THIRD SUNDAY OF PENTECOST
Sunday June 2, 2024

Romans 12:9-21 NRSV
⁹ Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; ¹⁰ love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹² Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

O saving and sanctifying God,
You are the One who calls us to yourself, redeems and restores us, and guides us as your disciples.
Father, what is the work you are doing in us?
Jesus, what do you want your disciples to be?
Is this it, Lord?
To overflow with genuine love that hates evil, clings to good, and gives preference to others?
To be filled with zeal for your person and presence, hopeful and patient as you work, and persistent every moment in prayer?
To be generous in spirit, blessing those who hate us, rejoicing with the joyful and weeping with the hurting?
To live in harmony with others, humble and honest, doing what is best for all and seeking to live in peace?
To fully trust you to “settle the score” so that we can do good to an enemy and overcome evil with good?
“Day by day, day by day; Oh, dear Lord, three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly” (Robin Lamont).
Holy Spirit, form us into the image of Christ.
Amen.

Micah 6:8
https://youtu.be/VH9VbRY_1n4?si=xPMH_e1dlYazYeNt