Ninth Sunday after Pentecost ~ Proper 14 Walking on the Sea of Galilee Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 In this weeks liturgy, water is a major symbol. The Gospel reading from Matthew is the account of Peter’s attempt to join Christ in walking on the Sea of Galilee. As Peter’s faith fails and he begins to sink below the waters, he cries to the Lord for help and Jesus rescues him. Now we move ahead in the story of God’s ancient people to the sons of Jacob (now called Israel). The older sons, jealous of Joseph — who is their father’s favorite — sold him into slavery in Egypt, telling their father a lion killed him. Their intention was to get rid of Joseph; God used their action, though, to save the family, as we will see in a few weeks, and ultimately to lead the descendants of all twelve brothers into freedom from Egypt in the Exodus. We also continue to read the Epistle to the Romans. In this part of Romans, Paul is dealing with his sorrow that many of his fellow Jews have not accepted Jesus as Christ but he does not believe that God has rejected them. All who turn to God in faith belong to God and there is no distinction, for all are one in Christ who have called on the name of the Lord. Water in the scriptures is not only a symbol of life, but also a symbol of death. As Israel passed from death into new life at the Red Sea, so we gather as a community that has passed with Jesus from death into resurrection in the waters of baptism. Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Be in prayer for the expanded ministry of All Saints Parish within our community. Where ever you can, follow prayer with conversation among family and friends. You can never tell; you may be a blessing to someone when they need you most. Blessings upon all of you. Worship Services are Sunday at 10:00am in the Worship Center, 2550 East Main Street, Ventura, California. Bring a Friend - Share the Love .... Thanks, All Saints Parish, Ventura Contributions to All Saints Parish, Ventura are easy to process online. Go to PayPal and direct your gift to AllSaintsv@aol. Thank you, in advance.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 22:58:26 +0000
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