Ash Wednesday
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII, Cycle A
Object:
Seasonal Theme
We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Theme For The Day
We come together to confess our sins and to be reminded we have forgiveness and will one day return to the earth from whence we came.
Old Testament Lesson
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Summons For Repentance
Most commentators consider this invasion as a continuing plague of locusts advancing like the Lord's army. God sounds the alarm. Others believe this refers to the divine army in Isaiah 13. Verses 2:12-17 have God's invitation to convert as in Deuteronomy 30:10 which calls for a genuine one of the heart. Tearing your clothes was an Old Testament ritual of showing grief. Verse 12b calls for us to fast (a commendable practice for us U.S. overeaters). So ritual is not condemned by the prophet, but an empty formalism is! God can grant mercy and permit Israel to sacrifice to God thus receiving mercy. Joel is different from many early prophets as he demonstrates support for temple worship.
Then comes the summons for national repentance for which this passage was selected to be read on Ash Wednesday. No one is exempt from the inclusive invitation. Even newlyweds who are usually exempt from most regulations must come to the holy assembly to return to God. The priests are to plead to God for salvation for God's people. What a moving passage of the gathering of God's people, sincere repentance, solemn worship, and the granting of God's mercy.
New Testament Lesson
2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Acceptable To God
It's an awesome responsibility Paul writes about, "... speak for Christ..." Where the big decisions are made in our global village, we must always be certain someone speaks on Christ's behalf. As an ambassador's country is judged by his/her actions as well as his/her message, so too is the ambassador for Christ. Paul's message was that we ought be at peace with God. What Christ did on the cross makes us acceptable to God, according to Paul in verse 21.
In a claim to be an effective and sincere servant of Christ, Paul proceeds to give us a list of his sufferings on God's behalf. The Greek word for endurance, hupomone, is used. It means to endure circumstances in such a victorious way that it changes the person. It is what changes suffering into strength and glory. Listed by Paul are those struggles inside and outside us. And then the violence from mobs. Today it's not so much the violence of the mob, but the mockery which we must confront. Verse 6 lists virtues still worthwhile. None were possible without the Holy Spirit. He finishes this lyrical passage by saying (v. 10) he may have nothing and be homeless; but he brings a richness to life itself. He had everything that counted in life and life after this one.
The Gospel
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Our Treasures
This portion of the teaching of Jesus to his disciples on the mountain seems to be against those who practice religion as "show offs." When we do good deeds, give to the poor, pray and fast, the disciples are told to do it but not to show off their piety. It's an admonition to be careful about doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Then comes the teaching about treasures. We are to avoid trying to hoard stuff which can rust away or be stolen from us. If we do depend on having such as these for our happiness, we will not be joyful disciples. Our real treasures are those things which do not rust, wear out, or can be stolen from us. Verse 21 states a great truth to which we who live in a consumer society can testify: the things we consider our treasure is where our heart will be. The sermon can easily begin and end with this profound sentence.
Preaching Possibilities
If you wish to use all three readings, it can be a sermon of contrast and paradox.
Joel says to sound the trumpet and call a solemn assembly, fast, mourn, repent, grieve over our sins. Matthew records Jesus as teaching the disciples that when they do these things -- for God's sake don't show off in the way you do them. Saint Paul lists the right way to be public in our practice of religion (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). So while it may seem contradictory, actually there is a progression from Joel's admonition to repent and be sorry and Jesus' teaching not to call attention to it, to Paul's example of patience in suffering and servanthood. It will preach.
Of course, each lesson will also stand on its own. Joel gives us opportunity to talk of judgment, repentance, God as merciful, worship which is meaningful, and being faithful when others ridicule us for our religious practice. That will really work in the setting of a liturgical Ash Wednesday service. Paul's 2 Corinthians 6 offers the opportunity to preach about Paul's view of being a Christian:
A. One for whom Jesus made us acceptable to God (5:21b).
B. One who is a servant of God (6:4).
C. One who makes it through suffering with patience (v. 6).
D. One who has the Holy Spirit (v. 6b).
E. One who speaks the truth (v. 7).
F. One who is poor but has plenty (v. 10).
The Gospel will also work on its own:
Title: "Being a Christian Disciple" (Matthew 6:1-6)
A. Doing good without showing off (vv. 1, 5, and 16): "When we give to the poor; when we pray; when we fast."
B. Locating your treasures (v. 21).
C. Storing up safely (v. 19).
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Because it's Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent in the liturgical churches, I want to go with the Old Testament Lesson from Joel. A second reason I choose this lesson is because of its compelling imagery and poetry. It is a passage of great prose and beauty.
