Sunday Stretch: Vol. 133
Start off your week with a grounded take on Bible, prayer, the world, and your life ...
Hi Readers,
I have to tell you that I am a bit verklempt as I write to you today. I arrived back home in Minnesota just a few hours ago after spending five days in the great state of Missouri: three of them in St. Louis for the Cooperative Baptists Fellowship general assembly, and two of them in Kansas City to see family and watch my oldest son play basketball (and hit a game-winning 3-pointer!)
Today has been spent catching up, both on work and laundry/household chores - as well as the summer scramble of driving school-age kids around to and from various activities (very thankful for flexible work schedule to be able to do this, however). During this catching up, I’ve gotten to read several moving pieces about my time in St. Louis with Baptist Women in Ministry, and I’ve gotten to hear more about the rest of the assembly that I arrived a bit too late to attend.
Highly recommend this piece from
to get a taste of the incredible, prophetic words that were shared from folks like the Rev. Traci Blackmon and , among others:
I was deeply moved and inspired to be a part of this Spirit-led gathering. Even though it’s always tough, I know, for any of us to get away for things like conferences, and I too struggle with anxiety and introvert tendencies in large-group gatherings, this was so worth it and so important. Like gathering for weekly worship with your local faith community, being together in person to commit together to listen to God and continue to work for justice and hear the truth, this time together filled me with hope and reminded me that, while modern life can feel lonely, and sometimes we all also can get lost in the minutiae of caring for our singular households — the community God intends for us is much, much more expansive. Crowded table, indeed.
As I caught up on emails this morning, I was also overwhelmed by reading so many powerful things. A yoga meditation about “going deep” from
spoke to me on a number of levels. I read a poem about living with diagnosed mental illness that brought me to tears (CW: language, self-harm, suicide). All this to say, on a week when we celebrate America’s founding and commitment to freedom - in the midst of political leadership determined to starve the poor of resources and transfer more and more money and resources to wealthy corporations - God has also provided me with reminders of the truth and community that sustains.I also got to read emails from some of you that touched me deeply: about how this Sunday Stretch newsletter gave you an opportunity to feel seen and heard in the midst of Christian Nationalist “church” services that glorified violence and hate. Thank you so much for sharing yourselves with me and reminding me about the breadth and depth of this very community. Maybe someday we will find a way to gather in person! Until then - I am grateful for the transformative power of the Spirit that harnesses the Internet for Good like This.
Let’s get to the texts!
(this image references a parallel text to today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 10)
Bible Stories
Isaiah 66:10-14
Is. 66:10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her,
all you who love her;
rejoice with her in joy,
all you who mourn over her—
11 that you may nurse and be satisfied
from her consoling breast;
that you may drink deeply with delight
from her glorious bosom.
Is. 66:12 For thus says the LORD:
I will extend prosperity to her like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream;
and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm,
and dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so I will comfort you;
you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
The Reign and Indignation of God
14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice;
your bodiesa shall flourish like the grass;
and it shall be known that the hand of the LORD is with his servants,
and his indignation is against his enemies.
Initially when I was preparing this week’s Sunday Stretch, I thought I might skip the Lectionary texts and refer again to last week’s post about July 4 and Christian Nationalism. But then when I read the texts for this week, I realized how important it was that we read them and pray over them together.
First, this, from the Prophet Isaiah. We see some beautiful images about the femininity of God: “As a mother comforts her child, so I shall comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”
The Prophet also writes of God’s city, Jerusalem, in motherly terms. The city, perhaps, is sacred not because of its size or strength but because of its compassion. And of course Americans do well to remember once again on this weekend that America is not in the Bible - the locus and center of Scripture is the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and North Africa.
Questions to Ponder
Many current American politicians say their political decision-making is influenced by their Christian faith. Among right-wing legislators, they particularly say that a preference for the State of Israel I part of their Evangelical faith. This is a huge question and not easily answered - but it’s worth considering for each of us. How do you understand God’s particular blessing and choosing of Jerusalem/Israel/the Hebrew people/the Jewish people - with a political preference for the nation-state of Israel?
