October 2010 Scriptures

October 3, 2010 21st Sunday after Pentecost

Lamentations 1: 1-6 Lamentations is a short collection of communal laments over Jerusalem, following its destruction by the Babylonians in 587 BC. Chapter 1 is a dirge over the city of Jerusalem.

Psalm 137 Beautiful and challenging at the same time. The opening lines: 'By the rivers of Babylon - there we sat down and there we wept' are contrasted with the closing lines 'Happy are those who take your little ones and dash their heads against the rock!'

2 Timothy 1: 1-14 A very personal letter addressed to Timothy directly by Paul. In this passage Paul calls Timothy to a bolder witness, to join him in suffering for the gospel.

Luke 17: 5-10 Jesus teaches on faith and authority. The disciples ask for more faith; Jesus says they need a different kind.

October 10, 2010 20th Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 29: 1, 4-7 Jeremiah writes a letter to the elders who are in exile in Babylon, asking them to not expect a speedy return home from exile, but to get established in Babylon.

Psalm 66: 1-12 A liturgy offering God praise for God's might and thanksgiving for care and deliverance.

2 Timothy 2: 8-15 Paul's personal instruction and encouragement of Timothy.

Luke 17: 11-19 On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus heals ten lepers and one comes back to give thanks.

October 17, 2010 21st Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 31: 27-34 "The days are coming says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant in which the Law is to be rewritten on Israel's heart."

Psalm 119: 97-104 An extended meditation on the law of God.

2 Timothy 3:14 - 4: 5 Paul words of encouragement to Timothy is to hang tough and stick with it.

Luke 18:1 -8 The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow - A cry for justice in an unjust world.

October 24, 2010 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Joel 2: 23-32 "I will pour out my spirit on all flesh."

Psalm 65 A psalm of thanksgiving for a good harvest. The congregation sings God's praises in his holy Temple.

2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18 Paul, who sees his time is running out, concludes his pastoral letter to Timothy on a very personal note.

Luke 18: 9-14 A sharp parable on the Pharisee and the tax collector.

October 31, 2010 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Habakkuk 1:1-4;2:1-4 There is still a vision for the appointed time

Psalm 119:137-144 You are righteous O Lord, and your judgments are right. 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4,11-12 We must always give thanks to God for you.

Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus meets Jesus and is a changed man.