Here is a possible outline of sermon moves:
1. Title: "Sounding the Trumpet in... (your city)"
2. Introduction: We don't talk much anymore about sin, being sorry for it, and pleading to God for forgiveness. But Joel does. On this day which begins the repentant season of Lent, let's sound the trumpet here just as Joel did there.
a. Let's sound the trumpet and warn ourselves of the judgment which one day we all face. This is a day when with ashes we remind ourselves we came from the earth and we shall return to the earth.
b. Let's sound the trumpet and consider the storm clouds gathering on our day too. Clouds of nuclear disaster, of global warming, of over-population, of racial hatred, of a greed economy, and wealth addiction.
c. Let's sound the trumpet and fast and grieve for our sinful ways.
d. Let's sound the trumpet and celebrate the fact God treats us with mercy. God does not want to punish us.
e. Let's sound the trumpet and not mind when we are made fun of because of our trumpet sound.
3. Now to a "So what?" by recommending how you think Joel would keep Lent this year:
a. By putting the spotlight on those forces which are a real threat to humanity in the future,
b. By giving up some food these six weeks,
c. By taking part in a regular confessional service,
d. By telling others about our God who loves us this much,
e. By developing a prayer life which prays for others as well and confesses our own sins.
4. Frame the sermon by talking about the trumpet and then about "We don't talk much about sin, being sorry, and so on...."
Prayer Of The Day
Thank you, Holy Parent, for sounding the trumpet in our religious lives today (tonight) and summoning us to this assembly of your sinners who are seeking your forgiveness for our sins. Show us the way to observe a repentant life this coming Lenten season and help us to blow the trumpet for others as well. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Stories
My medical doctor friend explained today how in medical terms the doctor must "convert" the heart when there is certain heart trouble. We Christians have paid far too little attention to the need for conversion of our hearts. People join our churches like joining the local service clubs or with even less need to change the heart. Perhaps renewal and conversion need to be recaptured as part of our spiritual lives.
A bumper sticker for Mercy Hospital said, "Take me to Mercy." In the Christ, God's mercy has come to us!
In Bavaria the Christians observe in November a day called Bustag (a day of penance). The custom comes from former times and the Old Testament idea of the king having subjects do a day of Buse (penance) when the country was threatened. It is held ten days before Advent begins and always on a Wednesday. At Wittenberg, Germany, it is observed each night for the ten nights before Advent. Oh, how we Americans could use the idea of repentance and penance.
We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Theme For The Day
We come together to confess our sins and to be reminded we have forgiveness and will one day return to the earth from whence we came.
Old Testament Lesson
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Summons For Repentance
Most commentators consider this invasion as a continuing plague of locusts advancing like the Lord's army. God sounds the alarm. Others believe this refers to the divine army in Isaiah 13. Verses 2:12-17 have God's invitation to convert as in Deuteronomy 30:10 which calls for a genuine one of the heart. Tearing your clothes was an Old Testament ritual of showing grief. Verse 12b calls for us to fast (a commendable practice for us U.S. overeaters). So ritual is not condemned by the prophet, but an empty formalism is! God can grant mercy and permit Israel to sacrifice to God thus receiving mercy. Joel is different from many early prophets as he demonstrates support for temple worship.
Then comes the summons for national repentance for which this passage was selected to be read on Ash Wednesday. No one is exempt from the inclusive invitation. Even newlyweds who are usually exempt from most regulations must come to the holy assembly to return to God. The priests are to plead to God for salvation for God's people. What a moving passage of the gathering of God's people, sincere repentance, solemn worship, and the granting of God's mercy.
New Testament Lesson
2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Acceptable To God
It's an awesome responsibility Paul writes about, "... speak for Christ..." Where the big decisions are made in our global village, we must always be certain someone speaks on Christ's behalf. As an ambassador's country is judged by his/her actions as well as his/her message, so too is the ambassador for Christ. Paul's message was that we ought be at peace with God. What Christ did on the cross makes us acceptable to God, according to Paul in verse 21.
In a claim to be an effective and sincere servant of Christ, Paul proceeds to give us a list of his sufferings on God's behalf. The Greek word for endurance, hupomone, is used. It means to endure circumstances in such a victorious way that it changes the person. It is what changes suffering into strength and glory. Listed by Paul are those struggles inside and outside us. And then the violence from mobs. Today it's not so much the violence of the mob, but the mockery which we must confront. Verse 6 lists virtues still worthwhile. None were possible without the Holy Spirit. He finishes this lyrical passage by saying (v. 10) he may have nothing and be homeless; but he brings a richness to life itself. He had everything that counted in life and life after this one.
