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20th Sunday after Pentecost • Year B
October 6, 2024 • Proper 22
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Historical Collect
Generously pardon and give peace to your faithful people, O Lord, that being cleansed from every sin, we may be free and glad to serve; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Triune God, you created humanity in your image, intended for life-giving relationship with you and one another. Heal our selfish brokenness and teach us to trust in you as we learn to love and forgive one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
Who can count the benefits that come from the hand of God? Life itself, spouse, children, children’s children—and above it all, the blessed fellowship that we have with God. So, we dare not hinder that fellowship that God wishes with those children. We are to pay particular attention to this great salvation, as it is all too easy to wander from God. Those who do, will suffer the consequences. It is Christ himself whom we dishonor when we ignore God’s great salvation. Therefore, those who fear the Lord, walking in his ways, walking with him, are blessed.
First Reading • Genesis 2:18-25
God has pronounced throughout creation that the things he has created are good. But as a result of the sixth day of creation, he announces that something is not good. It is not good for man to be alone. All of the animals were brought to Adam but none of them were appropriate as a helper for him. Of those things that God has spoken into creation, nothing will serve as a true associate for man. So, instead of speaking woman into existence, God fashions Eve from the rib of Adam.
Psalm • Psalm 128:1-6
The Deuteronomic blessing is echoed here. The one who fears the Lord and walks in his ways will be blessed. There will be an enjoyable harvest, not only from the fields but in marriage as well. Long life is also a blessing of the Lord, as is the enjoyment of grandchildren. All of these are the benefits given to those who fear the Lord.
Second Reading • Hebrews 2:1-13, 14-18
God has provided us with everything we need and blessing for our obedience to him. He has even revealed himself to us through his word. Thus, the writer of Hebrews implores us, as Christians, to pay extra attention to what we hear from God in his Christ. Since God repays both obedience and insubordination, we will not escape punishment if we neglect the salvation that is God’s Son. For a time, he who is God was made man (lower than the angels) so that he would suffer death for our benefit. God’s Son, born as a son of Adam, is the only fitting way for the Father to adopt us into the family of God. (Rom 8:15)
Gospel • Mark 10:2-16
Bullheadedness changes everything and then allows nothing to change for the better. The unrepentant heart permits no blessing from God or humans. This is why Moses allowed divorce—so that bullheaded people could get on with their lives. But this was not God’s intention. “From the beginning,” God made man and woman for each other. They are to help and bless each other as if they were on person—as indeed they are truly one flesh. This is why divorce is so devastating. It rips one flesh into pieces just as surely as it violates God’s will.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
