Worship and Justice

Devotional Reflection, Monday, March 24, 2025

The week of the third Sunday in Lent

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

Key phrases for reflection from today’s Hebrew Scripture reading:

7:1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah, you that enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place. 4Do not trust in these deceptive words: "This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD." 5For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, 6if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, 7then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors forever and ever. . . .

9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, "We are safe!" --only to go on doing all these abominations? 11Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight?

You will find the full text of the Jeremiah reading at the end of this reflection.

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 954)

AM Psalm 80; PM Psalm 77, [79]   

Jer. 7:1-15; Rom. 4:1-12; John 7:14-36

Today we celebrate the feast of Óscar Romero. (See below.)

David’s Reflections

Jeremiah preached the Temple Sermon recorded in today’s reading at a crucial time in Israel's history.  They were a vassal state to Babylon with many wanting to rebel against their overlords, something akin to Tibet picking a fight with China.  His key phrase you will find in verse 4, "Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'"

The people were guilty of divorcing their relationship with God from their relationships with others, practicing injustice and oppression while thinking that they could continue worshipping a God who liberates the oppressed and judges the oppressor.  They believed that the Temple was God's house and its inner chamber God's throne room.  Surely Babylon or no one else could destroy God’s house and throne, the Temple and throne of the supreme God of the universe.  Surely God would not allow that.  That mistaken logic caused them to believe that Jerusalem and Judah were safe, that God would protect them.

Passages like this remind us of God's persistent consistency.  God always labors to liberate the oppressed, elevate the powerless, and deliver those in bondage.  God works against the purposes and interests of those who bind, oppress, and take advantage of the powerless.  Our only personal and national security comes in serving that God and in remembering that our relationship with God is all tied up with our relationships with people.  How we treat others is how we treat the Christ and the image of God in others.   Exploiting weak nations and individuals for our prosperity and security will bring unavoidable judgment.

One more modern version of this has the wealthy seeking lower taxes by reducing the government expenditures that provide critical services to the poor. We err when we label such concerns for the poor as political. That accusation amounts to a rhetorical diversion on the part of those who decorate a right-wing nationalism with a biblical veneer. Whenever the little people get exploited to benefit the wealthy, Jeremiah's warning rings true. We cannot worship a God who fights for the poor when our political rhetoric makes us complicit with those who exploit the poor.

Jesus quoted from the Temple sermon when he cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem.  These words of Jeremiah are sobering to us, too:  "9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, "We are safe!" --only to go on doing all these abominations? 11Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight?”

Our ultimate security comes only in our relationship with God. We may find ourselves caught up in the consequences of national injustice and oppression, as was Jeremiah. He suffered the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple as did everyone else. Yet, he lived through that experience undergirded by God’s presence and the community of those who shared his faith perspective. Over and over in the biblical record, God says to people in distress,”Fear not. I am with you.”

We can echo the lyrics of a hit song by Train, “Calling All Angels.”

I need a sign to let me know you're here

Cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear

I want a reason for the way things have to be

I need a hand to help build in some kind of hope inside of me

And I'm calling all angels

I'm calling all angels.+

+Train, "Calling All Angels," CD "My Private Nation," EMI April Music, Inc,. 2003.

Collect of the Day, The Third Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (BCP, 218)

Today we celebrate the Feast of Óscar Romero, archbishop of San Salvador and the martyrs of El Salvador.

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

Collect of the Feast of Óscar Romero

Almighty God, you called your servant Óscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that we, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.

Collect for Monday in the Third Week of Lent

Look upon the heart-felt desires of your humble servants, Almighty God, and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Weekday Eucharistic Propers, p. 28)

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)

Of the Holy Spirit

Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (BCP, 252)

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 Old Testament Reading, Jeremiah 7:1-15

7:1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah, you that enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place. 4Do not trust in these deceptive words: "This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD." 5For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, 6if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, 7then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors forever and ever. 8Here you are, trusting in deceptive words to no avail. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, "We are safe!" --only to go on doing all these abominations? 11Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight? You know, I too am watching, says the LORD. 12Go now to my place that was in Shiloh, where I made my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. 13And now, because you have done all these things, says the LORD, and when I spoke to you persistently, you did not listen, and when I called you, you did not answer, 14therefore I will do to the house that is called by my name, in which you trust, and to the place that I gave to you and to your ancestors, just what I did to Shiloh. 15And I will cast you out of my sight, just as I cast out all your kinsfolk, all the offspring of Ephraim.

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