Lectionary 11 B

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One citation this week, but it can keep our minds on the work of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Verse 17 is cited in Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article 2: Free Will (FC, SD 2.26) in a long paragraph of biblical quotes. The initial point is that reason and free will can only get us so far in living with others. We need rebirth from the Holy Spirit to live faithfully with others. This verse, along with Galatians 6:15 (cf. Lectionary 14 C), shows that part of what the Holy Spirit does is to make us a new creation in Christ.

TheoThru

This insight from the Solid Declaration helps focus us on the transformation Jesus talks about in his two parables in this week’s gospel reading (Mark 4:26-34). The work of the Spirit is mysterious, dramatic, and for the sake of others.

  • Where do we get in the way of the Holy Spirit?

  • Are we willing to become the harvest for other people?

  • Are we willing to let others make their homes on us?