"Do"

Every three years the lectionary recurs, that is, we read the same lessons in church. Normally I would wait the three years before commenting on a gospel text again. But this morning in worship I had one of those insightful moments you have-- when you suddenly understand something in a new and exciting way.

I was reading the gospel to you (The story of the Good Samaritan), when I noticed the word "do" appears both in the prelude to the story and its postlude. Jesus tells the scribe to DO this and you shall live--referring to the shema, the command to love God and neighbor. Again, after the scribe picks the Samaritan as the true neighbor, Jesus says, "Go and DO likewise."

Scholars call this pattern of repetition "bookends," and there's usually a significance to it. In this case I think it is to emphasize that there's an element of response to God's grace. That we are to be do-ers of the word, as well as hearers of it. That we should bear fruit worthy of the vine on which we were grafted.

I think I caught that element in the sermon when I challenged you to be compassionate in your relationships this coming week. And to do something for others, not just treat them as objects to be fixed, but to really put the gospel into practice by doing something. What am I going to do? Good question!

I think what I will do is help out Ed and Trudi with the prison ministry. I'll start out small, doing the sympathy cards the chaplain requested, and doing a message on one of thise preprinted sheets that they handed out. But eventually I'd like to do more--go with them to the prison, and visit these brothers in Christ.

If you want to know more about the Kairos prison ministry talk with Ed or Trudi (or if you're reading this and don't know who that is, email me privately.).

I won''t be posting this week's sermon as it doesn't exist in computer form at this time. If you missed church, know that you were missed, and we hope to see you next week. This coming week Ill be talking a bit about Outdoor Ministry as I prepare for Calumet chaplaincy. I'll be doing a bible study called Sing With All the People of God (repeated at Messiah in the fall), and preaching to the 400-500 people at camp next Sunday. Getting ready will be fun to share with you all. Until we meet again, I remain...

In Christ,
Pastor Tom