Our readings for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9) follow. For a combined link to read them all, go here.
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a
- In Matthew, Jesus speaks to the crowds about John the Baptist, how he is the Elijah who was to come before the arrival of the expected Messiah. John’s preaching was like a warning dirge, but people did not mourn and turn to him. Jesus’ preaching came in a much lighter spirit, but his listeners did not celebrate. God’s wisdom, despite our thickheadedness, will prevail. Jesus invites everyone to come to him. His yoke is easy and his burden light. He is the Lord, but his teaching is gentle and humble.
- Zechariah prophesies about the coming righteous king, humble and mounted on a donkey. A king who will bring peace and salvation and freedom for the prisoners. “Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double!”
- Our Psalm praises and thanks God for his steadfast love, patience, power and mercy.
- Romans gives us the sinners’ plight. We may know God’s spiritual laws and appreciate them, but our tendency to sin is ever at war within us. We cannot win on our own. “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Jesus has just spoken to the disciples of John, who nervously awaits his beheading in Herod’s prison. Jesus praises him to the people and assures us all that despite the confusion and hardness of times we may have to experience, much good comes through following Jesus. We know the hard way that the Law and our consciences tell us to follow, but it also condemns us in our many failings. May we try to be as faithful as John, but know we can rely on Jesus to save us.