This week’s readings focus on character.
The virtues of honesty, faithfulness, and godliness are lifted up; although the “advice” of Jesus to “make friends by means of dishonest wealth” is a bit of a curveball. Those of us who grew up with a British sense of sarcasm may hear his lip curl through the ink of the text; especially if we read Amos first.
Paul urges prayer for kings and those in authority – so that they might leave us alone and in peace. Those of us embroiled in US election coverage may detect a sigh of resignation through the syllables of Paul’s epistle.
May you be blessed with the finely tuned hearing of a bat, the wisdom of a snake, and the faithfulness of a labrador in the study of this week’s lectionary selection.
That’s not my biblical blessing for the week, by the way.
God help you to find faithful and peaceable lives,
graced by godliness and the quiet dignity of Jesus,
in the service of God our Saviour;
and the blessing of God: Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit; be among you always. Amen.
over the water 