By Deacon Timothy Siburg
Revised Common Lectionary reflection, 7th Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Year C
February 23, 2025
Key Verse: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” -Luke 6:36
It’s a gift that this year’s Epiphany season is long, for we have a rare opportunity to dig into the readings for the Seventh Sunday after Epiphany. We have the gift and challenge of sitting a little longer with Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” in Luke’s Gospel.
This week Jesus calls us to show mercy. Nothing remarkable in this, but somehow, in this time and space that we are living in today, perhaps these words ring differently? Jesus not only calls us to love our “enemies,” but also to show mercy. To love and care. To embody compassion and foster reconciliation. To live out the golden rule, to “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
What might this have to do with stewardship? Well, in a word, everything. Jesus’ sermon grounds us in how we are to live, love, and serve. His words both comfort and challenge us today, just as they doubtless did first for his disciples and the crowds gathered to hear him.
“Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return,” Jesus preaches. “Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36). It’s the kind of message and wisdom we may be unlikely to hear in the current climate. Preaching in the National Cathedral at a service following Donald Trump’s inauguration, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde asked the President to show mercy and compassion to any who might be afraid. The Bishop was simply doing as Jesus instructs, but her message of mercy has received condemnation by some political and religious authorities.
This is an Epiphany for all of us, as we continue in this season of Epiphanies. Jesus’ straightforward message is sorely needed now more than ever. A message that brings good news to the poor and challenge to the rich, as did last week’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:20-26). A message that that through Christ all things are made new, as Jesus proclaims in word and deed. As Christ’s body today, we are called to show and proclaim likewise. We are called to share and steward God’s love and mercy by being loving and merciful ourselves. We love our enemies, do good, helping others in need without expectation of payback, by doing what is right without falling into the temptations and sins of greed, usury, avarice, and licentiousness.
None of this is easy. It’s hard to “practice what we preach.” Jesus knows this, though, and it’s precisely why he preaches about money, wealth, and possessions as much as he does. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned,” Jesus teaches. “Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Luke 6:37-38).
We get back as much as we give, but not in a “prosperity gospel” way. Rather, it’s a reflection of God’s abundance. More holistically, this is really about doing all that we are supposed to. Showing love. Caring for our neighbors. Using what God entrusts into our care, wisely and for the sake of others.
At its core, this life of being a steward is a joyful response for all that God in Christ has done, will do, and promises to do for us. And it’s also a life of mercy. Whether it be like Joseph’s example, from this week’s first lesson in Genesis, of showing mercy to his brothers who had sold him into slavery. With the lens of mercy, we might just see a little more clearly what Jesus is calling us to do and be a part of. To steward God’s love abundantly and extravagantly, without limits and questions. As signs of God’s gracious love and mercy for one and for all.
Questions for Reflection:
- What might God be calling us to wonder about mercy, given today’s particular challenges and questions?
- We’re all stewards of God’s love. How does this gift and responsibility matter for us? For our neighbors?
- How is God inviting you to show mercy as a steward of God’s love?
In Worship and Congregational Life
A newer hymn text that really speaks to this week’s themes comes from David Bjorlin in his, “Build a Longer Table.” Written in 2018, the challenging but clear text is paired powerfully with the familiar French carol tune, “Noel Nouvelet.” Two verses that stand out are, “Build a longer table, not a higher wall, feeding those who hunger, making room for all. Feasting together, stranger turns to friend, Christ breaks walls to pieces; false divisions end. Build a broader doorway, not a longer fence. Love protects all people, sparing no expense. When we embrace compassion more than fear, Christ tears down our fences: all are welcome here.” [Reference: David Bjorlin, “Build a Longer Table,” as found in All Creation Sings, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2020), #1062.]
Worship with Youth and Children
Perhaps this could be a good week to use a favorite Bible for children or youth and glean some of the stories of Joseph from Genesis for youth time or children’s message. How might you tell the story of Joseph being sold by his jealous brothers, Joseph’s abilities and gift of dream interpretation, and then the gift, later in life, of being able to reconcile with his brothers and provide for them and their family in their time of need? This vital story of forgiveness and mercy could provide a powerful message, connecting the dots to Jesus’ call for all of us to show mercy and love.
Previous reflection for Epiphany 7C:
2019 – Now what?
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