The translator used the word “dandle” to describe how Jerusalem would nurture God’s people. Look up this word. Why might it relate to how God wanted God’s people to feel in their home city/community?
Who are God’s enemies?
Galatians 6:7-16
Gal. 6:7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
Final Admonitions and Benediction
Gal. 6:11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whicha the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Fora neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Oh, this text. This one - like many in Paul’s letters - for me lays bear in vulnerable ways the Apostle’s very humanness, even as he shares his incredible giftedness as a theologian and pastor.
No, God is not mocked. I mean, that is a word for a day of growing and thriving Christian Nationalism that makes God into an idol for wealth, power, and violence.
But with that Law we too have Gospel. Paul says, “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right.” And somehow each time I read that, I read it not as an admonition by a strict authority - but instead as an admission of solidarity and a confession of exhaustion. Only one who is deeply weary, one who writes often to the churches while imprisoned and in chains, can say - as a lament and a prayer: Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.
In the midst of long summer days, I say to you too, do not give up. You are not alone.
You might notice a harvest theme in this text and the next one. What does the imagery of harvest mean when it comes to faith communities? How is that imagery misused when it comes to vulnerable people?
What does Paul mean by “boasting of the cross”?
Why does Paul say the world has been crucified to him?
Matthew 10:1-11, 16-20
Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventya others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’a 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’a
Luke 10:16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
The Return of the Seventy
Luke 10:17 The seventya returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
I often share this text, or at least verses 1-15, at the end of presentations and speeches I give about the theology and reality of Christian Nationalism, and how to counter its threat. I especially share this text with those who are actively engaged in resistance work to the political and social power of Christian Nationalism and violent masculinity. Often for me, the groups I speak to in this area are made up with church leaders, both clergy, staff, and lay leaders: paid and volunteer (I’m sure that means many of you reading this newsletter as well).
I share this text because it’s both empowering and realistic. It’s empowering because it reminds us that we are not sent to do this work on our own. The incredible and miraculous power of the Holy Spirit goes with us and before us. We are given power and truth from on high, and the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.
The realistic part of this text also helps us to get comfortable setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care in this work. An exhausted and burned out leader is of no use to anyone, including ourselves. Many of us who do this work are extremely empathetic and sensitive. We are drawn in often by those who might, even without intending it, take advantage of our empathy and sensitivity. They don’t want to build bridges or create understanding and compromise; they want to win an argument and dominate us: for their own complicated reasons. This text gives us permission to discern when that’s happening, even with loved ones or in faith communities. It gives us permission to wipe the dust from our feet and walk away; not necessarily to sever relationships or be angry, but to create healthy boundaries so God’s Spirit can intercede in God’s timing. Especially for women reading this (I think in general we are socialized not to be “mean”) - it’s OK to set boundaries for your own self-care. Jesus prescribes it.
Why does Jesus say, even in this time of great growth for his ministry, that the laborers are few?
What kind of prayer might we raise to “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers?”
What does this passage tell us God thinks about those who labor?
Bonus Question: What does this passage communicate about the gift of hospitality?
PRAYER
Dear God,
Today in these texts you give us great gifts and imagery of the love, compassion, and mission you desire for each of us and for our faith communities. Help us to dwell joyfully in your expansive vision, inviting others in, and setting boundaries against those who might prey upon these sacred places.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
AMEN
This was a special FREE version of the Sunday Stretch especially because these texts are so important for this very moment in our world.
Thank you to all paid subscribers who make this ministry sustainable and possible!
An Invitation
A Community that prays for one another is transformed by the power of the Spirit. We’ve been praying for and with each other now for over two years! About once a quarter, I will re-start this space for prayer requests and praises. Please email with your own requests and I will share here with your permission!
