between persons are a natural part of humanness, not a disorder. Conflict and competition are normal human passions, not a disability." (p. 32, see below)+

"I am discovering that anger that is expressed in assertive and affirmative ways can be powerful and healing." (p. ix, see below)+

+David Augsberger, Anger and Assertiveness in Pastoral Care. Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling Series. (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979).

Collect of the Day, Proper 20. The seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 234)

Today we celebrate the Feast of Sergius of Radonezh, Abbot (died 25 Sep 1392 CE)

http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Sergius.htm

Collect of the Feast of Sergius of Radonezh

O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we, through his poverty, might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Sergius, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

A Collect for the Renewal of Life

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 99)

For Those Who Mourn

Merciful God, whose Son Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus: look with compassion on all who are bound by sorrow and pain through the death of N. (or a loved one). Comfort them, grant them the conviction that all things work together for good to those who love you, and help them to find sure trust and confidence in your resurrection power; through Jesus Christ our deliverer. Amen. (Enriching Our Worship: 2, pp. 65-66)

A Prayer for Light

Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 110)

A Collect for Mission

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100, 257)

Daily Office Gospel, Matthew 5:21-26

21 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” 22But I say to

you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool,” you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Daily Prayer Offices in The Book of Common Prayer Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, Book of Common Prayer Noonday Prayer, p. 103, Book of Common Prayer Order of Worship for Evening (Vespers), p. 109, Book of Common Prayer Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer Compline (Night Prayer), Page 127, Book of Common Prayer Daily Devotionals, page 136, Book of Common Prayer