Mercy & Mission

Paula Modersohn-Becker, The Good Samaritan, 1907

The tragic events of this past week are horrifying and incendiary. In the midst of violence and retaliation, we gather tomorrow to consider the mandate to be mindful of our neighbor with love and mercy. The contrast between current events and Jesus' teaching is striking.

I'll have more to say about all of this tomorrow, but for now, I invite you to take a few moments to read Luke 10:25-37.  In this selection you will find the familiar parable of the so-called Good Samaritan. Notice however, that this parable is not the whole of the passage. Jesus tells this parable in response to the second question from the lawyer (who is my neighbor?).

A map of Palestine in the time of Jesus. 

Jericho is just north of the Dead Sea, 

with Jerusalem to the west.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.  Deuteronomy 6:4-6

What does mercy look like? When have you seen it last?  How have you experienced mercy? How have you shown mercy? As we consider the mission of the church, how might mercy inform us?

8^th Sunday after Pentecost

July 10, 2016

Prayer of the Day

O Lord God, your mercy delights us, and the world longs for your loving care. Hear the cries of everyone in need, and turn our hearts to love our neighbors with the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Readings and Psalm

Deuteronomy 30:9-14 
Psalm 25:1-10 
Colossians 1:1-14 
Luke 10:25-37