Trinity VIII- Matthew 7:15-21

 The Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity contains two important warnings from our Lord. The first warning is Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." The second is Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Sometimes, these verses have been viewed as general warnings about corruption and hypocrisy among believers. And that is partially true. All Christians should be careful to avoid spiritual and moral corruption.  However, in these verses, our Lord is focusing on a more specific issue: the danger of corrupt religious leaders who endanger God's people, His sheep.

Human beings need leaders in various areas of life, including the area of religion and faith. Yet, false prophets and other corrupt religious leaders have been a problem throughout human history. They were a problem for ancient Israel, for Jews and Gentiles during Christ's time, and for the Christian Church at many times in history.

Although corruption has been an ongoing human problem, corrupt leadership seems even more of an issue in our time. The moral corruption of secular and religious leaders often gains attention, especially when it involves financial or sexual immorality. Such corruption can be very disheartening, especially when corrupt leaders claim to be Christians. Nevertheless, our verses point to an even more serious problem than financial or sexual misconduct. By speaking of "false prophets," Jesus is pointing beyond personal moral failings to serious matters of false teaching. We may think many example, including Christian and non-Christian teachers and ministers. Of course, any religious leader who misbehaves may create scandal and need to repent, but a person who promotes false teachings is even more dangerous for the flock. Those Christian leaders who reject the truth of Scripture, the Creeds, and the Commandments are wolves hiding within ready to mislead and devour Christ's flock. 

The faithful must beware of the danger, but we must not despair. Jesus Christ is still our great and good shepherd who watches over us from heaven and assists us through the Holy Spirit. He offers us His grace through Word and Sacrament. And although corrupt leaders do cause much damage, they do not endure forever. God limits the damage caused by evil, and He continues to raise up good leaders among the faithful remnant of His people. So let us persevere in faith and in hope!

Trinity XXII

For this week, my attention fell on the Collect for the Day for the Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. It reads:

LORD, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This collect dates from at least the eighth century if not earlier. It contains basic themes that tie together the assigned Scripture lessons. It views the Church as a household or extended family under the guidance and protection of God the heavenly Father. He is the source of all goodness and godliness, and only through His gracious help can His human children do good.

Epiphany IV- Support in All Dangers

The length of the Epiphany season in any year is determined by the date of Easter. This means that this year, the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany is the last Sunday in the Epiphany season on the traditional calendar. Next week, the Pre-Lenten season will begin with Septuagesima Sunday.

The Collect and lessons for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany are filled with valuable and diverse themes. In this post, I will only highlight one of these topics. This topic is our need for divine assistance. This topic is related to our readings today, and it is emphasized in the collect of the day. This thematic prayer says, "O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature, we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 

This collect goes back to at least the 900s and was revised for the 1662 Prayer Book, It reflects the human situation that Christians always face in this world. Although the details shift according to time and place, there are perenially "many and great dangers." These dangers are physical, mental, and spiritual. They include sin, crime, war, injustice, political instability, economic conditions, natural disasters, disease, personal health, etc, We are frail creatures who cannot withstand all these dangers on our own, and we constantly need the support of divine grace. We are to trust that regardless of circumstances, God knows our situations and provides us with the kind of help that is the most beneficial for our souls.