Good morning! The #Gospel for 8 October 2025 is Matthew 9:9-17. Since I am following the #green #MorningPrayer in A Disciple’s Prayer Book #DPB I am also using the #FirstNations version of the #NewTestament What I’ve discovered is that this version, combined with my #SBLStudyBible (an #NRSVUE version), are expanding my view of the lessons & their application to my daily life.

What stands out today is the difference a word makes. The #Indigenous NT refers to “outcasts” rather than the “sinners” of other versions. Maybe it’s because I just finished the sections on Hinduism in world religions, but I find the word choice telling. Outcast implies people shunned or ignored by society, that is a societal choice. Sinners, otoh, implies individuals who are separated from God by choice & their own actions. Additionally, the First Nations version refers to the Pharisees as “the Separated Ones”. My take-away is that Faith calls us to return/restore community rather than divide us.

A Disciple’s Prayer Book (#morning ) includes a response (reflection?) portion after the #gospel reading, which for 24 September 2025, is Matthew 5:38-48.

Although there is much in this passage that is important to live into in today’s world (& especially in the U.S.), the words/phrases which catch my attention this morning is verse 42: “Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” My #SBLStudyBible puts it this way: “Give to the one who asks of you, & do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”

In my initial reading, the call to be generous is obvious. Yet upon rereading the passage what strikes me is the significance of asking for help (which is something I, & many people hate to do in life). The “rugged individualism” upon which the American identity in particular, is built sees asking for help as a weakness. Jesus, however, seems to be casting it differently, as an opportunity we give others to do & be more. #DPB