Today is the fourth Sunday after Pentecost, so we re-started prayer requests four weeks ago. Please do send your requests to add here to the list!
For all preachers, faith leaders, and people of faith who speak boldly this week against Christian Nationalism and violent masculinity, and instead point to the way of Jesus and the way of the Cross.
We pray for all those in the world facing the specter of war and violent bombing attacks, including American servicemembers serving in the Middle East and beyond, as well as civilians living in Iran, Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, and beyond. We pray that world leaders might turn away from hatred and retributive violence and instead prioritize peace, safety, and human life.
We pray especially for all those in Minnesota and beyond who mourn the deaths of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. We also pray for continued healing for Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, after they too were victims of an attempted assassination. We pray for all those who were listed as potential targets of this politically-motivated shooting, and for all those who find themselves continually at risk of violence for their political beliefs and leadership positions in government. May all government leaders prioritize caution, care, and truth in condemning all violence, including violent and hate-filled rhetoric against political opponents.
Thank you for the blessings and support I’ve received as I have launched my new book and traveled to speak again. Please continue to expand this community of listening, understanding, and inspiration - and may my words be received with open hearts and new questions and opportunities for growth.
For all impacted across the U.S. and the world by strong summer storms and wildfires in Canada: grant them the assistance and the support they need to repair and rebuild, and provide shelter for all who are experiencing homelessness.
We pray for all those living and working outside in the midst of strong and deadly summer heatwaves. May they be given access to water and shade and cool places to sleep, as well as breaks throughout the work day - especially for farmworkers who often work without protections.
We pray for immigrants, migrants, and all those who are undocumented. May they be given sanctuary and support in America. May our churches find ways to resist the politics of demonization of immigrants. We pray today especially for all of those in Los Angeles.
For American federal government employees: may they continue to do their work with dignity and honesty and without the threat of political retribution. Also for aid workers and organizations who have been threatened and who have lost their funding access: that they may be given pathways forward to continue their work.
For brave faith leaders who dare to speak out against powerful political leaders
As we continue into Summer, we pray with deep sighs for the war and death and violence in the Holy Land. We continue to pray for an end to escalating violence in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and throughout the Middle East - as well as in Sudan and Yemen. May world leaders prioritize peace over power, and mercy over might. May those who cry out for justice and an end to war be protected and heard.
May all those who are providing aid and food, and seeking assistance in Gaza be protected in the midst of violence around food distribution.
For all immigrants and migrants around the world, far from home, seeking a new and safe homeland. Might they be embraced where they go, offered assistance and solidarity and friendship.
Be with all American lawmakers in this time of political upheavals and corruption by business leaders and wealthy individuals. Give them courage to speak truth and govern with care for humanity and life.
For so many loved ones of mine who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment. May they have caring and high-quality care, rest as needed, and loving support of family and friends.
We also pray for all those who are caring for loved ones who are going through myriad health challenges, including mental health and addiction. Grant them rest and relief in the midst of difficult and tiring times.
For those who continue to live and fight in Ukraine, that the world will not turn away its attention from the plight of Ukrainians and their stand against authoritarian Russia.
For all those who don’t have a safe place to live or enough food to eat, that they might be first and receive what they need.
For all around the world who face persecution for their religious beliefs, especially for religious minorities in places where governments sanction religion-based violence
For Christians to be emboldened to speak out courageously against anti-semitism and to acknowledge how we have been complicit in anti-semitic actions and speech against our Jewish siblings
For governments and leaders to prioritize climate change solutions and not be only ruled by profit or big business
For journalists, who risk their lives and livelihood to write and report truth - even against the wishes of media ownership and administration
For all the concerns deep on our hearts, that you hear and know and acknowledge, we pray …
In the boundless joy of a Spirit-filled existence, to worship God with exuberance, excitement, love, and inclusion,
In Jesus’ name we pray,
AMEN
P.S. …
A Few Notes:
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