Thursday November 7 Pentecost 24
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Psalm 70
God can be trusted to deliver the poor from evil.
These two psalms are often used on Thursdays, the mini-anniversaries of the approach of Jesus’ death in the Garden of Gethsemane. Much of the imagery in these two psalms can be applied to Jesus being hunted, attacked, and seized, and to Jesus’ passionate prayers to be rescued by God.
Psalm 71
In old age I am filled with praise for the God who has rescued me in so many ways throughout my long life. People are attacking me now, but I trust in your salvation as you have acted for me all my life.
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 44.1-15 What’s Ecclesiasticus about?
Whether or not one is famous, one’s faithfulness is never lost. The first part of this passage, “Let us sing the praises of famous men,” has become popular to be read at funerals as a tribute to the person who had died. But the writer intended us to continue with the second half which gives equal praise and assurance for those who were not famous. The writer is insisting that the goodness of people lasts forever regardless of whether or not they are powerful and famous. All are equally of value.
Luke 13.18-30 What’s Luke about?
Jesus says the kingdom will come as certainly as tiny seeds grow or as the pinch of yeast leavens a whole loaf. But at the same time there is urgency-we cannot passively rely on the kingdom arriving-that way lies failure to become alive as surely as if we had never responded to God.
This week’s collect:
Almighty God,
whose chosen servant Abraham obeyed your call,
rejoicing in your promise
that in him the family of the earth is blessed,
give us faith like his,
that in us your promises may be fulfilled;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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