BCP Daily Office Lectionary for Nov. 20, 2004
Source: http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/index.htm
Morning Psalm(s): 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) [Presbyterian: 122:1-9]
Evening Psalm(s): 33 [Presbyterian: 100:1-5]
Old Testament: Malachi 3:13-4:6
Epistle: James 5:13-20
Gospel Luke 18:9-14
Presbyterian Readings for the current day:
http://www.pcusa.org/cgi-bin/lectiond.cgi
In the last oracle of Malachi (3:13-4:3 in English Bibles; 3:13-21 for the same text in Hebrew Bibles), the people complain about God’s justice: “It is vain to serve God. . . . Now we count the arrogant happy; evildoers only prosper” (Mal. 14-15). A similar complaint appears in Psalm 73:12-13. In Malachi, the LORD pronounces judgment on the unrighteousness: “See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up” (Mal. 4:1 = Heb. 3:19). “You [‘those who revered the LORD’ 3:16] shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts” (4:3 = Heb. 3:21). But the righteous ones “who revered the LORD” are to be spared. The LORD has “a book of remembrance” (Mal. 3:16). “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them” (v. 17). “But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings” (4:2 = Heb. 3:20).
James concludes his Letter with encouragement to pray for the sick and to pray with those who have sinned, praying for forgiveness. He recommends calling the elders and anointing the sick with oil (Jas. 5:14). He says, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (v. 16), citing the example of Elijah. We are to confess our sins and “pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (v. 16) . The one who “brings back a sinner from wandering” is especially commended (v. 20). The basis is God’s truth (v. 19), “which leads to righteousness” (Warren A. Quanbeck and Pheme Perkins, NOAB).
Today’s reading from Luke contrasts the Pharisee’s self-righteous attitude with that of a tax collector. The Pharisee’s prayer, God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector” (Lk. 18:11). In the continuation, it appears that the Pharisee is submitting God a resume. “Aren’t you glad you found me, God!” “I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income” (v. 12). The tax collector, from a group that was hated by the Jews, considered to have sold out to the Roman authorities–not to mention the pain of digging up tax money–did not presume upon God’s mercy. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (v. 13). In another example of how Jesus reaches out to the marginalized and outcasts of society, he commends the tax collector’s attitude. “I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted” (v. 14).
Ronald D. Worden, Ph.D.