Friday Inclusive Reflection: Readings for Proper 25 (30) — A Reflection of Welcome #SundayIsComing
October 26, 2025: Proper 25 (30)
Queer Theology — A contemplative weekly reflection on the readings
Queer Reflection for this Sunday
A short liturgical and contemplative guide reading scripture through a Queer Theology lens.
If you want a quick orientation to queer spirituality, see our short primer here. Sit with these readings and invite the Spirit to surprise you.
This Week's Lectionary Readings
- Joel 2:23-32
This reading from Joel speaks of God's promise to pour out the Spirit on all people, regardless of gender or social status, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's love and salvation.
Contemplative Practice: Imagine yourself standing in the midst of a diverse crowd, feeling the Spirit being poured out on everyone equally, regardless of labels or categories.
✝︎ - Psalm 65
The Psalm celebrates God's abundant provision for all creation, highlighting the inherent worth and belonging of all beings in the eyes of God.
Contemplative Practice: Reflect on the ways in which God's generosity and care extend to all, including LGBT+ individuals, finding peace in the assurance of divine love for all.
✝︎ - Sirach 35:12
These readings remind us of God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed, calling for justice and mercy towards all who are excluded or mistreated.
Contemplative Practice: Meditate on the cries of those who are often silenced or overlooked, recognizing God's presence with them and the call to advocate for their rights and dignity.
✝︎ - Psalm 84:1-7
The Psalmist expresses a deep longing for God's presence, affirming the sacredness of all spaces where people seek connection with the divine, regardless of their identities.
Contemplative Practice: Enter into the imagery of the sanctuary described in the Psalm, allowing yourself to feel welcome and at home in God's presence, just as you are.
✝︎ - 2 Timothy 4:6
In this passage, Paul reflects on his life and ministry, expressing confidence in God's faithfulness and deliverance, offering hope and assurance to all who face challenges or persecution.
Contemplative Practice: Consider the ways in which God's presence sustains you in difficult times, finding strength and resilience in the knowledge of God's unwavering love and support.
✝︎ - Luke 18:9-14
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector challenges our assumptions about righteousness and judgment, inviting us to embrace humility and recognize the humanity and worth of all individuals.
Contemplative Practice: Reflect on moments when you have felt judged or excluded, finding comfort in the knowledge that God's love transcends human categories and embraces all with compassion and grace.
✝︎
Queer Theology Reflection
These readings offer a vision of God's inclusive love and justice, affirming the sacred worth of all individuals, including LGBT+ people. The message of belonging, hospitality, and divine care speaks directly into the lives of LGBT+ individuals who may have experienced exclusion or discrimination, offering hope and affirmation of their inherent value in the eyes of God.
Sermon Preview (pastoral focus)
This Sunday, we will explore the theme of God's inclusive love and justice, focusing on the sacred practice of radical hospitality towards all who seek God's presence. As we reflect on the readings, let us prepare our hearts to embrace diversity and celebrate the unique gifts that each individual, including LGBT+ members, brings to our community.
About "Sunday is coming, Jeremy": A weekly reflection series by The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves, Anglican Archbishop, offering short preparing reflections for Sunday. If you prefer watching, open the playlist above.
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves has publicly offered support to LGBT+ people; the Diocese has taken steps toward inclusion.
Join us this Friday for a time of reflection and prayer as we prepare for Sunday's service. Our space is welcoming and affirming, providing a safe and confidential environment for all to come together in fellowship and spiritual growth. We look forward to sharing in this sacred time with you.
A Prayer
God of surprising welcome, meet us at the margins and make their stories holy among us. Teach us to read with tenderness, to honour strange joys, and to hold wounds with reverence. Breathe your courage into our worship and our care. Amen.
We seek to practice welcome and dignity for all folk as part of our ministry. Read, reflect, and join us each Friday.
No comments:
We Value Your Feedback!
Please take a moment to share a comment or your thoughts using the form.