Year A - Proper 22 (02 Oct - 08 Oct)

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VERSION: 8 May 2002

SUNDAY BETWEEN 2 AND 8 OCT (PROPER 22), YEAR A

In 2002: 20th Sunday after Pentecost, 6 Oct

In 2005: 20th Sunday after Pentecost, 2 Oct

In 2008: 21st Sunday after Pentecost, 5 Oct

In 2011: 16th Sunday after Pentecost, 2 Oct

In 2014: 17th Sunday after Pentecost, 5 Oct

- - -

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Time after Pentecost' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

SENTENCE

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

We do not have a righteousness of our own that comes from the law,

but one that comes through faith in Christ,

the righteousness from God based on faith.

(Phil 3:9 based on NRSV)

OR, use one of the general Sentences in the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

INTRODUCTION TO CONFESSION

In some traditions, it is customary to recite the Ten Commandments before the confession of sins. If the first reading (1a) is used, consider reading it at this point in the service rather than after the prayer of the day (collect).

OR

Use the following introduction.

Friends in Christ:

These are the words that God spoke to the people of Israel:

I am the Lord your God.

Do not have any god except me.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

Remember God's special day and keep it holy.

Respect your father and your mother.

Do not murder.

Do not be unfaithful in marriage.

Do not steal.

Do not tell lies about anyone.

Do not want anyone else's house.

Do not want anyone else's husband or wife, servants, animals or possessions.

God says:

I am the Lord your God,

and I demand all your love.

If you reject me,

I will punish your families

for three or four generations.

But if your love me,

and obey my laws,

I will be kind to your families

for thousands of generations.

Knowing that we have failed to keep the law of God,

let us confess our sins to God our Father,

and ask him, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ,

to forgive us.

The usual confession and questions follow.

After the questions of confession, before the absolution, the pastor may say:

St Paul reminds us

that we do not have a righteousness of our own

that comes from the law,

but we have a righteousness that comes from God

through faith in Christ.

Therefore, upon your confession . . .

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)

Traditional

O almighty and most merciful God,

in your bountiful goodness

keep us from all things that may hurt us,

that we may be ready both in body and soul

cheerfully to accomplish those things

that are according to your will;

through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, modernised traditional

Almighty and merciful God,

in your goodness defend us

from everything that might hurt us,

so that we may be ready in body and soul

to do cheerfully what is according to your will.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, alternative

(Let us pray that we may live by faith. [silence])

Almighty and merciful God,

you have ordered our earthly life

that we must walk by faith and not by sight.

Give us such trust in your fatherly care

that we show our faith

by our courage in the face of all perplexities.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, new

(Let us pray that we faithfully do God's work. [silence])

Lord God,

you have planted your church

to be a flourishing fruitful vineyard.

Make us loyal and productive,

doing the work you have given us to do.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

FIRST READING AND PSALM

Note: There are two sets of first readings (with accompanying Psalms) given for the Sundays after Pentecost: (a) a new semi-continuous set, and (b) a set related thematically to the gospels (as in the earlier form of the lectionary). It is intended that either one of these two sets be used throughout and that they not be mixed.

1a

Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20 The Ten Commandments

Psalm 19

Antiphon:

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

(Ps 19:8a NIV)

OR, 1b

Isaiah 5:1-7 The song of the vineyard

Psalm 80:7-15

Antiphon:

The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

(Isa 5:7a NRSV)

SECOND READING

Philippians 3:4b-14 Everything loss compared to Christ

ALLELUIA VERSE (Matt 21:42 NRSV)

Alleluia, alleluia.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;

this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 21:33-46 Parable of the tenants in the vineyard

(Begin: 'Jesus said:')

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank you for letting us work in your vineyard.

Help us to acknowledge you as God's Son,

and be faithful and fruitful workers.

Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, for making us members of your kingdom

and calling us to be tenants in your vineyard.

