Oct 5, 2022 4 min read Advent

And he was a Samaritan.

The faithful one in this story is the leper, the Samaritan, a person at the margins of society. He is an example of faith.

Photo by Milad Fakurian / Unsplash

This week's Gospel reading finds Jesus outside of his home region of Galilee. He is on his way to Jerusalem and walking through Samaria.

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean.
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.
Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17:11-19)

The faithful one in this story is the leper, the Samaritan, a person at the margins of society. He is an example of faith.

Clergy Appreciation Month

October is Clergy Appreciation Month! So, allow me to state publicly how much I appreciate all my clergy friends. I am thankful for your pastoral care and sensitivity, your wisdom and insight, your ability "to be" in difficult situations, and your presence among those in pain or experiencing loss. You bring much joy and grace into the world! Much of your time and energy in ministry is not seen directly by those you serve, but it's important work. Friends, I encourage us all to find a space within our busy month ahead to affirm our clergy. Let them know you appreciate their ministry and that you love them.

3 Advent Calls to Worship

Leader: Come, Jesus, we are gathered and expecting you, the Guest who needs no invitation.
People: O Come, Jesus, we wait for your arrival as our Guest.
Leader: Come, Jesus, and bring the new age of peace that Isaiah envisioned.
People: O Come, Jesus, we wait for your arrival as our Giver of Harmony.
Leader: Come, Jesus, and help us forget the ways of war.
People: O Come, Jesus, we wait for your arrival as our Peacemaker.
Leader: Come, Jesus, teach us your ways and we will walk in your paths.
People: O Come, Jesus, we wait for your arrival as our Teacher.

Leader: Let us gather together to rejoice in God, our salvation.
People: Our souls magnify the Lord; our spirits rejoice in God.
Leader: God has done great things. Holy is God's name.
People: God has looked with favor on the humble servant.
Leader: The Lord has brought down the powerful from their thrones.
People: God has lifted up the lowly and vulnerable.
Leader: The Lord has given strength to the weak.
People: God has scattered the proud.
Leader: The Lord has filled the hungry with good things.
People: God has sent the rich away empty.
All: Let us worship the Lord, our God!
(based on The Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55)

Leader: Listen! Look! God is coming to us!
People: The blind will see; the lame will walk.
Leader: Hear the joyful sound! The Christ child will be born!
People: The sick are healed; the dead are raised
Leader: Feel the gracious presence! The Spirit is among us.
People: The poor receive good news.
All: Rejoice! Celebrate! Worship the Prince of Peace.
(based loosely on Isaiah 35:1-10)

Looking for an Advent Devotional?

Let us suggest Salt's The Dawn Chorus: An Advent Devotional on the Wonder of Birds! A description from their website:

Songbirds know a thing or two about singing into darkness: in the wee hours of the morning, before the sun appears over the horizon, they begin a great symphony that scientists call the “dawn chorus.”

Advent is the church’s dawn chorus. In this devotional designed for families of all shapes and sizes, we walk with scripture through the season’s four weeks of hope, peace, joy, and love, singing into shadows and looking to the light.

Each week includes a simple candlelight service (light a candle, read a passage from scripture and a short reflection, and sing a dawn chorus song or two); a few bird-related fun facts to share (try taking turns reading them around the table!); some provocative conversation starters; a handful of ideas for service during the week; and a lovely, simple bird ornament to cut out, decorate, and hang on your tree or around the house.

This resource includes an introduction to Advent, as well as an editable page on which you can enter upcoming events on your church, personal, or family calendar.

The scriptural passages in this devotional correspond to Year A in the Revised Common Lectionary – but since their themes are universal, this devotional can be used fruitfully during any Advent season.