The Lessons Appointed for Use
Sunday closest to August 17
Proper 15 RCL Year C
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 or
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 82
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56 The Collect Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. THE COLLECT Proper 15 The collect for Proper 15 reminds us that redemption comes from God and that one may react by trying to follow God’s call to us to follow daily His example. The example then is to be the life that Jesus showed us. In RCL A the call of Isaiah is that God’s salvation is near at hand and will include even foreigners. In Romans we are reminded that we are saved despite our short comings. The story from Matthew’s Gospel of the foreign woman who persisted even seemingly against Jesus. THE COLLECT Proper 15 In RCL B Solomon made a wise choice that brought the Lord’s blessing if Solomon continued to follow God’s law as his father David. In RCL C the reminder from Paul that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses in the departed Saints. The desire to follow God’s call follows and does not precede redemption. The ability to recognize God’s call is hard to see through the fog of life and only then with the help of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 5:1-7Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; he expected it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it? Isaiah 5:1-7 When I expected it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and it shall be overgrown with briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry! The Reading The reading is part of a group of ‘Oracles against rebellious Judah.’ The reading itself is known as the Song of the Vineyard and is thought to have been composed for a celebration of the feast of tabernacles during Jotham’s reign, the prophet imitating a vintage festival song. The translation of ‘Choice vines,’ is a Hebrew word (“soreq”) means either red grapes, or grapes native to the valley of Sorek, west of Jerusalem. In the song Judah is asked to pass judgment on herself, much as Nathan through a parable had David pass judgment on himself . Background the Northern and Southern Kingdoms The divided Kingdoms were at times hostile and power shifted back and forth. In the 7thcentury BC conflict erupted between Israel and Judah, with Israel overwhelmingly victorious. Jehoahaz captured Jerusalem, destroyed a large section of the city wall, and took royal Judean hostages to Samaria. The text may have been to explain the ‘past’ as a consequence of an unjust society. Amaziah king of Judah was assassinated by his own countrymen, and Judah probably remained essentially a vassal to Israel through the reigns of Uzziah and Jotham. Dates for the Judean kings of this period are impossible to establish with any degree of precision. Uzziah and Jotham would have lived during the latter part of the eighth and first part of the seventh centuries BC. Harsh Judgment Indeed Judah to whom this was addressed had already had its wall breached and royals carried off to Samaria? This might have been the equivalent of a song set to “We wish you a Merry Christmas” saying that the recent the capture of Washington DC by Canada was only what we justly deserved. Gerard Horenbout, Grimani Breviary: The Month of March, 1510s
Manuscript (Ms. lat. I 99), 280 x 215 mm, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, Venice Vincent van Gogh, Old Vineyard with Peasant Woman, May 1890, Auvers-sur-Oise
Pencil and wash on paper, 435 x 540 mm,
Rijksmuseum Vincent van Gogh, Amsterdam Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Page 702, 703, BCP Qui regis Israel
1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. 2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
stir up your strength and come to help us. 8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; *
you cast out the nations and planted it. Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Page 702, 703, BCP Qui regis Israel
9 You prepared the ground for it; *
it took root and filled the land. 10 The mountains were covered by its shadow *
and the towering cedar trees by its boughs. 11 You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea *
and its branches to the River. Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Page 702, 703, BCP Qui regis Israel
12 Why have you broken down its wall, *
so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes? 13 The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it, *
and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it. 14 Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
behold and tend this vine; *
preserve what your right hand has planted. Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Page 702, 703, BCP Qui regis Israel
15 They burn it with fire like rubbish; *
at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish. 16 Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
the son of man you have made so strong for yourself. Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Page 702, 703, BCP Qui regis Israel
17 And so will we never turn away from you; *
give us life, that we may call upon your Name. 18 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Page 702, 703, BCP Qui regis Israel
The superscription reads Prayer for Israel’s Restoration, To the leader: on Lilies, a Covenant. Of Asaph. A Psalm. Sounds like a tune selection. The psalm seems to match the text of the reading. The list of tribes here indicates this was written IN THE NORTHERN KINGDOM! The son of man was intended as a reference to a future king like David. They Psalmist longs for a descendant of David to unite. Jeremiah 23:23-29 Am I a God near by, says the LORD, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD. Jeremiah 23:23-29 I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, "I have dreamed, I have dreamed!" How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back-- those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? Jeremiah 23:23-29 They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. Jeremiah 23:23-29 What has straw in common with wheat? says the LORD. Is not my word like fire, says the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Introduction to Jeremiah
Jeremiah was the son of a priest . He was either born or started his ministry in 627 B.C. He died sometime after 587 in Egypt. Introduction to Jeremiah
The book consists essentially of a collection of oracles against Judah and Jerusalem and a group of oracles against foreign nations, dictated to his aide Baruch . The material of the book is not in chronological order. The book was compiled over a period of time from smaller collections of oracles. Introduction to Jeremiah
