Welcome to our Worship for the Third Sunday in Lent, March 7, 2021.
ALL ARE WELCOME HERE!
This week’s readings are: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22
Specific connections between the First Testament story, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, and the gospel story are difficult to discern in the Third Sunday of Lent. A portion of the psalm however, is an expression of praise to God for the perfection of the law, which reveals itself in the entire creation. At one level, the gospel story may be taken as Jesus’ condemnation of the corruption of what the law had called for. This story in John is directed at the church. On another level, Paul’s first letter to the ancient church in Corinth sets the Christian proclamation against what nonbelievers seek. Given the essential paradox of the cross, the Christian message will remain a mystery to be probed. Even if it does not make sense to “outsiders”, and possibly not even to ourselves at times, the Christian gospel does nevertheless “make sense of us” in a way that is finally redemptive.
Question for Reflection:
The third Sunday in Lent focuses on the gift of God’s law. John Calvin (1509-1564) described three uses for the Ten Commandments. First, they show us how to live before God and neighbour, and expose our sins in failing to live as God intends. Second, they instruct our civic or common life, showing us how to live responsibly in the freedom God gives. Third, rather than show us what we must do in order to receive God’s grace and love, the commandments show us how we should live because we are a people who have already received God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ. Does God’s law restrict or enhance our freedom as human beings?
Please feel free to share the link to this worship service with anyone you feel may want to worship with us, or who may be seeking a spiritual home.
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