FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 18)
September 10, 2023
AS WE GATHER
Instead of a children’s sermon, today Jesus makes a child the sermon, saying, “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). We like to think of ourselves as mature adults, independent and able to take charge of our lives, acting as if we are God. No children’s stuff for us! A child, though, is one who is totally dependent on father and mother for all of life, just as we are dependent on God the Father for all of life. Becoming like a child in humble faith, however, is impossible apart from the grace of God in Christ, Mary’s Child, whose blood has reconciled us to the Father and enables us to be reconciled with one another in the forgiveness of sins.
Bible Reading
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Ezekiel 33:7-9
(The message of restoration, a matter of life and death.)
EPISTLE READING: Romans 13:1-10
(The life of faith lived in the world.)
HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 18:1-20
(The fellowship of the forgiven.)