In his excellent book Being Christian, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams draws this lesson from the story of Zacchaeus:

Jesus is not only someone who exercises hospitality; he draws out hospitality from others. By his welcome, he makes other people capable of welcoming. And that wonderful alternation in the Gospels between Jesus giving hospitality and receiving hospitality shows us something absolutely essential . . .

Now, I’m probably alone in this, but Archbishop Rowan’s comment made me think about the Royal Canadian Navy Manual of Naval Etiquette. The Manual outlines a first and second aim of proper etiquette:
 
The first aim of proper etiquette is “the consistent demonstration of thoughtfulness and consideration for the wellbeing of others.” ...
The second aim of proper etiquette is “the gracious acceptance of reciprocation.” ... [O]nly a mutual, interactive process of kindness and decency will allow mutual trust, respect and friendship to flourish.
 
Not only does God give us his extraordinary gift of grace, but he graciouslyaccepts our reciprocation.
 
This reciprocation, however, is not a quid pro quo. The relative value of God’s gifts to us and our gifts to God arenowhere near equal. The graciousness of a person of wealth and privilege will look very different from the graciousness of a person who is poor or otherwise marginalized. Yet though the fare at the poor person’s table may not be the haute cuisine we would expect from the tables of the wealthy, who would be so churlish as to complain? The simple stew was likely a greater sacrifice for the poor host than the steak and lobster was for the wealthy. And like the widow’s mite, it is appreciated all the more.
 
Our God is not content to be merely the dispenser of largesse. Our God seeks a relationship with us. In order for that relationship - that friendship - to flourish, the God who is so generous with us graciously accepts our reciprocation.

Questions For Reflection:
Can you think of a time someone was very generous with you but would not permit you to reciprocate in any way? 
How did you feel?

How was it different in another case where you were allowed to reciprocate?

​Rummage Sale
Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
(October 30) at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary.
St. Michael's gathers this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship.
The Rev. Jorge Pallares will preside
and The Rev. Deacon Cathy Kline will preach.​
​Download the Service Program from our website.
​Coffee Hour will immediately follow the service.

Join Us on Thursdays for Evening Prayer
Join us Thursday for the Church's offering of Evening Prayer
as we continue to share in the life of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We gather Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Access our Zoom meeting room by clicking HERE.
Meeting ID: 928 461 1047, Passcode: StMichael
Download the Service Program from our website.

When I envision this scene, I can’t help but imagine the Pharisee’s voice sounding like songwriter Mac Davis singing his hit, “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble, When you’re perfect in every way; I can’t wait to look in the mirror, Cause I get better looking each day…”

Why is Jesus concerned about our level of humility even when our faithful actions are good? Certainly we should strive to be good, to give generously, and to avoid sin. Yet it is the sinful person in this story who Jesus sets as our example.
 
In the parable, the first person is giving a speech to God. The second person is opening up his heart, admitting his weakness, and asking for God’s merciful acceptance. He is humble enough to acknowledge that God is in control.
 
Such humility is a path toward a deeper, trusting relationship with God. Trusting God requires admitting that we need God. It means accepting that we are not so self-reliant that we can figure out all the answers, successfully battle every demon, and control our own destiny. Those are false narratives anyway. Humility keeps us honest.
 
Jesus’ time on earth exemplifies one of the most beautiful realities of our faith: Our Creator craves a close relationship with each of us. We don’t have to be perfect in every way. We just need to love and trust that what God provides will be more than enough.

​Questions For Reflection:
Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection of your relationship with God. How would you describe it?

How might generosity be connected to one’s trusting relationship with God?

In serving others we often find humility. How has service to others helped deepen your relationship with God?

​Join us for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost 
(October 23) at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary.
St. Michael's gathers this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship.
The Rev. Jorge Pallares will preside and preach.
​Download the Service Program from our website.
​Coffee Hour will immediately follow the service.

Join Us on Thursdays for Evening Prayer
Join us Thursday for the Church's offering of Evening Prayer 
as we continue to share in the life of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
​We gather Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Access our Zoom meeting room by clicking HERE.
Meeting ID: 928 461 1047, Passcode: StMichael
Download the Service Program from our website.

​Rummage Sale
Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.