So, ever have a day when you're just not on your game? Me too, this week it was yesterday which was a Sunday. Sigh. Since it's been bugging me I thought I'd share what I was trying to convey in the sermon/service on the blog.
For Lent we have embarked on a sermon series called God is on the Move. This series is inspired by A Preacher's Guide to Lectionary Sermon Series: Thematic Plans for years A, B, and C. It's been a useful tool, especially as I get back in the swing after maternity leave and sometimes it's good to try something different.
This past Sunday's sermon continued the message of God on the move with God moving past all obstacles. The lectionary scripture (the assigned text for the Sunday) was Luke 13: 31-35. It's a less familiar passage that talks about Herod and the city of Jerusalem (which represents the people of Israel) as obstacles as well as holding in tension that the people of Israel are both God's beloved and an obstacle to God. This passage describes God as a mother hen wanting to pull the people in and shelter us under her wings (Verse 34). While verse 32 and 33a reads:
Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way.
Despite the obstacle of Herod, Jesus states clearly his intent to proceed towards his purpose. Jesus has set his sights on Jerusalem and ultimately the cross. The call (or response)for us is, What have we set our sights on? Are we working towards a (heavenly) goal during the 40 days of Lent? What obstacles to do we need to name and address?
May we have a better week!
#WINNing with you
Pastor Meg
PS. This image was on the cover of the bulletin. It is a mosaic from a church in Jerusalem Dominus Flevit. This image is inspired by Luke 13:34 when Jesus describes God as a hen wanting to protect the people. I visited this church in 2016 with the Bishop's trip to the Holy Land. I was supposed to explain this in my sermon, but well...we all have days when it just doesn't go the way we planned.
