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June 2, 2023

Interdependent from Beginning to End

Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli   |   Read Matthew 28:18-20

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Lectionary Week
May 29–June 4, 2023
Scripture Overview

Our first reading is arguably one of the most controversial passages in the Bible. Even among those who believe that God created the world, there is controversy. For example, should the days be understood as literal or symbolic? Much time and trouble have been spent in arguing about these things. A different approach is found in Psalm 8, where the author simply praises God for the majestic work of Creation without needing to work out all the details. Perhaps this approach would lead to more love and peace among the people of God, as Paul hopes for in Second Corinthians. Matthew describes the Ascension, where Jesus tells his followers to baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, an appropriate passage in preparation for Trinity Sunday.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 1:1–2:4a. When has reading the Bible in a new way or with new knowledge changed your experience of the text?Read Psalm 8. How do you feel called to care for the earth God has given us?Read 2 Corinthians 13:11-13. How does your faith community heed Paul’s advice to the Corinthians? How does it fall short?Read Matthew 28:16-20. Recall a time of doubt. How has that experience made your faith stronger?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

The so-called “Great Commission” includes words that drag around a lot of baggage, words like authority, obey, commandment, and even make disciples. In the context of Christian history, these words can conjure images of exclusion, authoritarianism, cultural theft, colonialism, forced conversion, and violence inflicted to make people conform to “our...

Lord Jesus, open our hearts and minds to receive with humility and with joy the commission you give us. Help us share with others the life-giving wisdom and way you have so lovingly revealed. Amen.


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