Is This a Time to Pursue Money?--Sept. 26, 2017

Is this a time to pursue money and real estate

(even if we must swear falsely to do so),

and to take advantage of slave labor?

Or is it the time to protect aliens

and uphold the vulnerable

and eat the bread of

sincerity and

truth?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 54; 146; 28; 99

2 Kings 5:19-27

1 Cor. 5:1-8

Matt. 5:27-37

Selected Verses

Ps. 146:9

 The LORD watches over the strangers;
          he upholds the orphan and the widow,
          but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

2 Kings 5:26

But [Elisha] said to [Gehazi], "Did I not go with you in spirit when someone left his chariot to meet you?  Is this a time to accept money and to accept clothing, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, and male and female slaves?  …"

1 Cor. 5:8

Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Matt. 5:33-34a, 37

"Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.'  But I say to you, Do not swear at all…  Let your word be 'Yes, Yes' or 'No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one."  [Jesus, to the crowds on the mountain]