Friday Inclusive Reflection: Readings for Proper 23 (28) — A Reflection of Welcome #SundayIsComing
October 12, 2025: Proper 23 (28)
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
- Jeremiah 29:1
In this passage, God instructs the Israelites to settle in a foreign land, assuring them of God's presence and care even in a place where they are strangers. It speaks of finding belonging and peace in unexpected places.
Contemplative Practice: Imagine yourself as one of the marginalized Israelites, feeling scared and displaced, then envision God's reassuring presence surrounding you in this new land.
✝︎ - Psalm 66:1-12
The psalmist praises God for deliverance and invites all the earth to sing of God's mighty works, celebrating the diversity and inclusion of all people under God's care.
Contemplative Practice: Reflect on a moment when you felt excluded or marginalized, then meditate on the idea of God's all-encompassing love and embrace for all, including LGBT+ individuals.
✝︎ - 2 Kings 5:1
The story of Naaman's healing highlights the role of a foreign slave girl in bringing about his restoration, emphasizing the unexpected ways in which God's healing and grace can come through the marginalized.
Contemplative Practice: Put yourself in the shoes of the slave girl, recognizing the power of your voice and presence to bring about healing and transformation for someone in need.
✝︎ - Psalm 111
This psalm exalts the works of the Lord, declaring God's righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness. It speaks to the inclusive nature of God's love and the celebration of diversity within God's creation.
Contemplative Practice: As you recite this psalm, focus on the lines that speak of God's righteousness and mercy, allowing yourself to bask in the assurance of God's unconditional love and acceptance.
✝︎ - 2 Timothy 2:8-15
Paul encourages Timothy to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel, reminding him of the inclusive nature of God's salvation and the importance of staying faithful to God's calling even in challenging times.
Contemplative Practice: Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your identity or beliefs, then meditate on Paul's words about God's enduring love and the strength that comes from staying true to your authentic self.
✝︎ - Luke 17:11-19
This story of Jesus healing ten lepers, with only one returning to give thanks, highlights the importance of gratitude and recognizing God's presence in unexpected places, including through the marginalized and outcasts.
Contemplative Practice: Imagine yourself as one of the healed lepers, experiencing the overwhelming gratitude and joy of being seen, accepted, and loved by Jesus, then consider how you can extend that same love and acceptance to others in your life.
✝︎
Queer Theology Reflection
The Gospel reading in Luke 17:11-19 speaks into LGBT+ lives by emphasizing the importance of gratitude, recognition of God's presence in unexpected places, and the power of healing and transformation. As a congregation, this passage invites us to embody a ministry of welcome and inclusivity that celebrates diversity and extends God's love to all, especially the marginalized.
Sermon Preview (pastoral focus)
This Sunday, our focus will be on the theme of gratitude and inclusion, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing God's presence in unexpected places and embracing all individuals as beloved children of God. As a sacred practice, we will engage in a communal gratitude exercise during our service, inviting each person to reflect on the blessings of diversity and inclusion in 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 contemplative reflection space where we will delve into the themes of gratitude, inclusion, and healing present in this week's readings. This space is open to all, providing a safe and confidential environment for us to explore our faith and experiences together.
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.
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