A Message from Pastor Kaji
Dear Church:
This is our last week of Homecoming preparation as we anticipate the church’s official Homecoming celebration on October 8. I do hope that you will join us, and if you are able, please do sign up for the potluck. Meanwhile, in our worship life, we have been exploring what it looks to come home to God, and this week is no different. If you missed last week’s worship, please find it on our YouTube channel or website.
We are back in the Gospels this week in Matthew. It’s a challenging text! (In fact, I think I’ve never preached on it.) Which is why I thought it was worth our reflection for this week. As you prepare for worship, I encourage you to think about the essence of what Jesus is teaching: what is he getting at? What is he prioritizing? What is at the heart of what he discourages?
I can’t wait to get into this text with you on Sunday. God bless you all.
Pax Christi,
Pastor Kaji
Matthew 15:10-11, 15-20 (Year A, p. 482):
15 Then Peter said to him, “Explain to us this parable.” 16 So Jesus said, “Are you all also still lacking understanding? 17 Do you not see everything that enters the mouth goes into the stomach and exits into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of the mouth comes forth from the heart and this is what defiles a woman or man. 19 For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile women and men, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a person.”