Unimaginable Possibilities

Devotional Reflection, Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Proper 7, the week of the second Sunday after Pentecost

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

Key phrases for reflection from today’s reading:

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, `Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.' 25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, `Then who can be saved?' 26But Jesus looked at them and said, `For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 973)

AM Psalm 97, 99, [100]; PM Psalm 94, [95]

Num. 16:20-35; Rom. 4:1-12; Matt. 19:23-30

Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, Book of Common Prayer

Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer), Page 127, Book of Common Prayer

Daily Office Gospel, Matthew 19:23-30

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, `Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.' 25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, `Then who can be saved?' 26But Jesus looked at them and said, `For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.' 27Then Peter said in reply, `Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?' 28Jesus said to them, `Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

David's Reflections

The poet wrote:

All I could never be,

All men ignored in me,

This, I was worth to God.*

Possibilities. Just what are your possibilities? Can you find the

measure of freedom you need to let go and follow Jesus? Can you become

the person your yearnings tell you that you want to be? Have you hoped for too little or for the wrong thing? Just where would Jesus take your life if you let go into God’s will?

In this text, Jesus says it is very tough for those with wealth to follow him and serve. They must let go of much. Yet, Jesus' own followers were not without means, and they had let go to follow him. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had left their fishing businesses.

What does this Gospel say to us about possibilities. It tells us that God intends good to us.. We are worth far more to God than we can begin to imagine, although we may not be able to imagine why. The poet understood that God sees in us what no human being can. The poet understood that already God treats us as though we already have become all that God intends.

Today, what distresses you? Where is your despair about yourself and about becoming more fully the person that God knows you are already? Can you hear in these verses how valued you are to God? Can you trust that transformation is happening and will happen? Can you trust that you will continue to be loved far beyond any capacity you imagined anyone had to love you.

*Cited by Paul F. Barackman, "Interpretation and Communication: IV.

Preaching from The Corinthian Epistles" Interpretation 13 (Oct 59): 455

Collect of the Day, Proper 7, the second Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 230)

A Collect for Peace

Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen. (BCP, 123)

For the Nation

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP,258)

A Collect for the Presence of Christ

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen. (BCP, 124)

A Prayer to the Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, breathe new life into your people. Show us the true meaning of the Gospel, and enkindle our hearts with a fire that will transform our lives. Grant us the unity for which Jesus prayed—now and forever. Amen.

People’s Companion to the Breviary: The Liturgy of the Hours with Inclusive Language. Vol. 2. Indianapolis: Carmelite Sisters of Indianapolis, p. 328.

A Collect for Mission

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP, 100)