Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16

Pentecost +6 - Year C

Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16

"Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up."

Keeping on keeping on is the relatively easy part of this, particularly when we claim to be right. It is that tricky business of discerning what is right that keeps tripping us up and sending second thoughts our way.

Just one example, what is the right focus for a sermon in America on July 4th?

Do you focus on Liberty or Independence? Do you focus on a call to a better nation, beckoning it to the good of all (versus the further benefit of the already rich or corporations) or to repentance, to refrain from further boasting about how good we are, for we will be recompensed for the trouble we sow? Do you focus on grace or law? Do you focus on faithfulness (gentleness) or patriotism (legalism)?

If you dare, you might simply read aloud John Wesley's tract Some Observations on Liberty and say that there is an on-going struggle between liberty and independence that has gone on since the founding of our country. This choice is not one that is going to go away any faster than any other question of what is right for any occasion.

If nothing else the closing lines here would make a fitting benediction:

A New Creation is Everything!
For those participating in this creation,
peace be upon you, and mercy, and upon G*D.