Trinity XIV

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading we are once again confronted with the nature of Faith. Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. He is met by 10 lepers. From a distance they call out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” This particular group was in a hopeless state as they had already gone through the ritual of being examined by the Jewish priests – as outlined in Leviticus – and deemed “unclean.”  Once a leper was given this designation they were expected to steer clear of others.  They were respecting these rules by keeping their distance from Jesus despite desperately desiring His help.

Jesus responds to the lepers, “Go shew yourselves to the priests.” Why is Jesus sending them back to the priests? Jesus’ purpose in sending the lepers to the priests is to once again fulfill the Old Covenant ritual of examination, but also to do something more. Do they all succeed?

When the lepers were traveling to the temple, it was an act of Faith. They had confidence from Jesus’ previous healing activity that they too would be healed as they follow his command to go to the temple. This confidence is rewarded as they were cleansed during their journey.

So the story ends with everyone living happily ever after, right?  Not quite!

Only 1 of the 10 fulfilled the “something more” part of Jesus’ plan. Only 1 of the 10 healed lepers turns back, falls at the feet of Jesus and praises God.  And of course, this lone man is a Samaritan to boot. Jesus wonders aloud the whereabouts of the other 9 noting that it is this Stranger, a non-Israelite, who understands and embraces the New Faith Covenant Jesus is offering here.  Jesus declares that the Samaritan’s “faith had made him whole” and sends him on his way.

Not only has the Samaritan been cured of leprosy, but his actions show that he has also been healed wholly in mind, body and spirit.

It would’ve been easier for the Stranger to follow in the footsteps of the other lepers – to accept the healing miracle of Jesus and just return to the normal lives they had been leading prior to falling ill.  Instead, the Samaritan chooses a harder path by returning to Jesus and glorifying God in a LOUD voice.  He is thus accepting Jesus’ teachings as the Messiah, the Son of God – he has chosen to forgo the Old Ways, in the Law, and place his Faith in this New Revelation in a VERY public way.

We don’t know what happens to the Stranger after he goes his way.  I like to think that he went on to become a devout witness to his family, friends and neighbors.  To me, this is a foreshadowing of the birth of the Church on Pentecost:  the outward turning of the Faith to all peoples – a truly Global offering of the promise of Redemption and Eternal Life.  May we be blessed with the same gifts of the spirit, and to proclaim the glorious gifts of the New Covenant to a world that dearly needs to hear this witness in a very public way.

--Fr. Deacon Chris

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 
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Upcoming Events

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland/ )

Sunday School at 10:30 AM

Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing (for online participation, check info under Sunday Services)

Men's Group Breakfast & Bible Study, Saturday September 16, 8:30 AM, church undercroft. breakfast prepared by Claude Crump and Bible Study conducted by Bob Boyd.  All men of the parish are cordially invited.

Next Vestry meeting, Monday September 25, 7:30 PM, all parishioners are invited

Annual Pet Blessing, Saturday, October 7, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. To volunteer, please email Deacon Chris at scotlandsaints@gmail.com

Annual Parish Picnic, Sunday October 8 at Fort Hunt Park off George Washington Parkway, following a 10 AM combined service (no 9:00 AM or 11:15 AM services that day)
 
Food Donations 
Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Christ House is very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar).  Current needs include the following:
• canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
• peanut butter
• jelly
• tuna
• canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
• individual fruit cups (low sugar)
• canned fruit (low sugar)
• cereal (low sugar)
• pasta (regular and gluten-free)
• instant potatoes
• Macaroni & cheese kits
• Coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar 

The list for MaRIH Crisis Pregnancy Center's needs was just updated.  The items in bold type are in critical need.  If you can, please donate those items.
 
Just Updated List of Needs for MaRIH Center (crisis pregnancy center)
MaRIH Center with its all volunteer staff provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  If you can provide some of the items that are needed, please do so. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
 With * are a critical need.

Diapers (sizes newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4*, 5*, & 6*)
Lovies
Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Fall/Winter Clothing:0-3 mo*, 3-6 mo*, 12-18 mo*, 2T*
Baby shampoo
Baby blankets*
Formula: Simulac Advance Formula*
Formula: other but not recalled
Wash clothes
Hooded towels
Grocery gift cards*
 

Annual Pet Blessing, Saturday, October 7, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. To volunteer, please email Deacon Chris at scotland

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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
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