Help us to remember that you are the owner of the vineyard,

the Lord of our lives,

and we are responsible to you.

Make us obedient and productive,

serving you and other people.

Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

If using the first reading (1a) from Exodus 20, you may wish to use the prayer of the church based on the Ten Commandments. See the document 'Catechism resources' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

OR

Call to prayer

God has given us righteousness through faith in Christ. Let us pray to him with confidence, trusting that he hears the prayers we offer in Jesus' name.

The regular response, OR:

Father, hear our prayer,

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Suggested intercessions

Concluding prayer

Lord, you give us confidence in you, a confidence that is based on the righteousness you have given us in Christ. Receive our prayer, and give your healing mercy to all who are in need. We pray in Jesus' name.

Amen.

PREFACE

It is indeed right and good,

Lord God, holy Father,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks to you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(On this day)*

he overcame death by his resurrection

and opened up for us

the way to eternal life with you.

And so, with angels and archangels,

and with all the company of heaven,

we adore and praise your glorious name:

* The words 'on this day' are used only on Sundays.

COMMUNION INVITATION

For a choice of communion invitations, see the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Communion invitation', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

See the service order for a standard post-communion prayer. Alternatively, use the third prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Almighty and merciful God,

thank you for showing your love for us

in this sacrament.

As we walk throughout this earthly life by faith,

give us such trust in your fatherly care

that we show our faith

by our courage in the face of all perplexities.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Go in peace as faithful servants of the Lord.

Thanks be to God. OR In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS

Please note:        * =        Modernised version available

      G3, G4 . . . =        Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . .

      GS =        Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading (a) : Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

LHS

AT

TIS

First reading (b) : Isaiah 5:1-7

LHS

AT

TIS

Second reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

LHS

AT

TIS

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46

LHS

AT

TIS

PSALM 19

For musical settings of Psalm 19, see Music Packages 3, 5, 6 and 7.

TIS 7, The sky tells the glory of God, is a version of Psalm 19:1-5, and TIS 8, God's law is perfect, is a version of Psalm 19:7-10.

The Iona song 'May the words of my mouth' in ATO 323 may be used as a congregational refrain, while a reader reads the verses of Psalm 19.

The following paraphrase of Psalm 19 by David Sch¸tz is sung to either St Denio (LH 392, TIS 143) or Foundation (LHS A4, TIS 578). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

Accept now, O Lord, my redeemer, my rock,

the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart.

The heavens are telling your glory and power,

your handwork is shown by the sky all around.

Though night teaches night, and though day speaks to day,

no language is heard in the words that they say.

And yet their voice goes throughout all of the world,

their words are conveyed to the end of the earth.

God set up a tent for the sun in the sky;

it comes like a bridegroom on his wedding day,

and runs, like an athlete, from morning to night,

and nothing is hidden from its burning light.

The Lord's law is perfect, reviving the soul;

his precepts are right, making saddened hearts whole.

His teachings are certain, they make us all wise;

and all his commandments give light to our eyes.

The fear of the Lord will forever endure.

His judgments are righteous and holy and pure,

far sweeter than honey, more precious than gold;

in them both a warning and promise is told.

But no-one can know all the things they've done wrong,

so cleanse me from those secret things that I've done.

From sinning intention'ly, Lord, keep me free,

then holy and blameless forever I'll be.

PSALM 80:7-15

For musical settings of Psalm 80:7-15, see Music Package 10. TIS 42, O shepherd of Israel, is a version of Psalm 80:1-3,7,14-15,17-18. Note that the hymns 'O come, O come Immanuel' (LH 2, TIS 265), 'The king of love my shepherd is' (LH 391, TIS 145), and 'Saviour, like a shepherd lead us' (LH 604*), as well as the song 'Help, O Lord, the thrown away' (AT 272), are partly based on Psalm 80.

The following paraphrase of Psalm 80:7-16 may be sung to the tune Nativity (LH 627, TIS 204) or Evan (LH 68(ii)). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

Restore us once again, O God,

and show your smiling face;

O God of power, O God of might,

show us your saving grace.

