Monday July 15 Pentecost 8
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Psalm 25
I desperately need God’s support both from those who attack me, and from actions that are my own fault, and I know God is always generous to those in such a situation.
Joshua 2.1-14 What’s Joshua about?
Joshua sends two spies to prepare for their invasion. The local king is disturbed by the stories of how God has acted for the Israelites against the Egyptians and so the spies are in danger. They are assisted by a prostitute who hides them and trades their safety for assurances of safety for her and her family.
As so often in these stories, the poor and despised, here a prostitute of non-Jewish religion, play central roles in God’s plan. Perhaps this deep acceptance of the outcast arose because the Israelites remembered they were poor and despised in Egypt and came to believe that God has special concern to ensure that such people are fully included and have dignity in God’s world, even if they aren’t Jews.
Matthew 25.1-13 What’s Matthew about?
Matthew continues Jesus’ series of warnings about remaining alert when it may seem that God’s kingdom is not about to happen.
This week’s collect:
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.