Not much introduction is needed for this week’s Lectionary. It’s all about love for God and love for neighbour. Whether we explore this through Jesus’ conversation with the legal expert or through Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, the message remains the same: if we’re seeking life, we must go by the way of love. May our worship lead us deeper into love this week.
READINGS:
Ruth 1:1-18: Naomi, who had settled in Moab with her husband, returns to her homeland after her husband and sons die, leaving her with only her daughters-in-law. Though she instructs the two women to return to their parents’ homes, Ruth insists on staying with Naomi and returning with her to Israel.
OR Deuteronomy 6:1-9: In order to enjoy a long and prosperous life, Moses instructs the people of Israel to follow God’s laws faithfully. In particular, the great commandment to love God with heart, soul and strength must be taught and included in every facet of life.
Psalm 146: A psalm of praise celebrating God’s protection and provision for those who trust in God, the Creator and redeemer of all, and encouraging them not to place their trust in human leaders.
OR Psalm 119:1-8: Thanksgiving for the joy that God’s decrees bring, confession of weakness in following God’s ways, and a prayer for God’s help in being obedient.
Hebrews 9:11-14: Christ, the high priest entered God’s holy place with his own blood as a sacrifice for our deliverance, which is much more effective than the blood of bulls and goats.
Mark 12:28-34: When a legal expert asks Jesus what the greatest commandment is, Jesus replies that it is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind and strength. Then he adds that the second is like it, and is to love one’s neighbour as oneself. The expert replies that Jesus has spoken well, and Jesus tells him that he not far from God’s Reign.
(Bible summaries by John van de Laar, Sacredise)
Resources
Church of Scotland
Singing from the Lectionary
Call to worship
With our whole being-heart mind soul and strength:
Let us love and praise God!
With all of our being:
We will love and praise God!
For God is faithful forever, helping, freeing, loving, protecting!
Let us sing praises to our God as long as we live!
Praise the maker of heaven and earth!
Praise God who is faithful forever!
