December 14th, 2010 Praying Advent Season

Tuesday December 14th, 2010


Candle Lighting: Come, Lord Jesus.

Opening Prayer:
Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming that transformed by grace we may walk in your way.

Tuesday, December 14 – Matthew 21: 28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.”


In today’s Gospel, Jesus provides a warning that resembles the message of the ancient prophet. Jesus chose to rock the concept of righteousness of those in the religious establishment, letting them know that externalities of appearance do not govern, but on the substance of what they do in response to the Father’s call. It opens the possibility that rebels who humble themselves to listen to God’s voice and do His will, may indeed reach the Kingdom of God.

Let each of us consider in our own hearts this Advent season how we go our own way and listen to our own voices above the voice of God. And note that the voice of God may sometimes be heard in the cries of the poor and needy among us. Sometimes it may also be the voice of the Church (or our parents and friends speaking those truths) trying to maintain the boundaries we need to keep moving forward, like those rivers that keep moving toward the sea, rather than dissipating into a big puddle going nowhere.

Father,
Prepare a path in our hearts for the coming of your Word, and let his glory be revealed among us. Bring low the mountains of our pride, and fill up the valleys of our weakness. Break down the wall of hatred that divides the nations, and make level for mankind the paths to peace.
Amen


Thanks to:The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, ELCA and http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112810.html.


Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN

Called as God's People
Equipped by the Holy Spirit
Sent to boldly proclaim the love of Jesus Christ to all people.