From Egypt you have brought a vine,

and, by your mighty hand,

you cleared a place, and planted it.

It grew and filled the land.

It covered mountains with its shade,

the cedars with its leaves.

Its tendrils reached the river bank,

its branches reached the sea.

Why have you broken down its walls,

so all may pluck its fruit?

The forest boar has ravaged it,

and cattle eat it too.

Turn now again, O God, and see

the vine that you have sown.

May those who burnt and cut it down,

now pay for what they've done.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

For a hymn based on Martin Luther's catechism hymn of the Ten Commandments, see the document 'Catechism resources' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

EXODUS 20:1-4,7-9,12-20: This system of law is unique among religious formulations of humankind. The Ten Commandments were given not by the intermediary work of a human writer, but were voiced personally by God himself. Later they were written on stone tablets by God and given to Moses. Authority for them lies with God and therefore their validity extends to all times and peoples. The first three commandments deal with our duty towards God, the others lay down our duty to each other. Each of these commands is repeated and even enlarged on by our Lord in his teaching of love to God and the neighbour as recorded in the gospels.

ISAIAH 5:1-7: Right through history God had done a lot of work to fashion a nation of people (Abraham's descendants) to shine to his glory amidst the darkness of fallen humanity. Isaiah here compares God's love to a husband's love for his wife and God's work to the lavishment of care a vigneron freely gives the vines.  Thus God tended this people. Can anyone understand, then, the capricious sinfulness of God's people? While you would expect right to prevail in Israel and Judah, you would only find innocents' rights trampled on even with bloodshed. While you would expect holy obedience after all that work of God, all the evidence you would find was despair from the downtrodden. Sour grapes indeed, as the Lord surveyed his vineyard.

PHILIPPIANS 3:4-14: Some Jewish people in this Macedonian congregation at Philippi wanted to take these new Christians back into the old Jewish law. Paul points to his own former prominent standing as a leader in Jewish tradition and strict religious observance. It was worth nothing to him now, he says. The only thing finally worthwhile is possessing the gift of Christ's righteousness which lasts into all eternity with God. Yet having that righteousness by faith, he needs still to hold onto it with every effort he can exert. He could gladly lose his home, family, social standing and count it merely as rubbish; but once having known Christ, he could never have peace under God if he let this eternal wonder go. Therefore he would strive with every breath to maintain his 'perfection' in Christ until it was finally and fully perfected in heaven.

MATTHEW 21:33-46: In this parable, the tenants controlling the Lord's vineyard represent religious leaders of the day. This includes also those of the past who rejected, stoned, and even killed God's messengers, the prophets. Now that God's Son is finally sent, he too will meet with the same hardhearted rejection. However, those who stumble against this cornerstone do so to their own judgment. God would have a church of faithful believers. He will accordingly take the gospel from a 'national' church to a 'spiritual' body of believers. Hasn't the same pattern showed itself in the history of the church and in our own time?

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS

Pictures or visual symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading (1a) from Exodus could be illustrated by a simplified picture of the two tablets of the Commandments. The alternative first reading (1b) from Isaiah could be accompanied by a drawing such as the last illustration in the series in the TEV Bible illustrating Isaiah 5:1,2. The second reading could be illustrated by a drawing such as in the TEV Bible for Philippians 3:14.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'

See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

DRAMATISING THE READINGS

The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the first reading (1a) could be read dramatically by two or more readers, reading the various commandments; and the gospel could be read dramatically by at least four readers: narrator (the pastor), Jesus, tenant, listener.

CHILDREN

'COME AND SEE JESUS'

The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is currently available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

This week's story is 'The parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-46)'. Material for this story may be found in:

Original Edition, Year C, Semester 2, 5 Lent

OR

Revised RCL Edition, Year A, Semester 2, Proper 22.