Proper 6B

Proper 6B

Brent D. Neely

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Collect for this week helps the congregation to see that the theme of the week is the Church doing the work which Christ has called us to. It reminds us that we cannot do it solely on our own, though. We need to be empowered by the grace of God to do this work we have been called to. This prayer also helps us to hear that the Scripture lessons are calling us to specific tasks. To proclaim God’s truth with boldness and minister the justice of God with compassion.

Those two things are reveal something I believe is extremely important. We are to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in two ways: word and deed! It cannot be just one, but instead we need both. We must proclaim boldly the Gospel truth of Jesus Christ and we must live out that Gospel truth with compassionate justice! The lessons for this week call us to preach and act in a way that gives glory to God. This prayer can help our people see how the Church is empowered to do both word and deed through the Holy Spirit who keeps us as the people of God in steadfast faith and love.

Brent D. Neely

About the Contributor

Pastor of the Cape Elizabeth

Church of the Nazarene