Sunday, August 1 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:26-12:13; Psalm 51; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6: 24-35
There is an intimate relationship between the physical and the spiritual. In Western thought, it was the Greeks who separated the two. But for Jesus they were one. Jesus feeds his people on bread, but promises a spiritual bread from heaven. “I am the bread of life.”
Sunday, August 8 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 18:5-31; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6: 35-51
We are still on the concept of “bread from heaven” this week. “I am the living bread. Whoever eats this bread will live forever,” Jesus said. Elsewhere, Jesus says that he comes to bring abundant life. We reside in God’s kingdom when we live in Christ.
Sunday, August 15 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 2: 10-12, 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6: 51-58
History regards King Solomon as a great and influential king. His court recorders attribute this success to his humility before God. When Yahweh seeks to reward him for his faithfulness, he asks only for wisdom and discernment, not wealth or victory over his enemies. He is revered because he sought only gifts to better serve his people.
Sunday, August 22- Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 8; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6: 56-69
You could either put on the armor of God (Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Justice, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit), or just trust God and live boldly. Same thing.
Sunday, August 29- Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Song of Songs 2: 8-13; Psalm 45:1-9; James 1:17-27; Mark 7: 1-23
James said that we should be doers of the word, not just hearers. Jesus broke lots of rituals and rules. But when challenged, he pointed out that what’s important is the spirit of the law, not just the letter of the law. Do justice, practice kindness, and trust God. All the rest is just human regulation.