The Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C begins with a man asking Jesus to settle an inheritance issue, his immediate problem. Jesus offers a parable about a more important and longer-term issue: are you storing up things that matter to God? Within the parable are questions of needs, wants, greed, and vanity – and, in the light of last week’s gospel in which Jesus teaches us to pray – there is the question of the things we pray for.

Take a moment and consider this account that is far more than “simple.”  Do it from the comfort of your back porch.

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The Parable of the Rich Fool | Rembrandt, 1627 | Gemäldegalerie, Berlin | PD-US | also known as The Money Changer

The Gospel reading follows last week’s Gospel about the rich fool who spent a lifetime preparing for this life with things that did not matter to God. There is a section of Luke’s gospel that is “skipped” (Luke 12:22-24) that tells the disciples that life is more than possessions, God will provide, so don’t be anxious about materials things. This gospel picks upon on that theme: God provides and your job is to be prepared – be you leader or follower – each has their role in the kingdom of God. And so faithfully fulfill what is yours to do for you do not know when the Master returns to the household.

Take a moment and consider this account that is far more than “simple.”  Do it from the comfort of your back porch.

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary

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“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” Our gospel text (Luke 12:48-53) is not one you find on many refrigerator doors or on greeting cards. The image of Jesus in these texts is upsetting to one who only seeks the meek and mild Jesus. Having begun with an exhortation to courage in the face of tribulation, continuing with a warning against avarice in the face of fear, Jesus now raises the issue of judgment. The people are called to conversion before it is too late.

Take a moment and consider this account that is far more than “simple.”  Do it from the comfort of your back porch.

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary

Canva | CC-0

Last Sunday Jesus proclaimed: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” Is it any wonder that this week the question is “How many will be saved?” Our gospel text (Luke 12:22-30) offers Jesus’ reply: strive to enter through the narrow door and warns not many will be able to do it/. Yet later Jesus paints a picture of a wide open door in which people from “east and west” streaming toward the final banquet feast. But, the door will eventually shut. 

The gospel has warnings and encouragements. So, take a moment and consider all that Jesus has to offer.  Do it from the comfort of your back porch!

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary

Image credit: Pexels | Farouk Tokluoglu | CC-BY

The gospel finds Jesus dining at the home of a Pharisee. If past is prologue, then controversy will soon appear. Knowing the heart of the host and guests, Jesus tells a parable that bring out topics of “honor” and “humility.”  Given the importance of social status as determined by the perception of one’s contemporaries, and the importance of the reciprocity of gift and obligation in ancient society, Jesus offers wisdom for one’s perception of the “seating chart.” Jesus’ vision of honor and humility point to a new vision of life and community.

So, take a moment and consider all that Jesus has to offer.  Do it from the comfort of your back porch!

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary

Jesus at Supper | Caravaggio (1606) | National Gallery London | PD-US

Over the last few Sundays, Jesus has called people to commitment – now – as we know not the time or hour when it will be too late. The cost of discipleship is paid in many different kinds of currency. For some persons a redirection of time and energy is required, for others a change in personal relationships, a change in vocation, or a commitment of financial resources; but for each person the call to discipleship is all consuming. A complete change in priorities is required of all would-be disciples. No part-time disciples are needed. No partial commitments are accepted.

Take a moment and consider all that Jesus has to offer.  Do it from the comfort of your back porch!

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary

Image credit: Pexels | Tima Miroshnichenko | CC-BY