The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Conjecture as to who the author of this book from the Apocrypha was ranges from King Solomon to an anonymous sage living in the first century B.C. or early first century A.D. The thoughts are straightforward. God never intended for death to be a part of his creation. It was through Satan’s pride, lies, and envy that death entered the world. People still willingly choose to follow Satan’s path and rebel against God. In Matthew 7:13, Jesus says to “enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” God does not enjoy punishing sinners, but he will allow people the free will to reject God and his teachings in Holy Scripture. We escape this harrowing destiny by believing in Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for our sins.

The portion of Lamentations is allowed as a substitution for a Psalm. Many beautiful short passages are found within, and their comfort foreshadows the concluding verses, “he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.” Jeremiah tells us that our lives will have many trials, but we trust in the Holy Spirit that helps us to wait (and suffer) for the salvation of the Lord. 

Taken out of context, this passage from 2 Corinthians needs some background to clarify it. Paul is in the midst of a relief effort for the Jewish-Christians in Jerusalem, referenced in Acts 11 and 24 and in various Pauline epistles. At the beginning of this chapter, Paul extols the courage and generosity of the Macedonian churches in the first six verses of this chapter. “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” Paul does not want his request to be understood as a command, so the Corinthians feel compelled to donate (probably with some grumbling). Later Paul will say “God loves a cheerful giver.”

David Littrell