The Twelfth Sunday of Pentecost

In this week’s reading from Hebrews (13:1-8, 15-16) the writer rounds out his/her sermon with a set of ethical teachings which function as the “therefore” portion of the sermon.  Because we believe this about Christ, “therefore” live in this way.  This section offers practices - love, compassion, hospitality, and fidelity - that set the Christian community apart from its broader culture by describing the way of life that makes us peculiar and distinct.  These words of encouragement function as markers on the trail.  They keep us on the path and on our way to the goal.  The writer of Hebrews is saying, not unlike a coach would say to an athlete, here are the practices, the routines, the rituals you need to keep you in shape, to equip you for running this race well.  They also point others to the kind of life that really is life.  In other words, here we see the better way of being human and living life together that Christ brings.