Prayers of Approach
Lord, as your Church, we gather together to worship you. You are the source of all being, the one who gives love and unites us, the one who gives all for our sake.
Loving God, thank you that all are welcome in your presence and all have a part to play. Speak to us today and show us how to live as the body of Christ in this community, bringing good news to all.
Almighty God, we are a mixed-up bunch of people, but all unique and special and with a common purpose – to worship you. You are the bringer of good news, and the example of what true love is, giving yourself for our sakes. You are the meaning and motivation for how we choose to live. You are light in the darkness that draws us on. You are the whisper in the wind and the shout in the thunder. You are the Spirit that warms our hearts. We worship and adore you. Amen.
Hymn Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him (R&S 116)
Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
Introduction
After being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus returns in the power of the Spirit to Galilee and goes to his home synagogue in Nazareth. He reads out some verses from the scroll of Isaiah to the people present and tells them that this Scripture is coming true today. He speaks about his mission to bring God’s kingdom into being in a way that is good news for all kinds of people who are currently struggling: the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, the oppressed. We are called to join in with Jesus’ mission to share this good news with all.
Paul uses the analogy of a human body – having many parts with different functions, all of which must work together for the good of the whole – to insist that the Christians in Corinth, whatever their background or role within the church, must work together as the body of Christ.
Hymn Bind us together Lord (MP 54)
Sermon
Several things come together in today’s readings which resonate with events in the world this week. On Monday we saw the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States for the second time. In his presidential address he set out his plans for the immediate future making many sweeping claims and promising huge changes in trade agreements and import duties on foreign goods to raise revenues and create ‘American’ jobs, along with mass deportations of ‘undesirable aliens’ and illegal immigrants. These measures together with other financial policies he claimed would revive the economy and make the average American better off. But just how much of what he claimed was true? Many analysts and ‘fact-checkers’ immediately reacted to de-bunk his claims. It was a manifesto that polarizes and divides society.
Jesus’ inaugural public speech in Nazareth stands in contrast to that of the incoming US president. In a week when our Bible passages encourage us to think about honouring the law of Moses and sharing Jesus’ good news, President Trump’s ‘golden age’ manifesto, seems to speak out against: caring for the environment; gender diversity, working with or alongside other nations; the previous administration’s overspending, whilst announcing planned trips to the moon! And that’s before you even get onto revoking legal decisions about the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots and the various cases working their way through the law courts about senior members of his new government.
In our gospel reading Jesus sets out his ‘manifesto’. He announces that he is fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61.1-2 and defines what his messianic role will be. He will usher in God’s reign and bring liberation to the oppressed and depressed. Jesus’ mission will bring in a new order of things in which those that are seen to be the least and the last are prioritised. While his message is initially well received by his hearers in the synagogue, they will later turn against him. It is a pattern that is often seen by those who speak out for the marginalised in our society, they find initial approval from some but face opposition from the powers that be, a conflict which further divides and may even cause initial supporters to fall away.
In a week when we have just prayed for and celebrated Christian Unity, in the Corinthians passage so often used as an ideal model for balance and mutual support within our churches, we find words that could have been written to advise someone who is also in the process of forming a new government administration. It reminds us that things which might have previously divided people – racial or ethnic identity, gender, ability, status – should no longer do so in this new age. God’s Spirit brings a respect and mutuality between all peoples.
In this passage, we see that diversity is part of God’s creation and the plethora of gifts listed reflects that. Such diversity can cause strife. This however, is not God’s way. The message of both our readings is that the social order in the kingdom of God is different. In the community of the people of God, everyone is valuable. As well as recognising all gifts to be of equal worth, the analogy of the body emphasises that everyone has a gift, everyone has a role to play. But how much do we value those who cannot give back, or cannot express their gifts in a conventional way?
Whatever you think about all of this, Trump’s list at the start of his time in power is a very different list of promises to the one Jesus made as he started his ministry powered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus might have upset the applecart of his day, but sadly some of the fruits of his manifesto would seem to be the very ones thrown down and trampled on the floor of the Capitol building on Monday. Jesus’ list highlights good news for those at the margins – for the poor, the oppressed and those who have suffered through no fault of their own and sets out a programme that will impact people who need to be drawn into society, who have value and need to be cared for – not ejected or pushed away. Two different lists of promises that impact people in very different ways. How do we feel called to share Jesus’ message with all those who will be struggling or hurt after this past week?
Hymn God’s spirit is deep in my heart (R&S 576)
Prayers of Intercession
Lord, we pray for those members of your body, the Church, who can’t be with us here in this place today. For the sick, at home or in hospital; for those who are housebound because of old age or infirmity; for those mourning the death of a loved one; and for those affected by mental health issues that keep them from us just now. Help them to know that they are not out of sight, out of mind; and guide us to understand how to include them as best we can, to keep them in your circle of belonging.
We are members of one body. We rejoice in our diversity and the gifts that each person brings to the body of Christ.
Lord God, when one is honoured, we are all honoured.
We pray for those who lead our nation, our church and our communities… When one is in need, we are all in need .We pray for those who are working for peace around the world… When one suffers, we all suffer.We pray for those who seek your healing in our community… When one leaves us, we are all bereft.We remember with thanksgiving those who have gone before us in the faith of Christ… When one rejoices, we all rejoice. Amen.
Hymn The kingdom of God is justice and joy (R&S 200)
Blessing
Lord Jesus, you were anointed to bring new sight, freedom and good news to all people. Help us to share this good news of your love and care with everyone we meet in the week ahead. Amen.
Prayers and other material (adapted) © Roots for Churches Ltd. Used by permission.