The book’s present Hebrew text differs substantially from the Greek version (the Septuagint) in both content and order. The Septuagint omits several passages and combines the oracles against the foreign nations into a single section following Jeremiah. It is likely, then, that these two text traditions represent the contrasting editorial work on the book of Jeremiah. God's omnipresence God's omnipresence precludes his being unaware of the prophets' misleading his people by their claims of divine revelation through dreams God's living word is devastating as fire and shattering as a hammer. With biting sarcasm Jeremiah proclaims God's condemnation of their pretensions. So what’s up ? The sarcasm of the reading makes it clear that God through the prophet is condemning false prophets. But why and why would it be significant to them and us. The answer may be in the first verses of Chapter 23 – not in the reading. Chap 23 Restoration after Exile
23 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. . . . It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. Chap 23 Restoration after Exile
3 Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD. Chap 23 Restoration after Exile
To post exilic Jewish scholars this section would refer to the outside influences that seeped into the culture during the disruption of the exile and return. To early Christians, it would refer to the refusal of 1st century Jewish authorities to recognize the priesthood of Jesus Christ. What about 21st Century Episcopalians This might refer to anyone arguing false doctrine in the name of God? Doctrine differences between the denominations or within denominations. Protestant vs. Catholic or liberal vs. conservative. Who speaks for God? Maybe old Jeremiah does not help us decide who speaks for God. But Jeremiah does assure us that someday somehow – God will gather us back together! Donatello,
Prophet Jeremiah
1423-26
Marble, height: 191 cm
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence Master of the Aix Annunciation
The Prophet Jeremiah
c. 1445
Oil on panel, 152 x 86 cm
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels
This is a wing of a now dismembered triptych, made in Provence. Psalm 82 Deus stetit 1 God takes his stand in the council of heaven; *
he gives judgment in the midst of the gods: 2 "How long will you judge unjustly, *
and show favor to the wicked? Psalm 82 Deus stetit 3 Save the weak and the orphan; *
defend the humble and needy; 4 Rescue the weak and the poor; *
deliver them from the power of the wicked.
Psalm 82 Deus stetit 5 They do not know, neither do they understand;
they go about in darkness; *
all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 Now I say to you, 'You are gods, *
and all of you children of the Most High;
Psalm 82 Deus stetit 7 Nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, *
and fall like any prince.'" 8 Arise, O God, and rule the earth, *
for you shall take all nations for your own.
The Psalm and Jeremiah? Maybe the psalm does give a ruler after all. In the Psalm, God addresses a heavenly court of gods asking how long will you favor the wicked. The ‘response’ does not define ‘wicked’ – it simply directs service to the weak humble and needy. Jan van Eyck, The Ghent Altarpiece(wings open), 1432
Oil on wood, 350 x 461 cm
Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent This famous work by Jan van Eyck was inspired by the book of Revelation. But it relates to today’s psalm in that it portrays God as a benevolent ruler, and to today’s lesson from Hebrews, in its portrayal of an array of witnesses, Biblical figures, church hierarchy, confessors of the faith, virgin martyrs, soldiers, judges, hermits, and pilgrims. Hebrews 11:29-12:2 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. Hebrews 11:29-12:2 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, Hebrews 11:29-12:2 became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and Hebrews 11:29-12:2 goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented-- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Introduction to the Letter to the Hebrews Last week we learned that the addressees had formerly been subject to persecution, imprisonment, and loss of property as a result of their faith. The letter is an exhortation to keep up the fight The Text The text is an exhortation and warning. The Witnesses are those from last week mentioned in Hebrews Sin not a particular "besetting sin," but sin in general as a hindrance to running the race Pioneer and perfecter, Our faith, literally "the faith." For . . . the joy, may also be translated "instead of the joy" (of unbroken life in heaven). Why do bad things happen? Is the Hebrews author saying God wants to punish us? Did Jesus find joy in the suffering? Or see such joy beyond that he did not mind the suffering? Or that we can find some lesson even in the less pleasant experiences of life. Ever had a bad experience, but later have a positive outcome from it? Luke 12:49-56 Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; Luke 12:49-56 they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-56 He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?" So? We were told in Chap 23 of Jeremiah don’t worry God will gather his people. In the Psalm that God will come to rule justly And in Hebrews that God’s reward in Heaven will be so great that Jesus did not mind the suffering to get there…. Then the Gospel reading for today. . . .about dividing people and storm clouds! Tough Reading! Context Jesus has just finished the parable of the rich fool Last week we heard about the owner not knowing when the robbers are coming. The lectionary then skips a section and we come to the Gospel for today. ‘Skipped bit’ 41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?" 42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? . . . .. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. Context This is not directed at the crowd but at his own followers. In the skipped section we know that he expects more of them than others This may not explain the reading but it may put it in context. Jesus was proposing a radically different world. Revolution is uncomfortable As an example the American Revolution, now seen through the haze of old men in powdered wigs and fireworks. At its time came with protracted and painful war. It divided families Ben Franklin and his son. The revolution being brought by Jesus is even more radical and more protacted. What do you think? August 15 is the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin
Fra Angelico, Coronation of the Virgin, 1434-35
Tempera on panel, 213 x 211 cm, Musée du Louvre, Paris
Originally for the church of San Domenico in Fiesole (near Florence), the predella paintings show the life of St. Dominic. Fra Angelico, The Virgin of Humility, 1435-45
Tempera on panel, 99 x 49 cm
Fundación Colección Thyssen-Bornemisza, Pedralbes
