Rev. Franke's Theme Thoughts

Proper 23, Series A October 9, 2011
Lessons for The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 25:6–9 ~ On the mountain of God, a feast of rich food will replace the sorrow of death with great joy.
Psalm 23 [Antiphon: Ps. 23:5a]
Philippians 4:4–13 ~ Whether well-fed or hungry, Paul was content to know the joy of God’s peace.
Matthew 22:1–14 ~ When his guests did not share the king’s joy over his son’s wedding, he invited others

GATHERING THE TEXTS: A Feast of Rich Food
The Psalmist wrote: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Isaiah could point to the last great day and a banquet of eschatological proportions. This divine food will be the defeat of sin and death and the triumph of God for his people. Jesus' parable told of the same celebration in a different setting: a wedding banquet that is spurned by the invited guests. St. Paul contrasted great plenty with severe need but added that the good gift of God in Christ Jesus is abundance enough for all circumstances.

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Gracious God, every good gift comes from your generous hand. You have supplied all my need in Christ my Savior, and still in many ways I want more. Help me learn to be content with your gifts and to be generous in sharing not only material things, but especially the spiritual blessings of your love and forgiveness in Christ. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: God supplies us with more than we could ever need or deserve, so much that in our joy over His plenty we are eager to share with neighbors and friends, and yes, even our enemies.

OFFERING PRAYER: With humble joy we celebrate Your blessings in the past;
With confidence we look to You for mercies that will last.
We sing our thanks for all Your gifts to meet our daily need,
And joyfully we share Your grace in loving word and deed. Amen.

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: The eschatological banquet God has prepared for us in Christ is a final victory over our enemies of sin and death. Like a careless wedding guest, we spurn the riches of that feast for the comforts of this life. Thanks be to God, he has the feast and the guest with Christ’s robe of righteousness. In Christ, we are content to know the joy of God’s peace.