The Gospel
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Our Treasures
This portion of the teaching of Jesus to his disciples on the mountain seems to be against those who practice religion as "show offs." When we do good deeds, give to the poor, pray and fast, the disciples are told to do it but not to show off their piety. It's an admonition to be careful about doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Then comes the teaching about treasures. We are to avoid trying to hoard stuff which can rust away or be stolen from us. If we do depend on having such as these for our happiness, we will not be joyful disciples. Our real treasures are those things which do not rust, wear out, or can be stolen from us. Verse 21 states a great truth to which we who live in a consumer society can testify: the things we consider our treasure is where our heart will be. The sermon can easily begin and end with this profound sentence.
Preaching Possibilities
If you wish to use all three readings, it can be a sermon of contrast and paradox.
Joel says to sound the trumpet and call a solemn assembly, fast, mourn, repent, grieve over our sins. Matthew records Jesus as teaching the disciples that when they do these things -- for God's sake don't show off in the way you do them. Saint Paul lists the right way to be public in our practice of religion (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). So while it may seem contradictory, actually there is a progression from Joel's admonition to repent and be sorry and Jesus' teaching not to call attention to it, to Paul's example of patience in suffering and servanthood. It will preach.
Of course, each lesson will also stand on its own. Joel gives us opportunity to talk of judgment, repentance, God as merciful, worship which is meaningful, and being faithful when others ridicule us for our religious practice. That will really work in the setting of a liturgical Ash Wednesday service. Paul's 2 Corinthians 6 offers the opportunity to preach about Paul's view of being a Christian:
A. One for whom Jesus made us acceptable to God (5:21b).
B. One who is a servant of God (6:4).
C. One who makes it through suffering with patience (v. 6).
D. One who has the Holy Spirit (v. 6b).
E. One who speaks the truth (v. 7).
F. One who is poor but has plenty (v. 10).
The Gospel will also work on its own:
Title: "Being a Christian Disciple" (Matthew 6:1-6)
A. Doing good without showing off (vv. 1, 5, and 16): "When we give to the poor; when we pray; when we fast."
B. Locating your treasures (v. 21).
C. Storing up safely (v. 19).
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Because it's Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent in the liturgical churches, I want to go with the Old Testament Lesson from Joel. A second reason I choose this lesson is because of its compelling imagery and poetry. It is a passage of great prose and beauty.
Here is a possible outline of sermon moves:
1. Title: "Sounding the Trumpet in... (your city)"
2. Introduction: We don't talk much anymore about sin, being sorry for it, and pleading to God for forgiveness. But Joel does. On this day which begins the repentant season of Lent, let's sound the trumpet here just as Joel did there.
a. Let's sound the trumpet and warn ourselves of the judgment which one day we all face. This is a day when with ashes we remind ourselves we came from the earth and we shall return to the earth.
b. Let's sound the trumpet and consider the storm clouds gathering on our day too. Clouds of nuclear disaster, of global warming, of over-population, of racial hatred, of a greed economy, and wealth addiction.
c. Let's sound the trumpet and fast and grieve for our sinful ways.
d. Let's sound the trumpet and celebrate the fact God treats us with mercy. God does not want to punish us.
e. Let's sound the trumpet and not mind when we are made fun of because of our trumpet sound.
3. Now to a "So what?" by recommending how you think Joel would keep Lent this year:
a. By putting the spotlight on those forces which are a real threat to humanity in the future,
b. By giving up some food these six weeks,
c. By taking part in a regular confessional service,
d. By telling others about our God who loves us this much,
e. By developing a prayer life which prays for others as well and confesses our own sins.
4. Frame the sermon by talking about the trumpet and then about "We don't talk much about sin, being sorry, and so on...."
Prayer Of The Day
Thank you, Holy Parent, for sounding the trumpet in our religious lives today (tonight) and summoning us to this assembly of your sinners who are seeking your forgiveness for our sins. Show us the way to observe a repentant life this coming Lenten season and help us to blow the trumpet for others as well. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Stories
My medical doctor friend explained today how in medical terms the doctor must "convert" the heart when there is certain heart trouble. We Christians have paid far too little attention to the need for conversion of our hearts. People join our churches like joining the local service clubs or with even less need to change the heart. Perhaps renewal and conversion need to be recaptured as part of our spiritual lives.
A bumper sticker for Mercy Hospital said, "Take me to Mercy." In the Christ, God's mercy has come to us!
In Bavaria the Christians observe in November a day called Bustag (a day of penance). The custom comes from former times and the Old Testament idea of the king having subjects do a day of Buse (penance) when the country was threatened. It is held ten days before Advent begins and always on a Wednesday. At Wittenberg, Germany, it is observed each night for the ten nights before Advent. Oh, how we Americans could use the idea of repentance and penance.
