Sunday, September 22, 2024

Theme

The scroll of Genesis ends with the story of Joseph, Abram (aka Abraham)’s great great grandson. In many ways, Joseph’s story is a continuation of the patterns of those who have come before him. He too does not quite fit into the expectations of others (like Jacob, his father). He (like Abel, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is the favorite, though not firstborn, child. He too suffers the jealousy of snubbed siblings (like Cain, Ham, and Esau). Like all of humanity, he has been created as the image of God, he too is called to righteousness (being in right relationship with God, others, and all of creation). Yet he is also tempted to ‘see’ and ‘take’ that which does not belong to him, and tempted to punish those who have hurt him. Like a beautiful ornate garment, he has been given so much potential for perfection or pain. Will he continue the patterns of sin and unrighteousness, or will he be able to break the cycle?

Questions for Reflection:

• In what ways have you inherited behaviors and characteristics from your parents and grandparents (both positive and negative)?
• Are there any negative patterns that you have been able to break out of, or are in the process of breaking?
• When have you forgiven someone, what work did you have to do in order to be able to forgive?
• Have you ever experienced forgiveness for something significant?
• What work have you had to do to forgive yourself?
• In what ways is the story of Joseph similar to the story of Jesus?

Reflections:

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Introit: First off, surprise, there are NO hymns that refer to the story of Joseph in our hymnal. So the Introit and the Opening Hymn were both taken from suggested hymns for the Common Revised Lectionary. The Introit, “O Save Me God, and Hear My Cry” is paraphrase of Psalm 54, set to a shape note tune.

Opening Hymn: “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom” draws on numerous scriptural images of Wisdom, and offers a alternative perspective on Trinitarian theology.

Transition Hymn: September’s transition hymn is “Great Are You, Lord”.

Special Music: “Make Me an Instrument of You Peace”; words by St. Francis of Assisi, music by Lloyd Larson.

Responsive Hymn: The inspiration for our Responsive and Sending hymns comes primarily from AJ’s “Questions for Reflection” regarding forgiveness. Both texts reflect the deep struggle to fulfill the petition we pray often, “Forgive us our debt’s, as we forgive our debtors”. The first is “God, How Cane We Forgive”.

Sending Hymn: “Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive”

Benediction: “Lord, Make Us Mor Holy”, verse 4.